University fees in South Africa 2025: What are the current costs?
Thousands of local and international students join Mzansi universities yearly due to affordable university fees in South Africa in 2025. Most of these institutes offer quality education, have ample learning environments, and use competent trainers. This article helps you understand the cost of a university education in South Africa for your budgeting.
Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Key takeaways
- University fee in South Africa 2025
- How much are university fees in South Africa?
- 10. University of Fort Hare (UFH): R26 236 - R44 374
- 9. Vaal University of Technology (VUT): R17 424 - R64 340
- 8. University of the Free State (UFS): R20 320 - R77 000
- 7. Rhodes University (RU): R41 507 - R65 119
- 6. University of Johannesburg (UJ): R42 346 - R83 533
- 5. University of KwaZulu Natal (UKZN): R29 896 - R67 324
- 4. University of Pretoria (UP): R26 000 - R94 000
- 3. University of Stellenbosch: R55 555 - R92 343
- 2. University of Witwatersrand (Wits): R43 970 - R90 660
- 1. University of Cape Town (UCT): R51 690 - R108 800
- 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?
- How much is UCT tuition per year?
- How much is the tuition fee at the University of Pretoria?
- How much is the registration fee at UJ?
- Where do you make the UJ fees payment?
- Which is the cheapest university in South Africa?
- Which university is free in South Africa?
- What is the easiest university to get into in South Africa?
- What is Unisa ranked in South Africa 2025?
Key takeaways
- Public university fees in South Africa 2025 are about R62,000.
- The top universities in South Africa are the University of Cape Town, University of Pretoria and University of the Witwatersrand.
- The figures below are from the official university websites.
University fee in South Africa 2025
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 tuition fees these institutes charge first-year undergraduates:
| Rank | Universities in South Africa | Annual fees range (Approx.) |
| 1. | University of Cape Town (UCT) | R51 690 - R108 800 |
| 2. | University of the Witwatersrand | R43 970 - R90 660 |
| 3. | University of Stellenbosch | R55 555 - R92 343 |
| 4. | University of Pretoria | R26 000 - R94 000 |
| 5. | University of KwaZulu-Natal | R29 896 - R67 324 |
| 6. | University of Johannesburg (UJ) | R42 346 - R83 533 |
| 7. | Rhodes University (RU) | R41 507 - R65 119 |
| 8. | University of the Free State (UFS) | R20 320 - R77 000 |
| 9. | Vaal University of Technology (VUT) | R17 424 - R64 340 |
| 10. | University of Fort Hare (UFH) | R26 236 - R44 374 |
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.
How much are university fees in South Africa?
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 2025 for undergraduates.
10. University of Fort Hare (UFH): R26 236 - R44 374
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 its portfolio of academic and training programs.
Below is UFH's 2025 annual tuition fees range (approximates) for first-year undergraduates:
| UFH's faculties | Annual fees range (approx.) |
| Faculty of Agriculture and Science | R26 236 - R41 831 |
| Faculty of Social Science and Humanities | R26 553 - R44 374 |
| Faculty of Management and Commerce | R26 553 - R44 374 |
| Faculty of Law | R26 553 - R44 374 |
| Faculty of Education | R26 553 - R44 374 |
| Faculty of Science and Technology | R26 236 - R41 831 |
9. Vaal University of Technology (VUT): R17 424 - R64 340
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 2024 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 | R34 491- R45 269 |
| Faculty of Engineering and Technology | R51 921 - R67 235 |
| Faculty of Applied and Computer Sciences | R26 421 - R46 452 |
| Faculty of Human Sciences | R20 131 - R55 008 |
| Faculty of Management Sciences | R18 208 - R33 482 |
Download the VUT 2025 student fee guide from the school's website.
8. University of the Free State (UFS): R20 320 - R77 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' 2025 annual tuition fees range (approximates) for first-year undergraduates:
| UFS' faculties | Annual fees range (approx.) |
| Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences | R51 580 - R77 000 |
| Faculty of Economics & Management Sciences | R20 320 - R70 720 |
| Faculty of Health Sciences | R53 000- R73 450 |
| Faculty of Education | R29 710 - R57 090 |
| Faculty of Theology | R22 660- R53 730 |
| Faculty of Humanities | R31 140 - R69 490 |
| Faculty of Law | R47 290 |
Download the UFS tuition fees yearbook 2025 PDF from the school's website.
7. Rhodes University (RU): R41 507 - R65 119
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 | R60 662 |
| Bachelor of Commerce | R66 368 |
| Bachelor of Science | R63 110 |
| Bachelor of Law | R68 049 |
Rhodes University has over 119 years of memorable graduations. According to the RU's 2025 fees booklet shared on the school's website, first-year undergraduates pay an annual tuition fee between R41 507 and R65 119.
6. University of Johannesburg (UJ): R42 346 - R83 533
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 the Johannesburg.
Below are the tuition ranges as per the UJ fees pdf for undergraduates 2025:
| UJ's colleges | Annual fees range (approx.) |
| College of Art, Design, & Architecture | R50 887 - R72 529 |
| College of Business & Economics | R51 586 - R78 303 |
| College of Education | R48 367 - R64 559 |
| College of Engineering & the Built Environment | R56 525 - R69 883 |
| College of Health Sciences | R42 346 - R58 535 |
| College of Humanities | R47 812 - R59 067 |
| College of Law | R48 367 - R55 542 |
| College of Science | R50 061 - R83 533 |
Find the UJ fees for 2025 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 R102,280 - R110,330 for undergraduate students. As for post-graduate students, the fees range between R14,634 - R171,158.
5. University of KwaZulu Natal (UKZN): R29 896 - R67 324
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 2025 annual tuition fees range (approximates) for first-year bachelor's degree students:
| UKZN's colleges | Annual fees range (approx.) |
| College of Health Sciences | R41 813 - R60 202 |
| College of Law and Management | R38 456 - R58 397 |
| College of Agriculture, Engineering, and Science | R29 896 - R61 870 |
| College of Humanities | R40 050 - R67 324 |
4. University of Pretoria (UP): R26 000 - R94 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 is UP's 2025 annual tuition fee range (estimated) 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 UP registration fee 2025 is R10,000 for undergraduate students and R12,500 for postgraduate students.
3. University of Stellenbosch: R55 555 - R92 343
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 2025 range between R55 555 to R92 343. Here are the 2025 fees for some courses at Stellenbosch University.
| Course | Annual fees (approx.) |
| BA in Development and Environment | R60 342 |
| BA in Drama and Theatre Studies | R55 555 |
| BSc in Earth Sciences | R75 071 |
| BSc in Food Science | R66 102 |
| LLB (four-year) | R58 633 |
| BCom | R59 856 |
| Bachelor of Nursing and Midwifery | R72 115 |
| BAcc | R64 160 |
2. University of Witwatersrand (Wits): R43 970 - R90 660
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' 2025 annual tuition fee range (approximates) for first-year undergraduates:
| Wits' faculties | Annual fees range (approx.) |
| Faculty of Commerce, Law, and Management | R43 970 - R78 220 |
| Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment | R62 670 - R90 660 |
| Faculty of Humanities | R47 220 - R65 100 |
| Faculty of Health Sciences | R5,648 - R7,775 (per module) |
| Faculty of Science | R47 770 - R74 080 |
Download Wits' 2025 university fees book from the school's website.
1. University of Cape Town (UCT): R51 690 - R108 800
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 2025 annual tuition fees range (approximates) for first-year undergraduates:
| UCT's faculties | Annual fees range (approx.) |
| Faculty of Commerce | R51 690 - R103 890 |
| Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment | R71 120 - R89 350 |
| Faculty of Health Sciences | R80 240 - R108 800 |
| Faculty of Humanities | R66 100 - R84 200 |
| Faculty of Law | R76 240 - R76 810 |
| Faculty of Science | R44 000 - R83 000 |
Download UCT's student fees (handbook 12, 2025) PDF from the school's website.
Is it cheap to study in South Africa?
How cheap or expensive this is depends on how much you are willing to spend on a quality education. Most universities in Mzansi charge around R64,200 per year, making R5 350, the average university fee in South Africa per month.
How much is a 4 year degree in South Africa?
A year's degree in South Africa will cost an estimated R256,800. Yearly fees per 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 R68 794 and R119 02. The amount is among the highest private university fees in South Africa.
How much is UCT tuition per year?
The University of Cape Town (UCT) charges first-year undergraduates between R51 690 to R108 800 (annual tuition fees), depending on the course they enroll in.
How much is the tuition fee at the University of Pretoria?
First-year undergraduate degree students at the University of Pretoria (UP) pay an annual tuition fee of between R26 000 to R94 000, depending on the course they take.
How much is the registration fee at UJ?
The registration fee at UJ for first year students in 2025 is R5,560 for those not residing in on-campus residences, and R9,270 for students who will be staying in UJ residences.
Where do you make the UJ fees payment?
Pay your school fees to the University of Johannesburg to;
- Account Name: University of Johannesburg UJ Tuition Fee Account
- Account Number: 62615873199
- Account Type: Cheque Account
- Branch: Client Services
- Branch Code: 210-554
- Swiss Code: FIRNZ AJJ
Which is the cheapest university in South Africa?
There is no cheap or expensive university in South Africa. It all depends on whether you can afford the tuition fees of the institute and course you choose.
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.
What is the easiest university to get into in South Africa?
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg (Wits), Stellenbosch University (SU), and Durban University of Technology (DUT) are among the universities with low entry requirements in South Africa.
What is Unisa ranked in South Africa 2025?
The University of South Africa ranked 7th in South Africa in 2025. The university ranked 10th in Africa and #875 in the World.
University fees in South Africa 2025 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.
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