The cost of attending university in South Africa varies greatly based on your specific needs, including the subject and university you choose.
Generally speaking, private institutions are more expensive than public universities, although this might change based on the course you select and the degree you hope to earn.
Public university tuition costs
In South Africa, public universities are often less expensive than private ones.
South Africa has 26 public universities, which are broken down into three categories:
12 traditional universities – academic and research-focused in nature.
8 vocational universities of technology
6 comprehensive universities – offering a combination of academic and vocational qualifications. Generally, students pay study fees for every course taken at public universities.
Some public universities offer a variety of part-time undergraduate degrees, postgraduate programs, evening and weekend short courses, as well as a number of online courses. Public universities charge an average of R4 500 to R20 000 for part-time programs per year and R5 000 to R75 000 for full-time full-time programs per year for each course.
Private university tuition costs
In South Africa, private universities are often more expensive than public or TVET colleges. The majority of private colleges charge tuition semester by semester or all at once (for which you might receive a discount).
The predicted income range and general marketability are influenced by the tuition cost, which is dependent on the course’s degree of qualification. For instance, an engineering course is more expensive than a business course since an engineering degree has more weight and earns a higher starting income than a business degree, which is often less broad and earns a lower starting salary.
Private colleges charge an average of R38 500 to R99 500 for full-time programs per year and R6 600 to R50 000 for part-time programs per year.
How much does a diploma cost in South Africa?
Like with other degrees, the price of a diploma depends on the program you choose to enroll in. Diplomas typically cost roughly R 30 000 each year.
How much does an advanced degree cost in South Africa?
The cost of an advanced diploma, which is an optional credential earned in the fourth year of study, ranges from R48 000 to R 78 000 each year, depending on the qualification selected.