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 University of Johannesburg

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

The purpose of the Accounting program from University of Johannesburg is to develop applied specialised competencies in the mastering, interpretation, understanding, analysis and application of accounting principles in the financial accounting field.

Master Full-time +2 On-campus

1 year$2,443/yr

Technology Education University of South Africa (UNISA)

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

We offer our students a Master of Science in Technology Education degree at the University of South Africa (UNISA).

M.Sc. Part-time Online

3 years$180/module

Sustainability Management University of Johannesburg

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

Students in the Sustainability Management program at University of Johannesburg will be drawn from the current generation of organisational leaders/managers and especially from among leaders/managers in emerging economies.

Master Full-time On-campus

2 years$1,919/yr

Human Resources Management 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 Human Resources Management programme is offered at Central University of Technology, Free State.

Postgraduate Diploma Full-time +2 On-campus

1 year$236/module

Economics Rhodes University

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

The aim of the Economics program of Rhodes University is to help students develop appropriate mathematical tools necessary to represent and interpret information quantitatively. It also aims to develop certain skills and meaningful ways of thinking, reasoning and arguing with quantitative ideas in order to solve problems in any given context.

Master Full-time On-campus

2 years$2,695/yr

Classical Studies Rhodes University

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

Classical Studies 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

Urban Development Central University of Technology, Free State

4,4(23)Bloemfontein, South Africa

The purpose of the Urban Development programme from Central University of Technology, Free State is to provide knowledge and skills required for the practice of urban development and provide vertical articulation to relevant higher degrees in the built environment.

Postgraduate Diploma Full-time +2 On-campus

1 year$338/module

Media Studies 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 Media Studies programme is offered at Central University of Technology, Free State.

Postgraduate Diploma Full-time On-campus

1 year$451/module

Project Management Central University of Technology, Free State

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

Project management is a scarce skill in South Africa and the demand for project management competencies is growing daily. The Project Management programme from Central University of Technology, Free State is designed to satisfy these needs.

Postgraduate Diploma Full-time +2 On-campus

1 year$588/module

Quantity Surveying Central University of Technology, Free State

4,4(23)Bloemfontein, South Africa

The purpose of the Quantity Surveying programme from Central University of Technology, Free State is to provide knowledge and skills required for the practice of quantity surveying and provide vertical articulation to relevant higher degrees in the built environment.

Postgraduate Diploma Full-time +2 On-campus

1 year$338/module

Extraction Metallurgy (Research) University of Johannesburg

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

The Department of Metallurgy from Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment at University of Johannesburg offers a MEng in Extraction Metallurgy (Research).

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

1 year$2,443/yr

Environmental Management (Coursework) University of Johannesburg

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

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

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

2 years$1,919/yr

Applied Linguistics (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 MA in Applied Linguistics (Research).

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

1 year$2,443/yr

Indigenous 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 Indigenous Law (Research).

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

$2,443/yr

Roman Law (Research) University of Johannesburg

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

The Department of Private Law from Faculty of Law at University of Johannesburg offers a LLM in Roman Law (Research).

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

$2,443/yr

Employment Relations (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 MPhil in Employment Relations (Research).

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

1 year$2,443/yr

Inclusive Education, Life and Career Orientation, Psychology of Education University of Johannesburg

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

The Department of Educational Psychology from Faculty of Education at University of Johannesburg offers a MEd in Inclusive Education, Life and Career Orientation, Psychology of Education.

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

2 years$2,443/yr

Optometry University of Johannesburg

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

The Department of Optometry from Faculty of Health Sciences at University of Johannesburg offers a Master of Philosophy in Optometry.

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

1 year$2,443/yr

Mechanical Engineering (Research) University of Johannesburg

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

The Department of Mechanical Engineering Science from Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment at University of Johannesburg offers a MPhil in Mechanical Engineering (Research).

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

1 year$2,443/yr

Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Research) University of Johannesburg

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

The Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Science from Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment at University of Johannesburg offers a MEng in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Research).

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

1 year$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.