Top 10 Best Accounting Universities In South Africa (2023)

Accountants are highly sought after all over the world. Every organization both public and private needs accountants to manage and keep track of finances. It goes without saying therefore that accounting is a very lucrative career choice indeed.

South Africa has some of the best Universities for accounting in Africa, and for this reason, it is a favoured destination for students from all corners. There is an overwhelming demand for information about the Universities in South Africa, and which schools are the best to study Accounting. 

The following paragraphs contain information about the best Universities to study Accounting in South Africa, their requirements, as well as some basic information about the schools.  

Top 10 Best Accounting Universities In South Africa

1. University of the Witwatersrand

The University of Witwatersrand is one of South Africa’s most accomplished Universities; it has both age and reputation to boast of. The University is located in the industrial capital of South Africa (Johannesburg), Gauteng province. This means that students can readily be attached to any of the University’s partners, for training in the field.

The University of Witwatersrand has gained a reputation for producing some of the top ten performers in the national SAICA CTA examinations.

Requirements for entry into the University of Witwatersrand School of Accountancy are: a minimum APS of 39 along with Mathematics and English. 

2. University of Johannesburg

The University of Johannesburg is one of the country’s largest Universities. The institution has 4 campuses located in Johannesburg. This is one of the leading accounting schools in the country; students of this institution have consistently been high achievers scoring high pass rates in the CTA exams over the years.

Accounting at the University of Johannesburg takes three years to complete. Requirements include an APS of 28 with level 4 English and level 4 Mathematics. However, competition for places is very stiff; many get rejected.

4. Stellenbosch University 

Stellenbosch is one of the finest Universities in South Africa. This University is also based in Cape Town and is rated as one of the best to study Accounting. The school of accounting has been in existence since 1925 and is the largest school in the Faculty of Economics and Management Science. 

Requirements for the BAcc and BAccLLB degree are an NSC average of at least 70% excluding Life Orientation, and a score of at least 60% in Mathematics, 70% in Accounting, and 60% for English or any additional home language.   

5. University of Pretoria

The University of Pretoria (UP) is one of the oldest, most illustrious, and top accounting universities in South Africa. The University’s School of Accounting and Auditing was founded in 1924. The school is situated in the administrative capital of the country, giving students the kind of exposure they wouldn’t get elsewhere. Furthermore, the school faculty is made up of highly qualified personnel, most of whom are registered with the accounting professional boards. 

Requirements to study Accounting at the University of Pretoria include an APS of 34, Mathematics level 6, and English Home Language or English First Language level 5 scores. 

6. North-West University

North-West University is one of the best accounting universities in South Africa. This school has consistently produced students who have scored high marks at the CTA exams. The University offers accounting degree programmes in all fields of study. Chartered accountancy, management accountancy, and financial accountancy are all offered at the University, and the three campuses; Potchefstroom, Vanderbijlpark, and Mahikeng all offer these programs. Additionally, the university also offers a degree in general accountancy at Vanderbijlpark Campus and forensic accounting at Potchefstroom.

Requirements to study for the BCOM degree include an APS of 30 in Chartered Accountancy and Management Accountancy. An APS of 28 is required for Financial Accountancy, and 24 for the General Accountancy degree. Requirements to train for the BCom degree in forensic accountancy include a minimum APS of 36. You still need an NSC average of at least 70% excluding Life Orientation, and a score of at least 60% in Mathematics, 70% in Accounting, and 60% for English or any additional home language.   

7. University of KwaZulu Natal

The University of Kwazulu-Natal, UKZN is another great place to study accounting in South Africa. The UKZN School of Accounting, Economics, and Finance is fully accredited to offer BCom Accounting Degrees and the CTA. Despite being a new school, this University has already gained a solid reputation as its students have consistently attained a pass rate of at least 90% in the CTA exams.    

8. University of Cape Town

The University of Cape Town is South Africa’s oldest university, and also one of the most popular. Some of the most prominent South African Accountants, even those practicing abroad, have graduated from this institution. The college of Accounting at UCT is the most illustrious.

Requirements include NSC six subjects including English and Mathematics. Life Orientation is not included but is required as well. Applicants holding a South African Senior Certificate need matriculation endorsement.

9. Rhodes University

Rhodes University was established in 1904. However, the University became independent in 1951.  The university is located in Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. This is one of the oldest and most formidable citadels of learning in the country. Its Department of Accounting focuses on producing students with professional competence to become industry leaders.

10. University of South Africa

The University of South Africa, UNISA is one of the oldest and best accounting universities in South Africa, with a history dating back as far as 1873. Apart from the age of the institution, there is the fact that this is one of the most recognized Universities in South Africa; it has over 300,000 students, a significant number of them being from other countries.

Its Department of Accounting produces students that are well rounded, with a skill set that includes analytical knowledge, communication, and teamwork.

11. University of the Free State

 The University of the Free State, which is in Bloemfontein, South Africa was established in 1904. It was formerly called the University College of the Orange Free State. It has 3 campuses which are South Campus, Bloemfontein Campus, and Qwaqwa campus.

The School of Accountancy offers courses in financial accounting, auditing, taxation, computer application/controls Management Accounting, and Financial Management. 

Related:

• Top 10 Law Universities In South Africa
• 11 Best Engineering Universities In South Africa

Conclusion:

The first step towards a career in Accounting is to have good grades on your NSC exams. After studying at any of the Universities that we have reviewed above, it would then fall on each student to take the ACAs and perform well. An accounting career can be very financially rewarding; companies are constantly looking for accountants to help keep track of their finances, and to help make investment decisions.