What are the most expensive universities in South Africa? In this article, we will list those big-budget higher institutions in SA.
Considering the minimum wage in SA is 28 Rands per hour, some parents cannot send their wards to good schools, not to mention expensive ones.
Education costs are increasing yearly due to the surging maintenance costs, increasing enrolment rates, and the rand-dollar exchange rate. With this said, let’s go through the list of the most expensive universities in South Africa.
In no particular order, the institutions below are some of the most expensive universities in South Africa in 2024. As of the time of publication of this article, the University of Cape Town is the most expensive in South Africa.
1. University of Cape Town
You should expect a high-ranking institution like the University of Cape Town to be expensive with how far they had come since 1829, when it was founded as the South African College.
The university has six faculties, over 100,000 alumni, 80 research centers for postgraduate students, a modern curriculum, etc.
| Location | Cape Town |
| Domestic Tuition | 21,500 ZAR |
| International Tuition | 75,000 ZAR |
2. North-West University
One of the biggest universities in SA is the North-West University which is committed to functioning as a unitary, integrated, multi-campus university. They have 3 campuses, 8 faculties with a vast range of courses, and even offer distance learning.
With a graduation rate of 23.5% and over 60,000 enrolled students, NWU offers more than just education, helping students fulfill their potential.
| Location | Potchefstroom |
| Domestic 1st Payment | 21 870 ZAR |
| International | Full cost of study |
3. University of Kwazulu-Natal
Since 2004 the University of Kwazulu-Natal has been inspiring South African students. It has five campuses in Kwazulu-Natal province in SA.
They have scholarship programs provided by the UKZN Foundation to support students who can pay school fees.
| Location | Durban |
| Tuition Fees (Local) | 56,150 ZAR |
| Tuition Fees (International) | 239,644.67 ZAR |
4. Rhodes University
Being one of the oldest universities in South Africa, Rhodes University has a well-established reputation for academic excellence in the country. It may be a small institution, but they have high graduation and pass rates.
More than half of the institution’s student population lives within the school, and they accept students from other countries.
| Location | Makhanda |
| Domestic Tuition | 22,300 ZAR |
| International Tuition | 60,000 ZAR |
5. University of Johannesburg
Popularly known as the country’s second strongest brand, the University of Johannesburg is a public university with roots in Africa.
With over 50,000 students, of which 6% are international students from 80 countries, the South African university offers world-class academic programs in both undergraduate and postgraduate education.
| Location | Johannesburg |
| Tuition Fees | 21,719 – 107,617 ZAR |
| Residence Fees | 35,672 – 61,880 ZAR |
6. IIE MSA (Formerly Monash University)
MSA (Monash South Africa) offers courses by Monash University to help educate South African students. The private university was established by Monash University, one of the leading universities in Australia.
It was formerly affiliated with Australian Monash University, but not until 2019 when it was sold to The Independent Institute of Education (The IIE).
| Location | Ruimsig |
| Tuition Fees | 81,100 ZAR |
7. University of Pretoria
The University of Pretoria is one of the best universities in Africa and globally, with more than 1357 academic programs and an 83.5% undergraduate pass rate.
It started in 1908 with 32 students and four professors in Kya Rosa. Today it is one of the largest public research universities in South Africa. Their educational approach focuses on inclusivity and fair access to education.
| Location | Pretoria |
| Tuition Fees | 39,000 – 76,000 ZAR |
8. University of the Free State
The University of the Free State is known to be one of the most respected and oldest public higher institutions in South Africa. Looking for an outstanding university experience? UFS should be on your checklist.
However, studying at this university isn’t cheap, at least for the average South African. You learn more about their admissions and financial aid on their website.
| Location | Bloemfontein |
| Local Tuition | 29,910 ZAR |
| International Tuition | 53 570 ZAR |
9. University of Witwatersrand
I used to think that expensive universities are meant to have a high acceptance rate due to the exorbitant fees, but I was wrong. The University of Witwatersrand has an acceptance rate of 24.3%.
Maybe because Wits University produces more millionaires than any other university in South Africa, they decided to thicken the admission barrier while maintaining the quality of students they admit.
| Location | Johannesburg |
| Tuition Fees | 44,910 ZAR |
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Most expensive South African private universities
- Saint John’s College
- Monash University
- Kearsney College
- Pearson Institute of Higher Education
- Roedean School
- Cornerstone Institute
- Varsity College
- Clifton College
Most expensive university degree in South Africa
- Law Degree
- Bachelor of Arts
- Medicine
- Bachelor of Engineering
- Bachelor of Social Sciences
- Bachelor of Commerce
I am sure you now know the most expensive universities in South Africa and their school fees. Share this article with your friends, Long live Africa!
Thanks for the update