What will a year really cost?

From the country guide: tuition, living costs and the visa fee, plus the money you must show. The part you lose if the visa is refused is marked.

A year in South Africa

	In ZAR as published	In EUR
Tuition, one year	Not published Public university, international student
Living costs, twelve months	ZAR 96,000 to 180,000	EUR 5,150 to 9,650
Visa or permit feeNot refunded if the visa is refused	ZAR 425	EUR 23
Money you must show for the visa	Not published Held in your account before you apply; most of it then pays your living costs

Work while you study

20 hours a week in term

Stay after you graduate

No post-study route

Worth knowing. Tuition depends on whether you are from SADC, elsewhere in Africa or the rest of the world, and compulsory medical aid is an extra monthly cost.

The full South Africa guide, with every source →

Leaves out flights, deposits and insurance unless the guide includes them. Currency: Rates by Exchange Rate API, 29 September 2026.