If you want a career dedicated to improving communication, hearing, and overall quality of life, then Speech-Language Pathology or Audiology may be the perfect path for you. These specialised health science professions are in high demand in South Africa and globally, offering a meaningful and impactful career.
Because these degrees require advanced clinical training, only a select group of South African universities offer them. This guide highlights all institutions where you can study Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology in 2026.
What Do Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists Do?
Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) diagnose and treat challenges related to speech, language, communication, voice, swallowing, and fluency.
Audiologists assess and manage hearing loss, balance disorders, and hearing rehabilitation, and provide hearing aids and early hearing detection services.
Both professions involve clinical work in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centres, schools, and private practices.
Universities Offering Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology in South Africa (2026)
Only five universities in South Africa offer these specialised programmes.
1. University of Cape Town (UCT)
Degrees Offered:
- BSc Audiology
- BSc Speech-Language Pathology
UCT is widely recognised for its clinical excellence, research strength, and strong partnerships with hospitals. Students gain practical experience in both public and private healthcare settings.
2. University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
Degrees Offered:
- Bachelor of Audiology
- Bachelor of Speech-Language Therapy
UKZN focuses heavily on real-world clinical exposure and community outreach. Students benefit from placements across KwaZulu-Natal, including rural and urban healthcare facilities.
3. University of the Western Cape (UWC)
Degrees Offered:
- BSc Speech-Language Therapy
- BSc Audiology
UWC is known for its commitment to community health and social justice. Its programmes provide strong clinical grounding and exposure to underserved communities.
4. University of Pretoria (UP)
Degrees Offered:
- BA Speech-Language Pathology
- BA Audiology
UP has one of the most established schools for communication disorders in South Africa. Students access modern clinical laboratories, specialised clinics, and comprehensive clinical rotations.
5. University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
Degrees Offered:
- Bachelor of Audiology
- Bachelor of Speech-Language Pathology
Wits is known for academic excellence, research leadership, and strong partnerships with major hospitals in Gauteng. Its programmes emphasise evidence-based practice and clinical research.
Who Should Study These Degrees?
You may be well-suited for a career in Speech-Language Pathology or Audiology if you are:
- Compassionate and patient
- Interested in health sciences
- Strong in biology, languages, and communication
- Observant, analytical, and detail-oriented
- Passionate about helping individuals across all age groups
Career Opportunities
Graduates work in:
- Public and private hospitals
- Private SLP or audiology practices
- Schools and early intervention centres
- Rehabilitation centres
- Hearing aid and hearing technology companies
- NGOs and community organisations
- Research and academic institutions
These professions offer strong employment prospects due to the increasing need for communication and hearing health services.
Final Thoughts
Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology are rewarding study paths that allow you to make a measurable difference in people’s lives. With only five South African universities offering these programmes, competition is high, so preparing early for 2026 applications is essential.
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