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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.
Rhodes University4,2(28)
Grahamstown, South Africa Top 6% in Worldwide Chinese Studies
Chinese Studies is the study of ancient cultures; their art, literature, thought and history. The focus of Classics is the ancient Mediterranean – Greece, Rome, Egypt and the Near East – but our courses also include modules on ancient Africa, India and China. The Classics program of Rhodes University is designed to stimulate, inform, and encourage reflection.
Master Full-time On-campus
1 year$2,097/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.
M.Sc. Full-time On-campus
1 year$2,842/yr
University of South Africa (UNISA)4,1(402)
Online Top 5% in Worldwide Intellectual Property Law
The master in Intellectual Property Law 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.
LL.M. Part-time Online
$350/yr
University of South Africa (UNISA)4,1(402)
Online Top 5% in Worldwide Business Management
The objective of the master in Business 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 the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg4,1(152)
Johannesburg, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Media Studies
Develop your critical thinking ability and research skills with the Media Studies programme offered at University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.
M.A. Full-time +2 On-campus
1 year$1,876/yr
University of the Western Cape4,1(90)
Cape Town, South Africa Top 4% in Worldwide Corporate Law
At Corporate Law from the University of the Western Cape, its strong teaching and applied research focus is building critical capacity in both the private and public sectors.
LL.M. Full-time On-campus
4 years$1,739/yr
University of Johannesburg4,1(219)
Johannesburg, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Human Anatomy
The primary purpose of the Human Anatomy program at University of Johannesburg is to provide qualifying students with the ability to perform independent scientific research and contribute to the knowledge of and in Human Anatomy through the specific discipline of research.
Master Full-time +2 On-campus
1 year$2,858/yr
University of Pretoria4,2(327)
Pretoria, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Community Dentistry
Community Dentistry from University of Pretoria aims to to maintain health standards through quality education, research and community service.
Master Full-time On-campus
4 years$2,842/yr
University of the Western Cape4,1(90)
Cape Town, South Africa Top 4% in Worldwide Dental Surgery in Prosthodontics
At Dental Surgery in Prosthodontics from the University of the Western Cape, you'll use the knowledge and research to impact society.
Master Full-time On-campus
4 years$1,739/yr
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg4,1(152)
Johannesburg, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Bioethics and Health Law
The Master of Science in Medicine by coursework and research report in the field of Bioethics and Health Law is a 2 year part-time degree. The course is offered at University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg and it aims to develop capacity and excellence in the ethical and legal analysis of issues arising in health care and research.
M.Sc. Part-time On-campus
2 years$1,819/yr
University of Pretoria4,2(327)
Pretoria, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Clothing Management
At Clothing Management 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 Pretoria4,2(327)
Pretoria, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Anatomical Pathology
Anatomical Pathology 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 Animal Science - Animal Breeding and Genetics
At Animal Science - Animal Breeding and Genetics 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
Rhodes University4,2(28)
Grahamstown, South Africa Top 6% in Worldwide Statistics
The aim of the Statistics program of Rhodes University is to help students develop appropriate mathematical tools necessary to represent and interpret information quantitatively. It also aims to develop certain skills and meaningful ways of thinking, reasoning and arguing with quantitative ideas in order to solve problems in any given context.
Master Full-time On-campus
1 year$2,097/yr
Durban University of Technology3,9(148)
Durban, South Africa Business Administration
The aim of the Business Administration program at Durban University of Technology is to prepare students with the knowledge, attitudes, insight and skills required for middle and senior management positions within both the private and the public sectors.
M.B.A. Part-time On-campus
2 years$305/yr
University of South Africa (UNISA)4,1(402)
Online Top 5% in Worldwide Theology in Practical Theology
The master of Theology in Practical Theology 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.
Master Part-time Online
$350/yr
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg4,1(152)
Johannesburg, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Molecular and Cell Biology
The MSc by dissertation in Molecular and Cell Biology from the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg is offered in the School of Molecular & Cell Biology, with focus areas including Applied Bioinformatics, Biochemistry & Cell Biology, Genetics & Developmental Biology, and Microbiology & Biotechnology.
M.Sc. Full-time +2 On-campus
1 year$1,738/yr
University of South Africa (UNISA)4,1(402)
Online Top 5% in Worldwide Public Administration
The objective of the master in Public Administration 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 Johannesburg4,1(219)
Johannesburg, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Corporate Law
The Faculty of Law is offering a Master in Corporate Law at University of Johannesburg.An LLM in Corporate Law provides the ideal foundation for specialising in this popular focus area. UJ is unique in offering four dedicated corporate law modules.
LL.M. Full-time +2 On-campus
2 years$1,429/yr
Cape Peninsula University of Technology4,0(75)
Cape Town, South Africa Electrical Engineering - Smart Grid
Electrical Engineering - Smart Grid from Cape Peninsula University of Technology aims to emerge as a major driver of socio-economic change in the region.
M.Eng. Full-time +2 On-campus
1 year$211/module
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.