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Officially known as the Republic of South Africa (RSA), South Africa is the southernmost country on the African continent. The country covers 1.2 million square kilometers, making it the 25th largest country in the world. South Africa is home to almost 58 million people, and is referred to as the ‘rainbow nation’ due to the country’s diversity. South Africa is built upon its long and complex history, which has influenced its outlook as a modern country.
However, the course or degree programme you choose to undertake really does matter. As an international student, you want to be sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck.
South African universities are steadily rising in terms of global rankings. South African universities are particularly strong in a few subject areas.
Why study in South Africa?
If you are looking for an excellent education, as well as a little bit of adventure, then you should choose South Africa as your study abroad destination. Here are the top reasons to study in South Africa for Indian students and other international students.
Top universities in South Africa
South Africa’s universities, colleges, engineering schools, business schools, medical schools, law schools etc. Each academic institution of higher education is well known. You wouldn’t be surprised to know that QS world university ranking 2021 has ranked 8 South African universities as the best in the World. They are
University | QS world universities ranking 2021 |
University of Cape Town | =198 |
University of Witwatersrand | =400 |
Stellenbosch University | =427 |
University of Johannesburg | 501-510 |
University of Pretoria | 551-560 |
Rhodes University | 801-1000 |
University of Kwazulu-Natal | 801-1000 |
University of the Western Cape | 801-1000 |
Best courses to Study in South Africa-
There are a variety of courses offered in South Africa’s Universities to international students. Some of the popular choices among the students are listed below:
Social Sciences
Social Sciences is South African higher education’s strong suit, so those who are interested in pursuing this field abroad should look into studying there.
The University of Witwatersrand (Wits University) in Johannesburg has one of the best social sciences programme in the country. The School of Social Sciences also offers interdisciplinary programme in addition to specializations in the social sciences.
“It provides one of the richest, most exciting and most innovative areas of study at the University and boasts many of South Africa’s leading internationally trained intellectuals, lecturers, researchers and writers in this field.”
The School also offers Honors, Master’s and PhD postgraduate programmes.
Natural Sciences
A few universities in South Africa rank within the top 200 globally for Earth Sciences, which fall under the umbrella of Natural Sciences,
The University of Kwazulu-Natal (UKZN) which ranks within 151-200th globally for geography and ecology.
The school of Agriculture, Earth And Environmental Science at UKZN is one of the best in the country, with world-class teaching and research facilities, cutting-edge research equipment and a research farm located within 11 kms of the Pietermaritzburg campus.
Mining and Mineral Engineering
Although engineering as a whole is not one the strong subject areas in South African universities, some concentrations in the country are particularly strong academically – especially mining and mineral engineering.
The University of Cape Town (UCT) is ranked 20 globally for the subject, and is one of the most popular universities for international students.
Wits University also has a strong mining and mineral engineering programme, ranked 44th globally, as well as Stellenbosch University, which ranks between 51st-75th.
Medical sciences
Studies medical sciences are also popular in South Africa due to the quality of academic programme.
UCT and Wits University both rank within 51st-75th globally in Clinical Medicine, Stellenbosch University and the University of KwaZulu Natal ranked between 101st-150th, and North-West University ranked between 151st-200th.
For Veterinary Sciences, The University of Pretoria ranks 45th globally, and both the University of KwaZulu Natal and Stellenbosch University rank between 201st-300th.
Requirements to Study in South Africa
The requirements vary with the type of course and university you choose. You can apply online with all the documents set. Here is the list of common documents you will usually need to submit to complete your application:
Study in South Africa scholarships
If you are looking for study abroad scholarships, you are in the right place. You can make a way to study in South Africa for free with these scholarships. South African universities offer various scholarships to international students. Here is the list of few scholarships to study in South Africa:
Study and work in South Africa
Yes, international students can work on a student visa in South Africa but only in Part-time jobs. Overseas students in South Africa are allowed to work only up to 20 hours a week. The students are allowed to work part-time till the expiry of the student visa and not after. You can get international work experience during your studies. This would help you in your career successfully.
Study in South Africa cost
As far as the yearly expense for studying in South Africa is directly linked with the course and university you choose. The tuition fee may differ from one university to the other based on the course chosen. On average, the tuition fee can be from 14000 Rand to 34000 Rand per annum.
International students can expect a budget of 5300 to 13000 Rand to cover the monthly costs of living in South Africa. The overall student living expenses in South Africa can go up or down based on your lifestyle and spending habits. You can also take benefit of scholarships and a part-time job in South Africa to reduce your financial burden.
Cost of living in South Africa
Your average living expenses will be 7,000 to 8,000 US Dollar a year. Most of it will be on rent, say 4,000 US dollar every year.
