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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 Police Science, Forensic Science and Technology
The master in Police Science, Forensic Science and Technology 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.A. Part-time Online
$350/yr
University of Johannesburg4,1(219)
Johannesburg, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Chiropractic
After the successful completion of the Professional Master of Health Sciences in Chiropractic from University of Johannesburg you will be entitled to register with the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa.
Master Full-time On-campus
2 years$1,429/yr
University of Johannesburg4,1(219)
Johannesburg, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Applied Linguistics (CW)
The Applied Linguistics (CW) program is offered by University of Johannesburg.
M.A. Full-time +2 On-campus
1 year$2,858/yr
University of South Africa (UNISA)4,1(402)
Online Top 5% in Worldwide Jurisprudence
The master in Jurisprudence 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 Pretoria4,2(327)
Pretoria, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Ophthalmology
Ophthalmology from University of Pretoria aims to maintain health standards through quality education, research and community service.
Master Full-time On-campus
$2,842/yr
Cape Peninsula University of Technology4,0(75)
Cape Town, South Africa Energy
Energy from Cape Peninsula University of Technology equips students with the necessary knowledge and skills to conduct independent research in electrical engineering.
M.Eng. Full-time +2 On-campus
1 year$211/module
University of Pretoria4,2(327)
Pretoria, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Mathematics of Finance
At Mathematics of Finance 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
Central University of Technology, Free State4,5(15)
Bloemfontein, South Africa Construction
The Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology is comprised of six departments, namely the Department of Built Environment, Department of Civil Engineering. The Construction programme is offered at Central University of Technology, Free State.
Master Full-time +2 On-campus
1 year$312/yr
Cape Peninsula University of Technology4,0(75)
Cape Town, South Africa ICT
The Master of ICT at Cape Peninsula University of Technology is designed for those seeking advanced knowledge in Information and Communication Technology. This full-time or part-time programme equips students with essential skills over a duration tailored to their needs, culminating in a comprehensive understanding of ICT principles.
Master Full-time +2 On-campus
1 year$211/module
University of Pretoria4,2(327)
Pretoria, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Biochemistry
At Biochemistry 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 Quantitative Management
The objective of the master in Quantitative Management of College of Economic and Management Sciences at University of South Africa (UNISA) is to provide relevant and functional qualifications of a high standard, quality tuition and a professional caring and valued customer service to all its stakeholders.
M.A. Part-time Online
$350/yr
University of Pretoria4,2(327)
Pretoria, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Applied Science - Mechanics
Applied Science - Mechanics from University of Pretoria aims to be internationally competitive while also locally relevant. Advisory boards at both faculty and departmental level promote alignment and excellence in our teaching and research activities.
M.Sc. Full-time On-campus
1 year$2,842/yr
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg4,1(152)
Johannesburg, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Governance (Public Policy)
Examine approaches to Public Policy and conduct your own research with the Governance (Public Policy) programme offered at University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.
Master Part-time On-campus
2 years$2,666/yr
University of Pretoria4,2(327)
Pretoria, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Human Genetics
Human Genetics from University of Pretoria aims to maintain health standards through quality education, research and community service.
M.Sc. Full-time On-campus
1 year$2,842/yr
University of Pretoria4,2(327)
Pretoria, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Clinical Fields of Study
Clinical Fields of Study from University of Pretoria aims to maintain health standards through quality education, research and community service.
Master Full-time On-campus
2 years$2,842/yr
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg4,1(152)
Johannesburg, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Commerce
The Master of Commerce by research offered at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg is a supervised dissertation on an approved topic within the areas of Management, Human Resource Management, Marketing, Insurance and Risk Management, and Industrial Organisation.
Master Full-time +2 On-campus
1 year$1,917/yr
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg4,1(152)
Johannesburg, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Film and Television
The Film and Television programme offered at University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg aims to stimulate learning at a postgraduate level through the application of theory with practice.
M.A. Full-time +2 On-campus
1 year$1,876/yr
University of South Africa (UNISA)4,1(402)
Online Top 5% in Worldwide Nature Conservation
This department has a number of core focus areas: environmental management and environmental science, nature conservation and horticulture and landscaping. You can learn more with this master in Nature Conservation at University of South Africa (UNISA).
M.Sc. Part-time Online
$350/yr
University of Pretoria4,2(327)
Pretoria, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Orthodontics
Orthodontics 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 South Africa (UNISA)4,1(402)
Online Top 5% in Worldwide Forensic Science and Technology
The master in Forensic Science and Technology 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.A. Part-time Online
$350/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.