Studying social work in South Africa offers students the chance to gain insight into some of the country’s most pressing issues and to get involved in helping to tackle them. The country faces myriad challenges, including poverty, unemployment, inequality and crime and violence, which are all exacerbated by its high population density and limited resources. Social workers can play an important role in promoting social justice, human rights, community development, counselling and psychotherapy, management, research and education. For those interested in studying social work in South Africa there are more than 5 top universities that offer these programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
1) University of Cape Town
The University of Cape Town is a public research university located in Cape Town, South Africa. It is the oldest university in the country and was founded in 1829. The University of Cape Town has the largest number of graduates than any other institution on this list and offers undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral and diploma programmes.
2) University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
The University of KwaZulu-Natal offers a bachelor’s degree in Social Work, as well as a master’s degree. We rank this university among the best for providing high-quality education and practical training that is professional and relevant to the needs of communities.
3) Stellenbosch University
Stellenbosch University is one of the leading academic institutions in South Africa. Established as an Afrikaans-medium university, it now offers courses in English and Afrikaans. QS World Rankings has ranked among the top 100 universities worldwide the university.
4) Rhodes University
Rhodes University is one of the top universities for social work and is located in the coastal city of Grahamstown. It offers a Bachelor of Social Work degree and has been ranked as the best university for social work by Quacquarelli Symonds. Rhodes offers opportunities for international students, such as scholarships and internships, which are both ways that could help you get financial help while studying at Rhodes.
5) University of Pretoria
The University of Pretoria (UP) is a public research university located in the northern suburbs of Pretoria, Gauteng Province, South Africa. UP has four faculties, namely the Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences; the Faculty of Law; the Faculty of Science and Engineering and the Faculty of Health Sciences. The university offers courses for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. There are about 10 000 students at UP studying towards bachelor’s degrees or diplomas.
