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.

Accounting Rhodes University

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

The Accounting program of the Rhodes University acknowledges South Africa’s fractured history and the diversity of its cultures and seeks to educate its students within the framework of a non-racial, non-sexist and socially just environment in line with the principles and values enshrined in the South African Constitution.

Master Full-time On-campus

1 year$2,695/yr

Art History and Visual Culture Rhodes University

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

Art History and Visual Culture 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

Computer Science Rhodes University

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

If you are interested in pursuing the Computer Science program of Rhodes University, you should contact the academic staff member with whom you would like to study, since we offer these qualifications by thesis only.

M.Sc. Full-time On-campus

2 years$2,695/yr

PR and Communication Cape Peninsula University of Technology

4,1(68)Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Peninsula University of Technology offers you the chance to study PR and Communication at the Faculty of Informatics and Design.

Master Full-time +2 On-campus

1 year$206/module

Maternal and Child Health University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg

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

The Master of Public Health in the field of Maternal and Child Health from University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg is a part-time programme.

M.P.H. Full-time +2 On-campus

3 years$1,779/yr

Tourism and Hospitality Durban University of Technology

4,4(28)Durban, South Africa

The mission of the Tourism and Hospitality program at Durban University of Technology is to produce independent creative and responsible thinkers through the creation of a space for experiential, practical, real world learning with programs that are versatile, useful and relevant.

Master Full-time On-campus

1 year$297/yr

Marketing Cape Peninsula University of Technology

4,1(68)Cape Town, South Africa

Marketing 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$206/module

Maxillofacial Radiology University of the Western Cape

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

At Maxillofacial Radiology 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

Psychology (Structured) University of the Western Cape

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

At Psychology (Structured) 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$1,415/yr

Social Work University of South Africa (UNISA)

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

At the University of South Africa (UNISA) we offer our students a master degree programme in Social Work.

Master Part-time Online

3 years$180/module

Exposure and Health University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg

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

The Master of Public Health in the field of Exposure and Health at University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg focuses on the relationship between occupational and environmental exposures and the potential impact(s) on the health of workforces and communities.

M.P.H. Full-time +2 On-campus

3 years$1,779/yr

Agricultural Management Central University of Technology, Free State

4,4(23)Bloemfontein, South Africa

The programmes offered in the departments of the Faculty are designed to equip diplomates and graduates with the necessary skills and expertise to be leaders in their chosen professions. The Agricultural Management programme is offered at the Central University of Technology, Free State.

Postgraduate Diploma Full-time On-campus

1 year$302/module

Marketing Central University of Technology, Free State

4,4(23)Bloemfontein, South Africa +1

All the departments within the Faculty have extensive laboratory and computer facilities, and are well equipped to support a practical, project-oriented approach to learning. The Marketing programme is offered at Central University of Technology, Free State.

Postgraduate Diploma Full-time +2 On-campus

1 year$471/module

Investments with Specialisation in Quantitative Finance (Coursework) University of Johannesburg

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

The Department of Finance and Investment Management from College of Business and Economics at University of Johannesburg offers a MCom in IInvestments with Specialisation in Quantitative Finance (Coursework).

Master Full-time +2 On-campus

2 years$1,919/yr

Mechanical Engineering Central University of Technology, Free State

4,4(23)Bloemfontein, South Africa

The Mechanical Engineering programme from Central University of Technology, Free State is a research-based postgraduate qualification at NQF Level 9 aiming towards the development of a candidate’s ability to conduct independent scientific and technological investigations and to interpret the results to lead to problem-solving capabilities in practice.

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

1 year$352/module

Language Related Studies and Practice (Research) University of Johannesburg

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

The Department of Language, Cultural Studies & Applied Linguistics from Faculty of Humanities at University of Johannesburg offers a MPhil in Language Related Studies and Practice (Research).

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

1 year$2,443/yr

Counselling Psychology (Coursework) University of Johannesburg

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

The Department of Psychology from Faculty of Humanities at University of Johannesburg offers a MA in Counselling Psychology (Coursework).

M.A. Full-time On-campus

2 years$1,919/yr

Constitutional Law (Research) University of Johannesburg

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

The Department of Public Law from Faculty of Law at University of Johannesburg offers a LLM in Criminal Procedural Law (Research).

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

$2,443/yr

Industrial Psychology (Research) University of Johannesburg

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

The Department of Industrial Psychology and People Management from College of Business and Economics at University of Johannesburg offers a MCom degree in Industrial Psychology (Research).

Master Full-time +2 On-campus

1 year$2,443/yr

Management Sciences Central University of Technology, Free State

4,4(23)Bloemfontein, South Africa

The purpose of the research Management Sciences programme from Central University of Technology, Free State is to equip learners with the knowledge required to produce a full dissertation in a prescribed format, on a specialist topic, in Entrepreneurship, Small Enterprise Management, Agri-Business Management, Fashion Business Management, or Finance.

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

1 year$656/module

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.