Are you passionate about rhythm, melody, and composition? Whether you dream of performing on stage, producing music, teaching, or composing for film and media, South African universities offer world-class programmes in music education. Here’s a look at where you can study Music in 2026 at leading institutions such as Nelson Mandela University (NMU), North-West University (NWU), Rhodes University, Stellenbosch University (SU), University of Cape Town (UCT), University of Fort Hare (UFH), University of South Africa (UNISA), and the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits).
1. Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
Location: Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Eastern Cape
Faculty: Humanities
NMU nurtures creative expression and technical skill in its music programmes.
- Diploma in Music – Perfect for aspiring performers and teachers looking to build a strong musical foundation.
- Bachelor of Music (BMus) – Specialisations in School Music, Performing Arts, and Music Technology, ideal for students interested in performance, education, or music production.
2. North-West University (NWU)
Location: Potchefstroom, Mahikeng, Vanderbijlpark
Faculty: Humanities
NWU offers both practical and academic music programmes suited for performers and scholars alike.
- Diploma in Music (DM) – A practical entry into music performance and theory.
- BA in Music and Society – Focuses on music’s social and cultural impact.
- Baccalaureus Musicae (BMus) – Prepares students for careers in performance, conducting, composition, or music education.
3. Rhodes University
Location: Makhanda (Grahamstown), Eastern Cape
Faculty: Humanities
Rhodes is renowned for its vibrant arts culture and world-class facilities.
- Bachelor of Music (BMus) – A versatile programme combining performance, theory, composition, and musicology.
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) – Students can major in Music alongside other Humanities disciplines.
- Postgraduate options: Master’s and PhD degrees in Music for advanced research and performance studies.
4. Stellenbosch University (SU)
Location: Stellenbosch, Western Cape
Faculty: Arts and Social Sciences
SU’s Konservatorium is one of South Africa’s most prestigious music schools.
- Bachelor of Music (BMus) – A four-year degree covering performance, music education, and composition.
- BA in Music – A three-year programme combining music and humanities.
- Diploma & Advanced Diploma in Practical Music – Designed for musicians focusing on instrumental or vocal performance.
- Higher Certificate in Music – A one-year introductory qualification.
🎷 5. University of Cape Town (UCT)
Location: Rondebosch, Western Cape
Faculty: Humanities
UCT’s College of Music is internationally acclaimed and located in the heart of Cape Town’s cultural hub.
- 🎓 Bachelor of Music (BMus) – Specialisations in Performance, Composition, Music Technology, and Jazz Studies.
- 🎓 Performer’s Diploma in Opera and Theatre – Ideal for aspiring opera singers and stage performers.
- 🎓 Dance Teacher’s Diploma – Perfect for those combining music and movement arts.
6. University of Fort Hare (UFH)
Location: Alice, Eastern Cape
Faculty: Social Sciences and Humanities
UFH’s music department emphasizes African musical heritage and performance.
- Bachelor of Music (BMus) – Focuses on African and Western music, composition, and performance.
- BA (Music) – A flexible degree combining theory, history, and applied music.
- MA and PhD in Music – For students pursuing academic and professional excellence in musicology or performance.
7. University of South Africa (UNISA)
Mode: Distance Learning (Online)
UNISA makes it possible to pursue your music passion while studying remotely.
- 🎓 Bachelor of Music (BMus) – Covers theory, composition, performance, and the study of music in society.
- 📚 BA with Music in History and Society – Ideal for students focusing on music analysis and cultural context.
- 🎶 UNISA’s flexible structure allows learners to balance music studies with work or other commitments.
8. University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng
Faculty: Humanities – Wits School of Arts (WSoA)
Wits offers innovative programmes combining traditional and contemporary music.
- Bachelor of Music (BMus) – A dynamic degree focusing on performance, composition, and sound studies.
- BA in Music and Digital Arts – Explores modern sound design, electronic music, and media production.
- Arts in Music (WSoA) – Encourages collaboration between music, film, and performance art students.
Why Study Music in South Africa?
Studying music in South Africa opens doors to careers in performance, composition, production, education, research, and sound engineering. You’ll gain exposure to both African musical traditions and global styles, preparing you for an international stage.
Whether you’re drawn to jazz in Cape Town, classical performance in Stellenbosch, or music technology in Gqeberha — there’s a programme to match your passion.
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