Which University Offers the Best Theology Degree in South Africa in 2025?
South Africa’s rich religious landscape and history of theological scholarship make it an exceptional place to pursue a theology degree. From preparing for ministry to exploring philosophical and ethical questions, theology programs in South Africa blend academic rigor with spiritual depth.
Why Study Theology in South Africa?
South Africa’s diverse religious fabric—80.2% Christian, 1.5% Muslim, 1.1% Hindu, and 15.7% traditional African beliefs (Stats SA 2024)—creates a unique context for theological study. The country hosts 36,000+ international students annually (2024 data), drawn by affordable tuition (R30,000–R80,000/year for locals) and globally recognized programs. South African universities produced 285,000 citations from 36,700 theology-related papers by March 2025 (EduRank), showcasing their academic strength. The demand for theology graduates is growing, with over 10,000 clergy roles and a 12% rise in religious studies jobs projected by 2030 (SACSSP 2024).
Evaluation Criteria
To determine the best theology degree, we assessed South African universities based on:
- Curriculum Excellence: Breadth of theological disciplines (e.g., biblical studies, systematic theology)
- Research Output: Citations and publications (EduRank 2025)
- Facilities: Libraries, archives, and practical training resources
- Global Rankings: QS World University Rankings 2025
- Graduate Outcomes: Employability in ministry, academia, and beyond
After analyzing top institutions, one university emerges as the clear leader.
The Winner: University of Pretoria (UP) – Bachelor of Theology (BTh)
- Location: Pretoria, Gauteng
- Global Ranking: #323 (QS World University Rankings 2025)
- Theology Ranking: #1 in South Africa, #76 globally (EduRank 2025)
- Key Program: Bachelor of Theology (BTh)
Why UP is the Best
The University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Theology and Religion, established in 1917, is South Africa’s oldest and most prestigious theological institution. It produced 58,600 citations from 6,780 theology papers by March 2025 (EduRank), outpacing all peers. Rated #14 globally for research impact (QS 2025), UP blends academic excellence with practical ministry training, supported by partnerships with denominations like the Dutch Reformed Church and Anglican Church. Its Herzog Library houses 120,000+ theological texts, making it a top resource for scholars.
Program Highlights
- Duration: 3 years (Honours optional, adding 1 year)
- Curriculum: Covers biblical studies, systematic theology, church history, practical theology, and ethics. Includes 400+ hours of fieldwork with local congregations.
- Facilities: Access to digital theological archives, seminar rooms, and Tuks FM for community engagement.
- Faculty: 30+ theology professors, including globally recognized scholars like Prof. Johan Buitendag.
- Unique Edge: Offers modules in African theology and ecumenical studies, reflecting South Africa’s context.
Stats & Facts
- Tuition: R40,000–R75,000/year
- Enrollment: 300+ theology students annually
- Employability: 92% of graduates secure ministry or academic roles within six months (UP 2024 data)
- Research Output: Publishes 100+ theology papers annually in journals like Studia Historiae Ecclesiasticae.
Close Contenders
2. University of Stellenbosch (SU) – BA in Theology
Location: Stellenbosch, Western Cape
Global Ranking: #296 (QS 2025)
Theology Ranking: #2 in South Africa (EduRank 2025)
Why It’s Strong: SU’s Faculty of Theology, linked to the Netherdutch Reformed Church, produced 42,300 citations from 5,200 papers (EduRank 2025). Known for Reformed theology expertise.
Tuition: R40,000–R70,000/year
Employability: 88% placement rate, with ties to Cape Synod.
Drawback: Narrower denominational focus than UP.
3. University of Cape Town (UCT) – BA in Religious Studies
Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
Global Ranking: #171 (QS 2025)
Theology Ranking: #3 in South Africa (EduRank 2025)
Why It’s Notable: UCT’s School of Religious Studies emphasizes comparative religion, with 12,300 citations from 650 papers (EduRank 2025). Less ministry-focused than UP.
Tuition: R50,000–R80,000/year
Employability: 85% of graduates in academia or NGOs.
Drawback: Limited practical theology training.
4. University of South Africa (UNISA) – Bachelor of Theology (BTh)
Location: Nationwide (Distance Learning)
Global Ranking: #851–900 (QS 2025)
Theology Ranking: #4 in South Africa (EduRank 2025)
Why It’s Accessible: UNISA’s online BTh serves 2,000+ students annually, with 28,400 citations from 3,600 papers (EduRank 2025).
Tuition: R30,000–R50,000/year
Employability: 80% placement rate, often in rural ministry.
Drawback: Lacks on-campus interaction and facilities.
5. University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) – BA in Theology
Location: Durban/Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal
Global Ranking: #587 (QS 2025)
Theology Ranking: #5 in South Africa (EduRank 2025)
Why It’s Competitive: UKZN’s School of Religion, Philosophy and Classics produced 7,000 citations from 280 papers (EduRank 2025), focusing on African spirituality.
Tuition: R40,000–R70,000/year
Employability: 86% of graduates in ministry or education.
Drawback: Smaller program size (100 students) limits networking.
Key Statistics on Theology Education in South Africa
Research Impact: Theology programs generated 285,000 citations by 2025 (EduRank).
Student Enrollment: Over 5,000 students pursue theology degrees annually.
Clergy Demand: 10,000+ active clergy, with 1,200 new positions yearly (SACSSP 2024).
Gender Breakdown: 60% male, 40% female theology students (Higher Education Dept. 2024).
Graduate Earnings: Entry-level ministers earn R150,000–R300,000/year, seniors up to R500,000+ (PayScale 2025).
Why UP Outshines the Rest
Research Dominance: UP’s 58,600 citations dwarf SU’s 42,300 and UNISA’s 28,400, reflecting superior scholarship.
Comprehensive Curriculum: Balances academic theology and practical ministry, unlike UCT’s research focus or UNISA’s distance model.
Facilities Edge: The Herzog Library and fieldwork opportunities exceed SU’s resources and UKZN’s smaller scale.
Global Standing: Ranked #76 worldwide in theology (EduRank 2025), far ahead of UCT (#171 overall) or UKZN (#587 overall).
Career Paths After UP’s BTh
Minister/Pastor: R180,000–R400,000/year, serving churches or denominations.
Theological Educator: R200,000–R450,000/year, teaching at seminaries or universities.
Chaplain: R150,000–R350,000/year, in hospitals or military.
Community Worker: R180,000–R300,000/year, with NGOs like SACC.
How to Apply
Admission Requirements: NSC with APS 34, English at 60%+, and a motivation letter.
Deadline: 30 September 2025 for 2026 intake.
Process: Apply via UP’s online portal; include transcripts and a church reference if applicable.
Conclusion
The University of Pretoria (UP) offers South Africa’s best theology degree in 2025, excelling in research (58,600 citations), facilities, and employability (92% placement rate). Outpacing competitors like SU, UCT, UNISA, and UKZN, UP’s BTh prepares graduates for ministry, academia, and beyond in a nation with 10,000+ clergy roles. With affordable tuition (R40,000–R75,000/year) and a global ranking of #76 in theology, UP is the top choice. Apply by September 2025 and embark on a transformative theological journey
