Looking to study in South Africa without breaking the bank? You’re in luck.
South Africa is home to several reputable universities that offer quality education at affordable prices—making it a great choice for both local and international students on a budget.
Whether you’re pursuing a degree in science, humanities, or business, there are institutions across the country that combine academic excellence with low tuition fees and reasonable living costs.
To help you plan smarter, here are 10 of the most affordable universities in South Africa for 2025, based on average annual tuition fees and overall cost of study.
1. University of Venda (UNIVEN)
Located in Limpopo, UNIVEN offers programs in agriculture, humanities, science, law, and education. Its rural setting contributes to lower living costs
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Tuition Fees: Approximately R23,200 – R60,400 per year
2. University of Fort Hare (UFH)
Situated in the Eastern Cape, UFH is known for its strong programs in humanities and social sciences. The region’s lower living expenses make it an affordable option.
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Tuition Fees: Around R20,000 – R55,000 per year
3. University of Zululand (UNIZULU)
Located in KwaZulu-Natal, UNIZULU offers programs in arts, science, education, and commerce, with affordable tuition and living costs.
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Tuition Fees: Between R18,000 – R35,000 per year
4. University of Limpopo (UL)
UL provides a range of programs with some of the lowest tuition fees in South Africa, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious students.
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Tuition Fees: Approximately R18,000 – R38,400 per year
5. Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
Located in Cape Town, CPUT offers programs in engineering, business, health sciences, and applied sciences. Despite being in a major city, it maintains reasonable tuition fees.
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Tuition Fees: R25,000 – R45,000 per year
6. North-West University (NWU)
With campuses in Potchefstroom, Mahikeng, and Vanderbijlpark, NWU offers a variety of programs and is known for its inclusive and affordable education.
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Tuition Fees: R30,000 – R50,000 per year
7. University of the Free State (UFS)
Located in Bloemfontein, UFS offers programs in social sciences, business, health sciences, and agriculture, with a reputation for promoting social cohesion.
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Tuition Fees: R28,000 – R48,000 per year
8. Durban University of Technology (DUT)
Situated in Durban, DUT offers work-integrated learning programs in technology, engineering, and business, with reasonable tuition fees.
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Tuition Fees: R24,000 – R45,000 per year
9. University of Fort Hare (UFH)
UFH is known for its strong programs in humanities and social sciences, with affordable tuition fees and a rich history.
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Tuition Fees: R18,700 – R44,400 per year
10. University of Venda (UNIVEN)
UNIVEN offers a range of programs with some of the lowest tuition fees in South Africa, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious students
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Tuition Fees: R23,200 – R60,400 per year
Additional tips for budget-conscious students:
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Financial aid: Explore options like the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) for South African students, which offers bursaries to eligible candidates.
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Accommodation: Consider on-campus housing or shared accommodations to reduce living expenses.
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Part-time work: Look into part-time job opportunities on or near campus to supplement your income.
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Scholarships: Many universities offer scholarships for both local and international students. Check the specific university’s website for available opportunities.
