Cheapest Universities in South Africa For International Students

South Africa is fast becoming a country where anyone should visit before they die, for its memorable experience, tourism attractions, technological development; factors like these are the ones putting South Africa Universities at the forefront of Top Universities in Africa.

According to popular trends, people are searching for cheap Universities in South Africa for international Students but finding the right information is as hard as a diamond.

Therefore Fastlagos has decided to reduce the stress of your moving from one web page to another in search of information that does not exist.

Why Should I Study in South Africa?

The final decision on this belongs to you, ours at FastLagos is to give you reasons then you make the final decision.

Leading in Education

South Africa is one of the leading countries when it comes to education in Africa continent! And you can decide to choose one of ten languages to study in South Africa.

The cost of living is low

Having $400 with you will be enough to cover your basic expenses for accommodation, food, and traveling. Information released by Universities with low Tuition fees shows that it will cost a student $2,500 -$4,500 for Undergraduate programs. At the same time $2,700-$3,000 for Postgraduate students. Which is the price for one academic year.

Why Including these Schools in the List?

Universities that are on this list are not there just to show off, not only for the price but also because of the standard of education. The fact that they are cheap those not make them less of what they can offer when it comes to a good education.

Getting admission into any of these cheap universities in South Africa will give you an edge over your colleagues in your field of study.

Cheapest Universities in South Africa for International Students

Below is a list of the Cheapest Universities in South Africa and the courses offered by each of them.

1. University of Pretoria, South Africa

If you are ready to experience the sweeping of winds across South Africa this is a place for you. It used to be an all-white Afrikaner institution but can now boast of students that come from diverse cultures. The lectures are made up of traditional and online methods of learning.

Courses like economics, education, veterinary health, and more are being offered that give international students plenty of choices to pick from. After class, you can decide to take a stroll to the popular Church Street, which is one of the longest urban streets in South Africa.

List of courses offered at the University of Pretoria

• Technology Management
• Health Information Technology
• Medicines
• Built Management
• Public Management
• Veterinary science
• Public Management and Administration
• Health care sciences
• Health Systems and Management
• Engineering courses

Pros: 

The University of Pretoria has been topping the list of schools producing those that are doing well in business. The school was the first South African Indigenous university to offer MBA.

Cons:

Pretoria University is home to jacaranda trees in the spring. You should beware if you have an allergy as the trees are known for causing hay fever.

2. University of Johannesburg

It was named after the biggest city in South Africa! With over seven faculties to choose from. The University of Johannesburg got all the resources to make your period of study stress-free due to its location at the center of South Africa.

If you are looking for Universities with Low Tuition fees in South Africa don’t search further, most of the students are from a low background. That means you will be learning in a school that is impacting lives and the future of nations.

List of Courses offered at the University of Johannesburg

• Visual Art
• Aircraft Maintenance
• Civil Engineering
• Construction Management
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering
• Industrial Engineering Technology
• Mine Surveying
• Mining Engineering
• Civil Engineering Science
• Business and Economics
• Graphic Design

Pros:

Reports released last year show that the University of Johannesburg records the highest number of grads. News like this should confirm your doubts this is not a school for you.

Cons:

The crime rate in this part of South Africa is high. So you need to always be on alert and follow safety Tips.

3. Rhodes University, South Africa

If you ever dream of visiting the small southern town in South Africa well this is an opportunity for you. If you are considering schools with high pass rates then Rhodes University is your place to be.

List of Courses offered by Rhodes University

• Law
• Commerce
• Education
• Humanities
• Pharmacy.

Pros:

As a student at Rhodes University, you will be able to see numerous events that normally take place in Grahamstown annually. Don’t forget to attend the SciFest Africa event if you are a fan of X-Files nut.

Cons:

Getting adapted to this part of South Africa might take a while especially if you are from a big city with a large population. That shouldn’t bother you! You can take your bag and take a bus to the airport. You’ll be a few minutes away from Cape Town where you can spend your weekends. Go here to apply.

4. University of the Western Cape

The University of Western Cape is a place for you to be if you are a Social activist and you will surely fall in love with the history of liberation.  The University will give you a broad of majors to pick from offers by many international partners.

The main library has over 400,000 books on its shelves with a subscription to online publications and print.

List of Courses offered at the University of Western Cape

• Information System
• Accounting
• Economics
• Civil Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Planning and Geomatics
• Medicine
• African and Gender studies
• Fine Art
• Philosophy
• Religious Studies
• Chemistry
• Mathematics and Applied Mathematics
• Physics
• Statistical Science
• Biological Science
• Social Development
• Historical Studies
• Molecular and Cell Biology
• Film and Media science
• Dance
• South African College of Music

Pros:

Have of the academic staff are PhDs holders, you’ll have access to tap from their pool of knowledge.

Cons:

Spending time at the balmy Capetonian might get you carried away. So make sure to spend your time well.

5. University of Cape Town

It is mostly regarded as one of the most beautiful campuses in the world as it sits at the foot of Cape Towns Table Mountain. The University of Cape Town has produced Alumni that are doing well in their fields.

• Accounting
• Civil Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Economics and Management
• Health Science and Education
• Public Health and Family Medicine
• Dance
• Drama
• Philosophy
• Law
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Applied Mathematics
• Physics
• Statistical Science
• Religious Studies
• Social Development
• Biological Sciences
• Molecular and Applied Cell Biology
• English Language
• Film and Media Studies

Pros:

Cape Town is a city full of entertainment, adventure, and culture tours with mouth-watering cuisine…On the street of Cape Town, you can get yourself a lot of things. From the beaches to the art galleries then the hipster vibes you sure have many things to explore.

Cons:

With all these adventures available for students to explore, it might later turn out to be a distraction for those who are not disciplined enough.

6. Stellenbosch University

Having over 300,000 students in over 100 countries is feet that many Universities want to achieve. This University is one of the key players when we talk of education in South Africa. If you are passionate about a career in medicine that will channel towards helping the less privileged then this is a school for you.

With ten faculties under its badge, you can study courses that are related to arts, Political Science, and theology.

List of courses offered at Stellenbosch University

• Law
• Theology
• Courses under Economic and management science
• Engineering courses
• Educational courses
• Arts and Social science
• AgriScience
• Management courses

Pros:

Your family will surely want to visit you at school to confirm all you have been telling them about the beauty of the school.

Cons:

Most of the wine production in South Africa comes from Stellenbosch. With so much wine available at your arm’s length, the temptation to get high will be there. If you want to drink, do it moderately.

To be on the safer side, please visit the web page of the selected University of your choice to get the latest information on the Cost of Tuition as it can be subject to changes.

How to Apply For Admission to South African Universities

Application into Universities in South Africa is in two categories: Applying using the Internet and using admission agencies. Each method comes with advantages and disadvantages.

• Admission agencies are for those with little time or let just say can afford it. The disadvantages of using admission agencies are that they might input the wrong information.
• An online application is cool but comes with its disadvantages as well.

But if you have decided to apply online, below are basic steps on how you can do that.

1. Visit the web page of your selected school of choice and request form,
2. Fill the form and make sure your details are correct
3. Forward the application form to the department that is in charge of admission
4. Sit back and wait for feedback.

What are the Admission requirements?

If you have made up your mind that studying in South Africa is what you want, you must get yourself a valid study permit and medical reports confirmed before your application can be granted by the Authorities.

Apart from having a valid study permit and medical records, you must have your education transcripts and International passport.

How would I know that I have been Selected?

If your application is accepted you will be sent an offer letter through the e-mail address you provide during the application process.

What Next after Admission is granted?

The next thing for you to do is a request visa pack from the school and start your visa processing.

Requirements for International Students

• There will need to prove your proficiency in English as most of the courses universities in South Africa conduct their courses in English.
• It is important that you submit your application before the deadlines and that the submitted information must be correct. This will give you a fair chance of getting admitted into the selected University of your choice.

How to Obtain a South Africa Student Visa in 2023

As stated earlier you must have been accepted in the selected school of your choice and must have received your acceptance letter from your school of choice.

If you have done all these, next thing is to apply for a temporary residence permit which can only be done in your home country, then submit it in person to the South Africa consulate in your home country.

You are expected to have the following documents with you:

• 2 color passport-sized photographs
• An official letter from the school that offered you admission stating the duration of your course of study + confirmation that the authority will be notified if you default( if you fail to register or expelled or when the course of study is extended/completed).
• Proof that you have finances that will cover your expenses during your stay in South Africa and you should attach your proof of Award of scholarship if you are on scholarship.
• Certificate of medical or health insurance paper given to you by the South African Authorities.
• Information on your place of residence during your stay in South Africa.
• A police clearance from your country of residence or countries you have lived in for a maximum of 12 months.
• Married, divorced, or widowed certificate, if applicable.
• Birth Certificate of children if applicable
• Certificate of fever vaccination

Notice: Please buy the foodstuffs that you think will be allowed into South Africa, once you arrive at the airport you might find it hard to get them.

Can International Students work in South Africa?

Student visas in South Africa allow you to work while studying. However, you can only work for 19-20 hours per week as a student. The student can only work part-time only if the student visa is valid.

Cities in South Africa you Should Visit During your stay

• Cape Town
• Durban
• Pretoria
• Johannesburg

Do you have anything that is not clear? Make use of the comment box.

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