610 Affordable Master's degrees in South Africa | Mastersportal
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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.

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University of South Africa (UNISA)4,1(402)
Online Top 5% in Worldwide

Inclusive Education

The master in Inclusive 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
Cape Peninsula University of Technology4,0(75)
Cape Town, South Africa

Chemical Engineering

Graduates in the Chemical Engineering programme at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology develop the knowledge and skills required to conduct independent research in chemical engineering and environmental problems, and to contribute significantly to knowledge production through the understanding, application and evaluation of existing and new knowledge.

M.Eng. Full-time +2 On-campus
1 year$211/module
Rhodes University4,2(28)
Grahamstown, South Africa Top 6% in Worldwide

Environmental Science

The aim of the Environmental Science 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 Pretoria4,2(327)
Pretoria, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide

Sports Medicine (Coursework)

Sports Medicine (Coursework) 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 South Africa (UNISA)4,1(402)
Online Top 5% in Worldwide

Philosophy of Education

The master in Philosophy 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

Art History

The master of Art History 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 the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg4,1(152)
Johannesburg, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide

Contemporary Curatorial Practice (Research)

The Contemporary Curatorial Practice (Research) is offered at University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg full-time over one year or part-time over two years.  

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

Biblical Archaeology

The master of Biblical Archaeology 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
Rhodes University4,2(28)
Grahamstown, South Africa Top 6% in Worldwide

Zoology and Entomology

The aim of the Zoology and Entomology 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 Johannesburg4,1(219)
Johannesburg, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide

Leadership Coaching (CW)

The Master in Leadership Coaching (CW) at University of Johannesburg will further provide a personal development experience in becoming a competent and professional leadership coach meeting ethical guidelines and professional standards.

M.Phil. Full-time +2 On-campus
2 years$1,429/yr
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg4,1(152)
Johannesburg, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide

Education

The Master of Education by dissertation or by coursework and research report offered at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg  is a 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time degree.

M.Ed. Full-time +2 On-campus
1 year$2,469/yr
University of Pretoria4,2(327)
Pretoria, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide

Chemical Pathology

Chemical 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 South Africa (UNISA)4,1(402)
Online Top 5% in Worldwide

Visual Arts

At the University of South Africa (UNISA) we offer our students a master degree programme in Visual Arts. 

Master Part-time Online
$350/yr
University of Cape Town4,1(160)
Cape Town, South Africa Top 1% in Worldwide

Biomedical Engineering

The Biomedical Engineering programme at the University of Cape Town is offered by the Division of Biomedical Engineering.

M.Sc. Full-time On-campus
2 years$2,596/yr
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg4,1(152)
Johannesburg, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide

Urban Design

This Urban Design MEng from University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg is an interdisciplinary studio-based think tank engaged with design visions, strategies and solutions for cities and towns, focussed on learning lessons from the globalising cities of the South. 

M.Eng. Full-time +2 On-campus
2 years$2,628/yr
Central University of Technology, Free State4,5(15)
Bloemfontein, South Africa +1

Marketing

All the departments within the Faculty have extensive laboratory and computer facilities, and are well equipped to support a practical, project-oriented approach to learning. The Marketing programme is offered at Central University of Technology, Free State. 

Postgraduate Diploma Full-time +2 On-campus
1 year$482/yr
Central University of Technology, Free State4,5(15)
Bloemfontein, South Africa +1

Agriculture

The main purpose of this Agriculture programme from Central University of Technology, Free State  is to develop research competence in students so that they can make a significant academic contribution in their disciplines or fields

Master Full-time +2 On-campus
2 years$2,750/yr
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg4,1(152)
Johannesburg, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide

Social and Behaviour Change Communication

The Social and Behaviour Change Communication offered at University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg is a 2 year full-time degree or a 4 year part-time degree. 

M.P.H. Full-time +2 On-campus
2 years$2,237/yr
Cape Peninsula University of Technology4,0(75)
Cape Town, South Africa

Sport Management

Sport Management from Cape Peninsula University of Technology aims to provide academic excellence; operating at the cutting edge of our disciplines; creating and disseminating knowledge through high level research.  

Master Full-time +2 On-campus
1 year$211/module
Rhodes University4,2(28)
Grahamstown, South Africa Top 6% in Worldwide

Biotechnology

At a fundamental level, the Biotechnology program of Rhodes University studies a discipline that incorporates the analysis of both the functional and structural roles of macromolecules with the study of how these compounds interact to influence cell biology or the external environment.

Master Full-time On-campus
1 year$2,097/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.

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