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Top 10 Cheapest Universities In South Africa 2023
South Africa has a wealth of world-class universities, but tuition fees can be prohibitively expensive for many students. Fortunately, there are several universities in the country that offer quality education at an affordable cost. In this article, we will introduce the top 10 cheapest universities in South Africa for 2023, based on tuition fees and other associated costs. Whether you’re a South African student or an international student looking for an affordable education in the country, this list will provide you with valuable information to make an informed decision about your future studies.
1. Rhodes University
Rhodes University, located in Grahamstown, is one of the top 10 cheapest universities in South Africa. It is known for its strong emphasis on research and its commitment to producing graduates who are capable of making a positive impact in their communities.
It was founded in 1904 and is one of the oldest universities in South Africa. Initially named Rhodes University College, it was established using funds from the Rhodes Trust and named after Cecil Rhodes. It was a college of the University of South Africa until 1951 when it became its own independent university.
Undergraduate tuition fees at Rhodes University range from about 27,000 to 31,000 Rand for South African students, while foreign students can expect to pay between 36,000 and 38,000 Rand.
Despite its affordable tuition fees, Rhodes University is highly respected and offers a wide range of programs in fields such as the arts, humanities, science, and commerce.
The university also has a strong focus on community engagement and social responsibility, making it an ideal choice for students who want to make a difference in the world.
2. University of Capetown
The University of Cape Town is the oldest university in South Africa, founded in 1829 as the South African College for Boys. It was later upgraded to a university in the late 19th and early 20th centuries due to increased mining activities and funding. Today, UCT offers degree programs in various fields like engineering, medicine, law, and more.
Undergraduate tuition fees at UCT are estimated at 22,000 Rand, while postgraduate fees range from 60,000 to 64,000 Rand. Foreign students pay tuition fees of 75,000 Rand.
3. Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
Nelson Mandela University is a school in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. It started as an art school in 1882 and later became a university in 2005. It changed its name to Nelson Mandela University in 2017.
The university is popular among students from different countries and offers courses in many fields like economics, law, psychology, and more.
It encourages students to be creative and innovative problem solvers. The tuition fee for undergraduate courses is about 94,000 Rand, and postgraduate courses cost between 18,000 – 20,000 Rand.
4. University of Free State
The University of Free State was established in 1904 in Bloemfontein, South Africa. It became a university in 1950 under the name “University of Orange Free State” and was later renamed to its current name in 2001.
Free state provides quality education at affordable rates and has favorable policies for international students, although their tuition fees are different from indigenous students.
For indigenous undergraduate students, tuition fees are around 17,000 Rand, while international students pay about 20,000 Rand. The University of Free State offers courses in various fields, including humanities, law, education, and sciences.
5. University of Fort Hare
The University of Fort Hare was once affected by apartheid policies but became a place for higher education for Africans adopting Western learning styles. Since 1916, it has educated and produced notable people in society. The tuition fees for indigenous students differ from international students, with indigenous undergraduates paying 19,000 – 45,000 Rand and international students paying 26,000 – 45,000 Rand.
Postgraduate students pay tuition fees of 12,500 – 22,000 Rand and the school offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various fields, including Sciences, Law, Humanities, and Education.
6. Cape Peninsula University of Technology
The Cape Peninsula University of Technology is a big university in Western Cape Town. It started in 2005 by joining two other institutions – the Peninsula Technikon and the Cape Technikon. The university provides more than seventy courses.
7. University 0f Kwazulu Natal
The University of Kwazulu Natal was established in 2004 by merging two universities – the University of Natal and the University of Durban.
It has four colleges and five campuses in Pietermaritzburg, Pinetown, Kwazulu Natal, Durban, and Westville. The university provides affordable tuition fees ranging from 24,000 to 54,000 Rand for undergraduate courses and 31,000 to 45,000 Rand for postgraduate courses. They offer courses in Science and Arts.
8. University of Steelenbosch
The University of Kwazulu Natal was established in 2004 by merging two universities – the University of Natal and the University of Durban. It has four colleges and five campuses in Pietermaritzburg, Pinetown, Kwazulu Natal, Durban, and Westville.
Additionally, the school provides affordable tuition fees ranging from 24,000 to 54,000 Rand for undergraduate courses and 31,000 to 45,000 Rand for postgraduate courses. They offer courses in Science and Arts.
9. University of the Western Cape (UWC)
UWC is a university in South Africa that was established in 1959 and is known for fighting for equal rights. It has seven faculties and receives around 22,000 applications each year.
The tuition fees for African and SADC students range from USD 1,750 to USD 3,400, while international students pay between USD 3,800 and USD 5,400.
10. North West University
North West University is a big South African university with about 64,000 students. It has three campuses called Potchefstroom, Mahikeng, and Vanderbijlpark. The main campus is in Potchefstroom.
The South African government created this university to improve education. They offer programs in Medical Sciences, Engineering, Business, and more. The tuition fees range from 31,000 to 47,000 Rand.
Conclusion
In conclusion, South Africa has a variety of affordable universities that offer quality education. From the University of Capetown to the North West University, these institutions provide opportunities for students to pursue their academic goals without breaking the bank.
By choosing one of these universities, students can benefit from a diverse and inclusive learning environment while also enjoying the cultural richness of South Africa.
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