The tuition fees for international students at the University of Cape Town (UCT) in South Africa depend on the program of study. Below are the breakdown:
- International students from SADC countries: Students from countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) are treated the same as South African students. They must pay tuition fees for individual courses, a SADC Administration Fee, and any applicable residence fees.
- International students from all other countries: Students from countries outside the SADC region must pay tuition fees for individual courses, an International Administration Fee, an International Term Fee (for coursework qualifications only), and any applicable residence fees.
- Refugees and asylum seekers: International students who are officially recognized as refugees or asylum seekers pay the same fees as South African students.
- Diplomatic representatives (or their dependents): Accredited diplomatic representatives of a foreign government in South Africa pay fees at the same rate as students from SADC countries.
- International UCT staff (or their dependents): International UCT staff (or their dependents) eligible for the HR staff tuition concession pay the following fees: Tuition fees for individual courses and any applicable residence fees.
For the Graduate School of Business programs, the acceptance deposit is R15,000 for South African/African applicants and R30,000 for International applicants.
Please note that the total cost of attendance for an international student at UCT is typically around ZAR 150,000 (approximately USD 9,800) per year. However, the cost of study at UCT is the same for locals and foreigners — from 3,837 USD per year.
LIVING COSTS
Cape Town is one of the most affordable study-abroad destinations in the world. These are some indicative costs for living in private rented accommodation in the areas surrounding campus.
| Expenses | Rand cost per month | Dollar cost per month | Semester total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meals | ZAR 5 000 | 318 USD | 1 590 USD |
| Accommodation | ZAR 7 000 | 445 USD | 2 225 USD |
| Books & Stationery | ZAR 3 500 per semester | 223 USD | 223 USD |
| Transportation | ZAR 2 000 | 127 USD | 635 USD |
| Spending money | ZAR 2 000 | 127 USD | 635 USD |
| Living costs | ZAR 3 000 | 191 USD | 955 USD |
| Medical Aid Cover | ZAR 455 | 32 USD | 160 USD |
| Tuition | per semester | 7 800 USD | |
| Total | 14 223 USD |
Overview of Public Universities in South Africa
Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.
University of Pretoria
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
- Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.
University of Cape Town
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
- Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.
Stellenbosch University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
- Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.
University of the Witwatersrand
- Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
- Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.
University of Johannesburg
- Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
- Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.
University of the Free State
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.
University of Venda
- Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
- Application Period: Usually from May to September.
University of Fort Hare
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
- Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.
University of the Western Cape
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
- Application Period: Generally from May to September.
North-West University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
- Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.
Rhodes University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
- Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.
Nelson Mandela University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
- Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.
University of Limpopo
- Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
- Application Period: From April to September.
University of Zululand
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
- Application Period: Usually between April and November.
Central University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
- Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.
Vaal University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
- Application Period: Typically from May to September.
Walter Sisulu University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
- Application Period: From April to September.
This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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