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607 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.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology4,0(75)
Cape Town, South Africa Public Administration
Public Administration from Cape Peninsula University of Technology aims to provide academic excellence; operating at the cutting edge of our disciplines; creating and disseminating knowledge through high level research.
Master Full-time +2 On-campus
1 year$211/module
University of Pretoria4,2(326)
Pretoria, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Curriculum and Instructional Design and Development
Curriculum and Instructional Design and Development from University of Pretoria continues to develop into one of the largest and most diverse units in South Africa for the initial and advanced training of education professionals from across the world.
M.Ed. Full-time On-campus
2 years$2,842/yr
University of Johannesburg4,1(219)
Johannesburg, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Intellectual Property Law
The Master in Intellectual Property Law at University of Johannesburg aims to provide the student with the necessary tools to navigate the IP landscape, and to create awareness of pitfalls or opportunities that may present themselves. In fact, in given situations, the holder of an advanced degree in IP might be preferred for a specific task over someone that does not have such a qualification.
LL.M. Full-time +2 On-campus
1 year$2,858/yr
University of Pretoria4,2(326)
Pretoria, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Practical Theology
This Practical Theology programme from University of Pretoria offers the student with a four-year BDiv, a BThHons or equivalent qualification, the opportunity of theological specialisation and research at master’s level.
Master Full-time On-campus
1 year$2,842/yr
University of Pretoria4,2(326)
Pretoria, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Church History and Church Polity
This Church History and Church Polity programme from University of Pretoria offers the student with a four-year BDiv, a BThHons or equivalent qualification, the opportunity of theological specialisation and research at master’s level.
Master Full-time On-campus
1 year$2,842/yr
Central University of Technology, Free State4,5(15)
Bloemfontein, South Africa +1Education
The programmes offered in the departments of the Faculty are designed to equip diplomates and graduates with the necessary skills and expertise to be leaders in their chosen professions. The Education programme is offered at Central University of Technology, Free State.
M.Ed. Full-time +2 On-campus
1 year$303/yr
University of South Africa (UNISA)4,1(402)
Online Top 5% in Worldwide Criminal Justice
The master in Criminal Justice at University of South Africa (UNISA) provides comprehensive open distance learning in a socially responsible and distinctive manner that produces excellent scholarship and research, provides quality tuition and fosters active community engagement.
M.Sc. Part-time Online
$350/yr
Central University of Technology, Free State4,5(15)
Bloemfontein, South Africa Information Technology
The Information Technology programme from Central University of Technology, Free State is aimed primarily, but not exclusively, at learners from CUT who will progress from the Advanced Diploma in Information Technology and who wish to continue with their studies.
Postgraduate Diploma Full-time +2 On-campus
1 year$325/yr
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg4,1(151)
Johannesburg, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Interdisciplinary Arts and Culture Studies
Interdisciplinary Arts and Culture Studies from University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg offers an opportunity to engage with the ways in which the worlds of work and artistic practice increasingly reflect dissolving boundaries between traditional disciplines in the arts, humanities, commerce, science and technology.
M.A. Full-time +2 On-campus
1 year$2,550/yr
University of Pretoria4,2(326)
Pretoria, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Transportation Engineering
Transportation Engineering from University of Pretoria focuses 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 Pretoria4,2(326)
Pretoria, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Animal Science - Animal Breeding and Genetics
At Animal Science - Animal Breeding and Genetics 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.
Master Full-time On-campus
2 years$2,842/yr
University of South Africa (UNISA)4,1(402)
Online Top 5% in Worldwide Accounting Sciences (Auditing)
The master of Accounting Sciences (Auditing) signals University of South Africa (UNISA)'s commitment to contribute towards the advancement and transformation of the accounting profession in South Africa and to support positive growth and development of the financial and economic sectors.
M.Sc. Part-time Online
$350/yr
Rhodes University4,2(28)
Grahamstown, South Africa Top 6% in Worldwide History
History is the study of ancient cultures; their art, literature, thought and history. The focus of Classics is the ancient Mediterranean – Greece, Rome, Egypt and the Near East – but our courses also include modules on ancient Africa, India and China. The Classics program of Rhodes University is designed to stimulate, inform, and encourage reflection.
Master Full-time On-campus
1 year$2,097/yr
Central University of Technology, Free State4,5(15)
Bloemfontein, South Africa Management Sciences
The purpose of the research Management Sciences programme from Central University of Technology, Free State is to equip learners with the knowledge required to produce a full dissertation in a prescribed format, on a specialist topic, in Entrepreneurship, Small Enterprise Management, Agri-Business Management, Fashion Business Management, or Finance.
M.Phil. Full-time +2 On-campus +2
1 year$671/yr
University of Johannesburg4,1(219)
Johannesburg, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Labour Law
The Master in Labour Law at University of Johannesburg (one year full-time or two years part-time studies) provides students with an opportunity to develop their intellectual and theoretical competencies at an advanced level and to strengthen their ability to understand labour law from a view point of a critical analysis of the underlying principles.
LL.M. Full-time +2 On-campus
2 years$1,429/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
University of Johannesburg4,1(219)
Johannesburg, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Structural Engineering
One of the main objectives of the Master in Structural Engineering at University of Johannesburg is to develop an advanced capability to do fundamental structural engineering research independently and, in so doing, promote lifelong learning.
M.Eng. Full-time +2 On-campus
1 year$2,858/yr
University of South Africa (UNISA)4,1(402)
Online Top 5% in Worldwide Police Science, Forensic Science and Technology
The master in Police Science, Forensic Science and Technology at University of South Africa (UNISA) provides comprehensive open distance learning in a socially responsible and distinctive manner that produces excellent scholarship and research, provides quality tuition and fosters active community engagement.
M.A. Part-time Online
$350/yr
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg4,1(151)
Johannesburg, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Deaf Education
Masters of Education in Deaf Education (MEd) offered at University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg is a maximum 2 years full-time or 4 years part-time course.
M.Ed. Full-time +2 On-campus
2 years$1,234/yr
University of South Africa (UNISA)4,1(402)
Online Top 5% in Worldwide Computing Education
The vision of the master in Computing Education at University of South Africa (UNISA) is to “develop world class, futuristic, African science, engineering and technology leaders, who aspire to extend the frontiers of innovation”.
M.Sc. 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.