Chapter V · Africa

Study abroad inSouth Africa

South Africa has the continent's best-known research universities, including Cape Town, Stellenbosch and the Witwatersrand. Programmes in public health, conservation, history and development draw on the country's complex past and remarkable landscapes.

See 28 programmes ↓

Globe centred on South Africa
Capital
Pretoria
Languages
Afrikaans, English, Southern Ndebele
Currency
South African rand (ZAR)
Academic year
February to November, in two semesters
Student visa
Study visa
Programmes
28
Universities
30

Programmes in South Africa

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Cape Town · 23 programmes · City guide

Stellenbosch · 3 programmes

Across South Africa and multi-city

Cities

Cape Town23Stellenbosch3

Universities in South Africa

Selected institutions that take international or exchange students. 30 institutions in total, all listed in our South Africa university directory.

All 30 universities →

Questions about studying in South Africa

How many study abroad programmes are there in South Africa?

StudiesForeign currently lists 28 programmes in South Africa from 8 providers, in cities including Cape Town and Stellenbosch. Each listing links to the organisation that runs it, where you can check dates, prices and how to apply.

What visa do I need to study in South Africa?

Most international students staying for a semester or longer need a study visa. Requirements depend on your nationality and the length of your course, and EU or EEA citizens may have different rules in Europe. Check with the host institution and the nearest embassy before you apply.

When does the academic year start in South Africa?

The university year in South Africa usually runs february to November, in two semesters. Provider programmes and summer schools follow their own calendars, so check each programme’s dates.

Which cities in South Africa have the most study abroad programmes?

Cape Town (23) and Stellenbosch (3), based on the programmes listed on StudiesForeign.

How many universities are there in South Africa?

Our directory lists 30 universities and higher-education institutions in South Africa, with links to their official websites.