Published on 1 February 2026

South Africa: Education system

Find out about the schooling and education system if you are planning to emigrate to South Africa. The FDFA can provide you with information about this.

School system

In South Africa, all children from 7 to 16 years of age must attend school. The school year begins in January, and School uniforms are generally compulsory. State schools do not meet Swiss standards, which is why foreign nationals often enroll their children in private schools.

Swiss schools

There are no Swiss schools in South Africa.

International schools

South Africa's major cities have international schools, some of which follow the same term times as the country of origin instead of the host state. School programmes are aligned with the South African curriculum, and go up to Matric level (school leaving certificate). Pupils are usually also given the opportunity to take an additional exam (Abitur) which, on passing, will allow them to continue their studies in Switzerland.

Further information on German schools in South Africa can be found below.

Here you can find more information about the FSL.

Universities

South Africa is home to over 50 polytechnics and 26 universities, two of which are in Pretoria (the University of South Africa [Unisa] and University of Pretoria) and several others in Johannesburg. In addition to these national universities, a number of private international universities offering degrees recognised abroad (EU, US) also have branches in South Africa.

The SAQA should be consulted for admissions requirements and recognition of foreign qualifications in individual cases.

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