🇿🇦 Study in South Africa
Strong in science, engineering, health. Safety safe (10/100).
South Africa is one of the more affordable places to study abroad — living costs run about €400–€900 a month. Its academic strengths sit in science, engineering, health. Acceptance sits near 60%, and student visas process in around 30 days. Scholarship routes exist for eligible students.
Affordable destination
Key facts · South Africa
Monthly cost
€400–900
Acceptance rate
60%
Visa processing
~30d
Work visa
—
QS rank (best)
#150
Scholarships
Yes
Degree tuition
~€4,000/yr
Degree tuition: ~€4,000/yr (median) — range €2,500–€6,500/yr across 11 degree programmes in the Meridian dataset. International-student fees and specific programmes can differ; confirm on the university's official page.
Proof of funds (student visa): (ZAR 10,000/mo) — figure from the Meridian dataset; confirm the current amount on the official source.
Official languages: — · sources: Frankfurter/ECB (USD/EUR), UK FCDO Travel Advice (GOV.UK), ZA Immigration Authority. · How we calculate this
Figures are indicative estimates from the Meridian dataset — not official guidance. Always confirm current requirements on the official source before you decide.
Cost of living · South Africa
Rent
€320
Food
€180
Transport
€45
Other
€110
Monthly total
€655
Indicative monthly cost of living for a moderate lifestyle, ranging about €355–€1,040/mo from economic to comfortable — modeled estimates from the Meridian dataset; confirm current local prices before you budget.
Programs in South Africa
University degrees (14)
- Durban University of TechnologyThe Durban University of Technology (DUT) is a multi-campus university situated in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It was formed in 2002 following the merger of Technikon Natal and ML Sultan Technikon and it was initially known as the Durban Institute of Technology.
- Nelson Mandela UniversityNelson Mandela University, formerly Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, is a public university in South Africa. Established in 1882 as Port Elizabeth Art School it comprises the former University of Port Elizabeth, the Port Elizabeth Technikon and Vista University's Port Elizabeth campus.
- North-West UniversityThe North-West University (NWU) is a public research university located on three campuses in Potchefstroom, Mahikeng and Vanderbijlpark in South Africa.
- Rhodes UniversityRhodes University is a public research university located in Makhanda (Grahamstown) in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. It is one of four universities in the province.
- Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences UniversitySefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, formerly known as Medical University of South Africa (MEDUNSA), is a public medical university in Ga-Rankuwa, Gauteng Province, South Africa. Its current incarnation was formed on 1 January 2015.
- Stellenbosch UniversityStellenbosch University (SU) is a public research university situated in Stellenbosch, a town in the Western Cape province of South Africa. Stellenbosch University received full university status in 1918 and is known for designing and manufacturing Africa's first microsatellite, SUNSAT, launched in 1999.
Summer schools (5)
- Stellenbosch University Summer SchoolStellenbosch University Summer School is a summer English language programme in Stellenbosch, offering intensive courses, cultural activities, and optional excursions for international students.
- UCT Summer TermUCT Summer Term is a summer English language programme in Cape Town, offering intensive courses, cultural activities, and optional excursions for international students.
- Wits University Summer SchoolWits University Summer School is a summer English language programme in Johannesburg, offering intensive courses, cultural activities, and optional excursions for international students.
- Kidz Get Wild Holiday Camps Cape TownKidz Get Wild Holiday Camps Cape Town is a short-term summer camp in Cape Town, South Africa, with an official programme page available for students exploring seasonal study options.
- Sugar Bay Holiday CampSugar Bay Holiday Camp is a short-term summer camp in Zinkwazi Beach, South Africa, with an official programme page available for students exploring seasonal study options.
Boarding schools (3)
- Hilton CollegeHilton College is a boarding school option in Hilton, South Africa, with an official school page available for families exploring residential study environments.
- MichaelhouseMichaelhouse is a boarding school option in Balgowan, South Africa, with an official school page available for families exploring residential study environments.
- Michaelhouse BoardingMichaelhouse Boarding is a boarding school option in Balgowan, South Africa, with an official school page available for families exploring residential study environments.
Foundation & pathway programs (3)
- NCUK International Foundation Year Reddam HouseNCUK International Foundation Year Reddam House is a foundation pathway option in Cape Town, South Africa, with an official programme page available for students preparing for further academic study.
- Nelson Mandela University Extended Curriculum ProgrammeNelson Mandela University Extended Curriculum Programme is a foundation pathway option in Gqeberha, South Africa, with an official programme page available for students preparing for further academic study.
- University of Cape Town Extended Degree ProgrammeUniversity of Cape Town Extended Degree Programme is a foundation pathway option in Cape Town, South Africa, with an official programme page available for students preparing for further academic study.
Language schools (11)
- Alliance Francaise Pretoria Kids FrenchAlliance Francaise Pretoria offers French classes for children in age-specific groups.
- EF Education First Cape TownEF Education First in Cape Town is part of the global EF network offering general English, IELTS and Cambridge exam preparation, and English for Academic Purposes programmes for international students.
- Goethe-Institut South Africa Children and Teen GermanGoethe-Institut South Africa offers German courses for children and teenagers at its Johannesburg institute.
- UCT English Language CentreUCT English Language Centre is a language centre in Cape Town, South Africa, with an official programme page available for students exploring focused language study options.
- Alliance Francaise de JohannesburgAlliance Francaise de Johannesburg is a language programme provider in Johannesburg, South Africa, with an official programme page available for learners exploring language study options.
- EC English Cape Town
Exchange programs (5)
- Durban University of Technology Student Exchange ProgrammeSemester exchange programme for incoming students from partner universities, including nomination, application, and credit-bearing study.
- Wits Incoming Study AbroadOfficial Wits International Students Office page for incoming study abroad and exchange applicants spending a semester at the university.
- AFS South Africa IntercultureAFS South Africa Interculture is an exchange-oriented study option linked to Johannesburg, South Africa, with an official programme page available for students exploring temporary academic mobility opportunities.
- University of Cape Town Student Exchange IAPOUniversity of Cape Town Student Exchange IAPO is an exchange-oriented study option linked to Cape Town, South Africa, with an official programme page available for students exploring temporary academic mobility opportunities.
- University of the Witwatersrand Incoming Study AbroadUniversity of the Witwatersrand Incoming Study Abroad is an exchange-oriented study option linked to Johannesburg, South Africa, with an official programme page available for students exploring temporary academic mobility opportunities.
See all programs, filters and matches in the Meridian app.
Scholarships for South Africa
- DSI-NRF Postgraduate Student Funding
- Stellenbosch GEM Elite Doctoral Scholarships
- UCT Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Scholarships from the Meridian dataset — eligibility, amounts and deadlines change; always confirm on the official source. Browse all scholarships →
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