Selected filters
AffordableSouth Africa
Field of Study
Location
University
Tuition Fee
Duration
Format
Attendance
Degree Type
Special Programme
- Home
- Programmes
- Affordable
- South Africa
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.
Central University of Technology, Free State4,5(15)
Bloemfontein, South Africa +1Agriculture
The main purpose of this Agriculture programme from Central University of Technology, Free State is to develop research competence in students so that they can make a significant academic contribution in their disciplines or fields
Master Full-time +2 On-campus
2 years$2,750/yr
University of South Africa (UNISA)4,1(402)
Online Top 5% in Worldwide Physics Education
The vision of the master in Physics 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
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg4,1(151)
Johannesburg, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Digital Arts
Become a Digital Arts expert with the Digital Arts programme offered at University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. The degree can be taken part-time over two years or full-time in one year.
M.A. Full-time +2 On-campus
1 year$1,876/yr
University of Pretoria4,2(326)
Pretoria, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Geography and Environmental Science
At Geography and Environmental Science 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
Durban University of Technology3,9(148)
Durban, South Africa Chiropractic
The Chiropractic program at Durban University of Technology extends over five years of full- time study (4 years in the BHSc: Chiropractic and 1 year in the MHSc: Chiropractic), of which the first three will provide the future chiropractic doctor with a thorough grounding in traditional medical subjects with special emphasis on diagnostic skills.
Master Full-time On-campus
1 year$305/yr
University of South Africa (UNISA)4,1(402)
Online Top 5% in Worldwide Environmental Management
This department has a number of core focus areas: environmental management and environmental science, nature conservation and horticulture and landscaping. You can learn more with this master in science in Environmental Management at University of South Africa (UNISA).
M.Sc. Part-time Online
$350/yr
University of Johannesburg4,1(219)
Johannesburg, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Innovation and Development
The purpose of the Innovation and Development program at University of Johannesburg is to develop intellectual competencies and practical skills in understanding the role of innovation and technological change in creating and addressing various development problems in the process of structural transformation and broader development.
Master Full-time +2 On-campus
2 years$1,429/yr
Cape Peninsula University of Technology4,0(75)
Cape Town, South Africa Electrical Engineering - Smart Grid
Electrical Engineering - Smart Grid from Cape Peninsula University of Technology aims to emerge as a major driver of socio-economic change in the region.
M.Eng. Full-time +2 On-campus
1 year$211/module
University of Johannesburg4,1(219)
Johannesburg, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Professional Nursing Science (Nursing Management)
The MSN in Professional Nursing Science (Nursing Management) from University of Johannesburg serves as a basis for advanced learning
Master Full-time +2 On-campus
1 year$2,858/yr
Durban University of Technology3,9(148)
Durban, South Africa Business Administration
The aim of the Business Administration program at Durban University of Technology is to prepare students with the knowledge, attitudes, insight and skills required for middle and senior management positions within both the private and the public sectors.
M.B.A. Part-time On-campus
2 years$305/yr
University of the Western Cape4,1(90)
Cape Town, South Africa Top 4% in Worldwide Corporate Law
At Corporate Law from the University of the Western Cape, its strong teaching and applied research focus is building critical capacity in both the private and public sectors.
LL.M. Full-time On-campus
4 years$1,739/yr
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg4,1(151)
Johannesburg, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Portuguese Studies
The Master of Arts in the field of Portuguese Studies is only offered by Dissertation at University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
M.A. Full-time +2 On-campus
1 year$1,876/yr
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg4,1(151)
Johannesburg, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Interdisciplinary Global Change Studies
The Masters of Science by coursework and research report in Interdisciplinary Global Change Studies (MSc) from University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg aims to enhance capacity for multi-, inter- and transdisciplinary research in the area of global and climate change.
M.Sc. Full-time On-campus
1 year$2,673/yr
Cape Peninsula University of Technology4,0(75)
Cape Town, South Africa Chemical Engineering
Graduates in the Chemical Engineering programme at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology develop the knowledge and skills required to conduct independent research in chemical engineering and environmental problems, and to contribute significantly to knowledge production through the understanding, application and evaluation of existing and new knowledge.
M.Eng. Full-time +2 On-campus
1 year$211/module
University of Pretoria4,2(326)
Pretoria, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Science Education
At Science Education 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 Teaching and Learning
Teaching and Learning 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
Cape Peninsula University of Technology4,0(75)
Cape Town, South Africa Information Technology
The aim of this Information Technology programme at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology is to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to conduct independent research in information technology and information systems (IT/IS).
Master Full-time +2 On-campus
1 year$211/module
Central University of Technology, Free State4,5(15)
Bloemfontein, South Africa +1Language Practice and Media Studies
The Language Practice and Media Studies programme from Central University of Technology, Free State is aimed at producing candidates who will have the competence to combine language theory and praxis effectively and independently to accommodate the pragmatic needs of language and communication clients in both African and international contexts.
Postgraduate Diploma Full-time On-campus
3 years$728/yr
University of Johannesburg4,1(219)
Johannesburg, South Africa Top 2% in Worldwide Tax Law
The LLM in Tax Law from University of Johannesburg is a structured qualification intended to provide candidates with an in-depth understanding of the tax core as well as developing tax laws in South Africa and in the international community.
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 Theory of Literature
The master of Theory of Literature 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
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.