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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 Johannesburg4,1(219)
Johannesburg, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Mechanical Engineering
The purpose of the Mechanical Engineering program at University of Johannesburg is to develop an engineer with advanced abilities in applying fundamental engineering sciences and/design and synthesis and related principles to specific problems of society at large.
M.Eng. Full-time +2 On-campus
1 year$2,858/yr
Rhodes University4,2(28)
Grahamstown, South Africa Top 6% in Worldwide Music
Situated within the attractive garden campus of St Peter’s Chapel at Rhodes University, the Music program of Rhodes University is offered at the Department of Music and Musicology, located in the Beethoven House in Somerset Street, Makhanda (Grahamstown).
M.Mus. Full-time On-campus
2 years$1,840/yr
University of South Africa (UNISA)4,1(402)
Online Top 5% in Worldwide Chemistry Education
The vision of the master in Chemistry 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 South Africa (UNISA)4,1(402)
Online Top 5% in Worldwide Family Law
The master in Family 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 Pretoria4,2(327)
Pretoria, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Chemistry
At Chemistry 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 Pretoria4,2(327)
Pretoria, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Family Medicine
Family Medicine 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 Johannesburg4,1(219)
Johannesburg, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Finance
The purpose of this Master in Finance qualification from University of Johannesburg is to develop applied competence in the mastering, interpretation, reflecting on and application of principles in the broader field of finance.
Master Full-time On-campus
2 years$1,429/yr
Rhodes University4,2(28)
Grahamstown, South Africa Top 6% in Worldwide Teaching and Learning
Teaching and Learning 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 South Africa (UNISA)4,1(402)
Online Top 5% in Worldwide Urban Ministry
The master of Urban Ministry 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 South Africa (UNISA)4,1(402)
Online Top 5% in Worldwide Insurance Law
The master in Insurance 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
Rhodes University4,2(28)
Grahamstown, South Africa Top 6% in Worldwide Economics
The aim of the Economics 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
University of South Africa (UNISA)4,1(402)
Online Top 5% in Worldwide Accounting Sciences (Financial Intelligence)
The master of Accounting Sciences (Financial Intelligence) at University of South Africa (UNISA) is a principal branch of the College’s SAICA-endorsed CTA programme. It incorporates the disciplines of Financial Accounting and Auditing – divisions of learning that assist the various systems of management and report on progress, hence the term ‘financial governance’.
M.Phil. Part-time Online
$350/yr
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg4,1(152)
Johannesburg, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Occupational Therapy
The MSc in Occupational Therapy by coursework at University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg and research report is offered in the fields of Neurological Disorders, Perceptual Disorders and Psychiatric Disorders.
M.Sc. Part-time On-campus
2 years$1,854/yr
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg4,1(152)
Johannesburg, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide e-Science
The MA in e-Science at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, is a comprehensive programme designed to equip students with statistical methods for data-driven research in the Humanities. This full-time course spans 18 to 24 months, offering a robust curriculum that prepares graduates for the evolving landscape of Data Science.
M.A. Full-time On-campus
1½ year$2,321/yr
University of Pretoria4,2(327)
Pretoria, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Financial Engineering
At Financial Engineering 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 Johannesburg4,1(219)
Johannesburg, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Professional Nursing Science (Ethos and Professional Practice)
The Master of Nursing Science in Professional Nursing Science (Ethos and Professional Practice) from University of Johannesburg serves as a basis for advanced learning.
Master Full-time +2 On-campus
1 year$2,858/yr
University of Johannesburg4,1(219)
Johannesburg, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Industrial Sociology (CW)
The Industrial Sociology (CW) program at University of Johannesburg is offered by the Department of Sociology, as part of the Faculty of Humanities. Selection in the program is based on academic credit.
M.A. Full-time +2 On-campus
1 year$2,858/yr
Nelson Mandela University4,4(75)
Port Elizabeth, South Africa Top 8% in Worldwide Business Administration
Our MBA in Business Administration at Nelson Mandela University is for self-motivated professionals and requires energy, creativity, honest self-reflection, self-awareness and self-discipline.
M.B.A. Full-time +2 On-campus
2 years$2,932/yr
University of Pretoria4,2(327)
Pretoria, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Practical Theology
This Practical Theology programme from University of Pretoria offers the student with a four-year BDiv, a BThHons or equivalent qualification, the opportunity of theological specialisation and research at master’s level.
Master Full-time On-campus
1 year$2,842/yr
University of Pretoria4,2(327)
Pretoria, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Quantity Surveying
Quantity Surveying 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.Sc. Full-time On-campus
1 year$2,842/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.