Cost of Studying in South Africa 2022 for International Student – www.labour.gov.za.
Cost of Studying in South Africa: Below is the Cost of Studying in South Africa 2022 for International Student. South Africa is located in the southernmost part of the African continent. See Cost of Visa, Health and others below.
Cost of Studying in South Africa
The country offers a more affordable university experience than other popular English-speaking destinations, such as the US and UK.
Tuition fees are considerably lower, and the cost of living is nearly 40% less in South Africa than in the UK. Below we have carefully researched the cost of studying in South Africa
Educational System
Higher education in South Africa has greatly developed since the end of apartheid and now plays a key role in the country’s status as a BRICS nation: one of five major emerging economies alongside Brazil, Russia, India, and China.
In 2004, South Africa started to extensively reform its tertiary education system, with a focus on combining high-quality teaching with equality for students.
Many smaller institutions were merged to form larger universities, giving postgraduates greater access to first-rate research facilities.
The Department of Higher Education and Training is responsible for all tertiary education in South Africa. The country’s nine provinces also have their education departments.
These implement both national and local policies to suit regional student interests and needs.
The University System
There are 23 public universities in South Africa: 11 traditional universities offering theoretically oriented degrees; six universities of technology offering vocational oriented diplomas and degrees; and six comprehensive universities that offer both.
This system has been created since the year 2004 to replace the apartheid-imposed division into Afrikaans-medium white universities, liberal white universities (English medium) and historically-black universities and polytechnics.
While several private higher education institutions have been established, there is so far only one foreign university. Australia’s Monash University has a campus in Johannesburg.
Most undergraduate degrees take three years, but some such as engineering, architecture, and medicine, will be longer. The academic year is divided into two semesters, running from early February to mid-June, and from mid-July to mid-December.
Tuition Fee for Undergraduate
International students pay a minimum (R70, 000/£4,425) of the standard course fee plus an international student fee of R35, 000 (£2,213) a year (total minimum R110, 000/£6,955). Also, it is recommended that students budget for an additional R6, 000 (£380) for books and stationery.
Tuition Fees for Postgraduate in South Africa
Universities in South Africa set their tuition rates, so exact fees and policies vary from institution to institution. Students from the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) member countries are eligible to pay local tuition fees.
Other international Masters students can expect tuition fees to range from R25, 000 to R70,000 (USD 1,750-4,900), depending on the university and program. Some MBAs and specialized postgraduate courses can cost up to R410, 000 (USD 28,720).
As an international student, you might also be required to pay an ‘international term fee’ in addition to tuition fees. This could be as much as R55, 000 (USD 3,850).
Ph.D. Tuition Fee
PhDs in South Africa generally follow a similar pattern to European and American programs. They focus on the candidate completing a supervised thesis that adds original research and knowledge to a field of study.
Ph.D. programs in South Africa are examined by the thesis. This is normally between 80,000 and 100,000 words.
Student Accommodation
Student accommodation is available at most South African universities, either on campus or nearby. Some will also have third-tier residences available that are solely for postgraduate and senior students.
If you live in university student housing, your accommodation can vary from a single or shared dormitory-style room to a room within a flat or house.
Prices will depend on the location and kind of accommodation, but will normally cost between R4, 000 and R5, 000 per month (USD 340-420). Utilities like electricity and water will cost around R400-800 per month on top of this (USD 34-68).
Public Transport Prices in South Africa
South Africa has one of the least expensive transport systems in the world, although most people use taxis. The average monthly cost for transport is as low as R500–R650 for buses and trains. Public transportation is fairly limited in South African cities.
The average cost for a one-way journey is R16. Taxis are also inexpensive and range between R60 and R120 for short journeys. You have to phone ahead and order taxis ahead of schedule, though: taxis cannot just be flagged down in the street.
Healthcare Costs in South Africa
The healthcare system is at odds in South Africa. Despite a recent wave of government reforms, healthcare for most South Africans is unaffordable. Yet ex-pats should take out private healthcare for the entire family.
The cost of private health insurance varies considerably. On average, healthcare insurance ranges between R 1,100 and R 2,200 per month for a family of four.
When you take out health insurance, read the policy carefully to determine what it covers. Avoid companies that reserve the right to cancel a policy if you have a critical illness or reach a certain age. Most insurance policies only cover you for five years.
Cost for Food
Food in South Africa can be a really cool experience, for the country boasts of some great delicacies. Students can indulge in food without reluctance as eating out here is pretty affordable.
While a reasonable meal may cost something around 50 rands (within Rs 300), a mid-range restaurant may cost 300 Rand (around Rs 1750) for a meal for two.
When missing Indian food, don’t fret as cities like Cape Town and Durban and Johannesburg boast of some well-known Indian eating joints like Maharaja Restaurant.
Visa Fee
A visa simply indicates that your application has been reviewed at a South African embassy, mission or consulate and that the consular officer has determined you are eligible to enter the country for a specific purpose.
The visa will allow you to travel to a South African port of entry where an immigration official will then determine if you are allowed to enter South Africa and for how long you can stay for that particular visit.
Visitors are restricted to the activity or reason for which their visas were issued.
All students who hold permanent residence outside South Africa and are not South African citizens are required to obtain a study visa upon acceptance to a South African university.
Upon receiving a visa, students are granted official permission to reside in South Africa
Explore this wonderful country by studying there. But before you think of that, go through this piece and see what it takes to study there.
See Also: Cost of Studying in Western Australia
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