How do you qualify for a Masters in South Africa?

To qualify for a Master's programme in South Africa, you typically need a relevant undergraduate degree with a minimum of a second-class honours. Some programmes may require a specific grade point average (GPA) or additional qualifications such as a postgraduate diploma. International students must also provide proof of English proficiency, usually through tests like IELTS or TOEFL. Additionally, a well-written statement of purpose and letters of recommendation are often required. It's important to check the specific requirements of the programme you are interested in, as they can vary between institutions and disciplines.

What are the top universities in South Africa?

South Africa is home to several prestigious universities that offer high-quality Master's programmes. The top universities in South Africa include the University of Cape Town, the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, and Stellenbosch University. These institutions are renowned for their academic excellence, research opportunities, and affordable tuition fees. They offer a wide range of Master's programmes across various fields, making them attractive options for international students seeking affordable yet high-quality education.

Why are master's degrees so affordable in South Africa?

Master's degrees in South Africa are notably affordable due to several factors. Firstly, the South African government provides substantial funding to public universities, which helps keep tuition fees low. Additionally, the cost of living in South Africa is generally lower than in many Western countries, which contributes to more economical education. Furthermore, many universities offer scholarships and financial aid to both local and international students, making it even more accessible. This combination of government support, lower living costs, and available financial aid makes South Africa an attractive destination for affordable Master's degrees.

What are the language requirements for cheap master's degrees in South Africa?

For cheap master's degrees in South Africa, most universities require proficiency in English. This is typically demonstrated through standardised tests such as the IELTS or TOEFL. The minimum score requirements can vary depending on the programme and institution, but generally, a score of 6.5 on IELTS or 80 on TOEFL is common. Some programmes may accept alternative English proficiency tests or consider other evidence of English language skills, such as previous studies conducted in English. It's essential to check the specific language requirements of the programme you are applying to.

Can I study part-time while studying in South Africa?

Yes, international students in South Africa are allowed to work part-time while studying. The South African government permits students on a study visa to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during university holidays. This provides an opportunity for students to gain work experience and help cover living expenses. However, it's important to ensure that part-time work does not interfere with your academic responsibilities. Additionally, students should be aware of any specific regulations or restrictions that may apply to their visa type.

Are there hidden costs beyond tuition for affordable programmes in South Africa?

While tuition fees for affordable Master's programmes in South Africa are low, there are other costs to consider. These include living expenses such as accommodation, food, transportation, and healthcare. On average, international students should budget between ZAR 8,000 to ZAR 15,000 per month for living costs, depending on the city and lifestyle. Additionally, there may be costs associated with obtaining a student visa, such as application fees and medical examinations. It's also advisable to budget for textbooks, study materials, and occasional social activities. Planning ahead and budgeting carefully can help manage these additional expenses effectively.

South AfricaAffordable

433 Affordable Master's degrees in South Africa

When considering affordable programmes in South Africa, it's essential to understand the range of tuition fees available. The lower-end tuition fee, represented by the €189, offers a cost-effective option for students seeking quality education without breaking the bank. This fee is designed to be accessible, allowing students from various financial backgrounds to pursue their academic goals.

For those looking for a more typical tuition fee, the €1,297 provides a balanced option. This fee is representative of the average cost for affordable programmes in South Africa, making it a popular choice among international students. It strikes a good balance between cost and quality, ensuring that students receive value for their investment.

On the higher end of the spectrum, the €2,470 represents the upper boundary for affordable programmes in South Africa. While this fee is higher than the average, it still falls within the affordable range, offering students access to premium educational experiences without the exorbitant costs associated with some institutions.

Additionally, the 32% highlights the growing trend of online learning in South Africa. This percentage indicates the proportion of affordable programmes that are available online, providing students with flexible learning options that can accommodate various schedules and learning preferences.

In conclusion, South Africa offers a diverse range of affordable programmes to suit different financial situations and learning styles. Whether you're looking for the lowest possible tuition fee or prefer the convenience of online learning, there's an option that's right for you.

Chiropractic University of Johannesburg

4,3(229)Johannesburg, South Africa Top 6% in Worldwide

The Master in Chiropractic at University of Johannesburg is offered by the Faculty of Health Sciences.

Master Full-time On-campus

2 years$1,943/yr

Psychology (Thesis) University of the Western Cape

4,3(85)Cape Town, South Africa Top 15% in Worldwide

At Psychology (Thesis) from the University of the Western Cape, you'll use the knowledge and research to impact society.

M.A. Full-time +2 On-campus

2 years$1,433/yr

Applied Mathematics University of Johannesburg

4,3(229)Johannesburg, South Africa Top 6% in Worldwide

The Master of Science in Applied Mathematics at University of Johannesburg is offered by the Faculty of Science.

M.Sc. Full-time +2 On-campus

2 years$2,474/yr

Bioethics and Health Law University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg

4,2(158)Johannesburg, South Africa Top 4% in Worldwide

The Master of Science in Medicine by coursework and research report in the field of Bioethics and Health Law is a 2 year part-time degree. The course is offered at University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg and it aims to develop capacity and excellence in the ethical and legal analysis of issues arising in health care and research.

M.Sc. Part-time On-campus

2 years$2,349/yr

Military Geography (Option A) Stellenbosch University

4,4(123)Stellenbosch, South Africa Top 5% in Worldwide

The Faculty of Military Science is based at Saldanha, on the West Coast of South Africa, where it is housed in the South African Military Academy. The institution offers education and training for members of the Department of Defence at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, such as the Military Geography (Option A) programme at the Stellenbosch University.

Master Full-time On-campus

2 years$1,879/yr

Latin University of Johannesburg

4,3(229)Johannesburg, South Africa Top 6% in Worldwide

The Faculty of Humanities is offering a Master of Arts in Latin at University of Johannesburg for students to acquire the ability to find and define topics for research which they find relevant to either their modern environment or their own inner journey.

M.A. Full-time +2 On-campus

1 year$2,474/yr

Information Technology (Research) University of Johannesburg

4,3(229)Johannesburg, South Africa Top 6% in Worldwide

The Faculty of Science offers a Master in Information Technology(Research) at University of Johannesburg.

M.Sc. Full-time +2 On-campus

2 years$2,474/yr

Development Studies University of Johannesburg

4,3(229)Johannesburg, South Africa Top 6% in Worldwide

The Faculty of Humanities is offering a Master of Arts in Development Studies at University of Johannesburg.

M.A. Full-time +2 On-campus

1 year$2,474/yr

Nursing University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg

4,2(158)Johannesburg, South Africa Top 4% in Worldwide

The Master of Science in Nursing by coursework and research report from the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg is a 2 year degree offered in specialised fields such as Infection Control, Intensive Care, Nephrology, Oncology and Palliative Care, and more.

M.Sc. Full-time On-campus

2 years$2,183/yr

Physiotherapy University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg

4,2(158)Johannesburg, South Africa Top 4% in Worldwide

The Master of Science in Physiotherapy from the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg is offered y coursework and research report in a range of speciality areas.

M.Sc. Part-time On-campus

2 years$2,132/yr

Chemistry - Dissertation University of Johannesburg

4,3(229)Johannesburg, South Africa Top 6% in Worldwide

The Faculty of Science offers a Master of Science in Chemistry - Dissertation at University of Johannesburg.

M.Sc. Full-time +2 On-campus

2 years$2,474/yr

Arts in Music University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg

4,2(158)Johannesburg, South Africa Top 4% in Worldwide

The Arts in Music degree offered at University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg is a postgraduate degree in research. The research can be in musicology or ethnomusicology, but can also include another subdiscipline of academic music studies as long as the research undertaken is of a scholarly nature.

M.A. Full-time +2 On-campus

2 years$2,521/yr

Agriculture Cape Peninsula University of Technology

4,1(68)Cape Town, South Africa

Agriculture from Cape Peninsula University of Technology aims to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to conduct research in agriculture.

Master Full-time +2 On-campus

1 year$209/module

Communication Science University of South Africa (UNISA)

4,2(486)Online Top 15% in Worldwide

The master of Communication Science at University of South Africa (UNISA) offers high-quality general academic and career-focused distance education tuition in the arts, humanities, social sciences, religion and theology.

M.A. Part-time Online

3 years$365/yr

Archaeology University of South Africa (UNISA)

4,2(486)Online Top 15% in Worldwide

The master of Archaeology at University of South Africa (UNISA) offers high-quality general academic and career-focused distance education tuition in the arts, humanities, social sciences, religion and theology.

M.A. Part-time Online

3 years$365/yr

Physics University of South Africa (UNISA)

4,2(486)Online Top 15% in Worldwide

The vision of the master in Physics at University of South Africa (UNISA) is to “develop world class, futuristic, African science, engineering and technology leaders, who aspire to extend the frontiers of innovation”.

M.Sc. Part-time Online

3 years$365/yr

Horticultural Sciences Cape Peninsula University of Technology

4,1(68)Cape Town, South Africa

The aim of the Horticultural Sciences course at Cape Peninsula University of Technology is to develop skilled graduates who will be competent in conducting applied and fundamental research principles in any of the fields of plant propagation, production and development, landscape, environmental, retail management and maintenance.

Master Full-time +2 On-campus

1 year$209/module

Public Administration Cape Peninsula University of Technology

4,1(68)Cape Town, South Africa

Public Administration from Cape Peninsula University of Technology aims to provide academic excellence; operating at the cutting edge of our disciplines; creating and disseminating knowledge through high level research.

Master Full-time +2 On-campus

1 year$209/module

Mineral Resource Governance University of Johannesburg

4,3(229)Johannesburg, South Africa Top 6% in Worldwide

The Master in Mineral Resource Governance from University of Johannesburg is aimed to develop an intellectual with advanced abilities in applying fundamental engineering technologies or related inter-disciplinary principles to develop mineral resource policy and strategies in Africa and to develop an advanced capability to conduct fundamental research of an inter-disciplinary nature independently.

Master Full-time +2 On-campus

1 year$2,474/yr

Sustainable Mining (CW) University of Johannesburg

4,3(229)Johannesburg, South Africa Top 6% in Worldwide

The purpose of this Master in Sustainable Mining (CW) from University of Johannesburg is to provide a programme to all persons involved within the mining value chain, from exploration to rehabilitation, to develop research and innovative practices to develop sustainable mining practices within the African continent.

Master Full-time +2 On-campus

1 year$2,474/yr

Frequently Asked Questions

To qualify for a Master's programme in South Africa, you typically need a relevant undergraduate degree with a minimum of a second-class honours. Some programmes may require a specific grade point average (GPA) or additional qualifications such as a postgraduate diploma. International students must also provide proof of English proficiency, usually through tests like IELTS or TOEFL. Additionally, a well-written statement of purpose and letters of recommendation are often required. It's important to check the specific requirements of the programme you are interested in, as they can vary between institutions and disciplines.
South Africa is home to several prestigious universities that offer high-quality Master's programmes. The top universities in South Africa include the University of Cape Town, the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, and Stellenbosch University. These institutions are renowned for their academic excellence, research opportunities, and affordable tuition fees. They offer a wide range of Master's programmes across various fields, making them attractive options for international students seeking affordable yet high-quality education.
Master's degrees in South Africa are notably affordable due to several factors. Firstly, the South African government provides substantial funding to public universities, which helps keep tuition fees low. Additionally, the cost of living in South Africa is generally lower than in many Western countries, which contributes to more economical education. Furthermore, many universities offer scholarships and financial aid to both local and international students, making it even more accessible. This combination of government support, lower living costs, and available financial aid makes South Africa an attractive destination for affordable Master's degrees.
For cheap master's degrees in South Africa, most universities require proficiency in English. This is typically demonstrated through standardised tests such as the IELTS or TOEFL. The minimum score requirements can vary depending on the programme and institution, but generally, a score of 6.5 on IELTS or 80 on TOEFL is common. Some programmes may accept alternative English proficiency tests or consider other evidence of English language skills, such as previous studies conducted in English. It's essential to check the specific language requirements of the programme you are applying to.
Yes, international students in South Africa are allowed to work part-time while studying. The South African government permits students on a study visa to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during university holidays. This provides an opportunity for students to gain work experience and help cover living expenses. However, it's important to ensure that part-time work does not interfere with your academic responsibilities. Additionally, students should be aware of any specific regulations or restrictions that may apply to their visa type.
While tuition fees for affordable Master's programmes in South Africa are low, there are other costs to consider. These include living expenses such as accommodation, food, transportation, and healthcare. On average, international students should budget between ZAR 8,000 to ZAR 15,000 per month for living costs, depending on the city and lifestyle. Additionally, there may be costs associated with obtaining a student visa, such as application fees and medical examinations. It's also advisable to budget for textbooks, study materials, and occasional social activities. Planning ahead and budgeting carefully can help manage these additional expenses effectively.