Universities in South Africa (2027) for International Students

South Africa's research universities charge international students local tuition plus an international fee: at the University of Cape Town, students from outside Africa pay an International Term Fee of ZAR 80,400 in 2026 on top of course fees, and at Wits non-SADC undergraduates pay double the local tuition. The academic year starts in February, with 2027 undergraduate applications closing between 30 June and 31 July or 30 September 2026. A study visa costs R425, allows 20 hours of work a week and requires South African medical scheme cover.