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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.
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 Cape Town4,1(160)
Cape Town, South Africa Top 1% in Worldwide Geology
The MSc in Geology is a master’s degree in Geology offered by the University of Cape Town (UCT) in South Africa. Geology offers a professional scientific career for men and women who are interested in discovering and developing the Earth's resources.
M.Sc. Full-time On-campus
2 years$2,599/yr
University of South Africa (UNISA)4,1(402)
Online Top 5% in Worldwide Accounting Sciences (Financial Governance)
The master of Accounting Sciences (Financial Governance) at University of South Africa (UNISA) is a principal branch of the College’s SAICA-endorsed CTA programme. It incorporates the disciplines of Financial Accounting and Auditing – divisions of learning that assist the various systems of management and report on progress, hence the term ‘financial governance’.
M.Phil. Part-time Online
$350/yr
University of Pretoria4,2(326)
Pretoria, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Applied Science - Chemical Technology
Applied Science - Chemical Technology 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.Sc. Full-time On-campus
1 year$2,842/yr
Rhodes University4,2(28)
Grahamstown, South Africa Top 6% in Worldwide Classical Studies
Classical Studies 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
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg4,1(151)
Johannesburg, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Speech-Language Pathology
The Masters of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology offered by the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg is a 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time degree.
M.A. Full-time +2 On-campus
1 year$2,788/yr
University of South Africa (UNISA)4,1(402)
Online Top 5% in Worldwide Philosophy of Education
The master in Philosophy of Education at University of South Africa (UNISA) is committed to reaching out to all of humanity by providing scholarship, service, learning and continuous professional development opportunities to aspirant and serving educators, managers and policy makers, and other practitioners in education at home and abroad.
M.Ed. Part-time Online
$350/yr
University of Pretoria4,2(326)
Pretoria, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Medical Oncology
Medical Oncology from University of Pretoria aims to maintain health standards through quality education, research and community service.
M.Sc. Full-time On-campus
1 year$2,842/yr
University of Pretoria4,2(326)
Pretoria, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Information Systems
Information Systems 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.
Master Full-time On-campus
1 year$2,842/yr
University of South Africa (UNISA)4,1(402)
Online Top 5% in Worldwide Theology in Systematic Theology
The master of Theology in Systematic Theology 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.
Master Part-time Online
$350/yr
Cape Peninsula University of Technology4,0(75)
Cape Town, South Africa Radiography
Radiography from Cape Peninsula University of Technology is intended to further develop researchers who will make a contribution, through independent research in a chosen field. The research problem, its justification, process and outcome are reported in a dissertation that complies with the generally accepted norms for research at this level.
M.Sc. Full-time +2 On-campus
1 year$211/module
Stadio Higher Education4,0(10)
Online Management
The focus of the Master of Management programme from Stadio Higher Education is the formulation, design, conducting and completion of a research project in the field of management.
Master Part-time Online
2 years$1,383/yr
University of South Africa (UNISA)4,1(402)
Online Top 5% in Worldwide Police Science
The master in Police Science 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 South Africa (UNISA)4,1(402)
Online Top 5% in Worldwide Accounting Sciences (Financial Accounting)
The purpose of the Accounting Sciences (Financial Accounting) at University of South Africa (UNISA) is to provide the information that is needed for sound economic decision-making. The main purpose of financial accounting is to prepare financial reports that provide information about a firm's performance to external parties such as investors, creditors, and tax authorities.
M.Phil. Part-time Online
$350/yr
University of Pretoria4,2(326)
Pretoria, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Animal Science - Livestock Production
University of Pretoria offers you the chance to study Animal Science - Livestock Production at the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.
Master Full-time On-campus
2 years$2,842/yr
Rhodes University4,2(28)
Grahamstown, South Africa Top 6% in Worldwide Geography
The aim of the Geography program of Rhodes University is to help students develop appropriate mathematical tools necessary to represent and interpret information quantitatively. It also aims to develop certain skills and meaningful ways of thinking, reasoning and arguing with quantitative ideas in order to solve problems in any given context.
Master Full-time On-campus
1 year$2,097/yr
University of Johannesburg4,1(219)
Johannesburg, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Sustainable Mining (CW)
The purpose of this Master in Sustainable Mining (CW) from University of Johannesburg is to provide a programme to all persons involved within the mining value chain, from exploration to rehabilitation, to develop research and innovative practices to develop sustainable mining practices within the African continent.
Master Full-time +2 On-campus
1 year$2,858/yr
University of Pretoria4,2(326)
Pretoria, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Quantity Surveying
Quantity Surveying 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.Sc. Full-time On-campus
1 year$2,842/yr
University of Johannesburg4,1(219)
Johannesburg, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Sociology (CW)
The Sociology (CW) program at University of Johannesburg is offered by the Department of Sociology, a part of the Faculty of Humanities.
M.A. Full-time +2 On-campus
1 year$2,858/yr
University of Johannesburg4,1(219)
Johannesburg, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Engineering Management (CW)
The purpose of the Engineering Management (CW) program at University of Johannesburg is to develop an engineer with advanced abilities in applying fundamental engineering management sciences and/design and synthesis and related principles to specific management systems problems of society at large.
M.Eng. Full-time +2 On-campus
1 year$2,858/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.