Which University Offers the Best Accounting Degree in South Africa in 2025?
South Africa’s accounting profession is a cornerstone of its economy, with accountants in high demand across sectors like finance, commerce, and public administration. The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) oversees the prestigious CA(SA) designation, one of the world’s most respected accounting qualifications, while the financial services sector contributes 20.9% to GDP (Stats SA 2023). Choosing the right university for an accounting degree is critical for unlocking high-paying careers, with Chartered Accountants (CAs) earning R600,000–R1.5 million annually within five years (Rateweb 2025).
Why Study Accounting in South Africa?
Accounting is a lucrative and stable career path in South Africa. The JSE, Africa’s largest stock exchange, boasts a R20 trillion market cap (JSE 2025), driving demand for financial expertise. SA’s 85% bank account penetration (State.gov 2024) and 75% internet penetration (Trade.gov 2025) fuel a digital economy where accountants thrive. With 250,000+ employed in finance/tech (Stats SA 2023) and unemployment for degree holders at just 1.7% (Stats SA 2018), an accounting degree offers security and mobility. SA universities produced 258,000 STEM citations (EduRank 2024), with accounting programs accredited by SAICA, ACCA, and CIMA, ensuring global recognition.
Criteria for the Best Accounting Degree
- Accreditation: SAICA-endorsed for CA(SA) eligibility.
- Reputation: Top global and local rankings (QS 2025, THE 2025).
- Research Output: High citation counts (EduRank 2024).
- Employability: 80%+ placement rates within 6 months.
- Cost vs. Value: R40,000–R110,000/year with strong ROI.
- Industry Ties: Links to Big Four firms (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG).
Top Contenders for the Best Accounting Degree
These universities are evaluated based on program quality, graduate outcomes, and industry impact, with data from QS 2025, THE 2025, EduRank 2024, and local sources. Costs are 2024-2025 estimates.
1. University of Pretoria (UP)
Program: BCom Accounting Sciences (3 years + 1-year PGDip for CA(SA) track).
Why It’s Top: Ranked #323 globally (QS 2025), UP’s Department of Accounting, founded in 1924, is SA’s largest residential accounting school, hosting 50,000+ students.
Stats: 12,900 accounting citations (EduRank 2024). 85% employability (UP 2024). 80%+ pass rate in SAICA’s Initial Test of Competence (ITC) over 5 years (SAICA 2024).
Cost: R40,000–R60,000/year (domestic); R80,000+ (international).
Industry Ties: Partners with PwC, Deloitte, and Transnet.
Fact: UP’s CA(SA) pipeline is unmatched, with grads dominating Big Four intakes (UP 2023).
2. University of Cape Town (UCT)
Program: BCom in Accounting (3 years + CTA option).
Why It’s Top: Ranked #180 globally (THE 2025), UCT’s College of Accounting, established over a century ago, serves 29,000 students and is SA’s oldest higher education institute (1829).
Stats: 52,000 citations (EduRank 2024). 85% employability (UCT Careers 2023). 75% of grads pursue CA(SA) (UCT 2024).
Cost: R60,000–R80,000/year (domestic); R100,000+ (international).
Industry Ties: Links to EY, KPMG, and SANLAM.
Fact: UCT’s Cape Town location—near JSE firms and tech hubs—offers unparalleled networking.
3. University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
Program: BCom Accounting (3 years + Honours/CTA).
Why It’s Top: Ranked #264 globally (US News 2024), Wits’ School of Accountancy thrives in Johannesburg, SA’s financial capital, with 27,000+ students.
Stats: 38,000 citations (EduRank 2024). 87% placement rate (Wits 2023). 70% ITC pass rate (SAICA 2024).
Cost: R60,000–R80,000/year (domestic); R110,000+ (international).
Industry Ties: Strong with Standard Bank, Investec, and Nedbank (85% of banking assets, State.gov 2024).
Fact: Wits grads excel in corporate finance and auditing.
4. Stellenbosch University (SU)
Program: BAcc (3 years, CA(SA) stream).
Why It’s Top: Ranked #311 globally (QS 2025), SU’s School of Accountancy, founded in 1925, is the largest in its faculty, serving 32,225 students.
Stats: 47,000 citations (EduRank 2024). 80% employability (SU Careers 2024). 65%+ ITC success (SAICA 2024).
Cost: R50,000–R70,000/year (domestic); R90,000+ (international).
Industry Ties: Connected to Old Mutual and Pepkor.
Fact: Offers dual-language instruction (English/Afrikaans), broadening access.
5. University of Johannesburg (UJ)
Program: BCom Accountancy (3 years, online option).
Why It’s Top: Ranked #412 globally (QS 2025), UJ serves 25,000+ students with a modern, flexible approach.
Stats: 20,000 citations (EduRank 2024). 80% employability (UJ 2024). High CTA pass rates (X posts, 2024).
Cost: R40,000–R60,000/year (domestic); R85,000+ (international).
Industry Ties: Links to Bidvest and Barloworld.
Fact: UJ’s online BCom suits working students.
Honorable Mentions
North-West University (NWU): R40,000–R60,000/year. BCom Chartered Accountancy. 25,000 citations (EduRank 2024).
University of South Africa (UNISA): R18,000–R22,000/year. BCom Accounting. 350,000+ students (UNISA 2023). Highest CA contributor (X post, 2022).
Comparison: Which University Wins?
| University | Global Rank | Tuition (R) | Citations | Employability | ITC Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UP | #323 (QS) | 40,000–60,000 | 12,900 | 85% | 80%+ |
| UCT | #180 (THE) | 60,000–80,000 | 52,000 | 85% | 75% |
| Wits | #264 (US News) | 60,000–80,000 | 38,000 | 87% | 70% |
| SU | #311 (QS) | 50,000–70,000 | 47,000 | 80% | 65%+ |
| UJ | #412 (QS) | 40,000–60,000 | 20,000 | 80% | High (anecdotal) |
The Verdict: University of Pretoria (UP)
UP emerges as the best for an accounting degree in 2025 due to:
SAICA Excellence: Consistently 80%+ ITC pass rates, outpacing peers (SAICA 2024).
Affordability: R40,000–R60,000/year offers top value vs. R100,000+ at UCT/Wits.
Industry Impact: Produces more CAs for Big Four firms than any rival (UP 2023).
Research Strength: 12,900 citations in accounting-specific fields (EduRank 2024).
Accessibility: UPOnline options cater to diverse learners.
While UCT boasts prestige (#180 globally) and Wits excels in employability (87%), UP’s cost-effectiveness, CA(SA) pipeline, and practical focus make it the standout choice.
Stats Spotlight: Accounting in SA
Demand: 250,000+ finance jobs (Stats SA 2023).
Earnings: CAs earn R1–R2 million/year mid-career (Rateweb 2025).
Growth: 6.2% job increase in 2023 (SONA 2025).
Education: 10% of 1 million+ students in business/STEM (DHET 2024).
Pass Rates: 44,041 of 103,427 matric students scored 40%+ in Accounting (South African Market Insights 2023).
How to Maximize Your UP Accounting Degree
- Certifications: Add CFA, CIMA, or ACCA (R15,000–R20,000, School of IT).
- Internships: Target PwC, Deloitte—80% of UP grads secure Big Four roles (UP 2023).
- Networking: Join SAICA events or FPI conventions (3–4 Nov 2025, Sandton).
- Portfolio: Analyze JSE trends (10% average returns, Entrepreneur Hub SA 2025).
Conclusion: UP Leads the Way
For the best accounting degree in South Africa in 2025, the University of Pretoria reigns supreme. With R40,000–R60,000/year tuition, 85% employability, and an 80%+ ITC pass rate, UP delivers unmatched value in a R20 trillion JSE market. Whether you aim for Big Four glory or a CA(SA) title, UP’s program—rooted in nearly a century of excellence—is your fastest track to R600,000–R1.5 million+ salaries. Start at **www.up.ac.za**—your accounting future begins now!
