List of Cheapest Universities in South Africa for International Students

For international students who wish to pursue their study in South Africa, we have compiled a complete list of low tuition universities in South Africa for International students.

When it comes to education, Africa was not well known by international students as a good study abroad destination. But in the recent world universities’ ranking, many African universities have been featured. Most of the African universities that made the rankings are in South Africa.

This makes South Africa one of the leading countries in Africa by education. In this article, we are going to see the cheapest universities and colleges in South Africa and the average fees for international students.

Tuition Fees for International Students in South Africa

Tuition fees for international students in South Africa are quite cheap and affordable when compared to other study abroad destinations. South African universities offer standard education with low tuition fees. International students can pay between $2,500 – $4,500 for undergraduate programs and $2,700 – $3,000 for postgraduate studies per academic year.

List of Low Tuition Universities in South Africa for International Students

Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University

The Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University is one of the best and cheapest universities for international students. The tuition fees vary depending on the program and level of study. First-year international students will pay R19,000 ($1418) as tuition fee, then R15,000 ($1119) for subsequent years.

On average, international students pay between R3,000 ($224) to R47,000 ($3507) for undergraduate programmes. Also, the university charges R500 as application fee.

University of Cape Town

The University of Cape Coast (UCT) is one of the best universities in Africa. International students may be required to pay R90,000 ($6716) and R60,000 ($4478) for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes respectively.

For Ph.D. applicants, you will need to pay the full Master’s Degree Fee plus  R3,750 ($279). Also, international students are expected to pay the residence fee R28,000 ($2089). This figures may change depending on the university policies.

University of Fort Hare

International students who want to study at the University of Fort Hare will have to pay between R26,000 ($1940) and 45,000 ($3358) as tuition fee for undergraduate programmes.

International students will also need to pay an application fee of R425 ($32) and the repatriation fee – R500 ($37).

What’s more, you will also need to pay the residence fees which are in the range of R14,500 ($1082) and R25,000 ($1865).

North-West University

International students who want to study in the Nort-west University will have to pay between R31,000 ($2313) to R47,000 ($3507) for undergraduate programmes.

You will also need to pay an application fee of R150 ($11) and application placement fee of R500 ($37).

Rhodes University

This is one of the oldest university in Africa. Tuition fees for international students range from R29,200 ($2174) to R50,700 ($3.775) for undergraduate programmes.

What’s more, students are also expected to pay a registration fee of R4,400 ($328) and residence fee which range from R51,900 ($3864) to R54,500 ($4058).

Stellenbosch University

This is one of the cheapest universities in South Africa. International students will have to pay between  R41 558 ($2976) to R59 167 ($4237) as tuition fees. Students applying for medicine-related courses will pay R 65 736 ($4707) as tuition fees.

Furthermore, international students are expected to pay R100 ($7) as admission application fee. Residence fee ranges between R38 610 ($2765) to R46 970 ($3363).