4 Cheapest Universities in Johannesburg for International Students

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In Johannesburg, there are a handful 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, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Johannesburg, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 5 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Johannesburg, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Johannesburg for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Johannesburg 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 75%
University of Johannesburg 34,100 Rand - 62,900 Rand 4%
Emeris 35,300 Rand - 79,600 Rand 1%
University of the Witwatersrand 62,900 Rand - 98,900 Rand -78%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 35,300 Rand for universities in Johannesburg.

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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. 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.

3. Emeris

Emeris was formed from a merger of three universities. It is the place for academic excellence, providing exceptional training that enhances the critical thinking of its students. It offers programs that are filled with innovative learning techniques, allowing students to achieve optimal learning experiences. It also connects with numerous international linkages to heighten its students’ research activities.

4. 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.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in Johannesburg for International Students

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

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
St. Augustine College of South Africa 29,500 Rand 23%
Emeris 30,700 Rand - 91,800 Rand 20%
University of the Witwatersrand 45,000 Rand - 427,900 Rand -17%
University of Johannesburg 47,400 Rand - 298,500 Rand -24%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 38,200 Rand for universities in Johannesburg.

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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.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, St. Augustine College of South Africa should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 29,500 Rand annually for their master's degree.

2. Emeris

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Emeris. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Emeris is 30,675 Rand to 91,800 Rand.

Emeris was formed from a merger of three universities. It is the place for academic excellence, providing exceptional training that enhances the critical thinking of its students. It offers programs that are filled with innovative learning techniques, allowing students to achieve optimal learning experiences. It also connects with numerous international linkages to heighten its students’ research activities.

3. 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.

The tuition fee at University of the Witwatersrand for incoming international master’s students is 44,965 Rand to 427,890 Rand. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. University of Johannesburg

Another affordable university to consider in Johannesburg is 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.

The tuition fee in University of Johannesburg for master’s program for foreign students starts from 47,370 Rand.


Frequently Asked Questions

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

Applying to cheap universities in Johannesburg 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 Johannesburg?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Johannesburg. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Johannesburg is the St. Augustine College of South Africa, which offers Theology, Commerce, and Arts to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the St. Augustine College of South Africa offers Theology, Philosophy, and Culture and Education.


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 Johannesburg for international students was helpful!