Tuition Fees in South Africa for International Students

Education is one of the most important aspects of a student's life because it allows them to make progress in their professional careers. Tuition can be an issue when choosing a university to study at, and South Africa is well-known for having great universities with affordable tuition fees that allow students to become a part of their prestigious institution.

Public universities are often good options for international students because they allow students to access well-established education under governmental support. Students that are interested in entering a public university in South Africa should know that there are 25 universities here, and they need to research the most suitable for them.

Private universities are also some of the most credible places where you can get your degree. Out 39 institutions in South Africa, 14 of them are privately operated. With these options, along with public institutions, students have better chances of finding a university that fits their financial capabilities.

Tuition fees are among the most significant factors students weigh when it comes to their university applications. Fortunately, knowing about tuition fees ahead of time can help you prepare for this challenge. In this article, we will be looking at tuition fees in South Africa.

Are there any free tuition universities in South Africa?

No, there are no free-tuition universities in South Africa. Students are expected to be capable of financing their education and paying their tuition fees. However, students may check the universities here if they offer financial help, such as grants, scholarships, or work-study opportunities. It’s also worth checking the cheapest universities in South Africa to find the most affordable study destinations.

Is South Africa affordable for International Students?

South Africa is relatively affordable to international students pursuing their bachelor's degrees as the average tuition rate here is 2,037 USD. This affords those looking to study in South Africa the opportunity to finish their education with fewer financial worries, and even explore extracurricular activities.

International students are typically attracted to countries that have low-cost tuition fees for their studies. Fortunately, universities in South Africa charge affordable tuition fees for master’s degree studies that on average is 1,208 USD.

Tuition Fees in South Africa

There are multiple universities in South Africa that are welcoming to both international and domestic students, and they provide great educational values with different tuition fee values. Here are the tuition fee ranges of universities in South Africa, based on student type and degree.

Universities Annual Tuition Fee for Bachelor
St. Augustine College of South Africa 9,000 Rand - 52,200 Rand
Mangosuthu University of Technology 9,060 Rand - 30,700 Rand
Cape Peninsula University of Technology 9,340 Rand - 56,100 Rand
University of Fort Hare 18,700 Rand - 44,400 Rand
Management College of South Africa 21,000 Rand - 22,000 Rand
Vaal University of Technology 23,100 Rand - 24,700 Rand
University of Johannesburg 23,100 Rand - 72,000 Rand
University of Venda 23,200 Rand - 60,400 Rand
Central University of Technology 25,000 Rand - 108,800 Rand
Nelson Mandela University 26,500 Rand - 66,500 Rand
Red and Yellow Creative School of Business 31,200 Rand
University of KwaZulu-Natal 31,500 Rand - 291,200 Rand
University of Mpumalanga 33,700 Rand - 46,800 Rand
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University 33,700 Rand - 189,800 Rand
University of Pretoria 35,000 Rand - 152,000 Rand
University of Zululand 35,300 Rand - 59,100 Rand
University of the Free State 37,400 Rand - 78,100 Rand
University of Limpopo 38,400 Rand - 248,300 Rand
University of the Witwatersrand 41,100 Rand - 157,700 Rand
Durban University of Technology 44,400 Rand - 50,000 Rand
Stellenbosch University 46,500 Rand - 132,800 Rand
North-West University 47,700 Rand - 70,600 Rand
University of Cape Town 48,700 Rand - 91,100 Rand
Rhodes University 49,600 Rand - 73,800 Rand
CTU Training Solutions 50,000 Rand
Helderberg College of Higher Education 55,600 Rand - 65,200 Rand
South African College of Applied Psychology 55,700 Rand - 71,600 Rand
STADIO Higher Education 56,100 Rand - 91,600 Rand
IIE Varsity College 60,300 Rand - 95,500 Rand
University of the Western Cape 71,800 Rand - 83,500 Rand
Cornerstone Institute 73,500 Rand
IIE Monash South Africa 81,500 Rand - 108,200 Rand
Stenden South Africa 99,500 Rand
Regenesys Business School 100,000 Rand
Universities Annual Tuition Fee for Master
University of KwaZulu-Natal 0 Rand - 291,200 Rand
University of Zululand 7,173 Rand
Mangosuthu University of Technology 9,060 Rand - 30,700 Rand
Cape Peninsula University of Technology 10,500 Rand - 23,700 Rand
University of Cape Town 15,000 Rand - 262,300 Rand
University of Fort Hare 18,700 Rand - 27,100 Rand
Stellenbosch University 18,800 Rand - 75,600 Rand
Nelson Mandela University 18,900 Rand - 80,900 Rand
University of Pretoria 19,800 Rand - 138,000 Rand
University of Mpumalanga 19,800 Rand - 40,000 Rand
University of the Witwatersrand 20,200 Rand - 125,600 Rand
Vaal University of Technology 20,500 Rand - 22,100 Rand
University of the Free State 25,600 Rand
Rhodes University 25,900 Rand - 147,100 Rand
St. Augustine College of South Africa 29,500 Rand - 34,000 Rand
University of Limpopo 29,800 Rand - 298,600 Rand
University of Venda 31,600 Rand - 33,900 Rand
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University 34,500 Rand - 103,500 Rand
University of Johannesburg 40,900 Rand - 102,000 Rand
Management College of South Africa 46,100 Rand - 58,100 Rand
University of the Western Cape 48,800 Rand
South African College of Applied Psychology 68,100 Rand
IIE Monash South Africa 68,500 Rand - 133,200 Rand
Central University of Technology 80,000 Rand - 116,000 Rand
Regenesys Business School 150,000 Rand - 300,000 Rand

Tuition fees in Universities in South Africa

1. University of KwaZulu-Natal

  • Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 31,500 Rand - 291,200 Rand
  • Master’s international tuition fee: 0 Rand - 291,200 Rand

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.

2. University of Zululand

  • Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 35,300 Rand - 59,100 Rand
  • Master’s international tuition fee: 7,173 Rand - 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

  • Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 9,060 Rand - 30,700 Rand
  • Master’s international tuition fee: 9,060 Rand - 30,700 Rand

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.

4. Cape Peninsula University of Technology

  • Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 9,340 Rand - 56,100 Rand
  • Master’s international tuition fee: 10,500 Rand - 23,700 Rand

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.

5. University of Cape Town

  • Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 48,700 Rand - 91,100 Rand
  • Master’s international tuition fee: 15,000 Rand - 262,300 Rand

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

  • Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 18,700 Rand - 44,400 Rand
  • Master’s international tuition fee: 18,700 Rand - 27,100 Rand

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

  • Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 46,500 Rand - 132,800 Rand
  • Master’s international tuition fee: 18,800 Rand - 75,600 Rand

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

  • Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 26,500 Rand - 66,500 Rand
  • Master’s international tuition fee: 18,900 Rand - 80,900 Rand

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

  • Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 35,000 Rand - 152,000 Rand
  • Master’s international tuition fee: 19,800 Rand - 138,000 Rand

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

  • Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 33,700 Rand - 46,800 Rand
  • Master’s international tuition fee: 19,800 Rand - 40,000 Rand

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.

The primary goal of this article is to provide information about tuition fees in South Africa and to assist students in their quest to achieve their goals. By describing the average tuition fees and providing you with the best ones available, we hope to help you make an informed decision about your education. Remember that studying in South Africa can be a financially viable option, so don't let the cost of tuition prevent you from pursuing your dreams.

And make sure to check out the most affordable universities in South Africa to learn more about making the best out of your finances as an international student.