Africa is home to many historic cities and a wide range of universities. For international students, studying on the continent can offer a distinctive academic and cultural experience. Costs vary significantly by country, institution, program, city, and lifestyle. In this article, we discuss the cost of studying and living in Africa for international students.
Cost of Studying in Africa
Tuition fees vary significantly across African universities and may differ by program, nationality, visa or residency status, and study level. Students should review each university’s current fee page and request a quotation where available before applying.
Current examples and fee-page notes from African universities include:
- University of Pretoria: Estimated undergraduate tuition for 2026 varies by program. SADC students pay local tuition fees, while non-SADC international students on a study visa are generally charged double local tuition fees for coursework studies. The university’s international student fees page also lists an international levy of R4,725.
- University of KwaZulu-Natal: For 2026, SADC undergraduate students pay local fees plus a levy of R4,800. Undergraduate students from elsewhere in Africa and the rest of the world pay US$19,100 per year for tuition, including the international levy.
- American University of Nigeria: For the 2026/27 academic year, standard undergraduate tuition is ₦2,539,680 per year for a 15-credit-per-semester load. Tuition for engineering, nursing, and law students is ₦3,312,000 per year. Housing, meal plans, and other fees are additional.
- Alexandria University: The official foreign-student fee page available online was created in 2016 and should not be treated as a current fee schedule. Students should contact the university directly for an updated quotation before applying.
- Stellenbosch University: Tuition is determined by the degree and modules selected. According to the university’s 2026 international-student fee guide, an additional international tuition fee applies to bachelor’s students from Africa beyond SADC (R38,260) and from outside Africa (R76,520). SADC bachelor’s students are not charged this additional fee. International registration fees and other charges may also apply.
Cost of Living in Africa
Living costs vary by neighborhood, lifestyle, and exchange-rate movements. The figures below are current 2026 budgeting estimates from Wise and should not be treated as fixed prices. Students should also budget for health insurance, study materials, residence fees, and other personal expenses where applicable.
1. Cairo
Cairo can offer comparatively affordable living costs for international students. According to Wise’s 2026 estimates, a one-bedroom apartment costs about US$215 per month in the city center or US$172 outside the center. A monthly public transportation pass costs about US$7, while basic utilities for an 85-square-meter apartment average approximately US$24 per month.
2. Algiers
Algiers is the capital of Algeria. According to Wise’s 2026 estimates, a one-bedroom apartment costs about US$204 per month in the city center or US$135 outside the center. A monthly public transportation pass costs approximately US$7, and a meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about US$3.
3. Cape Town
Cape Town is one option for students considering study in South Africa, although housing costs are higher than in several other cities covered in this article. According to Wise’s 2026 estimates, a one-bedroom apartment costs about US$1,011 per month in the city center or US$637 outside the center. Basic utilities for an 85-square-meter apartment average approximately US$129 per month, and a one-way local transportation ticket costs about US$1.
4. Nairobi
Nairobi is Kenya’s capital and one of the cities that international students may consider when comparing study destinations in Africa. According to Wise’s 2026 estimates, a one-bedroom apartment costs about US$431 per month in the city center or US$228 outside the center. A monthly public transportation pass costs approximately US$46, and a meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about US$6.
There are many options for international students interested in studying at an African university. However, costs vary considerably between institutions, programs, and cities. Before applying, students should compare tuition fees, additional charges, accommodation costs, and official travel guidance for their intended destination.
We hope this article on the cost of living and studying in Africa was informative and helpful. To find more information like this, check out the Available Programs for International Students!
