15 Cheapest Universities in South Africa for International Students

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In South Africa, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in South Africa without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in South Africa, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 39 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in South Africa, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in South Africa for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in South Africa ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
St. Augustine College of South Africa 9,000 Rand - 52,200 Rand 79%
Mangosuthu University of Technology 9,060 Rand - 30,700 Rand 79%
Cape Peninsula University of Technology 9,340 Rand - 56,100 Rand 79%
University of Fort Hare 18,700 Rand - 44,400 Rand 57%
Management College of South Africa 21,000 Rand - 22,000 Rand 51%
Vaal University of Technology 23,100 Rand - 24,700 Rand 46%
University of Johannesburg 23,100 Rand - 72,000 Rand 46%
University of Venda 23,200 Rand - 60,400 Rand 46%
Central University of Technology 25,000 Rand - 108,800 Rand 42%
Nelson Mandela University 26,500 Rand - 66,500 Rand 38%
Red and Yellow Creative School of Business 31,200 Rand 27%
University of KwaZulu-Natal 31,500 Rand - 291,200 Rand 26%
University of Mpumalanga 33,700 Rand - 46,800 Rand 21%
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University 33,700 Rand - 189,800 Rand 21%
University of Pretoria 35,000 Rand - 152,000 Rand 18%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 42,600 Rand for universities in South Africa.

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1. St. Augustine College of South Africa

St. Augustine College of South Africa is a private Catholic institution that dedicates itself to offering quality teaching and learning to African communities. It promotes a diverse and loving academic environment that uplifts the lives of others and allows them to act rightly in order to serve humanity better. With its wide range of degree offerings, the institution is confident in its pursuit of academic excellence.

2. Mangosuthu University of Technology

The Mangosuthu University of Technology aims to transform communities through academic excellence and sustainable learning. It is committed to providing a fair and inclusive educational institution that allows individuals to grow in harmony with others. As a technological and career-oriented university, it offers innovative solutions to societal problems and engages with various businesses and industries.

3. Cape Peninsula University of Technology

The Cape Peninsula University of Technology is a world-renowned university that offers transformative education, allowing its students to excel even on the international scene. It integrates technology into its curriculum while still retaining its country’s rich culture and tradition. The university demonstrates enthusiasm and devotion to public service by delivering high-quality and relevant training to its constituents.

4. University of Fort Hare

The University of Fort Hare seeks to boost the confidence of the students in South Africa by giving them the resources and means to experience quality tertiary education. It follows practical-based education, allowing students to face current challenges in the actual industry gracefully. The university also has international alliances and linkages all over the world, which is why it participates in academic exchanges and conferences.

5. Management College of South Africa

Management College of South Africa offers accessible and affordable tertiary education in South Africa. It maintains a productive workplace that enables students to combine theoretical understanding and practical application, giving them bigger chances of securing employment after graduation. The institute is also flexible regarding its students’ financial situation, offering numerous scholarships and aids.

6. Vaal University of Technology

The Vaal University of Technology is one of the best options to get a technological or engineering degree in South Africa. It has up-to-date programs and state-of-the-art facilities that have been adapted in order to meet the requirements of the technological industry. For example, it has three campuses and specialized satellite centers that offer degrees and research opportunities relevant to the local job market. This university is also famous for having a science and technology park that specializes in manufacturing and constantly collaborates with national and international companies.

7. University of Johannesburg

The University of Johannesburg, founded in 2005, is a public university in South Africa. The university was built after merging three major universities in the country. As a result, it became one of the largest and most prestigious institutions for higher learning in South Africa. The university is home to more than 50,000 students, over 3,000 of which have international backgrounds.

8. University of Venda

Celebrating its 40th year in the field, the University of Venda is highly recognized for its undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees. For the past decades, they have produced quality graduates that greatly contributed to the country. Moreover, as they continue to deliver exceptional teaching and research, they also aim to mold an active student community that fosters excellence in the field.

9. Central University of Technology

The Central University of Technology is one of the most important institutions in South Africa’s Central region. It strives for providing high-quality education through different activities and initiatives, like engaging with the local community, focusing on problem-solving education, and having entrepreneur programs. It has two campuses in order to cater to a bigger student population. Besides its academic programs, this university is known for its large network of research centers that dedicate to developing studies in areas such as food security, sustainability, and manufacturing.

10. Nelson Mandela University

Nelson Mandela University operates by bringing into action the principles and values of a prominent historical figure–Nelson Mandela. The university hopes to change the world through education and help individuals achieve their dreams and passion. The educational institution has been the destination of various students worldwide and has maintained a diverse and inclusive academic community.

11. Red and Yellow Creative School of Business

From the name itself, the Red and Yellow Creative School of Business is the place for artists and talented people who thrive in this digital world. The institute offers opportunities for individuals to pursue their passions and make a career out of them. As a business school, it boosts its students’ creative thinking and brilliant ideas, allowing them to become future innovators and changemakers in society.

12. University of KwaZulu-Natal

The University of KwaZulu-Natal is an educational institution that seeks to engage society through innovative research and breakthrough discoveries. It has established a value-driven organizational structure that focuses on the growth and development of the students. As a center of excellence, the university is firm in promoting mutual respect and inclusivity within the academe.

13. University of Mpumalanga

The University of Mpumalanga had its humble beginnings way back its establishment in 2013. Today, the university can already compete with other big names in the education sector of the country that produce quality graduates that are resourceful, disciplined, and globally competitive. It creates a supportive and stimulating environment where its staff and students realize their potential in teaching, learning, and research engagement.

14. Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University is an advanced educational institution aiming to develop the country’s healthcare industry. Because of the university’s focus on science and technology courses, it is equipped with the tools and equipment to support the research activities of its students. Following its vision of becoming a center of excellence when it comes to teaching and learning, the university is responsive in meeting the demands and standards of the current industry.

15. University of Pretoria

As one of the best and largest educational institutions in South Africa, the University of Pretoria (UP) has built its reputation for providing high-quality research and academic programs at all levels. This top-performing university aims to deliver academic research in various fields to address global issues. They have more than 1,000 academic programs that are delivered in the classroom, online, or in a hybrid setting. With its goals and vision, UP aims to produce globally competent graduates.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in South Africa for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in South Africa ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
University of KwaZulu-Natal 0 Rand - 291,200 Rand 100%
University of Zululand 7,173 Rand 80%
Mangosuthu University of Technology 9,060 Rand - 30,700 Rand 74%
Cape Peninsula University of Technology 10,500 Rand - 23,700 Rand 70%
University of Cape Town 15,000 Rand - 262,300 Rand 57%
University of Fort Hare 18,700 Rand - 27,100 Rand 46%
Stellenbosch University 18,800 Rand - 75,600 Rand 46%
Nelson Mandela University 18,900 Rand - 80,900 Rand 45%
University of Pretoria 19,800 Rand - 138,000 Rand 43%
University of Mpumalanga 19,800 Rand - 40,000 Rand 43%
University of the Witwatersrand 20,200 Rand - 125,600 Rand 42%
Vaal University of Technology 20,500 Rand - 22,100 Rand 41%
University of the Free State 25,600 Rand 26%
Rhodes University 25,900 Rand - 147,100 Rand 25%
St. Augustine College of South Africa 29,500 Rand - 34,000 Rand 14%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 34,300 Rand for universities in South Africa.

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1. University of KwaZulu-Natal

The University of KwaZulu-Natal is an educational institution that seeks to engage society through innovative research and breakthrough discoveries. It has established a value-driven organizational structure that focuses on the growth and development of the students. As a center of excellence, the university is firm in promoting mutual respect and inclusivity within the academe.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, University of KwaZulu-Natal should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 0 Rand to 291,130 Rand annually for their master's degree.

2. University of Zululand

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is University of Zululand. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at University of Zululand is 7,173 Rand.

Since its foundation, the University of Zululand has focused on providing an education that meets the needs of South Africa’s job market. This is why the university has strategic partnerships with businesses and companies and gives students the necessary practical skills to be successful in their careers. However, it also promotes wellness, which is why it has multiple extracurricular activities and facilities for different sports like boxing, cricket, chess, softball, aerobics, and much more!

3. Mangosuthu University of Technology

The Mangosuthu University of Technology aims to transform communities through academic excellence and sustainable learning. It is committed to providing a fair and inclusive educational institution that allows individuals to grow in harmony with others. As a technological and career-oriented university, it offers innovative solutions to societal problems and engages with various businesses and industries.

The tuition fee at Mangosuthu University of Technology for incoming international master’s students is 9,060 Rand to 30,700 Rand. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Cape Peninsula University of Technology

Another affordable university to consider in South Africa is Cape Peninsula University of Technology.

The Cape Peninsula University of Technology is a world-renowned university that offers transformative education, allowing its students to excel even on the international scene. It integrates technology into its curriculum while still retaining its country’s rich culture and tradition. The university demonstrates enthusiasm and devotion to public service by delivering high-quality and relevant training to its constituents.

The tuition fee in Cape Peninsula University of Technology for master’s program for foreign students starts from 10,500 Rand.

5. University of Cape Town

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, University of Cape Town has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 14,950 Rand yearly.

The University of Cape Town offers a community filled with exceptionally talented instructors, students, and researchers committed to making the world a better place through education. The university envisions itself as an inclusive and research-intensive institution that addresses the challenges and concerns of society. At present, the university is proud of being one of the top-rated educational institutions in the country, with a massive number of renowned scientists and researchers.

6. University of Fort Hare

The University of Fort Hare seeks to boost the confidence of the students in South Africa by giving them the resources and means to experience quality tertiary education. It follows practical-based education, allowing students to face current challenges in the actual industry gracefully. The university also has international alliances and linkages all over the world, which is why it participates in academic exchanges and conferences.

7. Stellenbosch University

Stellenbosch University is among the leading tertiary educational institutions in South Africa, known for its research activities and top-rated scientists. The university is also popular internationally because of its excellent practical-based programs, which give students a higher success rate after graduating. As a preferred research partner by numerous institutions around the globe, the university is an active participant in various international academic networks that involve science and technology studies.

8. Nelson Mandela University

Nelson Mandela University operates by bringing into action the principles and values of a prominent historical figure–Nelson Mandela. The university hopes to change the world through education and help individuals achieve their dreams and passion. The educational institution has been the destination of various students worldwide and has maintained a diverse and inclusive academic community.

9. University of Pretoria

As one of the best and largest educational institutions in South Africa, the University of Pretoria (UP) has built its reputation for providing high-quality research and academic programs at all levels. This top-performing university aims to deliver academic research in various fields to address global issues. They have more than 1,000 academic programs that are delivered in the classroom, online, or in a hybrid setting. With its goals and vision, UP aims to produce globally competent graduates.

10. University of Mpumalanga

The University of Mpumalanga had its humble beginnings way back its establishment in 2013. Today, the university can already compete with other big names in the education sector of the country that produce quality graduates that are resourceful, disciplined, and globally competitive. It creates a supportive and stimulating environment where its staff and students realize their potential in teaching, learning, and research engagement.

11. University of the Witwatersrand

The University of the Witwatersrand aims to create an impact on society by imparting global knowledge and allowing its students to graduate with the values of integrity and professionalism. The university strives to be socially responsive and adaptive to the ever-changing standards of various industries. For 100 years, it has already built a good reputation regarding research excellence and innovative solutions to the world’s pressing problems.

12. Vaal University of Technology

The Vaal University of Technology is one of the best options to get a technological or engineering degree in South Africa. It has up-to-date programs and state-of-the-art facilities that have been adapted in order to meet the requirements of the technological industry. For example, it has three campuses and specialized satellite centers that offer degrees and research opportunities relevant to the local job market. This university is also famous for having a science and technology park that specializes in manufacturing and constantly collaborates with national and international companies.

13. University of the Free State

The University of Free State takes pride in providing high-quality programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. They are a student-centered institution that aims to build a community of learners that are ready to create research and solutions for society. Since its establishment in 1904, they aim to develop its student’s well-being as they move forward in one of the country’s top-performing institutions.

14. Rhodes University

Since 1904, Rhodes University has carefully maintained its well-established reputation when it comes to academic excellence. Despite being considered a small university, it continuously strives to offer its students distinct and outstanding academic training. It hopes to produce leaders and professionals that are critical, compassionate, and wise and who can contribute to the social and economic development of South Africa.

15. St. Augustine College of South Africa

St. Augustine College of South Africa is a private Catholic institution that dedicates itself to offering quality teaching and learning to African communities. It promotes a diverse and loving academic environment that uplifts the lives of others and allows them to act rightly in order to serve humanity better. With its wide range of degree offerings, the institution is confident in its pursuit of academic excellence.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in South Africa?

Applying to cheap universities in South Africa requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in South Africa for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in South Africa?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in South Africa. For example, one of the best affordable schools in South Africa is the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, which offers Chemical Engineering, Marine Engineering, and Computer Engineering to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Cape Peninsula University of Technology offers Marine Science, Conservation Science, and Environmental Management.

It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in South Africa, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in South Africa as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on affordable institutions in South Africa for international students was helpful!