South Africa has the strongest higher education system on the African continent. Most of the continent's best universities are located here, and the language of instruction is English. Tuition fees and the cost of living are much more affordable than in other English-speaking study destinations such as the UK, the USA and Australia.
Studying at university in South Africa offers not only a high-quality education but also the chance to discover a different continent. With its natural beauty, wildlife and multicultural character, the country gives students an unforgettable experience. There are world-class programs, especially in public health, environmental sciences, mining and business.
South Africa is a country of nine provinces with a population of around 63 million. The country has three capitals: Pretoria, the seat of the executive; Cape Town, the seat of the legislature; and Bloemfontein, the seat of the judiciary. Its currency is the South African rand. The country has many official languages, but English is the most widely used language in education, business and daily life.
Home to many different cultures, South Africa is known as the "Rainbow Nation". With Table Mountain, its wine regions, ocean coastlines and safari parks, it has some of the most impressive natural scenery in the world. Since it is in the Southern Hemisphere, its seasons are the opposite of Türkiye's.
South Africa has 26 public universities. These fall into three groups: traditional universities focused on academic study and research, universities of technology offering applied and vocational education, and comprehensive universities that offer both types of programs. There are also many private higher education institutions.
Bachelor's programs usually last three or four years. High-achieving students can deepen their studies with a one-year Honours program. Master's programs last one or two years. Unlike in Türkiye, the academic year starts in February and ends in November.
South African universities carry out world-class research, especially in medicine, public health, environmental sciences, geology and mining. The fact that the world's first heart transplant was performed in Cape Town is a striking example of the country's long history in medicine. The quality of higher education institutions in the country is monitored by the Council on Higher Education (CHE).
The education system is based on the British model, with a focus on independent study, research and critical thinking. As one of Africa's economic hubs, the country offers students the chance to do internships at multinational companies and take part in projects aimed at the continent's development.
The University of Cape Town (UCT) stands out as Africa's best university in international rankings such as QS and THE. The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in Johannesburg, Stellenbosch University and the University of Pretoria are also ranked in world rankings and considered among the continent's most prestigious institutions.
The University of Johannesburg, the University of KwaZulu-Natal and Rhodes University are other important institutions with strong programs. In business, the UCT Graduate School of Business, Stellenbosch Business School and GIBS are known for their internationally accredited MBA programs.
Business, finance and MBA programs are among the most popular fields for international students in South Africa. Engineering, especially mining, civil and electrical engineering, stands out thanks to the country's strong industry. Computer science, data science and actuarial science are also in high demand.
South Africa's rich natural environment and biodiversity provide a unique learning environment in environmental sciences, zoology, wildlife conservation and marine biology. Public health, law, film and media are also popular programs. Medical programs are highly competitive, and places for international students are very limited.
With its location at the foot of Table Mountain, its ocean coastlines and its international atmosphere, Cape Town is one of the most beautiful student cities in the world. Home to the University of Cape Town, the city is the first choice for international students. Nearby Stellenbosch is a classic university town with a historic character set among vineyards.
Johannesburg, the country's economic center, stands out for its job and internship opportunities. The capital, Pretoria, is known for its calm character and strong university. Durban, on the coast of the Indian Ocean, is popular with students for its mild climate and beaches.
International students who want to apply for bachelor's programs in South Africa must have their high school diploma evaluated by Universities South Africa (USAf) and obtain the exemption certificate issued to foreign students. Universities also assess your high school GPA and your results in subjects related to your chosen program.
Students whose native language is not English are asked for IELTS or TOEFL results. Master's applications require a bachelor's degree in a related field, a transcript, a research proposal or motivation letter and letters of recommendation. Degrees obtained abroad may also need to be evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
Since the academic year in South Africa starts in February, bachelor's applications usually open in the middle of the previous year and close between July and September at most universities. Deadlines for competitive programs such as medicine are earlier.
Application deadlines for master's programs vary by program, and some programs admit students in more than one intake per year. Since the USAf evaluation, document preparation and the student visa all take time, it is recommended that you start preparing at least a year in advance.
Public universities in South Africa charge international students higher fees than local students. However, these fees are very affordable compared with English-speaking countries such as the UK, the USA and Australia. Fees vary depending on the university, the program and the region the student comes from.
Medicine, engineering and MBA programs generally charge higher fees. In addition to tuition, you should also budget for accommodation, compulsory health insurance, visa and living expenses. The value of the rand against foreign currencies can make the total cost even more attractive for students from Türkiye.
The cost of living in South Africa is noticeably lower than in Europe and North America. Accommodation is the biggest item in a student's budget. University residences and student houses near campus are the most common options. Rents in Cape Town and Johannesburg are higher than in other cities.
Crime rates are high in some areas of South Africa. That is why students are advised to live in safe areas, preferably in university residences or close to campus. Universities provide services such as campus security and student shuttles. Students who follow safety precautions can enjoy a comfortable student life in the country.
Turkish students who want to study in South Africa need a study visa. The application is made at the visa application center authorized by the South African mission in Türkiye. The application requires a letter of admission, a passport, proof of funds, medical and radiology reports, a police clearance certificate and health insurance (medical aid) valid in South Africa.
The study visa is usually issued for the duration of your studies. Since visa applications can take time to process, it is important to apply as soon as you receive your letter of admission.
International students with a study visa in South Africa can work part-time within a set weekly limit of hours. On-campus jobs, research and teaching assistantships and private tutoring are the most common job options for students.
Students who want to work in South Africa after graduation can apply for a work visa if they find a job in a field on the critical skills list. However, since the country's unemployment rate is high, it may be harder for international graduates to find a job than in some other countries. A degree from South Africa is a strong credential for building a career internationally and in Türkiye.
Scholarships for international students in South Africa are limited, especially at bachelor's level. Universities may offer merit scholarships and fee reductions to high-achieving students. Scholarship opportunities are more common at master's and doctoral level.
Postgraduate students can apply for university research scholarships, assistantship positions in research projects and funding from institutions such as the National Research Foundation (NRF). At NGGlobal, we identify the South African universities and scholarships that match your profile and support you every step of the way, from your application to your visa.
The vast majority of universities in South Africa teach in English. Some universities also offer programs in Afrikaans, but international students study in English-taught programs.
Yes, but you need to have your high school diploma evaluated by Universities South Africa (USAf) and obtain the exemption certificate issued to foreign students.
The academic year in South Africa starts in February and ends in November. This is why bachelor's applications are usually made in the middle of the previous year.
Yes, international students with a study visa can work part-time within a set weekly limit of hours.
Crime rates are high in some areas of South Africa. However, university campuses and areas where many students live are generally safe. It is important to make use of university security services and follow basic safety precautions.
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