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610 Affordable Master's degrees in South Africa
When considering an affordable master's degree, it's essential to understand what qualifies as 'affordable'. In our system, any master’s programme with tuition fees ranging from 0 to 2,500 euros per year is considered affordable. This range makes it accessible for many international students who are budget-conscious. In South Africa, affordable master's programmes can start from €0, meaning some universities offer tuition-free options. This makes South Africa an appealing destination for students searching for budget-friendly master's programmes. With a variety of cheap master's in South Africa available, international students can find quality education without breaking the bank. Whether you're looking for a cheap master degree in South Africa or an affordable master's degree in South Africa for international students, there are numerous options to explore. To get started, check out the top universities in South Africa offering affordable programmes.
University of South Africa (UNISA)4,1(402)
Online Top 5% in Worldwide Sociolinguistics
The master of Sociolinguistics at University of South Africa (UNISA) offers high-quality general academic and career-focused distance education tuition in the arts, humanities, social sciences, religion and theology.
M.A. Part-time Online
$350/yr
Cape Peninsula University of Technology4,0(75)
Cape Town, South Africa Engineering Management
Cape Peninsula University of Technology offers you the chance to study Engineering Management at the Faculty of Engineering and the Build Environment.
M.Eng. Full-time +2 On-campus
1 year$211/module
Central University of Technology, Free State4,5(15)
Bloemfontein, South Africa Entrepreneurial Management
The Entrepreneurial Management programme from Central University of Technology, Free State will allow students to study a unique, locally relevant, but prestigious and internationally applicable management qualification.
Postgraduate Diploma Part-time On-campus
2 years$433/yr
University of Pretoria4,2(327)
Pretoria, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Radiation Oncology
Radiation Oncology from University of Pretoria aims to maintain health standards through quality education, research and community service.
M.Sc. Full-time On-campus
4 years$2,842/yr
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg4,1(152)
Johannesburg, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Medical Genetics
The Master of Medicine in the field of Medical Genetics offered at University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg is a four year, full time degree.
Master Full-time On-campus
4 years$593/yr
University of Pretoria4,2(327)
Pretoria, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Rural Development
At Rural Development from University of Pretoria we strive to continuously improve our high impact research and significantly address the national shortage of PhD graduates that respond to global and local challenges.
Master Full-time On-campus
2 years$2,842/yr
University of South Africa (UNISA)4,1(402)
Online Top 5% in Worldwide English Studies
The master of English Studies at University of South Africa (UNISA) offers high-quality general academic and career-focused distance education tuition in the arts, humanities, social sciences, religion and theology.
M.A. Part-time Online
$350/yr
University of Pretoria4,2(327)
Pretoria, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Medicinal Plant Science
At Medicinal Plant Science from University of Pretoria we strive to continuously improve our high impact research and significantly address the national shortage of PhD graduates that respond to global and local challenges.
M.Sc. Full-time On-campus
1 year$2,842/yr
University of South Africa (UNISA)4,1(402)
Online Top 5% in Worldwide Computing Education
The vision of the master in Computing Education at University of South Africa (UNISA) is to “develop world class, futuristic, African science, engineering and technology leaders, who aspire to extend the frontiers of innovation”.
M.Sc. Part-time Online
$350/yr
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg4,1(152)
Johannesburg, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Digital Arts
The Digital Arts MA programme from University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg offers only a Masters by Dissertation (research) or Masters by Dissertation and Creative Work. Enrollment can start in the beginning (February) or the middle (July) of an academic year.
M.A. Full-time +2 On-campus
1 year$1,996/yr
University of South Africa (UNISA)4,1(402)
Online Top 5% in Worldwide Psychology of Education
The master in Psychology of Education at University of South Africa (UNISA) is committed to reaching out to all of humanity by providing scholarship, service, learning and continuous professional development opportunities to aspirant and serving educators, managers and policy makers, and other practitioners in education at home and abroad.
M.Ed. Part-time Online
$350/yr
University of South Africa (UNISA)4,1(402)
Online Top 5% in Worldwide Security Management
The master in Security Management at University of South Africa (UNISA) provides comprehensive open distance learning in a socially responsible and distinctive manner that produces excellent scholarship and research, provides quality tuition and fosters active community engagement.
M.Sc. Part-time Online
$350/yr
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg4,1(152)
Johannesburg, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Health Science Education
The Masters in Health Science Education at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg is suitable for health practitioners who aspire to leadership in the scholarship of university-level health science education.
Master Part-time On-campus
2 years$2,845/yr
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg4,1(152)
Johannesburg, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Public Health
The Master of Public Health from the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg is offered in the fields of Health Economics, Health Systems and Policy, Maternal and Child Health, Rural Health, Social and Behaviour Change Communication and Exposure and Health.
M.P.H. Part-time On-campus
2 years$2,237/yr
University of Pretoria4,2(327)
Pretoria, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Medical Microbiology
Medical Microbiology from University of Pretoria aims to maintain health standards through quality education, research and community service.
Master Full-time On-campus
5 years$2,842/yr
University of Pretoria4,2(327)
Pretoria, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Urology
Urology from University of Pretoria aims to maintain health standards through quality education, research and community service.
Master Full-time On-campus
5 years$2,842/yr
University of Pretoria4,2(327)
Pretoria, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Medical Virology
Medical Virology from University of Pretoria aims to maintain health standards through quality education, research and community service.
Master Full-time On-campus
4 years$2,842/yr
University of Pretoria4,2(327)
Pretoria, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Geotechnical Engineering
Geotechnical Engineering from University of Pretoria focuses on research to drive innovative and enquiry-led teaching for educating and positioning our students to be leaders in their professions.
M.Eng. Full-time On-campus
1 year$2,842/yr
Rhodes University4,2(28)
Grahamstown, South Africa Top 6% in Worldwide Clinical Psychology
The Clinical Psychology program at Rhodes University is a professional training programme that provides the foundation that will lead to registration as a Clinical Psychologist with the Professional Board for Psychology of the Health Professions Council of South Africa.
M.A. Full-time On-campus
1 year$2,097/yr
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg4,1(152)
Johannesburg, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Health Systems and Policy
The Master of Public Health in the field of Health Systems and Policy from University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg is a part-time programme.
M.P.H. Part-time On-campus
3 years$1,491/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.