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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 Quality Engineering
The purpose of the Quality Engineering program at University of Johannesburg is to develop a postgraduate student by offering the student the opportunity to show evidence of independent and exploratory research within the field of Operations Management.
M.Phil. Full-time +2 On-campus
1 year$2,858/yr
Durban University of Technology3,9(148)
Durban, South Africa Electrical Engineering
The Electrical Engineering program at Durban University of Technology is a research-based degree, which enables the candidate to develop an advanced capability to conduct fundamental engineering research independently; as well as an advanced ability to apply fundamental scientific principles and engineering concepts to design, synthesize and solve specific problems of society at large.
M.Eng. Full-time +2 On-campus
2 years$305/yr
University of South Africa (UNISA)4,1(402)
Online Top 5% in Worldwide Corporate Law
The master in Corporate 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 Applied Science - Chemical Technology
Applied Science - Chemical Technology 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
University of South Africa (UNISA)4,1(402)
Online Top 5% in Worldwide Human Rights Law
The master in Human Rights 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 Mathematics Education
The master in Mathematics 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.A. Part-time Online
$350/yr
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg4,1(152)
Johannesburg, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Mathematical Statistics
This Mathematical Statistics MSc programme from University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg offers students who have excelled in their undergraduate and honours studies an opportunity for advanced study in Mathematical Statistics.
M.Sc. Full-time +2 On-campus
1 year$2,673/yr
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg4,1(152)
Johannesburg, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Interdisciplinary Global Change Studies
The Masters of Science by coursework and research report in Interdisciplinary Global Change Studies (MSc) from University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg aims to enhance capacity for multi-, inter- and transdisciplinary research in the area of global and climate change.
M.Sc. Full-time On-campus
1 year$2,673/yr
University of Pretoria4,2(327)
Pretoria, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Extension
At Extension 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 Johannesburg4,1(219)
Johannesburg, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Community Development (CW)
The Faculty of Humanities is offering a Master of Arts in Community Development (CW) at 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 Human Resource Management
The objective of the master in Human Resource 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 Library Science
Library Science 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.
Master Full-time On-campus
1 year$2,842/yr
University of Johannesburg4,1(219)
Johannesburg, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Competition and Economic Regulation (CW)
The purpose of the Competition and Economic Regulation (CW) program at University of Johannesburg is to equip students with the specialist knowledge and skills required to undertake rigorous economic analysis in competition and regulatory matters, contributing to the sub-field of applied economics.
Master Full-time +2 On-campus
1 year$2,858/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
Cape Peninsula University of Technology4,0(75)
Cape Town, South Africa Quality
Quality from Cape Peninsula University of Technology equips students with the necessary knowledge and skills to conduct independent research in quality implementation, maintenance and improvement, and to contribute 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
University of South Africa (UNISA)4,1(402)
Online Top 5% in Worldwide Public Health
The master of Public Health 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 Cape Town4,1(160)
Cape Town, South Africa Top 1% in Worldwide Computational Science
Join the Computational Science programme at the University of Cape Town and learn how to use computational science to do research in chemistry, chemical biology, biophysics and chemical physics.
M.Sc. Full-time Blended
2 years$2,599/yr
University of Pretoria4,2(327)
Pretoria, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Food Management
At Food 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 Cape Town4,1(160)
Cape Town, South Africa Top 1% in Worldwide Theatre and Performance
The Theatre and Performance programme at the University of Cape Town focuses on the activity of creating theatre pieces in a South African tradition of collective theatre making.
M.A. Full-time On-campus
2 years$2,293/yr
University of South Africa (UNISA)4,1(402)
Online Top 5% in Worldwide Philosophy in Accounting Sciences (Taxation)
The master of Philosophy in Accounting Sciences (Taxation) signals University of South Africa (UNISA)'s commitment to contribute towards the advancement and transformation of the accounting profession in South Africa and to support positive growth and development of the financial and economic sectors.
M.Sc. 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.