Study in South Africa

Who this applies to

Students (incl. international) at South African universities. English-medium (Afrikaans at Stellenbosch/NWU); strongest research system in Africa.

Governing authority

Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET); Council on Higher Education (CHE) quality assurance.

Degree system

Bachelor 3–4 yrs · Honours · Master · PhD. 26 public universities (traditional / comprehensive / universities of technology).

Admission

How

National Senior Certificate (NSC/matric) with bachelor's pass + APS (Admission Point Score); some faculties require NBT; international students apply directly + SAQA evaluation.

Language

English (some Afrikaans).

Tuition

Public

Fee-paying; NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) fully funds students from households < R350k/yr (grants, not loans).

International

International students pay higher fees + levy.

Source

DHET; NSFAS

Student visa & residence permit

Study visa for non-nationals.

Scholarships

NSFAS (means-tested, free for poor/working-class); NRF & university bursaries.

Sources & references

• 26 public universities — https://www.dhet.gov.za/ (2026-06-12)
• system/NSFAS — https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000386117 (2026-06-12)