University fees in South Africa 2026: What are the current costs?
Thousands of local and international students join Mzansi universities yearly due to affordable university fees in South Africa 2026. Most of these institutes offer quality education, have ample learning environments, and use competent trainers. The fees can be as low as R18,000 or as high as R90,000 per year. Have a look below.
Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Key takeaways
- University fees in South Africa 2026
- How much are university fees in South Africa in 2026?
- 10. University of Fort Hare (UFH): R26 000 - R45 000
- 9. Vaal University of Technology (VUT): R18 000 - R65 000
- 8. University of the Free State (UFS): R21 000 - R78 000
- 7. Rhodes University (RU): R42 000 - R66 000
- 6. University of Johannesburg (UJ): R43 000 - R83 000
- 5. University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN): R30 000 - R68 000
- 4. University of Pretoria (UP): R26 000 - R95 000
- 3. University of Stellenbosch: R56 000 - R93 000
- 2. University of Witwatersrand (Wits): R44 000 - R91 000
- 1. University of Cape Town (UCT): R52 000 - R109 000
- Is it cheap to study in South Africa?
- How much is a 4-year degree in South Africa?
- What is the most expensive university in South Africa?
- What is the average tuition cost for international students?
- Which is the cheapest university in South Africa?
- Which university is free in South Africa?
Key takeaways
- Public university fees in South Africa 2026 are about R62,000.
- The top universities in South Africa are the University of Cape Town, University of Pretoria and University of the Witwatersrand.
- Many public universities in South Africa allow students to pay fees in monthly installments, making it easier to manage the average annual cost.
University fees in South Africa 2026
Studying in South Africa can be one of your best decisions. Unlike private institutes, most public universities in the country publish their annual tuition fee estimates on their websites.
After examining the websites of some top universities in SA, here is the summarized information about the tuition fees these institutions charge first-year undergraduates:
Rank | Universities in South Africa | Annual fees range (Approx.) |
1. | University of Cape Town (UCT) | R52 000 - R110 000 |
2. | University of the Witwatersrand | R44 000 - R92 000 |
3. | University of Stellenbosch | R56 000 - R94 000 |
4. | University of Pretoria | R27 000 - R96 000 |
5. | University of KwaZulu-Natal | R30 000 - R69 000 |
6. | University of Johannesburg (UJ) | R43 000 - R85 000 |
7. | Rhodes University (RU) | R42 000 - R66 000 |
8. | University of the Free State (UFS) | R21 000 - R78 000 |
9. | Vaal University of Technology (VUT) | R18 000 - R65 000 |
10. | University of Fort Hare (UFH) | R26 000 - R45 000 |
These figures are both drawn from the tuition fee guides schools post on their websites as downloadable PDF documents and booklets. You can estimate the average university fees in South Africa per month or per semester.
How much are university fees in South Africa in 2026?
Whether you are interested in attending the cheapest or the most expensive university in South Africa, the information in this article might come in handy when selecting a learning institution to join. Below are more details about estimated university fees in South Africa in 2026 for undergraduates.
10. University of Fort Hare (UFH): R26 000 - R45 000
Source: Facebook
- Location: Main campus is located in Alice, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
- Founded: 1916
- Website: www.ufh.ac.za
The University of Fort Hare has six faculties and three campuses: Alice, Bhisho, and East London. UFH is known for its affordable tuition fees. The schools look forward to expanding their portfolio of academic and training programs.
Below is UFH's 2026 annual tuition fees range (approximates) for first-year undergraduates:
UFH's faculties | Annual fees range (approx.) |
Faculty of Agriculture and Science | R27 000 - R43 000 |
Faculty of Social Science and Humanities | R27 000 - R45 000 |
Faculty of Management and Commerce | R27 000 - R45 000 |
Faculty of Law | R27 000 - R45 000 |
Faculty of Education | R27 000 - R45 000 |
Faculty of Science and Technology | R27 000 - R42 000 |
9. Vaal University of Technology (VUT): R18 000 - R65 000
Source: Facebook
- Location: Main campus is located in Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng, South Africa.
- Founded: 1966
- Website: www.vut.ac.za
The Vaal University of Technology offers students diverse courses and countless opportunities for work and recreation. The 2026 VUT tuition fees range for first-year South African bachelor's degree students is as follows:
VUT faculty | Annual fees range (approx.) |
Faculty of Applied and Computer Sciences | R35 000 - R46 000 |
Faculty of Engineering and Technology | R52 000 - R68 000 |
Faculty of Applied and Computer Sciences | R27 000 - R47 000 |
Faculty of Human Sciences | R21 000 - R56 000 |
Faculty of Management Sciences | R19 000 - R34 000 |
Download the VUT 2026 student fee guide from the school's website.
8. University of the Free State (UFS): R21 000 - R78 000
Source: Facebook
- Location: Bloemfontein, Free State province
- Founded: 1904
- Website: www.ufs.ac.za
The University of the Free State has delivered quality graduates in various sectors since 1904. It has three campuses: Bloemfontein, Qwaqwa, and the South Campus. Below is the UFS' 2026 annual tuition fees range (approximates) for first-year undergraduates:
UFS' faculties | Annual fees range (approx.) |
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences | R52 000 - R78 000 |
Faculty of Economics & Management Sciences | R21 000 - R71 000 |
Faculty of Health Sciences | R54 000 - R74 000 |
Faculty of Education | R30 000 - R58 000 |
Faculty of Theology | R23 000 - R54 000 |
Faculty of Humanities | R32 000 - R70 000 |
Faculty of Law | R48 000 |
Download the UFS tuition fees from the school's website.
7. Rhodes University (RU): R42 000 - R66 000
Source: Facebook
- Location: Makhanda, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Founded: 1904
- Website: www.ru.ac.za
Rhodes University often ranks in the top 15 of the top universities in Africa. Compared to other universities in South Africa, the fees for Rhodes might be on the higher side. Here are the fees for some courses;
Rhodes course | Annual fees (approx.) |
Bachelor of Arts | R64 000 |
Bachelor of Commerce | R70 000 |
Bachelor of Science | R67 000 |
Bachelor of Law | R72 000 |
Rhodes University has over 119 years of memorable graduations. According to the RU's 2026 fees booklet shared on the school's website, first-year undergraduates pay an annual tuition fee between R42 000 and R66 000.
6. University of Johannesburg (UJ): R43 000 - R83 000
Source: Facebook
- Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
- Year founded: 2005
- Website: www.uj.ac.za
The University of Johannesburg provides higher education that contributes to the continent’s development. UJ has four campuses: the Auckland Park Kingsway, Doornfontein, Auckland Park Bunting Road, and Soweto campuses, all located in the metropolitan area of Johannesburg.
Below are the tuition ranges as per the UJ fees PDF for undergraduates 2026:
UJ's colleges | Annual fees range (approx.) |
College of Art, Design, & Architecture | R51 000 - R73 000 |
College of Business & Economics | R52 000 - R79 000 |
College of Education | R49 000 - R65 000 |
College of Engineering & the Built Environment | R57 000 - R70 000 |
College of Health Sciences | R43 000 - R59 000 |
College of Humanities | R49 000 - R60 000 |
College of Law | R49 000 - R56 000 |
College of Science | R51 000 - R84 000 |
Find the UJ fees for 2026 undergraduate PDF download at the university website. You can also get the UJ fee quotation on the website.
University of Johannesburg fees for international students range between R103,000 and R112,000 for undergraduate students. As for post-graduate students, the fees range between R15,000 and R172,000.
5. University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN): R30 000 - R68 000
Source: UGC
- Location: KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Founded: 2004
- Website: www.ukzn.ac.za
The University of KwaZulu Natal comprises four colleges distributed across its five campuses: Edgewood, Howard College, PMB Campus, Medical School, and the Westville Campus. Below is the UKZN's 2026 annual tuition fees range (approximates) for first-year bachelor's degree students:
UKZN's colleges | Annual fees range (approx.)
|
College of Health Sciences | R42 000 - R61 000 |
College of Law and Management | R39 000 - R59 000 |
College of Agriculture, Engineering, and Science | R30 000 - R62 000 |
College of Humanities | R42 000- R68 000 |
4. University of Pretoria (UP): R26 000 - R95 000
Source: Facebook
- Location: Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
- Founded: 1908
- Website: www.up.ac.za
The University of Pretoria (UP) is one of Africa's top universities and the largest contact university in South Africa. The school has seven campuses, each with a unique purpose.
Below are the University of Pretoria fees for 2026 for first-year undergraduates (SA and SADC countries citizens):
UP's faculties | Annual fees range (approx.) |
Faculty of Economic & Management Sciences | R45 000 - R75 000 |
Faculty of Law | R52 000 - R77 000 |
Faculty of Theology | R48 000 - R61 000 |
Faculty of Education | R26 000 - R76 000 |
Faculty of Eng., Built Environment, & IT | R49 000 - R94 000 |
Faculty of Veterinary Science | R55 000 - R70 000 |
Faculty of Health Sciences | R48 000 - R89 000 |
Faculty of Humanities | R42 000 - R74 000 |
Faculty of Natural & Agricultural Sciences | R54 000 - 79 000 |
The Tuks registration fee 2026 is R10,000 for undergraduate students and R12,500 for postgraduate students.
3. University of Stellenbosch: R56 000 - R93 000
Source: Facebook
- Location: Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa
- Founded: 1918
- Website: www.sun.ac.za
Ranking among the top 10 best universities in the entire continent of Africa, the University of Stellenbosch has fairly affordable fees. The estimated fees for courses in 2026 range between R56 000 to R93 000. Here are the 2026 fees for some courses at Stellenbosch University.
Course | Annual fees (approx.) |
BA in Development and Environment | R61 000 |
BA in Drama and Theatre Studies | R56 000 |
BSc in Earth Sciences | R76 000 |
BSc in Food Science | R67 000 |
LLB (four-year) | R59 000 |
BCom | R60 000 |
Bachelor of Nursing and Midwifery | R73 000 |
BAcc | R65 000 |
2. University of Witwatersrand (Wits): R44 000 - R91 000
Source: Facebook
- Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
- Founded: 1896
- Website: www.wits.ac.za
Wits University has five faculties and five campuses: the East Campus, the West Campus, the Education Campus, the Medical School, and the Management School. Founded in 1896, the university offers over 3000 courses.
Below is Wits' 2026 annual tuition fee range (approximates) for first-year undergraduates:
Wits' faculties | Annual fees range (approx.) |
Faculty of Commerce, Law, and Management | R44 000 - R79 000 |
Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment | R63 000 - R91 000 |
Faculty of Humanities | R48 000 - R66 000 |
Faculty of Health Sciences | R6,000 - R8,000 (per module) |
Faculty of Science | R48 000 - R75 000 |
Download Wits' 2026 university fees book from the school's website.
1. University of Cape Town (UCT): R52 000 - R109 000
Source: UGC
- Location: Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
- Founded: 1829
- Website: www.uct.ac.za
UCT is a global African university unleashing human potential to better society. Founded in 1829, this is one of the oldest higher education institutions in South Africa. The University of Cape Town has six campuses.
Below is UCT's tuition fees 2026 range (approximates) for first-year undergraduates:
UCT's faculties | Annual fees range (approx.) |
Faculty of Commerce | R52 000 - R104 000 |
Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment | R72 000 - R90 000 |
Faculty of Health Sciences | R81 000 - R109 000 |
Faculty of Humanities | R67 000 - R85 000 |
Faculty of Law | R77 000 - R77 000 |
Faculty of Science | R45 000 - R84 000 |
Download UCT's student fees PDF from the school's website.
How much is the UCT registration fee in 2026?
University of Cape Town requires a minimum upfront payment of about R34,500 in 2026 to register; it’s not a separate fee but part of total tuition costs.
Is it cheap to study in South Africa?
It depends on your budget. On average, public university fees in South Africa (2026) are about R65,000 per year (around R5,400 monthly), making them relatively affordable compared to many countries.
How much is a 4-year degree in South Africa?
A year's degree in South Africa will cost an estimated R258,000. Yearly fees range from R30,000 to over R70,000.
What is the most expensive university in South Africa?
The Independent Institute of Education (IIE) is among the most expensive private universities in South Africa. It charges first-year undergraduate students an annual tuition fee between R69 000 and R120 000. The amount is among the highest private university fees in South Africa.
What is the average tuition cost for international students?
Costs typically range from R60,000 to over R200,000 per year, depending on the university and program.
Which is the cheapest university in South Africa?
Generally, the University of South Africa (UNISA) is widely considered the cheapest or relatively affordable. This is because of its distance-learning model, where fees are charged per module rather than a flat annual tuition rate. A full year fee of 10 modules range from R20,000 to R45,000 depending on the qualification.
Which university is free in South Africa?
There is no free university in South Africa since no institute has entirely waived tuition fees for all students. Nonetheless, undergraduates can apply for the NSFAS student loan and other student financial aid programs in the country.
University fees in South Africa 2026 are reasonable and affordable compared to other countries that offer quality education. It is a good decision if you are considering seeking admission into South African institutions.
Briefly.co.za shared a post on nursing courses available and colleges in South Africa to which you can apply. Nursing is one of the best jobs in the world today.
If you wish to pursue a career in nursing, learn about the different courses one can take to get into this profession.
Source: Briefly News
Lynn Kandie Lynn Kandie is a reporter with 5 years of experience in writing. Before joining the team in 2018, Lynn wrote for Kenyan media platforms and several other websites. She graduated from the University of Nairobi in 2019 with honours after pursuing a BSc. in Meteorology. She is currently studying for a Master's degree in the same field. Lynn specialises in writing celebrity biographies, listicles and teasers for popular TV shows.
Favour Adeaga (Lifestyle writer) Dr. Favour Adeaga is an author, speaker, and coach. He graduated with a degree in Mass Communication from The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Nigeria. He did his internship at The Nation Newspaper and taught diploma students in Newspaper and Magazine courses at the Nasarawa State University, Keffi. He has curated the facts and life hacks category since 2018. Dr Favour is the author of several books available on Amazon. He currently lives in Nigeria. Email: favouradeaga@gmail.com
