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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 Electrical Engineering
Electrical Engineering from University of Pretoria is a leading source of graduates in the engineering, built environment and information technology professions. We achieve this by a focus 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
University of South Africa (UNISA)4,1(402)
Online Top 5% in Worldwide Environmental Education
The master in Environmental 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 Pretoria4,2(327)
Pretoria, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Diagnostics
Diagnostics from University of Pretoria aims to 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 Information Science
The master of Information Science 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 Anthropology
The Anthropology program of Rhodes University is research based which requires the completion of a written thesis on a topic which makes a contribution to the field of Anthropology.
M.A. Full-time On-campus
2 years$1,840/yr
University of South Africa (UNISA)4,1(402)
Online Top 5% in Worldwide Islamic Studies
The master of Islamic 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
$350/yr
Rhodes University4,2(28)
Grahamstown, South Africa Top 6% in Worldwide Education
The Education program of Rhodes University is offered by the Faculty of Education.
M.Ed. Full-time On-campus
2 years$2,097/yr
University of Pretoria4,2(327)
Pretoria, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Geography and Environmental Science
At Geography and Environmental Science 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)
Online Top 2% in Worldwide Educational Management
The online Master in Educational Management at University of Johannesburg is relevant to anyone involved in the formal or informal education sector.
M.Ed. Part-time Online
2 years$1,429/yr
University of Pretoria4,2(327)
Pretoria, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Computer Engineering
Computer Engineering from University of Pretoria aims to be internationally competitive while also locally relevant. Advisory boards at both faculty and departmental level promote alignment and excellence in our teaching and research activities.
M.Eng. Full-time On-campus
1 year$2,842/yr
University of Pretoria4,2(327)
Pretoria, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Psychiatry
Psychiatry 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 the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg4,1(152)
Johannesburg, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Nursing
The Master of Science in Nursing by coursework and research report from the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg is a 2 year degree offered in specialised fields such as Infection Control, Intensive Care, Nephrology, Oncology and Palliative Care, and more.
M.Sc. Full-time On-campus
2 years$1,774/yr
Central University of Technology, Free State4,5(15)
Bloemfontein, South Africa Quantity Surveying
The purpose of the Quantity Surveying programme from Central University of Technology, Free State is to provide knowledge and skills required for the practice of quantity surveying and provide vertical articulation to relevant higher degrees in the built environment.
Postgraduate Diploma Full-time +2 On-campus
1 year$346/yr
University of Pretoria4,2(327)
Pretoria, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Forensic Pathology
Forensic Pathology 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 Sustainable Urban Planning and Development
The purpose of the Master in Sustainable Urban Planning and Development from University of Johannesburg is to develop built environment professionals specialising in the sustainable planning, design, development and management of urban centres.
M.Sc. Full-time +2 On-campus
1 year$2,858/yr
University of Pretoria4,2(327)
Pretoria, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Medical Microbiology
Medical Microbiology from University of Pretoria aims to maintain health standards through quality education, research and community service.
M.Sc. Full-time On-campus
1 year$2,842/yr
University of Johannesburg4,1(219)
Johannesburg, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Micro and Nanoelectronics Engineering
The purpose of the Master in Micro and Nanoelectronics Engineering from University of Johannesburg is to develop engineers with advanced abilities in applying fundamental microelectronics within multi- and cross-disciplinary environments of today’s workplace.
Master Full-time On-campus
2 years$1,429/yr
University of South Africa (UNISA)4,1(402)
Online Top 5% in Worldwide Accounting Sciences (Financial Governance)
The master of Accounting Sciences (Financial Governance) 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 Pretoria4,2(327)
Pretoria, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Neurology
Neurology 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 Engineering
We offer our students at the University of South Africa (UNISA) a unique Master of Engineering programme.
Master 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.