Business Schools in South Africa: Best Places to Study

Choosing the right business school in South Africa can change your career. 

A strong business education opens doors to management roles, leadership positions, entrepreneurship and global networks. 

The best business schools in South Africa offer respected qualifications, high‑quality teaching, industry connections and practical learning. 

Many schools have global recognition and accreditation that make their degrees valuable inside South Africa and overseas. 

Best business schools in South Africa

South Africa has many business schools that deliver quality business and management education. 

Some of the most recognised names are:

• University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business (UCT GSB)
• Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) at the University of Pretoria
• Stellenbosch Business School (USB)
• Wits Business School (WBS) at the University of the Witwatersrand
• Henley Business School Africa. 

These institutions offer MBA, executive education, postgraduate diplomas and other business degrees. 

Several have global rankings and accreditations, and many are known across the continent and the world for leadership and business research.

Why is the University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business highly rated?

The Graduate School of Business at the University of Cape Town is one of South Africa’s top business schools. 

It is often ranked as the best in Africa for MBA and leadership programmes. 

This school has triple‑crown accreditation from AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS, which places it among the top one per cent of business schools worldwide. 

Its MBA is ranked inside the top 100 globally in QS rankings. 

The school emphasises leadership, global business issues and socially responsible management skills. 

Students benefit from research‑led teaching and strong industry links with firms in South Africa and beyond.

What makes Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) stand out?

The Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) at the University of Pretoria is another top choice for business education. 

GIBS has triple‑crown accreditation and is known for its focus on leadership development, entrepreneurship and executive education. 

The school offers full‑time and part‑time MBA programmes, short courses and specialised business qualifications. 

Its location in Johannesburg, the economic hub of South Africa, helps students connect with industry partners. 

GIBS also has strong research centres and applied learning projects that prepare students for real business challenges.

How does Stellenbosch Business School compare to others?

Stellenbosch Business School (USB) is the business school of Stellenbosch University and has a global reputation. 

USB was the first school in Africa to achieve triple‑crown accreditation, which includes AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA. 

USB offers MBA programmes, Master’s degrees and doctoral study options, with a strong focus on responsible leadership, strategic thinking and innovation. 

The school’s research and teaching emphasise African business issues as well as global management trends. 

Many students appreciate the combination of academic rigour and practical engagement with business communities.

What do Wits Business School and Henley Business School offer?

Wits Business School (WBS), part of the University of the Witwatersrand, has a strong reputation for management education. 

WBS offers MBA, postgraduate diplomas and specialised Master’s programmes. 

It is known for its research output, case‑based learning and industry links. WBS has earned recognition in global rankings, especially for its Master’s in Management programme. 

Henley Business School Africa, connected to the University of Reading (UK), delivers a mix of local and international business programmes. 

Henley is recognised for executive education and flexible learning formats tailored to working professionals. 

It has been ranked highly by employers in South Africa and offers internationally benchmarked business education.

Are there other recognised business schools in South Africa?

South Africa also has additional business schools that offer good-quality business education.

UNISA’s Graduate School of Business Leadership provides distance learning options and leadership‑focused programmes that suit working adults. 

Other schools like Regent Business School, Milpark Business School and North‑West University Business School offer specialised degrees and professional development courses.

Some of these are featured in ranking systems such as Eduniversal and local employer surveys. 

The choice of school should match your career goals, budget, learning style and whether you want full‑time study or part‑time and executive options.

What should students consider when choosing a business school?

When choosing a business school in South Africa, students should consider accreditation, reputation, programme content and career support. 

Accreditation from organisations like AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS shows that a school meets high international standards. 

Rankings from QS, Financial Times and Eduniversal can help compare schools by quality and global recognition. 

Look at whether the school offers specialisations you need, internship or project opportunities, and strong industry links. Costs and delivery formats also matter. 

Some schools are better for working professionals with part‑time or executive programmes, while others focus on full‑time study. 

Student support services, alumni networks and location can also influence your experience and career opportunities.