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Study in South Africa for Pakistani Students

Study in South Africa visa consultant
October 3, 2023
37 min read
Education
Study in South Africa for Pakistani Students

Study in South Africa is a budget-friendly option for a Pakistani student like study in Georgia who wants to get a quality education on an affordable budget. The average tuition fee costs around 745 to 5,000 USD per year. IELTS is required with a minimum of 6.5 for international students. Scholarships in South Africa for Pakistani students are available on academic performances. Government in South Africa provide scholarships to international students.

Some more useful information about study in South Africa is given below:

Study in South Africa for Pakistani Students

Teaching Language

English

Top Universities in South Africa

  1. Free State University
  2. University of South Africa
  3. University of Cape Town
  4. Rhodes University
  5. Limpopo University
  1. Fort Hare University
  2. Stellenbosch University
  3. Cape Peninsula University of Technology
  4. Walter Sisulu University
  5. University of Johannesburg

Course Duration

  • Three to Four years for a bachelor
  • One to Two years for masters

Minimum education

 required

  • Higher Secondary Education for bachelors.
  • A relevant bachelor's degree for a master.

Average fee structure

745 to 5,000 USD per year

Is IELTS required or not?

Yes, it depends on the universities and programs selected. South African universities require a minimum score of 6.5 in IELTS. 

Eligibility criteria

Yes, depending upon the universities and programs selected.

Scholarships

Yes, scholarships are available.

Part-time job Working 

hours

Yes, 20 hours per week

After the study work

 permit

Yes, you can

Embassy location

H #7, Street 58, F 7/4, Islamabad, Pakistan

Bank statements

Yes, bank statements of 2,739 USD for the past 3 to 6 months.

Average monthly 

expense

302 to 742 USD per month for living expenses.

Admission processing 

time

For about 8 to 10 weeks

Visa processing time

For about 8 to 10 weeks

Are you looking for a study in South Africa visa consultant in Pakistan? 

Why Study in South Africa?

Study in South Africa can be an attractive option for Pakistani students due to several reasons, as stated in the below sequence:

  • English is widely spoken and the primary language of instruction in South African universities, making it accessible for international students, including Pakistanis.
  • Various scholarships are available for international students, helping to finance education.
  • South Africa offers opportunities for adventure and travel, from safaris to exploring diverse ecosystems.
  • South Africa's growing economy may offer job opportunities for international graduates.
  • South Africa's diverse population and multicultural society provide an excellent opportunity for cultural exchange and learning.
  • South Africa is home to several prestigious universities recognized globally for their academic excellence.
  • Some South African universities consistently rank high in global university rankings, which can boost the value of your degree.
  • South Africa has made significant strides in improving safety and security, making it a relatively safe destination for international students.
  • The country offers student visas with relatively straightforward application processes for eligible students.
  • South Africa boasts a vibrant cultural scene, with museums, galleries, theaters, and music events to explore in your free time.
  • Many universities have dedicated international student support services to assist with academic and personal needs.
  • South Africa is famous for its natural wonders, from Table Mountain in Cape Town to Kruger National Park, offering incredible opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • South Africa has a growing startup and innovation ecosystem, making it an exciting place for students interested in entrepreneurship.
  • South Africa's business and academic communities offer networking opportunities that can be beneficial for future career prospects.

Scholarships in South Africa for Pakistani Students

South Africa does not only offer quality education but along with that, it has some scholarship programs designed for outstanding international students, including those from Pakistan. Scholarships in South Africa for Pakistani students are listed below with their number of allowances. The amount of stipends can vary depending on the specific scholarship program, institution, and the academic level of the student (undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral). Stipends may cover living expenses, books, or other costs related to the study.

  1. South African Government Scholarships
  2. Nelson Mandela Scholarships
  3. University Scholarships

1. Government Scholarships

South African government scholarships are designed for Pakistani students. It grants a monthly stipend that ranges from 160 to 265 USD or more. These stipends may help cover living expenses.

2. Nelson Mandela Scholarships

Stipend amounts for Nelson Mandela Scholarships can vary by institution and program. Monthly stipends of the scholarship may be around 160 to 215 USD to help with living costs.

3. University Scholarships

South African universities have designed scholarship programs for international students to overcome their financial burdens. The stipend amount may vary from university to university and program to program. Some universities may offer stipends ranging from 55 to 215 USD per month, depending on the scholarship program and the level of study.

Universities in South Africa

South Africa has many renowned universities. These universities are proven to be excellent for academic achievement. The universities in South Africa are listed below along with some more details.

  1. Free State University
  2. University of South Africa
  3. University of Cape Town
  4. Rhodes University
  5. Limpopo University
  6. Fort Hare University
  7. Stellenbosch University
  8. Cape Peninsula University of Technology
  9. Walter Sisulu University
  10. University of Johannesburg

1. Free State University

The University came into existence in 1904 and offers courses including, Social Sciences, Chemistry, Political Science, Biology, Social Sciences, Environmental Science, Physics, Engineering, Sociology, Computer Science, Chemistry, Law, and Philosophy. It has a world ranking of 1120, along with an acceptance rate of 25%. IELTS is required by the university with a minimum score of 6.5. The university has an average tuition fee of around 5,000 USD for international students.

World Ranking

1120

IELTS required or not

Yes, with a minimum score of 6.5.

Average tuition fee

5,000 USD per year.

Acceptance rate

25%


2. University of South Africa

The university was founded in 1873 and offers a range of study programs such as Biology, Environmental Science, Sociology, Chemistry, Computer Sciences, Engineering, Physics, Philosophy, and Social Sciences. The acceptance rate of the university lies at 70% with a world ranking of 894. The university requires an IELTS score of 6.5, while the tuition fee for international students is around 1,000 USD per year.

World Ranking

894

IELTS required or not

Yes, with a minimum score of 6.5.

Average tuition fee

1,000 USD per year.

Acceptance rate

70%


3. University of Cape Town

Cape Town University was established in 1829 and offers courses including, Social Sciences, Chemistry, Political Science, Biology, Environmental Science, Physics, Engineering, Sociology, Computer Science, Geography and Cartography Chemistry, Law, and Philosophy. It has a world ranking of 260, along with an acceptance rate of 50%. IELTS is required by the university with a minimum score of 6.5. The university has an average tuition fee of around 3,735 USD for international students.

World Ranking

260

IELTS required or not

Yes, with a minimum score of 6.5.

Average tuition fee

3,735 USD per year

Acceptance rate

50%

4. Rhodes University

The University of Rhodes was founded in 1904 and offers a range of study programs such as Biology, Environmental Science, Geography and Cartography, Chemistry, Engineering, Physics, Ecology, and Social Sciences. The acceptance rate of the university lies at 52% with a world ranking of 1035. The university requires an IELTS score of 7.0, while the tuition fee for international students is around 1,706 USD per year.

World Ranking

1035

IELTS required or not

Yes, with a minimum score of 7.0.

Average tuition fee

1,706 USD per year.

Acceptance rate

52%

5. Limpopo University

Limpopo was established in 2005 and offers courses including, Chemistry, Political Science, Biology, Social Sciences, Environmental Science, Sociology, Psychology, Law, and Pathology. It has a world ranking of 3004, along with an acceptance rate of 45%. IELTS is required by the university with a minimum score of 6.5. The university has an average tuition fee of around 20,000 USD for international students.

World Ranking

3004

IELTS required or not

Yes, with a minimum score of 6.5.

Average tuition fee

20,000 USD per year.

Acceptance rate

45%

6. Fort Hare University

The university was founded in 1916 and offers a range of study programs such as Biology, Environmental Science, Sociology, Chemistry, Computer Sciences, Ecology, Geography and Cartography, Physics, Philosophy, and Political Sciences. The acceptance rate lies at 56% with a world ranking of 2655. The university requires an IELTS score of 6.5, while the tuition fee for international students is around 2,500 to 4,500 USD per year.

World Ranking

2655

IELTS required or not

Yes, with a minimum score of 6.5.

Average tuition fee

2,500 to 4,500 USD per year.

Acceptance rate

56%






7. Stellenbosch University

Stellenbosch University came into being in 1918 and offers courses including, Social Sciences, Chemistry, Political Science, Biology, Social Sciences, Environmental Science, Physics, Engineering, Sociology, Computer Science, Political Science, and Geography and Cartography. Chemistry. It has a world ranking of 412, along with an acceptance rate of 45%. IELTS is required by the university with a minimum score of 6.5. The university has an average tuition fee of around 1,044 USD for international students.

World Ranking

412

IELTS required or not

Yes, with a minimum score of 6.5.

Average tuition fee

1,044 USD per year.

Acceptance rate

45%




8. Cape Peninsula University of Technology

The university was founded in 2005 and offers a range of study programs such as Biology, Environmental Science, Sociology, Chemistry, Computer Sciences, Engineering, Political Sciences, Physics, Law, and Social Sciences. The acceptance rate of the university lies at 91% with a world ranking of 2061. The university requires an IELTS score of 6.5, while the tuition fee for international students is around 217 USD per year.

World Ranking

2061

IELTS required or not

Yes, with a minimum score of 6.5.

Average tuition fee

217 USD per year

Acceptance rate

91%

9. Walter Sisulu University

The University of Walter Sisulu came into the foundation in 2005 and offers courses including, Law, Political Science, Biology, Social Sciences, Environmental Science, Psychology, Engineering, Sociology, Computer Science, Chemistry, Law, and Pathology. It has a world ranking of 4630, along with an acceptance rate of 71%. IELTS is required by the university with a minimum score of 6.5. The university has an average tuition fee of around 2,500 to 4,500 USD for international students.

World Ranking

4630

IELTS required or not

Yes, with a minimum score of 6.5.

Average tuition fee

2,500 to 4,500 USD per year.

Acceptance rate

71%

10. University of Johannesburg

The university was founded in 2005 and offers a range of study programs such as Biology, Environmental Science, Sociology, Chemistry, Quantum and Particle Physics, Computer Sciences, Engineering, Physics, Philosophy, and Social Sciences. The acceptance rate of the university lies at 77% with a world ranking of 868. The university requires an IELTS score of 6.5, while the tuition fee for international students is around 850 USD per year.

World Ranking

868

IELTS required or not

Yes, with a minimum score of 6.5.

Average tuition fee

850 USD per year.

Acceptance rate

77%

Admission Requirements and Documents List

For admission to South African Universities, certain documents are required for a smooth admission process. These requirements are mentioned below:

  • Applicant must have a valid passport copy
  • A Recommendation letter is required
  • Academic records of the applicant including all the previous degrees or transcripts mentioning the percentage/CGPA
  • A health certification of the applicant
  • The admission form must be completely and accurately filled
  • Language proficiency certificates of IELTS or TOEFL
  • Financial statements of 3 to 6 months old of 2,739 USD

Visa Requirements and Documents for Pakistan Students

After getting admission to a South African university, then comes the visa processing. South Africa visa success ratio for Pakistani students is 85%. And for that, some documentation is required, as mentioned below:

  • Applicant must have a valid passport copy
  • 2 Recent and colored passport-sized pictures of the applicant
  • An original acceptance letter from a South African University
  • Financial statements of 3 to 6 months old of 2,739 USD
  • A health certification of the applicant
  • Yellow fever vaccination certificate of the applicant (if required)
  • Your proof of accommodation
  • A visa application fee must be paid that is around 50 USD
  • A vaccination certificate (if required)

Cost of living in South Africa for Pakistani Students

The cost of living in South Africa can vary significantly depending on the city, lifestyle, and personal choices. A one-bedroom apartment's monthly rent can be in the range of 200 to 530 USD, and sharing accommodation with roommates can lower costs. Groceries may cost around 106 to 185 USD per month. Dining out at restaurants varies but can range from 3.7 to 16 USD for a meal at a mid-range restaurant. Monthly public transportation passes may cost around 16 to 32 USD. South Africa has both public and private healthcare systems. International students often require private health insurance, which may cost around 53 to 106 USD per month. The monthly living expenses in South Africa are estimated to be around 302 to 742 USD.

Part-Time Working Hours and Income

International students are allowed to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week. The minimum wage in South Africa varies, but it is around 1.06 to 1.2 USD per hour. Therefore, an estimated monthly income of approximately 85 to 97 USD. During vacation periods, students have the opportunity to earn more by working full-time.

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Work Permits and Future Opportunities for Pakistani Students

Pakistani students studying in South Africa may explore work permits and future opportunities after completing their studies. South Africa has introduced a Post-Study Work Visa, which allows international graduates to stay and work in the country for a specific period after completing their studies. The duration of this visa ranges from 12 to 24 months. During this time, graduates can seek employment related to their field of study and gain valuable work experience. For graduates with qualifications in fields that are considered critical skills in South Africa (such as engineering, healthcare, IT, and more), there is a Critical Skills Visa option. This visa allows skilled professionals to work in South Africa without a job offer for a specific period, with the possibility of permanent residency later. 

Are you looking for a study in South Africa visa consultant in Pakistan?

Mahnoor Iqbal
Article Author

Mahnoor Iqbal

Mahnoor is a seasoned visa consultancy professional with over 11 years of hands on experience guiding Pakistani students toward successful study abroad journeys. Her expertise spans international education systems, student visa regulations, and global immigration frameworks, making her a trusted voice in the study abroad industry. Over the past 11 years, Mahnoor has worked closely with students, parents, educational institutions, and international partners to simplify complex visa processes and ensure compliance with ever changing immigration laws. Her deep understanding of country-specific visa requirements enables him to provide accurate, up to date,...

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