Study abroad
Study in South Africa
Explore subjects, study options, costs, intakes, scholarships and student visa information.
About studying in South Africa
Higher education in South Africa, at the southern tip of Africa, gives international students a chance to study in a new academic and cultural setting. Universities and other institutions offer programmes at different levels, from first degrees to postgraduate study, across subjects such as business, engineering, health, science and the humanities.
The economy has strengths in mining, finance and infrastructure, which is reflected in many study options. English is used in much of higher education, although it is worth checking the language of each course. Start with the subjects available here, then compare institutions, costs and application steps.
Why study in South Africa?
Students choose South Africa for different reasons: a particular course, a university’s reputation in a field, the language, the location or the chance to experience life at the southern tip of Africa. The right decision depends on your subject, budget, preferred city and long-term plans.
- Academic choice: institutions offer programmes in areas such as Engineering, Economics & Finance and Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies, with options differing between universities.
- Industry context: Mining, finance and infrastructure matter locally, which can make related courses and projects especially relevant.
- Cities and campus life: Pretoria, Cape Town and Johannesburg each offer a different student experience, from larger cities to smaller campus towns.
- Culture and language: living in South Africa means everyday contact with Eleven official languages and local traditions, which many students find valuable in itself.
South Africa's academic year broadly follows the calendar year, and its universities range from research-intensive institutions to universities of technology.
Talking to current students and reading official course pages will give you a realistic picture of what studying here is like, beyond what any general guide can say.
Top subjects to study in South Africa
Here are some subject areas that fit well with study in South Africa. We chose them editorially, with mining, finance and infrastructure in mind, so treat them as ideas rather than a ranking.
- Engineering
- Economics & Finance
- Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies
- Agriculture & Environmental Sciences
- Business & Management
- Computing & Information Technology
Because mining, finance and infrastructure matter locally, students in related fields may find useful context for projects and internships. Each subject has its own page for South Africa on this site, with its specializations.
When choosing between these areas, think about what you enjoy studying, the entry requirements for each course and the kind of work you would like to do afterwards. A specialization can matter as much as the broad subject.
Universities in South Africa
- University of Cape TownCape Town, South Africa
- THE 2026 Joint #164
- Stellenbosch UniversityStellenbosch, South Africa
- THE 2026 301–350
- University of the WitwatersrandJohannesburg, South Africa
- THE 2026 301–350
- University of JohannesburgJohannesburg, South Africa
- THE 2026 351–400
- University of KwaZulu-NatalDurban, South Africa
- THE 2026 501–600
- University of PretoriaPretoria, South Africa
- THE 2026 501–600
Funding your studies in South Africa
Some international students in South Africa receive scholarships or grants, but availability depends on where you come from and what you plan to study.
- government programmes, including schemes run by your own country or by South Africa
- universities and colleges, through institutional awards or fee reductions
- foundations, charities and international organisations
- research funding or assistantships for postgraduate and doctoral students
Funding is never guaranteed: check eligibility, deadlines and what the award includes, and have a plan in case you are not successful. Official scholarship providers and university funding pages are the most reliable sources.
Applications often ask for a personal statement, references and academic transcripts, so prepare these early and tailor them to each award.
Intakes to study in South Africa
In South Africa, the main intake for many programmes is usually around February. Some institutions also admit students around July, although this second intake is usually available for fewer courses. Exact dates vary by institution and programme.
Application deadlines can fall many months before the course begins, especially for competitive programmes and for students who need a visa. Start by checking the deadline for your specific course, then work backwards to leave time for documents, language tests, applications for funding and the visa process.
Postgraduate research programmes may have more flexible start dates, agreed with a supervisor.
A simple planning checklist:
- shortlist courses and note each start date and deadline
- prepare transcripts, references and any language test results
- apply for scholarships alongside your course applications
- allow time for the visa and for arranging accommodation
Intake dates and deadlines vary by university and course. Always check them with the university.
Cost of studying in South Africa
There is no single price for studying in South Africa. Fees are set by institutions and differ by course, level and type of institution.
When you compare options, look beyond the tuition fee:
- application and registration fees
- course materials, equipment or laboratory costs for some subjects
- health insurance and any visa or permit costs
- accommodation, travel and living expenses for the whole programme
Longer programmes, foundation years and placements all affect the total you will need, so build your budget from the institution’s current published fees.
It is also worth asking how and when fees are paid, whether a deposit is required to secure your place, and how exchange rates could affect the amount you pay from home.
Fees change and differ by university, course and level. Check current fees with each university.
Student visa requirements to study in South Africa
Your offer letter is usually only the first step: most students from abroad also need the right permission to enter and stay in South Africa for their studies.
Requirements can differ by nationality, programme and length of stay. Depending on the rules, you may be asked for:
- an offer or confirmation of enrolment from a recognised institution
- a valid passport and passport photos
- evidence that you can cover tuition and living costs
- health insurance and, in some cases, medical checks
- proof of language ability or previous qualifications
Visa rules and fees change, so always check the current requirements with official government sources before you apply. Official information: Department of Home Affairs (South Africa) (official government website).
Visa rules change. Always check the official government immigration website before you apply.
Cost of living in South Africa
How much you spend while studying in South Africa varies from student to student and from city to city. Costs in Pretoria can differ noticeably from those in Cape Town or Johannesburg and smaller towns.
The main costs to plan for are:
- Accommodation: university housing, shared flats or private rentals, plus deposits
- Food: groceries, cooking at home and eating out
- Transport: local travel and occasional trips home
- Utilities and phone: energy, internet and mobile data
- Insurance and health: any required health cover
- Personal spending: study materials, clothing and social life
Universities often publish current estimates of living costs; use them as a starting point and add a buffer for unexpected expenses.
Living costs depend on the city and your lifestyle, and they change over time.
FAQs about studying in South Africa
Why should I study in South Africa?
It depends on your goals. South Africa offers programmes across many subjects, a location at the southern tip of Africa and study in Eleven official languages. Students interested in mining, finance and infrastructure may find the local context especially relevant.
What subjects can I study in South Africa?
Institutions offer a wide range of subjects, including Engineering, Economics & Finance, Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies and Agriculture & Environmental Sciences. The subjects page for South Africa lists every subject available here with its specializations.
When do courses start in South Africa?
Many programmes start around February. Apply well ahead of the start date, especially if you need a visa, and check the deadline for each course on the institution’s website.
How much does it cost to study in South Africa?
Costs depend on the institution, programme, level of study and sometimes your nationality. Budget for tuition as well as application fees, insurance, accommodation and living costs, and use the current fees published by each institution.
Do international students need a visa to study in South Africa?
Most international students need a student visa or residence permit. Requirements depend on your nationality and programme, so check the current rules with official government sources, such as Department of Home Affairs (South Africa).
Are scholarships available for international students in South Africa?
Some funding is available from governments, universities and other organisations, but awards are competitive and eligibility varies. Check official provider websites and apply early.
Which cities are popular with students in South Africa?
Pretoria, Cape Town and Johannesburg are among the places students often consider. Living costs, housing and the student experience can differ between cities, so compare them alongside your course options.
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