Are you passionate about organizing knowledge, managing digital archives, or empowering communities through access to information? A qualification in Library and Information Science (LIS) can open doors to careers in libraries, museums, digital repositories, research institutions, and more. In South Africa, several leading universities offer specialized LIS programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Here are the top South African universities offering Library and Information Science / Studies in 2026:
1. University of South Africa (UNISA)
UNISA offers one of the most comprehensive and flexible offerings in Library and Information Science, making it the top destination for distance learners and working professionals.
Programmes Offered:
- Bachelor of Arts in Library and Information Science
- BA in Information Science & African Languages / History / Linguistics / Psychology, and many other dual majors
- Postgraduate Diploma in Library and Information Science
- Master’s and PhD in Information Science
UNISA’s LIS programmes focus on:
- Information and knowledge management
- Records and archives management
- Library services in digital environments
- Community information services
Best for: Students looking for flexible online learning, interdisciplinary combinations, and postgraduate research opportunities.
2. Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
NMU integrates Library and Information Science within its Faculty of Humanities, with a strong emphasis on digital innovation and modern library practices.
Likely Offerings:
While NMU’s official 2026 curriculum lists focus heavily on communication, media, and education, their programmes often intersect with LIS fields — especially through:
- BA in Media, Communication & Culture
- Information Technology (Diploma and BSc) with electives in information management
- Research pathways in knowledge systems and digital resource curation
Best for: Students seeking LIS-aligned studies with a modern media or IT twist, preparing for work in digital libraries or corporate knowledge centres.
3. University of Fort Hare (UFH)
The University of Fort Hare offers a dedicated Bachelor of Library and Information Science (BLIS) degree, one of the few standalone undergraduate LIS degrees in South Africa.
Programmes Offered:
- Bachelor of Library and Information Science (BLIS)
- Master of Library & Information Science
- PhD in Library and Information Science
UFH’s LIS qualifications focus on:
- Library and knowledge services in rural and urban contexts
- Digital literacy, cataloguing, classification, and research support
- Archives, records, and preservation of indigenous knowledge
Best for: Students seeking in-person learning with a strong focus on community-based information access and social development.
Why Study Library and Information Science in South Africa?
With the rise of the knowledge economy, digitization, and the need for equitable access to information, LIS professionals are more relevant than ever. From national libraries to NGOs, government archives to corporate knowledge hubs—trained LIS graduates are in demand.
Career Paths Include:
- Academic and public librarianship
- Digital archivist or records manager
- Knowledge and research management
- Information consultant or metadata specialist
Final Thoughts
Whether you prefer UNISA’s flexible online options, UFH’s specialised undergraduate programme, or NMU’s tech-forward media pathways, South Africa offers quality Library and Information Science education tailored to the 21st-century information landscape.
Choose your path in 2026 and help shape how the world accesses knowledge.