Study in South Africa – Highlights
South Africa hosts approximately 120,000 international students across its 26 public universities, including 12 traditional academic institutions, 8 technical and vocational universities, and 6 comprehensive institutions. The country attracts over 40,000 international students annually, offering a diverse range of courses taught in English and opportunities to learn local languages like Afrikaans, Zulu, and Swazi.
International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays with a student visa, which requires a valid passport, university acceptance letter, criminal background check, proof of finances, and health insurance.
The visa application process typically takes 6-8 weeks. To study in South Africa, International students need an overall IELTS score of 7.0 or above or equivalent proficiency in academic literacy components. With a relatively affordable cost of living, South Africa provides a rich cultural experience and quality education for international students seeking a study abroad destination in Africa.
Core Facts About South Africa
Education in South Africa
University / College Stats
Why Study in South Africa?
Various reasons justify why International students opt to study in South Africa. Some of that states why South Africa is the better choice are listed,
- Education Quality: South Africa offers high-quality education with globally recognised institutions.
- Diverse Range of Programs: Universities in South Africa provide a wide selection of academic programs across various subjects.
- Cultural Diversity: South Africa is culturally diverse, offering an international atmosphere for students to immerse themselves in different cultures and viewpoints.
- Affordable Tuition Fees: Compared to other study-abroad destinations, South Africa has reasonable tuition costs and a lower cost of living.
- Networking and Career Opportunities: Studying in South Africa can provide valuable networking opportunities and potential job prospects, especially in growing sectors like banking, mining, tourism, and technology.
Universities and Courses
Top Universities in South Africa for Indian Students
|
Rank |
University |
QS World Ranking |
|
1 |
University of Cape Town |
242 |
|
2 |
University of the Witwatersrand |
394 |
|
3 |
University of Pretoria |
429 |
|
4 |
Stellenbosch University |
420 |
|
5 |
University of Johannesburg |
855 |
|
6 |
University of KwaZulu-Natal |
613 |
|
7 |
Rhodes University |
1062 |
|
8 |
University of the Western Cape |
1138 |
|
9 |
North-West University |
966 |
|
10 |
University of the Free State |
1150 |
Popular Courses in South Africa for Indian Students
With its diverse academic landscape, South Africa offers a wide array of courses for students. Whether you are interested in business, engineering, health sciences, or the arts, you’ll find programs that cater to your passions. The country’s universities emphasise practical learning, research opportunities, and exposure to real-world challenges.
- Business and Management
- Engineering
- Health Sciences
- Computer Science and Information Technology
- Environmental Studies
- Tourism and Hospitality
- Social Sciences and Humanities
- Creative Arts and Design
- Education and Teaching
- Agriculture and Agribusiness
South Africa – Intakes
Primary Intake – Fall Intake (January)
Other Intakes:
- Spring Intake (September)
- Summer Intake (May)
Cost of Studying in South Africa
|
Tuition Fees - Bachelors |
Private University |
Varies significantly |
|
|
Public University (Out of State) |
ZAR 40,000 - ZAR 102,470 |
|
|
Public University (In-State) |
Lower than out-of-state fees |
|
Tuition Fees - Masters and Doctorate |
|
ZAR 25,000 - ZAR 70,000 |
|
Living Expenses |
|
~ ZAR 15,000 |
Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in South Africa
|
Scholarship Name |
Maximum Amount (Approximate) |
|
Education Future International Scholarship |
Varies (Partial Funding) |
|
BeArt Presets Academic Scholarships |
Varies (Partial Funding) |
|
Wahlgrenska Foundation Scholarships |
Varies (Partial Funding) |
|
Abel Visiting Scholar Program |
Varies (Partial Funding) |
|
Leakey Foundation Research Grants |
Varies (Partial Funding) |
|
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowships |
Varies (Partial Funding) |
|
Howard G. Buffett Fund for Women Journalists (FWJ) |
Varies (Training & Short courses) |
Student Visa in South Africa
|
Cost of Visa Application |
R425 (~ USD 24) |
|
When to apply? |
~ 8 or even 10 weeks to be processed. |
|
Visa Processing Time |
between 4 and 8 weeks |
Documents Required
- Student Visa Application Form
- Valid Passport
- Letter of Acceptance from the educational institution
- Proof of Financial Means
- Proof of Medical Insurance
- Cash Deposit (equivalent to the value of your return ticket)
- Medical and Radiology Reports
- Proof of Payment for the visa fee
- Certificate of Vaccination (if required)
- Arranged Accommodation Details
- Police Clearance Certificate (for applicants aged 18 and older)
Required Entrance Exams:
National Senior Certificate (NSC)
The NSC examination is the standard high school exit exam in South Africa, administered at the end of Grade 12. It serves as the qualification for university admission.
Language Proficiency Tests
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Many universities require IELTS scores as proof of English language proficiency.
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): Some institutions also accept TOEFL scores for English language proficiency.
Program-Specific Entrance Exams:
For medical programs like MBBS, Indian students must have qualified the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) to be eligible for admission in South Africa (especially if they plan to practice back in India).
Other specialized programs may have additional requirements or specific entrance exams. It’s essential to check the admission criteria for your chosen field of study.
Work Opportunities in South Africa for Indian Students
After graduating from South Africa, Indian students have diverse work opportunities awaiting them. With South Africa's growing economy and numerous multinational corporations, Indian graduates can explore job prospects in various sectors such as banking, mining, tourism, and technology. The country's emphasis on education and the quality of academic programs can equip Indian students with the skills and knowledge employers seek.
Additionally, South Africa's culturally diverse environment provides a unique setting for Indian graduates to network and build connections that can enhance their local and international career prospects. Overall, studying in South Africa can open doors to a range of employment opportunities for Indian students’ post-graduation.
Job Roles:
|
Job Roles (Top 10 Jobs) |
Maximum Salary |
|
Software Developer |
R 550,000 |
|
Sales Representative |
R 237,000 |
|
Data Scientist |
Varies (high monthly salary) |
|
Health and Safety Manager |
Varies |
|
Accountant |
Varies |
|
HR Director/Executive |
R 3.2 million |
|
Group CFO |
R 2.6 million |
|
Network Administrator |
Varies |
|
Financial/Project Accountant |
Varies |
|
Group Treasury Manager |
Varies |
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