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Feb-Nov Academic Year
2 Listed Institutes
10 Ranked Universities
60,000 Int. Students
800,000 Students
55,436,360 Population

Study in South Africa

A long history of political shifts and changes has made South Africa’s political history complicated, to say the least, but has nevertheless turned it into one of the most multi-ethnic and multicultural nations. The constitution of South Africa recognises 11 official languages, which is the highest number of any country on Earth.

You’ll also notice in South Africa a unique and exciting array of arts, literature, and music. Nadine Gordimer, J.M. Coetzee, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Oliver Schreiner – just to name a few of artists who’ve received global acclaim.

Students who decide to pursue a Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in South Africa will find an exciting environment full of inspiration, cultural history, artistic talent, and natural beauty.

Why study in South Africa?

Education in South Africa is known around the world for creating some of the smartest people in the world. South Africa right now has a 93% adult literacy rate, making it among the ranks of the most knowledgeable nations on Earth. So, if you were to attend a university there, you’d join an environment filled with geniuses and bookworms.

The universities there, too, have undergone rapid changes, particularly integrating the institutions over the course of the past 25 years. The universities around today, who offer several Master’s and Bachelor’s degree, are a result of decades of restructuring and reformation. Plus, they offer some of the lowest tuition prices, even for international students.

What to Study in South Africa?

You can find any subject, discipline, or degree you’re interested in if you study in South Africa. Brilliant scholars and scientists, along with successful business leaders, have come from South Africa, and have been educated in their higher education system. So, no matter what your career interests are, or where your curiosities lie, you can find plenty of university options and Master’s and Bachelor’s degree options.

Here are some great subjects to study in South Africa:

Major cities in South Africa

Throughout South Africa’s naturally beautiful landscape, you’ll also find bustling city life and plenty of places to meet people.

But, for a true, student-oriented experience, we recommend finding your way to Cape Town – a major, multicultural city and named one of the best places to visit in the world.

Which universities and colleges to attend in South Africa

For the past few decades, South Africa has started expanding its public university system – connecting institutions throughout the country, and de-segregating their courses. As a result, the universities have started to thrive with a unique blend of student populations, classes, and scholars.

Here are some universities to consider enrolling in:

Practical Information

How to apply to universities in South Africa
Each university in South Africa has its own system on their website that allows future students to apply for and enrol in their degree programmes. So, once you select the university of your choice, you can go through their application and submit your materials there.
Here are some of the basic requirements you’ll need for every application:
A scan of your diploma (high school or Bachelor’s degree)
A transcript/record of your previous courses
A scan of your passport and/or birth certificate
Your CV
Testing scores
Evidence of scholarship or funding
Letters of recommendation (between 2-3)
Portfolio and/or writing samples

Helpful ways to make sure you qualify for a university in South Africa

Take Preparation Courses: These kinds of courses enable degree-seeking students to get an extra educational boost just before they start their Master’s degree or other post-graduate degree programmes. Try a pre-M.B.A., pre-Law, or pre-Medicine programme, as well as any other foundation or preparation courses that will allow you to study in the degree programme of your choice;

Improve your English through an English-language prep course: If you’re attending a degree programme in South Africa you will need to prove that your language skills are good enough to participate in the classes and understand the lectures; some schools will require Afrikaans, while others will require strong English skills. These courses will also prepare you for any of the English-language tests that universities require.

English-language tests

To apply to study in South Africa, you’ll need to provide proof you have a diploma for your English proficiency.

The certificates generally accepted by the universities in South Africa are:

TOEFL
IELTS
C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency

Still, you should always check on your university’s website, just to be sure what the exact requirements are.

Furthermore, in South Africa, you can take advantage of the world-renowned EC English Language Centres, one of which is located in Cape Town.

Living in South Africa

What it’s like to study at a university in South Africa
The universities in South Africa are separated into different categories depending on what you wish to study. They have traditional universities, for more academic and theoretical subjects; technological, for more job-training and vocational courses; and comprehensive, which blends both theoretical and technical training. So, depending on what you’re aiming for, you’ll be surrounded by like-minded students who are there for the same reason.
Furthermore, there are plenty of places to visit and things to do outside of your classes. You have close access to beautiful coastlines, safaris, and mountains. So, once you leave your classes, you’re immersed in natural beauty and a perfectly relaxing environment.

Tuition fees in South Africa

The cost of studying in South Africa has been a major topic of discussion among students and politicians throughout the country. So, it’s possible we may be able to expect tuition fees to reduce over the years. For now, however, we’ll outline the expected tuition fees in South Africa.

University of Cape Town – approx. 3100 – 4600 EUR per year
University of Johannesburg – approx. 2160 – 3500 EUR per year
Rhodes University – approx. 2510 – 2830 EUR per year

Living costs in South Africa

In South Africa, prices can vary depending on which city you choose to live in. But South Africa generally is known for offering cheap prices where students anywhere can manage to stay on a limited budget.The minimum you need to cover living costs is 550 EUR/month.

Here’s a breakdown of living costs in South Africa

Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment near the city centre: 800 EUR per month
1-month transportation pass (metro, train, bus): 30 EUR
Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: 30 EUR
Milk: 0,92 EUR
Eggs: 1,66 EUR
Cappuccino: 1,64 EUR
Loaf of bread: 0,85 EUR

About South Africa

On dry land, going from west to east, South Africa shares long borders with Namibia and Botswana, touches Zimbabwe, has a longitudinal strip of border with Mozambique to the east, and lastly curves in around Swaziland before re-joining Mozambique's southern border.

In the interior, nestled in the curve of the bean-shaped Free State, is the small mountainous country of Lesotho, completely surrounded by South African territory.

South Africa is a medium-sized country, with a total land area of slightly more than 1.2-million square kilometres. South Africa measures about 1 600km from north to south, and roughly the same from east to west.

Interesting facts about South Africa

South Africa is home to one of the oldest mountains on the planet: Table Mountain.
Boulders Beach, Cape Town, is where you can swim with (so-called) Jackass penguins. No, they don’t mind if you call them Jackass penguins.
South Africa is home to the world’s oldest human remains – more than 160,000 years old. Do you think they dined on Table Mountain?
South Africa has the fittest population. 1 in 5 adults attends a gym or health club at least once a month. Do they have to rub it in our faces like that?
Two novel prize winners – Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu – lived on the same street.

Universities, colleges and schools in South Africa

Johannesburg

South African Theological Seminary (1 PhD)
University of Johannesburg (55 PhDs)

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What degree to study in South Africa?

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