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 the Western Cape4,1(90)
Cape Town, South Africa Top 4% in Worldwide

Dental Surgery in Community Dentistry

At Dental Surgery in Community Dentistry from the University of the Western Cape, you'll use the knowledge and research to impact society.

Master Full-time On-campus
4 years$1,717/yr
Cape Peninsula University of Technology4,0(75)
Cape Town, South Africa

Public Administration

The public sector is committed to professionalism and good governance at senior management level, to achieve the high standards required for effective service delivery. This master degree in Public Administration is offered at Cape Peninsula University of Technology.

M.P.A. Full-time +2 On-campus
1 year$208/module
University of South Africa (UNISA)4,1(402)
Online Top 5% in Worldwide

Statistics Education

The vision of the master in Statistics 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
$345/yr
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg4,1(152)
Johannesburg, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide

Wits Journalism

Wits Journalism from University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg offers several study programmes for aspirant and working journalists. 

M.A. Full-time +2 On-campus
1 year$2,383/yr
University of Johannesburg4,1(219)
Johannesburg, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide

Educational Psychology

The Faculty of Education offers its Master of Education in Educational Psychology at University of Johannesburg.

M.Ed. Full-time On-campus
2 years$1,411/yr
University of Pretoria4,2(327)
Pretoria, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide

Zoology

At Zoology from University of Pretoria 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$2,806/yr
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg4,1(152)
Johannesburg, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide

Social and Behaviour Change Communication

The Master of Public Health in the field of Social and Behaviour Change Communication 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$2,209/yr
University of Johannesburg4,1(219)
Johannesburg, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide

Development Economics (CW)

The purpose of the Development Economics (CW) program at University of Johannesburg is to develop the applied competence of the student on an advanced level in the mastering, analysis, interpretation and understanding of developmental economic principles and methods.

Master Full-time +2 On-campus
1 year$2,822/yr
University of South Africa (UNISA)4,1(402)
Online Top 5% in Worldwide

Politics

At the University of South Africa (UNISA) we offer our students a Master of Arts in Politics programme.

M.A. Part-time Online
$345/yr
University of South Africa (UNISA)4,1(402)
Online Top 5% in Worldwide

Philosophy in Gender Studies

The master of Philosophy in Gender Studies 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
$345/yr
University of Pretoria4,2(327)
Pretoria, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide

Pharmacology

Pharmacology from University of Pretoria aims to maintain health standards through quality education, research and community service.  

M.Sc. Full-time On-campus
1 year$2,806/yr
University of Johannesburg4,1(219)
Johannesburg, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide

Sustainable Mining (CW)

 The purpose of this Master in Sustainable Mining (CW) from University of Johannesburg is to provide a programme to all persons involved within the mining value chain, from exploration to rehabilitation, to develop research and innovative practices to develop sustainable mining practices within the African continent.

Master Full-time +2 On-campus
1 year$2,822/yr
University of Pretoria4,2(327)
Pretoria, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide

Plant Pathology

At Plant Pathology 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$2,806/yr
University of South Africa (UNISA)4,1(402)
Online Top 5% in Worldwide

Mercantile Law

We offer our students at the University of South Africa (UNISA) a Master of Law in Mercantile Law programme. 

LL.M. Part-time Online
$345/yr
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg4,1(152)
Johannesburg, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide

Geography and Environmental Studies

The School is interested in attracting students from all over the world who will be able to participate in research work in a country that is undergoing rapid transformation and change. Geography and Environmental Studies is offered at University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.

M.Sc. Full-time +2 On-campus
1 year$2,639/yr
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg4,1(152)
Johannesburg, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide

Medical Physics

The Medical Physics MSc programme from University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg by coursework and research report in the field of Medical Physics is taught by the Division of Medical Physics.

M.Sc. Full-time +2 On-campus
1 year$2,639/yr
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg4,1(152)
Johannesburg, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide

Mathematical Statistics

The Mathematical Statistics programme at University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg offers students who have excelled in their undergraduate and honours studies an opportunity for advanced study.

M.Sc. Full-time +2 On-campus
1 year$2,639/yr
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg4,1(152)
Johannesburg, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide

Portuguese Studies

The Master of Arts in the field of Portuguese Studies is only offered by Dissertation at University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg

M.A. Full-time +2 On-campus
1 year$1,852/yr
University of Pretoria4,2(327)
Pretoria, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide

Agronomy

At Agronomy 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$2,806/yr
Durban University of Technology3,9(148)
Durban, South Africa

Chiropractic

The Chiropractic program at Durban University of Technology extends over five years of full- time study (4 years in the BHSc: Chiropractic and 1 year in the MHSc: Chiropractic), of which the first three will provide the future chiropractic doctor with a thorough grounding in traditional medical subjects with special emphasis on diagnostic skills. 

Master Full-time On-campus
1 year$301/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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