Sol Plaatje University (SPU)

Sol Plaatje University (SPU) opened in Kimberley in 2014 as the first university established in the Northern Cape, and the first of two new universities established in post-apartheid South Africa. As the region’s only public higher education institution, SPU aims to serve the unique needs and characteristics of the Northern Cape.

Registered name

Sol Plaatje University (SPU)

Type

Public university

Website

spu.ac.za

Named after a remarkable writer

Solomon Tshekisho Plaatje (1876–1932) was an intellectual, journalist, linguist, translator, politician and writer, and a founder member and first general secretary of the South African Native National Congress, which became the ANC. Plaatje moved to Kimberley in 1894 as a telegraph messenger, became fluent in at least seven languages, translated Shakespeare into Setswana, and edited newspapers in Mafikeng and Kimberley. Plaatje was the first black South African to write a novel in English, Mhudi, completed in 1919 and published in 1930.

A niche, city university

SPU positions itself as a niche university. Drawing on the Northern Cape’s needs and strengths, SPU focuses on teacher education, ICT and data science, heritage studies, palaeo-sciences and creative writing in African languages. Because arid regions like the Northern Cape face serious threats from global warming, SPU is also developing agricultural sciences focused on water-stressed conditions.

SPU was built as a city university, using a mix of existing and purpose-built buildings in Kimberley whose architecture embraces light, space and artwork reflecting local heritage. SPU’s 2025–2029 strategy emphasises innovation, inclusivity and community engagement, and SPU recently joined a Mozilla challenge to build ethics into how students write code.

How SPU’s financial aid office works

SPU’s Financial Aid office coordinates funding between students, the university and funders, and provides administrative and advisory support. SPU encourages students to apply for as many funding opportunities as possible, but explains that it does not actively seek funding for students; funders assess applications against their own criteria and communicate with successful recipients. SPU lists standard documents funders usually require, including proof of both parents’ or guardians’ household income.

Getting into Sol Plaatje

SPU opened 2027 applications on 1 April 2026. Meeting SPU’s minimum requirements does not guarantee admission, since decisions depend on academic performance and available space.

Is SPU the right fit for your field?

Check whether SPU offers your field, since its niche focus means a narrower range than larger universities. Northern Cape students should combine an SPU application with provincial funding.

See the Northern Cape Premier bursary.