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.

Family Law University of South Africa (UNISA)

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

The master in Family Law at University of South Africa (UNISA) provides comprehensive open distance learning in a socially responsible and distinctive manner that produces excellent scholarship and research, provides quality tuition and fosters active community engagement.

LL.M. Part-time Online

3 years$361/yr

Accounting Sciences (Financial Intelligence) University of South Africa (UNISA)

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

The master of Accounting Sciences (Financial Intelligence) signals University of South Africa (UNISA)'s commitment to contribute towards the advancement and transformation of the accounting profession in South Africa and to support positive growth and development of the financial and economic sectors.

M.Sc. Part-time Online

3 years$361/yr

Theology in Christian Leadership University of South Africa (UNISA)

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

The master of Theology in Christian Leadership 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$361/yr

Environmental Management University of South Africa (UNISA)

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

This department has a number of core focus areas: environmental management and environmental science, nature conservation and horticulture and landscaping. You can learn more with this master in science in Environmental Management at University of South Africa (UNISA).

M.Sc. Part-time Online

3 years$361/yr

Digital Arts University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg

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

The Digital Arts MA programme from University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg offers only a Masters by Dissertation (research) or Masters by Dissertation and Creative Work. Enrollment can start in the beginning (February) or the middle (July) of an academic year.

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

1 year$2,490/yr

e-Science University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg

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

The MA in e-Science at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, is a comprehensive programme designed to equip students with statistical methods for data-driven research in the Humanities. This full-time course spans 18 to 24 months, offering a robust curriculum that prepares graduates for the evolving landscape of Data Science.

M.A. Full-time On-campus

1½ year$2,687/yr

Nanoscience University of the Western Cape

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

Nanoscience from the University of the Western Cape is an important first step in becoming an intellectual and scholar who can not only contribute to the growth and public life of the world.

M.Sc. Full-time On-campus

2 years$1,415/yr

Oral Medicine University of the Western Cape

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

At Oral Medicine from the University of the Western Cape, you'll use the knowledge and research to impact society.

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

2 years$2,706/yr

Oral Pathology University of the Western Cape

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

At Oral Pathology from the University of the Western Cape, you'll use the knowledge and research to impact society.

M.Sc. Full-time On-campus

2 years$2,706/yr

Finance, Risk Management and Banking University of South Africa (UNISA)

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

The objective of the master in Finance, Risk Management and Banking of College of Economic and Management Sciences at University of South Africa (UNISA) is to provide relevant and functional qualifications of a high standard, quality tuition and a professional caring and valued customer service to all its stakeholders.

M.A. Part-time Online

3 years$361/yr

Corporate Law University of South Africa (UNISA)

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

The master in Corporate Law at University of South Africa (UNISA) provides comprehensive open distance learning in a socially responsible and distinctive manner that produces excellent scholarship and research, provides quality tuition and fosters active community engagement.

LL.M. Part-time Online

3 years$361/yr

Political and International Studies Rhodes University

4,2(21)Grahamstown, South Africa Top 20% in Worldwide

Political and International Studies program of Rhodes University is designed to stimulate, inform, and encourage reflection.

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

1 year$2,695/yr

Sociology Rhodes University

4,2(21)Grahamstown, South Africa Top 20% in Worldwide

Sociology is the study of ancient cultures; their art, literature, thought and history. The focus of Classics is the ancient Mediterranean – Greece, Rome, Egypt and the Near East – but our courses also include modules on ancient Africa, India and China. The Classics program of Rhodes University is designed to stimulate, inform, and encourage reflection.

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

1 year$2,695/yr

History Rhodes University

4,2(21)Grahamstown, South Africa Top 20% in Worldwide

History is the study of ancient cultures; their art, literature, thought and history. The focus of Classics is the ancient Mediterranean – Greece, Rome, Egypt and the Near East – but our courses also include modules on ancient Africa, India and China. The Classics program of Rhodes University is designed to stimulate, inform, and encourage reflection.

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

1 year$2,695/yr

Psychology Rhodes University

4,2(21)Grahamstown, South Africa Top 20% in Worldwide

Psychology is the study of ancient cultures; their art, literature, thought and history. The focus of Classics is the ancient Mediterranean – Greece, Rome, Egypt and the Near East – but our courses also include modules on ancient Africa, India and China. The Classics program of Rhodes University is designed to stimulate, inform, and encourage reflection.

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

1 year$2,695/yr

English University of Johannesburg

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

The English program at University of Johannesburg is offered by the Department of English, part of Faculty of Humanitites.

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

1 year$2,443/yr

Fine Art University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg

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

This program of Fine Art at University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg aims to stimulate learning at a postgraduate level through the application of theory with practice.

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

1 year$2,490/yr

Biblical and Christian Studies (Research) University of Johannesburg

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

Department of Religion Studies from Faculty of Humanities at University of Johannesburg offers a MA in Biblical and Christian Studies (Research).

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

1 year$2,443/yr

Geography (Research) University of Johannesburg

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

Department of Geography, Environmental Management & Energy Studies from Faculty of Science at University of Johannesburg offers a MA in Geography (Research).

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

2 years$2,443/yr

Biochemistry (Research) University of Johannesburg

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

The Department of Biochemistry from Faculty of Science at University of Johannesburg offers a MSc in Biochemistry (Research).

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

2 years$2,443/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.