Reasons Why You Should Study in South Africa

There are a lot of reasons why you should study in South Africa. Amongst these reasons include: a quality education, friendly environment, diverse culture, and affordable tuition and a host of other benefits would make South Africa your dream destination to study.

Also See: Top 10 Universities in South Africa

South Africa, the southernmost country in Africa, with over 59 million citizens is the pride of Africa most especially in the education sector. This beautiful country covers 1.2 million squares kilometers, making it the 25^th largest country in the world.

The country which has over eleven (11) official languages (only behind Bolivia and India) is nicknamed “the rainbow nation” because of its diverse and unique multicultural character.

Higher Education in South Africa started to improve after a reform which began in the year 2004. The standards of the tertiary institutions, most especially the universities are improving and quickly. Little wonder the over 45,000 international students choose to study in South Africa for each academic year.

Now in detail, below are the reasons why you should want to study in South Africa.

Why You Should in South Africa?

1. Quality Education:

This is basically one of the first reasons international students consider when they intend to study in another country, and South Africa is at the forefront when it comes to having a quality education system in Africa. Three (3) universities in South Africa topped 500 in the 2019 QS World Rankings. The highest-ranked was the University of Cape Town, which occupied the 200^th position, followed by the University of the Witwatersrand and Stellenbosch University at 381 and 405 positions respectively. In the 2020 July edition of the Webometrics Ranking, five (5) South Africa Universities topped the list of the best universities in Africa.

The University of Cape Town

Similarly, in the Webometrics ranking, the University of Cape Town, Witwatersrand, and Stellenbosch topped the ranking, followed by the University of Pretoria, and the University of Kwazulu Natal respectively. This literally means if you want the best and most qualitative tertiary education in Africa, come to South Africa.

Also See: Reasons Why You Should Study in Ghana

2. Affordable Tuition:

South Africa uses the South African Rand (ZAR) as its currency.

The tuition fee for an undergraduate degree would likely be between R345,000 and R1110,000 per year, while a postgraduate degree would be between R20,000 and R75,000. The fees for specialist degrees, such as medicine or MBA degrees will definitely be higher.

Although, you should know that your tuition fee will depend on two variables. The first one is your home country. If your home country happens to be a member of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC), you will pay the same tuition as the native South African students. But, if you are from any other country, you will pay an international student fee. The second variable depends on the specific university you intend to study at. Each university sets its own tuition without being dictated by the government.

3. Affordable Cost of Living

This also depends on the area you intend to stay in. Bigger cities are more expensive than smaller cities and towns, but generally, the cost of living in South Africa is less expensive, when compared to other developed nations such as the United States of America (USA) or the United Kingdom (UK).

4. Opportunity to Learn a New Language

As stated at the beginning of this article, South Africa has eleven (11) official languages, and eight (8) other recognized regional languages. Although the most commonly used for teaching are English and Afrikaans. Most universities would allow you to pick a preferred language. As an international student, the opportunity of learning a new language is at your disposal. You should know that learning a new language would go a long way in improving your curriculum vitae.

5. Diverse Culture, Beautiful and Conducive Learning Environment

South Africa is one of the most beautiful countries in Africa with a safe and serene environment that is awesome for study. Its diverse and multicultural culture is also something of note. Little wonder it is nicknamed the “rainbow nation”.

Despite the recent xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals, South Africans are mostly accommodating people.

6. Easy Visa Application

The South African government has made the application for a visa as easy and straightforward as possible. But, you can only apply for a visa after you receive a conditional admission offer from an institution in South Africa. When applying for a visa, you need to do so first at the nearest South African embassy, consulate, or high commission. You will need to complete the BI-1738 application form, and provide other supporting documents, such as – a passport, passport photos, official admission letter of acceptance from your university, a clear criminal background check, flight details, proof of sufficient finances for tuition fees, living costs, and health insurance and lastly, payment for your visa. You should know that you can also work during your duration of the degree.

Although South Africa is a beauty to behold, you should know that the country is still in transition. Apartheid was still enforced until 1994, and although much has been done to create a more cohesive society, inevitable tensions still exist. Poverty and unemployment are still widespread in a lot of areas. Crime and high levels of HIV/AIDS infections are also another major problems in South Africa.

All these are not meant to scare you from studying in a South Africa institution. But, just to show you the true reality. All countries have their issues and national problems, the same as yours. Don’t let this discourage you from studying in one of the best educational systems in Africa.