Going to university in South Africa is exciting, but it can also be expensive. It’s therefore important to understand the costs you’ll encounter at university and how to handle them.
In this article, we break down the cost of university fees in 2024, so that you can better prepare yourself for the new academic year. Ready to dive in? Let’s go!
Table of Contents
2024 University Application Fees
Before you can study at a South African university, you may be required to pay a small application fee. Although not all universities charge application fees, a majority of them do. Remember, these fees are all non-refundable and do not guarantee you a place at the university.
To find out which universities are charging students a fee for applications, keep reading!
University
Application Fee
- Local Students: None
- International Students: R500
- Local Students: None
- International Students: R600
- Local Students: R100
- International Students: R100
- Local Students: R300
- International Students: R300
- Local Students: R100
- Graduate School of Business (GSB) Students (Local): R2,070
- Graduate School of Business (GSB) Students (International): R300
- International Students: R300
- Local Students: R120
- International Students: R500
- Online Applicants: None
- Hardcopy Applicants: R200
- International Students: R200
- On-time applications: R210
- Late applications: R420
- International Students: R490
- Local Students: R200
- International Students: R750
- RSA Students: R200
- Other African Residents: R400
- International Students: R550
- Local Students: R300
- Local Students: R135
- International Students: R135
- Local Students: R100
- International Students: R700
2024 Tuition Fees
There are plenty of excellent universities in South Africa, each with their own incurring costs. In terms of tuition fees, each university is different and course costs can vary widely. For South African undergraduates, annual tuition fees can range from +-R14,000 to R102,500, depending on the university and course.
To help you get a better understanding of the tuition fees in South Africa, be sure to view a breakdown of the 2024 undergraduate fees at the following universities in South Africa (excluding universities of technology).
- Nelson Mandela University (MU)
- North-West University (NWU)
- Rhodes University (RU)
- Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU)
- Stellenbosch University (Maties)
- University of Cape Town (UCT)
- University of Fort Hare (UFH)
- University of Johannesburg (UJ)
- University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
- University of Limpopo (UL)
- University of Mpumalanga (UMP)
- University of Pretoria (TUKS)
- University of South Africa (UNISA)
- University of the Free State (UFS)
- University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
*Note that not all universities have their fee structure readily available on their website. If you do not see your university on this list, please visit their website to enquire about the fees.
Nelson Mandela University (NMU) Fees
The tuition fees at Nelson Mandela University (NMU) are entirely dependent on the programme you’d like to study. With that said, you can get a personal fee estimate for 2024 by selecting your qualification on the website.
All students are required to pay a portion of their tuition prior to registering at NMU. The estimated costs for the amounts payable before registration are as follows:
Programme
Full-time
Part-time
Degree programmes, postgraduate programmes and related studies (BTech, Advanced Diploma, Masters, Doctorates)
R9,800
R5,700
Diploma, certificate programmes and related occasional studies
R6,900
R4,800
Enrollment fee
R1,620
R1,620
Medical degree (inclusive of device and non-tuition fee levies) – first year
R26,100
N/A
Residences (students at all campuses)
R7,600
N/A
International students
100% upfront
100% upfront
North-West University (NWU) Fees
Tuition fees at North-West University (NWU) for 2024 range from +-R52,400 to +-R73,400, depending on the degree you are looking to qualify for. Thankfully, the university does not expect South African students to pay the full amount upfront, meaning you have time to make your payments.
Registration for North-West University (NWU) closes more or less around February each year. With that said, the university encourages students to pay their minimum payable tuition fees early, either in December or January.
The minimum fees payable at NWU are as follows:
- Residence Students (All Campuses): R21,870
- Non-Residence Students: R11,810
- Distance Learning Students: R11,810
- International Students: Full cost of study
You can view the tuition fees for first-year undergraduates at North-West University (NWU) below:
- BA Communication: R52,415
- LLB: R53,124
- BA Law: 53,290
- Nursing Science: R55,881
- BEd (Senior and FET): R56,475
- Pharmacy: R59,015
- BCom Economic Science: R60,585
- BSc IT: R62,087
- BCom CA: R65,361
- Engineering: R72,347
- BSc Actuarial Sciences: R73,965
Rhodes University (RU) Fees
First-year students looking to study at Rhodes University (RU) can expect to pay anywhere from +-R14,000 up to +-R75,000 for their full-year tuition fees. There are several payment methods that South African students can choose from at RU, including:
- Option 1: An initial payment fee of 10% of the annual tuition fee and, if applicable, an additional 25% of the annual residence fees. The rest may be paid off monthly as per the student’s fee statements.
- Option 2: Students may apply for a 5% discount in writing if the full tuition fee and residence fee is paid for prior to the dates set out by the university.
- Option 3: A debit order with 11 monthly instalments may be set up for the student, to be paid for by the person in charge of the student’s account.
- Option 4: Students who are unable to pay their study fees may apply for funding at NSFAS or other bursaries in order to pay their tuition fees.
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) Fees
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is dedicated to training future healthcare professionals. Tuition fees at SMU are tailored to the specific programmes offered, reflecting the university’s commitment to affordable education in the health sciences field.
Undergraduate students who are committed to entering the medicine industry can expect to pay annual tuition fees that start at +-R31,000 and that go up to +-R101,550
Stellenbosch University (Maties) Fees
Stellenbosch University (Maties) aims to provide a world-class education that is accessible to all students. Tuition fees at Maties vary depending on factors such as the programme of study and student residency status.
Generally, South African students studying at Stellenbosch University (Maties) pay approximately +-R52,900 to R87,950 for tuition.
University of Cape Town (UCT) Fees
The University of Cape Town (UCT) is renowned for its academic excellence and commitment to social impact. Typical first-year tuition fees at the University of Cape Town (UCT) are estimated to start at +-R40,000 and go up to +-R102,470.
The tuition fees at UCT are as follows:
Faculty
2024 Tuition Fees
Commerce
R49,240 – R99,350
Engineering & Built Environment
R68,770 – R84,420
Health Sciences
R75,820 – R102,470
Humanities
R53,600 – R99,300
Law
R72,020 – R72,570
Science
R40,000 – R78,500
University of Fort Hare (UFH) Fees
The University of Fort Hare (UFH) has a long history of providing quality education to students at affordable prices. With tuition fees ranging from +-R26,200 to +-44,370, study costs at UFH are dependent on the programme of study as well as the campus location.
You can take a look at the average cost of study at each of UFH’s campuses below. Each of the below costs cover tuition, residence, meals and registration fees:
Alice Campus
- Faculty of Agriculture and Science: R58,366 to R84,461
- Faculties of Social Science, Humanities, Management, Commerce, Law, and Education: R58,683 to R87,004
Alice Campus
- Faculty of Agriculture and Science: R64,920 to R96,961
- Faculties of Social Science, Humanities, Management, Commerce, Law, and Education: R65,237 to R99,504
University of Johannesburg (UJ) Fees
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is dedicated to ensuring that education remains accessible to all. Tuition fees at UJ vary depending on the composition of the particular degree.
The most affordable programme for undergraduates at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) is a Diploma in Health Sciences, which starts at a minimum of R33,708. The most expensive course is the Laboratory Modules, which amount to a maximum of R95,840.
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Fees
With campuses in Durban and Pietermaritzburg, the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is a premier institution of higher learning. Tuition fees at UKZN range from +-R38,450 to +-68,100 for undergraduate students studying towards a Bachelor’s degree.
In order to pay the tuition fees at UKZN, students have the option of applying for NSFAS or being awarded a scholarship or bursary from the institution.
To learn more about study fees at UKZN, be sure to view the 2024 Fees Booklet.
University of Limpopo (UL) Fees
The University of Limpopo (UL) provides affordable education to students and has a large number of programmes available for those eager to get their degrees in 2024. Tuition fees for UL are categorised according to qualifications and the year of study. Specifically, tuition fees for first-year undergraduates start from R29,600 and go all the way up to R89,300.
You can view the first-year tuition fees according to faculty for UL in the table below:
Faculty
2024 Tuition Fees
Faculty of Management and Law
R36,000 – R58,800
Faculty of Humanities
R29,600 – R74,400
Faculty of Science and Agriculture
R44,800 – R89,300
Faculty of Health Sciences
R48,100 – R77,000
With budget-friendly study fees, the University of Mpumalanga (UM) aims to make education more accessible to students within the region. Tuition fees for undergraduates range from +-31,900 to +-R62,900.
The initial deposit for all programmes is R5,468 and South African students are expected to pay the amount prior to registering for their programme of choice (should they be accepted into the institution).
For more information, be sure to download the 2024 Fee Structure for the University of Mpumalanga (UM).
University of Pretoria (TUKS) Fees
The University of Pretoria (TUKS) offers a diverse range of programmes and is located in the administrative capital of the country.
Regarding study fees, tuition at the University of Pretoria (TUKS) starts at +-R36,000 and goes up to +-R84,000.
To get a better idea of how much the fees at TUKS cost, be sure to take note of the estimated tuition fees for each faculty below:
Faculty
2024 Tuition Fees
Economic & Management Sciences
R39,000 – R69,000
Law
R47,000 – R69,000
Theology
R40,000 – R56,000
Education
R25,000 – R64,000
Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
R42,000 – R84,000
Veterinary Science
R49,000 – R62,000
Health Sciences
R42,000 – R79,000
Humanities
R37,000 – R68,000
Natural and Agricultural Sciences
R45,000 – R70,000
University of South Africa (UNISA) Fees
As Africa’s largest distance learning institution, the University of South Africa (UNISA) offers flexible and accessible education to students across the continent and beyond.
According to UNISA, study fees are based on your qualifications and the number of courses you would like to take. Your fees will cover things like registration, other costs and extra study materials. When you sign up online, you can pick your courses and see how much they’ll cost.
University of the Free State (UFS) Fees
The University of the Free State (UFS) has a vast number of programmes available to first-year students in the Free State who are eager to acquire their tertiary qualifications. If you’re a first-year student looking to study at UFS, you will be expected to pay anywhere between +-R21,100 and +-R73,600 for tuition.
An estimation of the tuition fee costs at UFS can be viewed below:
Faculty
2024 Tuition Fees
Humanities
R29,490 – R60,260
Economic and Management Sciences
R21,750 – R67,480
Law
R44,770
Natural and Agricultural Sciences
R21,180 – R54,080
Theology
R21,460 – R50,900
Health Sciences
R49,860 – R63,670
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) Fees
The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) is a multi-campus public research university situated in Johannesburg, Gauteng. In terms of tuition at Wits, fees for undergraduate students start at +-R21,800 and go up to +-90,700.
An outline of the tuition fees for undergraduates at Wits can be seen below:
Faculty
2024 Tuition Fees
Commerce, Law and Management
R43,970 – R78,220
Economic & Management Sciences
R21,750 – R67,480
Engineering & the Built Environment
R62,670 – R90,660
Humanities
R45,450 – R65,100
Health Sciences
R56,480 – R77,750
Science
R47,770 – R74,080
Health Sciences
R49,860 – R63,670
Student Accommodation Fees
Living arrangements have a large impact on your budget, especially if you’re a first-year student at university. Accommodation fees for first-year students range between +-R10,000 to +-R118,000 annually.
To get a better idea of how much you’ll be paying for accommodation, here’s a look at the estimated accommodation costs at universities for first-year students in 2024:
*Fees listed below do not include meal allowances or additional registration fees.
University
Student Accommodation Fees (Cost Per Annum)
- All residences: R26,900 – R61.940
- Mahikeng Campus: R25,680 – R43,320
- Potchefstroom Campus: R31,290 – R44,710
- Vanderbijlpark Campus: R31,350 – R49,070
- R84,061 – R88,254
- R20,942 – R56,052
- R43,630 – R70,300
- First Tier (Catering): R69,000 – R87,500
- Second Tier (Catering): R70,900 – R90,200
- Third Tier (Self-Catering): R54,300 – R159,200
- Alice Campus: R14,500 – R25,000
- East London Campus: R21,054 – R37,500
- Kingsway Campus: R38,220 – R61,516
- Doornfontein Campus: R37,492 – R50,596
- Bunting Road Campus: R37,492 – R57,148
- Soweto Campus: R34,944 – R54,600
- R43,396 – R47,614
- R9,800 – R50,500
- Self-catered: R13,519 – R38,986
- Catered: R42,884 – R67,979
- Hatfield Campus: R52,700 – R74,000
- Hillcrest Campus: R61,600 – R70,500
- Groenkloof Campus: R52,700 – R62,200
- Prinshof Campus: R52,700 – R90,700
- Onderstepoort Campus: R56,800 – R69,100
- Qwaqwa Campus: R33,545 – R52,400
- South Campus: R48,205 – R52,400
- Bloemfontein Campus: R33,545 – R52,400
- Catering: R67,554
- Self-catering: R59,186 – R117,174
Student Financial Aid
When it comes to university expenses, costs can add up real fast. To avoid the stress of wondering where your funds are going to come from, be sure to seek out financial support from various funding organisations.
Depending on the organisation, bursary or scholarship, you’ll be able to cover select costs at your university. For example, certain bursaries only pay for tuition, meaning you’ll have to budget for textbooks, devices, accommodation and anything else you may need while studying at university.
Alternatively, you may be able to qualify for a student loan, which will assist you in paying for your studies.
Fund Your Studies with Fundi
Tertiary education comes with additional costs that you might not have planned for. Luckily, Fundi can help! Fundi can provide you with the funds you need to achieve your goals.
Curious as to whether you qualify for a Fundi Study Loan? Try out the Fundi Calculator today and take the next step in your academic journey!
