Sol Plaatje University (SPU)

Sol Plaatje University, known as SPU, is a young public university in Kimberley and the first university in the Northern Cape. It was formally established on 23 August 2013 and welcomed its first students in February 2014. It has grown to more than 4,400 students and offers degrees in education, the humanities, commerce and the sciences.

About SPU

SPU began its first academic year in 2014 with 124 students in three programmes: a Bachelor of Education, a Diploma in Information and Communication Technology, and a Diploma in Retail Management. Since then, its enrolment has grown each year, reaching just over 4,400 students in 2023. The university is named after Sol Plaatje, the writer, journalist and founding member of the African National Congress.

Faculties

SPU moved from schools to faculties on 1 January 2024. It now has four faculties: Education; Humanities; Economic and Management Sciences; and Natural and Applied Sciences. Its qualifications include the Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Data Science, along with diplomas and postgraduate programmes.

Applying to SPU

For the 2027 academic year, SPU's undergraduate and postgraduate applications were open until 31 October 2026. You apply online through the university's website. Check the current application page for the fee and the documents that you need, because older forms show amounts that may no longer apply.

Because SPU is small, places in each programme are limited. So apply early in the window, and make sure that your matric subjects meet the requirements for your programme.

Fees and funding

Tuition depends on your programme. SPU's financial aid office supports students who need funding, and qualifying students can apply for NSFAS. The Northern Cape government and companies in the province's mining and energy sectors also fund local students. Browse our bursaries for more options.

Is SPU right for you?

SPU suits students who want to study in the Northern Cape, at a small university where classes are more personal. Its data science degree also makes it a distinctive choice for students interested in technology.

Before you apply to SPU

Look up the admission requirements for your programme in SPU's undergraduate prospectus, since each degree sets its own subject levels. Apply for residence at the same time if you will need housing in Kimberley. Keep your application number for tracking your outcome, and watch your email for any request for documents. If you want to study data science or the natural sciences, check your Mathematics level first, because these programmes set higher requirements.