Study and Living Expenses in South Africa

South Africa is known for its rich culture and world class education. It is emerging as a great place to study. In South Africa, almost all the higher education institutions provide student support services that assist them to obtain accommodation and other things.   

South Africa is an economical study destination. Read the post -“Studying and Living in South Africa” and know about the Accommodation, Living Expenses and tuition, travel, health and working conditions.

Tuition Fees and Other Benefits

The tuition fee in South Africa varies depending on the course/programme and institution. 

Here is what you can expect to pay-

Undergraduate Studies: Between R20 000 and R30 000 for each year

Professional/Specialised degree programmes, such as engineering or medicine, dentistry etc. can cost a lot more. 

Many South African universities provide their own scholarships and bursaries to the students on the basis of academic merit or financial need for international Honors, Masters and PhD studies. To know about the same, contact the University. 

Living Expenses

The living expense in South Africa is relatively cheaper than most other regions of the globe. Urban regions are expensive while other areas are cheaper. 

General living costs (per year)-

24,000 ZAR to 32,000 ZAR 

Basic Utilities (Electricity, water, etc.): 650-1500R (per month)

Rent per month-
1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre: 3,300-6000.00R
1 Bedroom Apartment in Outside City Centre: 3,000-5,000R 

Many of the South African higher education institutions provide accommodation service on-campus, whose cost varies depending upon the services and the area. The institutions have a Housing or Student Office that assists pupils to find off -campus accommodation.

University Residence: University residence adds up to your university experience and renders you the convenience of living on campus, close to library and other facilities. The University Residence costs vary and provide all the basic amenities. 

Private Accommodation: Private Accommodation means renting a place on your own, or in a shared house. Apartments or flats are available throughout South Africa. 

Working While Studying

International students are permitted to work part-time for not more than 20 hours a week if they are on a study permit.

Also, Students are required to perform a practical work as part of their research or thesis at either their own University or at a related organization. And to do so, they are required to fill up an application form for a ‘work permit’. The form must be submitted along with the required documents to the nearest South African embassy in the country of origin of the student.

Documents-
  • Formal offer from organization
  • Consent Letter from the University
  • Evidence that you’re a registered student

Health 

In South Africa, health care facilities vary from the most basic primary health care service that is provided by the state at free of cost, to highly specialised, hi-tech health services obtainable in the public as well as private sectors.

Health Insurance

Student health insurance is compulsory for all pupils. The average cost is 125 ZAR per month. International students may contact the International Education Association of South Africa (IEASA) to know about the health insurance plans and their benefits.  Also, while applying for a study permit, students must undergo a Medical Examination. To know more about this, contact your nearest South African Embassy.

Transportation

Getting Around by Buses and Trains

South Africa possesses a vast and well-maintained road infrastructure. It is a large country so travelling by train or bus is a better option. Both public and private road transport buses are available. Spoornet is the parastatal railway that includes the routes between the major cities. 

Upmarket services-

The upmaket options are-
  • Premier Classe, run by Spoornet, travels between Johannesburg and Cape Town, and Johannesburg and Durban every week. 
  • Rovos Rail
Commuter trains: The Gautrain  is a suburban rapid rail service, linking Johannesburg (Sandton) or Tambo Airport, as well as Johannesburg (Central and Sandton) to Pretoria. It's efficient and safe!

Driver's Licence-

Any valid driver's licence is accepted in South Africa. It should possess the holder's photograph and signature as well should be printed or authenticated in English.

In South Africa, Keep left, pass right! 
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