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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.
Rhodes University4,2(28)
Grahamstown, South Africa Top 6% in Worldwide Statistics
The aim of the Statistics 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 the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg4,1(151)
Johannesburg, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Mycobacterial Genetics
The MSc in Mycobacterial Genetics at University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg by research in the field of mycobacterial genetics is offered by the Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research, and provides an opportunity to gain experience in basic molecular biology techniques such as cloning, PCR and bacterial genetics, among other things.
M.Sc. Full-time On-campus
2 years$1,819/yr
University of South Africa (UNISA)4,1(402)
Online Top 5% in Worldwide Criminology
The master in Criminology 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 Inclusive Education
The master in Inclusive 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
Cape Peninsula University of Technology4,0(75)
Cape Town, South Africa Marketing
Marketing 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 South Africa (UNISA)4,1(402)
Online Top 5% in Worldwide Theology in Pastoral Therapy
The master of Theology in Pastoral Therapy 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 Foundation Phase and Childhood Education
The purpose of the Foundation Phase and Childhood Education program at University of Johannesburg is to enable qualifying students to develop knowledge and skills to function as critically-reflective, competent and accountable education researchers who can contribute to the development of education knowledge at an advanced level.
M.Ed. Full-time On-campus
2 years$1,429/yr
University of Pretoria4,2(326)
Pretoria, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Wildlife Management
At Wildlife Management 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.
M.Sc. Full-time On-campus
1 year$2,842/yr
Rhodes University4,2(28)
Grahamstown, South Africa Top 6% in Worldwide Accounting
The Accounting program of the Rhodes University acknowledges South Africa’s fractured history and the diversity of its cultures and seeks to educate its students within the framework of a non-racial, non-sexist and socially just environment in line with the principles and values enshrined in the South African Constitution.
Master Full-time On-campus
1 year$2,097/yr
University of Pretoria4,2(326)
Pretoria, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Education
Education 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 Pretoria4,2(326)
Pretoria, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Food Management
At Food Management 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 the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg4,1(151)
Johannesburg, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Audiology
The Master of Arts in Audiology by research offered at 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 English Studies
The master of English 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 Pretoria4,2(326)
Pretoria, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Applied Human Nutrition
Applied Human Nutrition from University of Pretoria aims to maintain health standards through quality education, research and community service.
M.Sc. Full-time On-campus
2 years$2,842/yr
University of Johannesburg4,1(219)
Johannesburg, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Civil Engineering
The purpose of the Civil Engineering program at University of Johannesburg is to develop an engineer with advanced abilities in applying fundamental engineering sciences and/design and synthesis and related principles to specific problems of society at large.
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 Accounting Sciences (Management Accounting)
The master of Accounting Sciences (Management Accounting) 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.Phil. Part-time Online
$350/yr
University of Cape Town4,1(160)
Cape Town, South Africa Top 1% in Worldwide Architecture
The Master of Architecture is offered at University of Cape Town. The qualification introduces a master's degree within a succession of qualifications leading towards professional qualification in architecture.
M.A. Full-time On-campus
1 year$2,499/yr
Cape Peninsula University of Technology4,0(75)
Cape Town, South Africa Consumer Science in Food and Nutrition
At Consumer Science in Food and Nutrition from Cape Peninsula University of Technology graduates will be able to conduct research in the consumer science (food and nutrition) fields, to enhance the quality of life of the consumer.
Master Full-time +2 On-campus
1 year$211/module
University of Pretoria4,2(327)
Pretoria, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Mining Engineering
Mining Engineering from University of Pretoria is a leading source of graduates in the engineering, built environment and information technology professions. We achieve this by a focus 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 the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg4,1(151)
Johannesburg, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Computer Science
The MSc by Research in Computer Science offered by University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg allows you to work with leading researchers in Computer Science. You will be trained as a researcher, allowing entrance into PhD programmes in Computer Science, and will be expected to produce work of a high standard that can contribute to the field.
M.Sc. Full-time +2 On-campus
2 years$978/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.