Considering a degree in South Africa? You’re not alone! Every year, over 40,000 international students choose South African universities for their world-class education. Here’s why this destination is becoming a top choice for global scholars:
- the affordable education and living expenses
- the diverse and unique culture and society
- the natural beauty of the country
Before finalizing your plans, it’s essential to understand the financial commitment. Let’s break down the typical tuition fees and the average cost of living for students in South Africa:
1. University tuition fees in South Africa
Tuition fees at public universities
South Africa is home to over 20 public universities. Tuition costs fluctuate based on the institution's internal policies, the duration and field of study, your nationality, and specific programme requirements.
To provide some perspective, let's look at tuition structures as an example:
- Bachelor’s degrees: double local tuition; you pay twice as much as local students, who usually pay between 1,500–3,850 EUR per study programme.
- Master’s degrees: double local tuition, you pay twice as much as local students, who usually pay between 720–12,800 EUR per study programme. You also need to pay an additional International Registration Fee (IRF) of 340 EUR.
Students from Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states—including Angola, Botswana, the DRC, and others—often qualify for the same tuition rates as local South African students.
Be sure to budget beyond basic tuition. These figures typically exclude additional costs such as textbooks, specialized study materials, and optional (sports) club memberships.
Tuition fees at private universities
Private universities generally carry a higher price tag. Payment models also vary: some charge a flat fee for the entire degree programme, while others utilize a flexible ‘cost per credit’ system.
The Cornerstone Institute, for example, uses a ‘cost per credit’ model. With credits typically priced between 14 and 30 EUR and programmes requiring 120–144 credits annually, costs can add up. Keep in mind that additional mandatory fees may apply.
- application fee: 17 EUR
- annual payment plan: 130 EUR
- technology fee: 25 EUR
Most affordable universities in South Africa
Based on course data across our platforms, these institutions currently rank among the most affordable universities in South Africa for international students:
- : Bachelors and Masters start at 36 EUR/year
- : Bachelors start at 400 EUR/year
- : Masters start at 755 EUR/year
Tuition at top-ranked universities
- : between 2,285–4,350 EUR/study programme + an International Admin Fee of 205 EUR + International Term Fees that range between 1,160–3,200 EUR
- University of the Witwatersrand: double local tuition, which is 720–12,800 EUR/study programme for local students; for postgraduate degrees (Master’s, PhD), internationals also pay the International Registration Fee of 340 EUR
- : between 2,150–3,500 EUR/year for Bachelor’s degrees
Discover the universities that have earned a place among the world’s top academic institutions in the latest global rankings.
2. Student living costs in South Africa
International students should budget between 300 and 750 EUR monthly to cover living expenses in South Africa. Your actual spending will depend significantly on your personal lifestyle and city of residence.
The local currency is the South African rand (ZAR). Exchange rates fluctuate; currently, 1 EUR is approximately equivalent to 19.50 ZAR.
3. Student accommodation costs
Students typically choose between these two primary types of accommodation:
- university dormitories: 150–250 EUR/month. Students can choose between different types of rooms (e.g. single, double), and prices vary from one university to another.
- renting a flat: 300–715 EUR/month depending on the number of rooms and the proximity to the city centre. You can share a larger apartment with other students to reduce costs. Monthly utilities (70–150 EUR) are paid separately.
4. Food costs in South Africa
South Africa offers a high quality of life at an affordable price point. Most students spend between 100 and 150 EUR monthly on groceries. Here are some typical costs for essential food items:
- 1 loaf of bread: 0.70 EUR
- 1 litre of milk: 0.80 EUR
- 12 eggs: 1.55 EUR
- 1 kg of local cheese: 5.50 EUR
- 1 kg of apples: 1.25 EUR
- 1 kg of bananas: 1.10 EUR
- 1 meal at affordable restaurants: 6.15 EUR
For a more detailed breakdown, compare current living costs in South Africa.
5. Transportation costs
The three primary methods of transportation for students are:
- train (commuter or high-speed)
- bus (subsidised or unsubsidised)
- taxi
A monthly public transport pass averages around 35 EUR (without student discounts). Many students also utilize ride-sharing services, which start at approximately 1 EUR, plus 0.60 EUR per kilometer.
6. Extra costs in South Africa
- entertainment (sports, concerts, cinema): 30–70 EUR/month
- private health insurance: depends on the type of medical insurance, the length of your stay, and the included benefits
- visa application fee: around 22 EUR
7. University scholarships and grants
Explore these reputable online databases to find scholarships and financial grants available for international students pursuing studies in South Africa:
- Scholars4dev.com: scholarships, grants, and fellowships in South Africa
- on our portal
Additionally, we recommend visiting the official website of your target university. Most institutions provide dedicated financial aid pages outlining internal scholarships and tuition relief programmes.
Don't forget to check your eligibility and apply for the Online Result Scholarship.