Sol Plaatje University (SPU) continues to build on its dynamic growth and commitment to educational excellence in its 2026 prospectus. As the first public university in the Northern Cape—officially established in 2014—it serves as a beacon of opportunity, rooted in regional heritage and aimed at producing transformative graduates.
Located in Kimberley, SPU draws inspiration from Solomon Tshekisho Plaatje—a prolific journalist, linguist, translator, and social justice advocate whose deep ties to the Northern Cape underscore SPU’s mission. The university bears his legacy by fostering inclusive education, regional development, and research grounded in local needs.
With the motto “Light from Africa – For Humanity,” SPU emphasizes both academic rigor and social responsibility. The 2026 prospectus retains this motto and showcases its evolution as a modern, African-minded university screening 7,500 students annually.
SPU 2026 undergraduate courses include Higher Certificates, Diplomas, Advanced Diplomas and Bachelor’s Degrees.
Here's a list of SPU available courses for 2026 intake:
While the undergraduate prospectus is the spotlight, SPU’s 2026 edition also previews postgraduate pathways including Honours, PGDips, and MSc/MA programmes, peaking at research-intensive offerings. They are delivered via:
SPU emphasizes postgraduate growth through:
The Sol Plaatje University (SPU) Prospectus is a vital resource for anyone interested in applying to study at SPU. Whether you are a prospective undergraduate or postgraduate student, the prospectus gives you a complete overview of the university, its courses, admission requirements, student support services, and more.
The SPU Prospectus is an official document released by the university every year, which provides detailed information about the academic offerings and application procedures for a specific academic year—in this case, 2026.
It serves as a guidebook for applicants, parents, and high school teachers to understand what SPU offers and how to apply successfully.
Here’s what you can expect to find in the 2026 SPU Prospectus:
Learn about the university’s history, values, mission, location (Kimberley, Northern Cape), and strategic goals.
Each faculty is listed along with the qualifications it offers. These include:
Faculty of Education
Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Faculty of Humanities
Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences
The prospectus outlines:
General entrance requirements for diplomas, degrees, and certificates
Programme-specific requirements
Language and subject prerequisites
Detailed steps on:
How to apply online
Supporting documents required
Key dates and deadlines
How to track your application
Information on:
Student accommodation
Financial aid (like NSFAS)
Campus facilities
Student life and development services
Although full fee structures are usually released separately, the prospectus includes:
Estimated tuition and accommodation fees
Payment methods
Information on bursaries and scholarships
Here’s why the prospectus is essential for all applicants:
Downloading the SPU prospectus is free and easy. Here’s how to get it:
Visit the SPU Official Website
Go to the "Study at SPU" or "Prospectus" section.
Find the 2026 Undergraduate Prospectus or Postgraduate Prospectus
Click Download PDF
Student Affairs Division
The university’s Division of Student Affairs provides holistic out-of-classroom support:
Centre for Teaching & Learning
The CTLPD supports student excellence with:
Library & Information Services
SPU’s Library—central on Scalen Street—supports students with:
SPU stands out for multiple reasons:
Rooted in Kimberley and the Northern Cape, SPU offers a sense of place and purpose. It’s striving to keep local knowledge systems and heritage at its heart.
Combining traditional arts and sciences with emerging fields—data science, environmental management, heritage preservation—SPU is tailored for 21st-century opportunities.
From writing workshops to health services and career coaching, the university’s infrastructure keeps student success front and center.
The institution is nurturing postgraduate research, campus labs, and writing cultures to gradually mature into a rigorous academic research university.
Following its phased expansion—beginning with diplomas (2014–16) through to bachelor’s, honours, and master’s—the dip into niche qualifications positions SPU for national relevance and regional development.
Sol Plaatje University’s 2026 prospectus captures the spirit of a rising young institution—blending Kimberley’s heritage, rigorous academics, and support systems—with future-driven disciplines like data science and environmental studies.
For students seeking a university with a distinctive identity, regional purpose, supportive campus culture, and courses that align with national skills needs, SPU ticks all the boxes.
Its emphasis on employability, postgraduate research, entrepreneurial literacy, and holistic student needs is evident throughout the prospectus.
As SPU moves toward its target of 7,500 students and expands postgraduate capacity, the 2026 prospectus shows a vibrant, purposeful institution: one shaped by its Northern Cape setting, inspired by the legacy of Solomon Plaatje, and geared toward broader transformation and opportunity.