Contrary to what people may think, South Africa is much more than safaris, wildlife, and warm weather. Also known as the Rainbow Nation because of its multicultural and diverse society, the country continues to address the legacy of apartheid while building a diverse and dynamic nation. Higher education is one area that has changed significantly since the 1990s. This article discusses affordable universities in South Africa for international students.
Higher education in South Africa has gained a strong regional and international profile. Several South African universities appear in major global and regional university rankings, and the country remains a popular study destination for students interested in fields such as social sciences, health sciences, natural sciences, engineering, architecture, and business.
Studying in South Africa is a great option for students who want to study in a diverse, multilingual society while exploring the country’s natural landscapes, cities, history, and cultural life. Students may also find opportunities to join research, community engagement, and urban development projects through their universities.
South Africa’s public higher education system includes traditional universities, universities of technology, and comprehensive universities. Several institutions were merged or restructured after 1994, and comprehensive universities now combine academic programs with career-focused and technology-oriented programs.
Public spending on education remains a major national priority. In 2024/25, South Africa allocated close to 21% of total government spending to education.
In 2017, the government announced fee-free higher education and training for eligible poor and working-class South African students. Today, this support is mainly administered through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) for qualifying South African citizens and permanent residents. International students should still expect to pay tuition and any applicable international fees.
Living costs vary by city, housing type, and lifestyle. In major cities, students should compare university residences, accredited private accommodation, and private rentals before setting their budget.
For those interested in studying in South Africa and learning more about the country beyond common stereotypes, we prepared a list of affordable universities in South Africa. But first, let’s quickly cover what you need to study here as an international student.
Affordable Schools in South Africa for International Students
1. University of Cape Town (UCT)
The University of Cape Town is one of South Africa’s leading public universities. It traces its history to 1829 and is one of the country’s oldest universities. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, UCT is ranked #150 globally. It is also ranked #1 in the QS Sub-Saharan Africa University Rankings 2026.
UCT has six faculties and a large international student community. Recent university profiles place its student body at around 29,000 students from more than 100 countries. There are also many extracurricular activities through sports clubs and student societies.
If you visit their website, you will find a section for international students. There, they explain the application process and requirements. Besides bachelor’s and postgraduate programs, they also offer short academic programs. UCT’s main teaching language is English. University residences accommodate close to 7,000 students, so demand is high.
For current tuition and fees, international students should check UCT’s current fee structure because costs are program-specific and updated annually. Students should budget for tuition plus any applicable international administrative fees. If you need help financing your education, UCT has scholarship and funding options for both domestic and international students, although awards are competitive.
2. University of the Witwatersrand
Better known as Wits, the University of the Witwatersrand traces its origins to the South African School of Mines, which was established in Kimberley in 1896. It is ranked #291 in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and #3 in the QS Sub-Saharan Africa University Rankings 2026.
It has several campuses in Johannesburg, including sites in Braamfontein and Parktown. It also has five faculties, museums, libraries, research facilities, and student residences.
In order to apply to Wits, you should check the admission requirements for your qualification and program, complete the online application form, submit the required documents, and pay the application fee where applicable. International undergraduate applicants may also need a matriculation exemption or foreign conditional exemption. Students may be asked to show English language proficiency, and Wits accepts tests such as IELTS and Cambridge English qualifications for relevant applicants.
Tuition fees vary by program, course load, and student category. For 2026, Wits states that international undergraduate students from SADC countries pay tuition for individual courses plus a non-refundable International Registration Fee (IRF) of R6,970. Undergraduate students from Africa beyond SADC and the rest of the world pay double the tuition fees for individual courses. International students generally pay 75% of total costs before registration and the balance by June 30.
There are exemptions and special rules. Officially recognized refugees pay local tuition fees, while asylum seekers pay local tuition plus the IRF. Diplomatic representatives or their dependents may be charged at the SADC rate. Students should use Wits’s current fee estimator or fees booklet to confirm exact program costs before applying.
3. University of Pretoria
The University of Pretoria is another affordable public university in South Africa. It was founded in 1908 and is ranked #=362 in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and #5 in the QS Sub-Saharan Africa University Rankings 2026.
This university has nine faculties, a business school, multiple libraries, museums, and several campuses and sites. It is one of the largest contact universities in South Africa and offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
As for activities, the University of Pretoria has sports clubs, student societies, and sports academies. It is also a major South African research university and is well known for its postgraduate degree programs.
The application process is done online. The university provides a detailed guide on its website where it explains admissions, required documents, important dates, additional payments, and steps to follow.
Since January 1, 2019, English has been the language of teaching and learning for all first-year programs, except for language subjects and programs with approved profession-specific language outcomes. Applicants from non-English-speaking backgrounds should check whether proof of English proficiency is required for their program.
As for tuition and fees, international fees depend on citizenship and program. SADC citizens pay the same tuition as South African citizens but must also pay the international levy. Other non-South African citizens are generally charged double the South African tuition fee plus the international levy, except for research master’s and doctoral degrees, where local tuition applies.
Local and SADC undergraduate tuition estimates for 2026 differ by faculty, year of study, and degree. Students should use UP’s current fee tables and quotations before applying.
4. Stellenbosch University
The Stellenbosch University (SU) was founded in 1918 and is located in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. It is ranked #302 in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and #4 in the QS Sub-Saharan Africa University Rankings 2026.
It has 10 faculties, about 150 departments, and more than 40 research institutes and centers. International students may apply for university residences, SU International-administered accommodation, or private housing.
SU is a multilingual university. English and Afrikaans may be used depending on the faculty, program, and language implementation plan, so international students should check the language details of their chosen program. The Language Centre offers English and other language support.
They explain the application process in their international students’ section. Check it out to learn what you need and the steps you have to follow.
For current tuition fees, international degree-seeking students should budget for tuition plus applicable international fee components. SU’s international fee structure includes an International Registration Fee, an International Tuition Fee where applicable, and service fees. SADC and Rwanda students are treated differently from students from the rest of Africa and the rest of the world, so applicants should check the current fee schedule before registration.
5. University of Johannesburg
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is the newest university on this list of affordable universities in South Africa. It was founded in 2005 after merging Rand Afrikaans University, the Technikon Witwatersrand, and parts of Vista University. It is ranked #=308 in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and #2 in the QS Sub-Saharan Africa University Rankings 2026.
It is one of the largest contact universities in South Africa, with four campuses in Johannesburg, eight faculties, research centers, university residences, and accredited private accommodation options.
In their international section, they explain the application process in detail, including documents, matriculation exemption, language requirements, and other steps. Make sure to check the programs carefully, as this is a comprehensive university that offers academic degrees as well as career-focused and technology-oriented programs.
Regarding tuition fees, current costs vary by program and year of study. International students should budget for tuition plus applicable registration, ICT, and international levies. Students normally do not pay the full annual amount upfront, but payment schedules and deposits should be confirmed with UJ Student Finance for the relevant academic year.
We hope that this article on affordable universities in South Africa was helpful. If you are interested in pursuing your education abroad, feel free to check out the Available Programs for International Students.
