Study in South Africa

South Africa sits at the southern tip of Africa, sharing borders with six other African nations and has coastlines along both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Since the end of Apartheid, the country has transformed into a dynamic, multi-ethnic society.

Around 39,800 international students are enrolled in South African public universities - accounting for 5.6% of all higher-education students. This means that as a student, you'll be part of a vast, intellectually stimulating community.

Outside the classroom, there's plenty to explore. You could hike Table Mountain, visit the Cape of Good Hope, go on safari in Kruger National Park, or check out the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

South Africa faces a number of socioeconomic challenges, including inequality and varying safety levels. Crime rates differ by area, so it's important to research where you'll be living and studying. Universities have safety measures for international students, such as:

• 24-hour campus patrols
• personal safety apps and mobile monitoring
• shuttle services, partnerships with ride-sharing apps, or subsidised transport.

It's a good idea to keep up with local safety updates from your university and take sensible precautions.

English is the main language of instruction, but South Africa recognises 11 official languages, including Zulu and Afrikaans. This means you'll experience a truly multicultural environment while studying.

South African universities

There are 26 public universities in South Africa, divided into three types:

• comprehensive universities - combine both academic and vocational courses
• traditional universities - focus on academic studies and research
• universities of technology - offer technical and vocational programmes.

The Department of Higher Education and Training oversees the university system, but provincial authorities can adapt programmes to local needs, so each university has its own specialities. Be sure to compare options carefully to find the best fit for your interests and goals.

According to the QS World University Rankings 2026, several South African universities continue to perform strongly, including:

• University of Cape Town (UCT) - 150th
• University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) - 291st
• Stellenbosch University - 302nd
• University of Johannesburg - 308th
• University of Pretoria - 362nd.

These institutions also feature strongly in the QS Subject Rankings 2025. For example, UCT leads Africa in medicine, development studies, and environmental sciences, while Wits ranks in the global top 150 for mining engineering and anthropology.

The academic year typically runs from early February to late November. Registration for new international students usually opens in January, though some universities offer early registration from December.

Degree courses in South Africa

South African universities offer a range of undergraduate programmes in fields like:

• development studies
• engineering
• health sciences
• social sciences.

Most Bachelor degrees take three years, with the option to add an honours year to gain advanced knowledge or research experience. English is the primary language of instruction, so if it isn't your first language, you'll need to show proof of proficiency.

Tuition fees generally range from R22,000 to R82,000 per year (£970 to £3,600), with professional degrees, such as medicine or engineering, often costing more.

Masters degrees

South African Masters programmes can be:

• coursework-based
• research-focused
• a combination of both.

Most take one to two years to complete, although purely research-based degrees may take longer.

Entry usually requires a relevant Bachelors degree, though some programmes may accept students with related academic backgrounds. Admissions teams may also consider your:

• academic performance, such as predicted grades
• a research proposal outlining your intended study or project
• letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees.

Assessment depends on the programme. Coursework-heavy degrees focus on exams and assignments, while research-focused programmes assess your thesis or dissertation.

Tuition typically ranges from R22,000 to R82,000 per year (£970 to £3,600), with additional lab or administrative fees applicable to technical or professional fields.

PhDs

Similar to those in Europe, PhD programmes in South Africa are research-intensive. You'll develop a thesis of around 80,000 to 100,000 words over three to five years under a supervisor. Most universities do not require an oral defence; instead, a panel of at least three independent examiners evaluates your dissertation.

Entry generally requires a recognised Masters degree with strong results (often a minimum of 65%). Some universities may also ask for:

• a research proposal
• evidence of prior publications
• letters of recommendation.

You may be expected to attend seminars, workshops, or conferences, and many universities encourage you to publish your research. While most PhDs are full-time, part-time options exist in some fields.

Student exchanges

If you're interested in exchanges, check if your home university has formal partnerships with South African institutions, as these often make the application process easier and allow you to pay tuition fees to your home university. Some examples from the UK include:

• Coventry University and University of Warwick with Stellenbosch University
• The University of Edinburgh with Wits.
• The University of Leeds and Birkbeck, University of London, with the University of Pretoria.

Other initiatives, like the Bambisanani Partnership, connect UK institutions with South African schools through sport, education, and volunteering. It's worth noting that some of these programmes last only a few weeks, rather than a full semester.

Several South African universities also offer short-term or semester-long exchange programmes. For example:

• University of the Western Cape - exchange students can study one or two semesters, paying a fixed package fee.
• Wits University - accepts exchange students from partner institutions, or as 'occasional students' if no agreement exists, paying standard semester fees.

You can also explore international study abroad organisations, including:

• IES Abroad - offers semester, summer or full‑year programmes in Cape Town.
• ISEP Study Abroad - has links between UK and South African universities, providing a range of courses and credit transfer arrangements.
• SIT Study Abroad - runs programmes in South Africa focused on subjects such as social justice, human rights, global relations, and development.
• The Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) - holds programmes in Cape Town, covering subjects from the arts and humanities to business and community development.
• University Study‑Abroad Consortium (USAC) - hosts study abroad options at Stellenbosch University.
• WorldStrides - arranges semester or year‑long study‑abroad programmes in Cape Town.

Course fees

South Africa's currency is the Rand (ZAR). Tuition is generally more affordable than in the UK or many Western countries, but costs vary by:

• programme
• university
• your nationality.

Students from Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries, an organisation comprising 16 member states in Southern Africa, pay the same fees as South African students, while other international students pay higher international rates and may face additional levies.

Public universities are generally cheaper than private institutions, although competitive or professional programmes - like medicine, dentistry, and engineering - are more expensive. Some universities also charge an annual administrative fee of around R3,750 (£165).

Funding to study in South Africa

Financial backing for international students is limited, though opportunities are increasing, especially for research-based scholarships. Universities offering this type of funding include:

• UCT - postgraduate merit scholarships worth R25,000 to R95,000 (£1,100 to £4,200).
• University of Pretoria - international Masters scholarships worth R30,000 to R60,000 (£1,300 to £2,600).
• Wits - covers 20 to 40% of tuition for top students.

UK students can explore funding through The Leverhulme Trust, and Commonwealth nation students may qualify for Commonwealth Scholarships.

You'll need to budget carefully for living costs, particularly in major cities, where you can expect approximate monthly expenses of:

• accommodation - R4,500 to R10,000 (£200 to £440)
• food - R2,500 to R4,000 (£110 to £175)
• study materials - R500 to R750 (£22 to £33)
• transport - R700 to R1,200(£30 to £55).

Cape Town is usually the most expensive city, followed by Johannesburg, while Pretoria and Bloemfontein are more affordable. On-campus housing is cheaper but often in high demand.

Student visas

You'll need a student visa before registering at your university. It allows you to work up to 20 hours per week during term and full-time during holidays.

Once you receive your offer, you can start the visa application process. You'll need to complete the BI-1738 form and submit the following documents to your nearest South African embassy or consulate:

• a passport valid for at least 30 days after your studies end
• a police clearance certificate issued within the past six months
• evidence of finances of at least R5,500 (£240) per month
• medical insurance that covers the full duration of your studies
• passport photos
• proof you've paid the VFS Global service fee of R1,550 (£68)
• signed accommodation confirmation
• travel details (including your planned return trip)
• your official university acceptance letter.

Processing can take six to 10 weeks, so be sure to apply early. Some consulates now offer priority processing, which takes around four weeks, for an additional fee.

For more detailed information on the process, visit the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) - eVisa FAQs.

How to apply

Most South African universities accept online applications. Deadlines are usually in October for the February intake, although dates may vary.

For Masters programmes, you must hold a relevant undergraduate degree. Some programmes are subject-specific, while others accept related academic experience.

You'll typically need:

• academic transcripts and degree certificates
• CV and personal statement
• letters of recommendation
• proof of English proficiency if required.

Application fees range from R350 to R520 (£15 to £23), and some universities charge a one-off international registration fee of R3,000 to R4,500 (£135 to £200).

Conditional offers may require proof of English proficiency or other requirements. Research-based or creative Masters courses may also ask for a proposal or portfolio.

Language requirements

Even though South Africa has 11 official languages, most programmes are taught in English. If it isn't your first language, you may need:

• IELTS - 6.5 to 7.0
• National Benchmark Test (Academic Literacy) - 65%+
• PTE Academic - 58 to 65
• Duolingo English Test - 115+
• TOEFL iBT - 79 to 95

Some universities offer pre-sessional English courses for conditional admission. In some cases, a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certificate may also be accepted, but requirements vary, so confirm with your chosen university.

Comparison to UK qualifications

UK and other foreign qualifications are assessed individually. Many universities require evaluation through the South African Qualifications Authority's (SAQA) Evaluation of Foreign Qualifications service. Fees are:

• first qualification - R2,350 (£103)
• additional qualifications - R980 (£43) each.

Processing typically takes 20 to 30 working days. However, fast-track processing, which may be available for applicants from the UK, EU, US, and Australia, can be completed in around 10 to 15 days.

Most documents can be submitted digitally, but certified copies of your passport are still required.

Find out more

• Discover what it's like to work in South Africa.