OBJECTIVE To investigate factors affecting condom use among South African university students. METHODS Cross-sectional survey. METHODS Department of Psychology, University of the North, South Africa. METHODS One hundred and forty six female and sixty first year male psychology students, mean age 20.9 years (SD = 3.4), with a range from 17 to 34 years. METHODS Sexual activity and condom use (6 items), A 16-item AIDS Health Belief Scale and a 28-item Condom Use Self-Efficacy Scale. RESULTS Almost one third (29.2%) of the sample reported never using condoms, 35.4% always, 19.8% regularly and 8.5% irregularly in the past three months. Perceived barriers were associated with increasing age and reduced condom use intentions. In addition, perceived susceptibility was associated with past condom use. The total AIDS Health Belief was not related with age, gender, past condom use and condom use intentions. Self-efficacy of condom use was associated with decreasing age, past condom use and condom use intentions but not with gender. CONCLUSIONS Findings have relevant implications and are discussed in the context of developing an educational or intervention programme.