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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 Pretoria4,2(327)
Pretoria, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Otorhinolaryngology
Otorhinolaryngology 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 Private Law
The master in Private 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 Nursing Education
Nursing Education 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 International Politics
The master of International Politics 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
Central University of Technology, Free State4,5(15)
Bloemfontein, South Africa +1Project Management
Project management is a scarce skill in South Africa and the demand for project management competencies is growing daily. The Project Management programme from Central University of Technology, Free State is designed to satisfy these needs.
Postgraduate Diploma Full-time +2 On-campus
1 year$603/yr
University of Johannesburg4,1(219)
Johannesburg, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Greek (CW)
The Faculty of Humanities is offering a Master of Arts in Greek (CW) at University of Johannesburg. In the short dissertation, students have the option of concentrating on Classical Greek, Hellenistic Greek (New Testament and Church Fathers), Byzantine Greek or Modern Greek.
M.A. Full-time +2 On-campus
1 year$2,858/yr
University of Pretoria4,2(327)
Pretoria, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Clinical Fields of Study (Coursework)
Clinical Fields of Study (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 Cape Town4,1(160)
Cape Town, South Africa Top 1% in Worldwide Conservation of the Built Environment
This exciting inter-disciplinary programme from University of Cape Town aims to equip graduates with a strong intellectual foundation in the field of Conservation of the Built Environment conservation, and the necessary professional skills to engage in heritage practice and heritage resource management.
M.Phil. Part-time On-campus
2 years$2,895/yr
University of Johannesburg4,1(219)
Johannesburg, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Clinical Psychology (CW)
The Faculty of Humanities is offering a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology (CW) at University of Johannesburg.
Master Full-time On-campus
2 years$1,429/yr
University of South Africa (UNISA)4,1(402)
Online Top 5% in Worldwide Nursing Science
We offer our students a Master of Arts in Nursing Science programme at the University of South Africa (UNISA).
M.A. Part-time Online
$350/yr
Rhodes University4,2(28)
Grahamstown, South Africa Top 6% in Worldwide Mathematics
The aim of the Mathematics 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 Paediatric Surgery
Paediatric Surgery 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 the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg4,1(152)
Johannesburg, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Economic Geology
The MSc by coursework and research report in the field of Economic Geology offered at University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg is is a 1 year full-time or 2 year part-time degree designed for geoscientists who want to upgrade their skills in economic geology and mineral exploration.
M.Sc. Full-time +2 On-campus
1 year$2,673/yr
University of Pretoria4,2(327)
Pretoria, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Transportation Engineering
Transportation 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 French Studies
French 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 Cape Town4,1(160)
Cape Town, South Africa Top 1% in Worldwide Physiotherapy
The Physiotherapy progamme at the University of Cape Town is offered by dissertation only and should take two to three years to complete. Current areas of research include paediatric neurology, neuromusculoskeletal and sports physiotherapy, orthopaedic physiotherapy, disability prevention, health promotion, and physiotherapy education.
M.Sc. Full-time +2 On-campus
1 year$2,499/yr
Cape Peninsula University of Technology4,0(75)
Cape Town, South Africa Radiography
Radiography from Cape Peninsula University of Technology is intended to further develop researchers who will make a contribution, through independent research in a chosen field. The research problem, its justification, process and outcome are reported in a dissertation that complies with the generally accepted norms for research at this level.
M.Sc. Full-time +2 On-campus
1 year$211/module
University of Pretoria4,2(327)
Pretoria, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Entomology
At Entomology 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 Public Management
We offer practice-and career-orientated training in which we focus on promotion and enhancement, accountability, effective service delivery. The Public Management programme is offered at Central University of Technology, Free State.
Postgraduate Diploma Full-time +2 On-campus
1 year$133/yr
University of Johannesburg4,1(219)
Johannesburg, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Banking Law
The Master in Banking Law at University of Johannesburg is designed to provide students with specialist knowledge in aspects of the law that are highly relevant to the banking sector.
LL.M. Full-time +2 On-campus
2 years$1,429/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.