Country Guide
Study in South Africa
South Africa is Africa's leading study destination, known for globally ranked universities, outstanding research, engineering, medicine, business, and rich cultural diversity.
Study Destination
South Africa
Search Universities and Courses in South Africa
Search institutions, bachelor's degrees, master's programmes, and PhD programmes available in South Africa.
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Tuition Fees
The Department of Home Affairs publishes no national fee schedule for international students. Fees are set by each institution, so check with the university directly.
- Tuition fees (all institutions)
- Not centrally published – set by each university
Sources: Department of Home Affairs: Immigration Regulations 2014, reg. 12 (study visa)
Last checked October 2026. Rules and amounts change, so confirm with the official source.
Living Costs
The Immigration Regulations require study visa applicants to show they have enough money but set no national amount. South African missions abroad publish their own requirement. For example, the embassy in Copenhagen asks for at least R3,000 a month to cover living costs.
- Visa proof of funds (national)
- Not centrally published in the Regulations
- Visa proof of funds – South African mission in Copenhagen (Nov 2025)
- At least R3,000 per month
Sources: Department of Home Affairs: Immigration Regulations 2014, reg. 12; DIRCO – South African Embassy Copenhagen: Study visa requirements (Nov 2025)
Last checked October 2026. Rules and amounts change, so confirm with the official source.
Student Jobs
Study visa holders at a higher education institution or a further education and training (FET) college may work part-time for up to 20 hours a week. The Immigration Regulations have no dedicated post-study visa. Graduates who want to stay and work must apply for a work visa, such as a general work visa or a critical skills work visa, and meet its requirements.
- During term
- Up to 20 hours per week
- Post-study work visa
- Not centrally published – no dedicated route; standard work visas apply
Sources: Department of Home Affairs: Immigration Regulations 2014, regs. 12 and 18
Last checked October 2026. Rules and amounts change, so confirm with the official source.
Popular Universities in South Africa
University of Cape Town
Cape Town, South Africa
Public University
The University of Cape Town is internationally recognized for medicine, engineering, computer science, business, environmental science, and world-class research.
View university details →University of the Witwatersrand
Johannesburg, South Africa
Public University
The University of the Witwatersrand is internationally recognized for engineering, medicine, computer science, business, mining engineering, and scientific research.
View university details →Stellenbosch University
Stellenbosch, South Africa
Public University
Stellenbosch University is internationally recognized for engineering, business, computer science, agriculture, medicine, and sustainability research.
View university details →University of Pretoria
Pretoria, South Africa
Public University
The University of Pretoria is internationally recognized for engineering, computer science, business, veterinary science, law, and multidisciplinary research.
View university details →University of KwaZulu-Natal
Durban, South Africa
Public University
The University of KwaZulu-Natal is internationally recognized for medicine, engineering, computer science, business, health sciences, and multidisciplinary research.
View university details →Rhodes University
Makhanda, South Africa
Public University
Rhodes University is internationally recognized for computer science, journalism, law, business, environmental science, and high-quality research.
View university details →University of Johannesburg
Johannesburg, South Africa
Public University
The University of Johannesburg is internationally recognized for engineering, computer science, business, architecture, education, and multidisciplinary research.
View university details →North-West University
Potchefstroom, South Africa
Public University
North-West University is internationally recognized for engineering, computer science, business, health sciences, agriculture, and applied research.
View university details →Nelson Mandela University
Gqeberha, South Africa
Public University
Nelson Mandela University is internationally recognized for engineering, computer science, marine science, business, education, and sustainability research.
View university details →University of the Free State
Bloemfontein, South Africa
Public University
The University of the Free State is internationally recognized for medicine, business, computer science, law, agriculture, and multidisciplinary research.
View university details →University of South Africa
Pretoria, South Africa
Public University
The University of South Africa (UNISA) is internationally recognized for business, computer science, education, law, accounting, and flexible distance education.
View university details →Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Cape Town, South Africa
Public University of Technology
Cape Peninsula University of Technology is internationally recognized for engineering, computer science, information technology, business, hospitality, and applied research.
View university details →Durban University of Technology
Durban, South Africa
Public University of Technology
Durban University of Technology is internationally recognized for engineering, computer science, business, health sciences, architecture, and innovation.
View university details →Tshwane University of Technology
Pretoria, South Africa
Public University of Technology
Tshwane University of Technology is internationally recognized for engineering, computer science, information technology, business, applied sciences, and innovation.
View university details →University of the Western Cape
Cape Town, South Africa
Public University
The University of the Western Cape is internationally recognized for medicine, computer science, business, law, public health, and multidisciplinary research.
View university details →University of Limpopo
Polokwane, South Africa
Public University
The University of Limpopo is internationally recognized for medicine, agriculture, computer science, business, health sciences, and sustainable development research.
View university details →University of Fort Hare
Alice, South Africa
Public University
The University of Fort Hare is internationally recognized for agriculture, business, computer science, education, law, and social sciences.
View university details →Walter Sisulu University
Mthatha, South Africa
Public University
Walter Sisulu University is internationally recognized for medicine, engineering, computer science, business, education, and applied research.
View university details →Central University of Technology
Bloemfontein, South Africa
Public University of Technology
The Central University of Technology is internationally recognized for engineering, computer science, information technology, business, agriculture, and innovation.
View university details →Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
Pretoria, South Africa
Public Medical University
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University is internationally recognized for medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, health sciences, and biomedical research.
View university details →