Many students in South Africa are looking for a quality university education that does not cost a large amount of money.
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Tuition fees at public universities vary widely based on the size of the institution, the programme of study, and whether a student is local or international.
Some universities are known for very low tuition fees, especially for South African citizens.
Others use flexible or modular payment systems that help students manage costs.
What is the cheapest university in South Africa?
For many students looking for the lowest tuition costs, the University of South Africa (UNISA) is often considered the most affordable option.
UNISA is a distance learning institution that charges fees per module instead of a lump sum tuition fee.
Fees can be as low as around R1,800 to R7,000 per module, depending on the qualification and number of modules taken.
This model allows students to manage costs semester by semester.
This structure makes UNISA one of the most flexible and budget‑friendly higher education options in the country.
Which universities have the lowest annual tuition fees?
Several public universities in South Africa offer lower annual tuition fees than the larger metropolitan institutions.
Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) and Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) often appear among the most affordable universities for international and local students.
MUT annual tuition for international students can range from around ZAR 9,060 to ZAR 30,700, making it one of the lowest‑cost universities in the country.
CPUT’s tuition fees are also competitive, with annual costs for international students starting at around ZAR 9,340 and extending to ZAR 56,100, depending on the programme.
How much do smaller public universities charge?
Smaller or regional public universities frequently charge lower tuition than the larger research institutions.
For example, the University of Fort Hare (UFH) has annual tuition fees reported in a range from about ZAR 18,620 to ZAR 44,374, making it a more affordable choice for many programmes.
University of Venda (UNIVEN) also appears in affordability listings with fees often between ZAR 23,190 and ZAR 60,370 per year for international students.
These universities provide strong academic options without the high costs of big-city universities.
Are there affordable options in metropolitan areas?
Yes. Institutions in larger cities also have programmes with lower tuition fees, especially for South African citizens.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) in Cape Town is often highlighted as having practical and affordable tuition, particularly for technology, applied sciences and vocational fields.
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) and Durban University of Technology (DUT) also offer degree and diploma programmes with relatively modest tuition, though the exact amount depends on the course and the number of modules taken.
Accessibility and lower costs are part of their appeal for students in major urban centres.
What are typical tuition fee ranges for cheap universities?
Based on available data for South Africa’s more affordable universities, tuition fees can vary widely by programme, but some general ranges help with planning:
- UNISA: around R1,800 to R7,000 per module (module‑based system).
- MUT: annual tuition from about ZAR 9,060 up to around ZAR 30,700.
- CPUT: around ZAR 9,340 to ZAR 56,100 per year.
- UFH: approximately ZAR 18,620 to ZAR 44,374 per year.
- UNIVEN: roughly ZAR 23,190 to ZAR 60,370 per year.
These figures are estimates based on current published ranges for international students.
South African citizens usually pay lower tuition, and many universities also provide bursaries, scholarships, and payment plans to help students afford study costs.
Students should always verify exact fees with official university fee booklets or bursary offices before applying.
How do tuition fees differ between programmes?
Tuition costs at South African universities depend on the type of programme.
Technical degrees such as engineering and health sciences typically cost more than humanities or education programmes.
For example, larger research universities often charge more for engineering or professional qualifications than for a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Commerce.
In contrast, technology universities and smaller institutions may have more stable tuition across different fields.
Students should check the specific programme fee guide for the exact costs at the university they want to attend.
What should students consider besides tuition fees?
While tuition fees are important, students should also consider other costs when planning their study budget.
These include residence accommodation, textbooks, meals, transport, and personal expenses.
Cities such as Cape Town and Johannesburg typically have higher living costs than smaller towns where some cheaper universities are located.
Many students also apply for financial support through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), which can cover tuition and living costs for eligible South African citizens.
Planning early and checking eligibility for bursaries and scholarships can make university education more affordable.