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.

Philosophy University of Johannesburg

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

The Faculty of Humanities offers a Master of Arts in Philosophy at University of Johannesburg. Join us and expand your career!

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

1 year$2,443/yr

Tourism and Hospitality Management University of Johannesburg

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

The Master in Tourism and Hospitality Management at University of Johannesburg assists in the continuing professional development of managers and leaders in tourism and hospitality management.

Master Full-time +2 On-campus

2 years$2,443/yr

Electrical Engineering - Smart Grid Cape Peninsula University of Technology

4,1(68)Cape Town, South Africa

Electrical Engineering - Smart Grid from Cape Peninsula University of Technology aims to emerge as a major driver of socio-economic change in the region.

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

1 year$206/module

Leadership Coaching (CW) University of Johannesburg

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

The Master in Leadership Coaching (CW) at University of Johannesburg will further provide a personal development experience in becoming a competent and professional leadership coach meeting ethical guidelines and professional standards.

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

2 years$1,919/yr

Accounting Sciences (Management Accounting) University of South Africa (UNISA)

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

The master of Accounting Sciences (Management Accounting) 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

Philosophy of Education University of South Africa (UNISA)

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

The master in Philosophy of Education at University of South Africa (UNISA) is committed to reaching out to all of humanity by providing scholarship, service, learning and continuous professional development opportunities to aspirant and serving educators, managers and policy makers, and other practitioners in education at home and abroad.

M.Ed. Part-time Online

3 years$361/yr

Philosophy in Accounting Sciences (Taxation) University of South Africa (UNISA)

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

The master of Philosophy in Accounting Sciences (Taxation) 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 Missiology University of South Africa (UNISA)

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

The master of Theology in Missiology 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

Philosophy in Gender Studies University of South Africa (UNISA)

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

The master of Philosophy in Gender Studies 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

Geography 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 Geography at University of South Africa (UNISA).

M.Sc. Part-time Online

3 years$361/yr

Criminology and Security Management University of South Africa (UNISA)

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

The master in Criminology and Security Management 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.

M.Sc. Part-time Online

3 years$361/yr

Forensic Science and Technology University of South Africa (UNISA)

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

The master in Forensic Science and Technology 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.

M.A. Part-time Online

3 years$361/yr

Police Science University of South Africa (UNISA)

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

The master in Police Science 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.

M.A. Part-time Online

3 years$361/yr

Applied Mathematics University of South Africa (UNISA)

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

The vision of the master in Applied Mathematics 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$361/yr

Environmental Health Durban University of Technology

4,4(28)Durban, South Africa

The Environmental Health program at Durban University of Technology is offered as a full research qualification. Students wishing to enroll for the MHSc: Environmental Health must comply with Rule G24 of the DUT General Handbook

Master Full-time +2 On-campus

2 years$297/yr

Public Health University of South Africa (UNISA)

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

The master of Public Health 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

Portuguese University of South Africa (UNISA)

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

The master of Portuguese 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

Applied Linguistics University of South Africa (UNISA)

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

The master of Applied Linguistics 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

Tourism Management University of South Africa (UNISA)

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

The objective of the master in Tourism Management 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

Sociology University of South Africa (UNISA)

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

The master of Sociology 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

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.