Top 10 Cheapest Universities in South Africa

Top 10 Cheapest Universities in South Africa — 2026 guide

Studying in South Africa doesn’t have to cost a fortune. While tuition varies widely by programme and faculty, several universities consistently offer lower fees or flexible, per-module pricing that keeps study affordable — especially for South African citizens, distance learners and NSFAS-funded students. Below you’ll find a ranked list of 10 of the cheapest universities in South Africa for 2026, with estimated fee ranges, practical notes about each institution, and money-saving tips so you can make a confident choice.

1) UNISA — University of South Africa (best for distance learning & low per-module cost)

Why it’s cheap: UNISA is Africa’s largest distance-learning university; fees are charged per module rather than as a flat yearly tuition. This means students can spread costs by registering for fewer modules in a year. UNISA’s module costs can be as low as a few thousand rand per module (module prices vary by qualification and credit weighting). This model makes UNISA one of the most flexible — and often the cheapest — options for students who need to study part-time or manage cash flow. University of South Africa

Best for: Working students, part-time learners, students needing flexible payment schedules.

2) Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT)

Estimated cost: MUT publishes competitive semester fees — the prospectus lists tuition ranges roughly between R4,530 and R15,350 per semester depending on the course and modules, with transparent minimum registration deposits and residence costs. For many diplomas and career-focused qualifications, MUT is among the most affordable in KwaZulu-Natal.

Best for: Engineering-technology programmes, vocational and tech-focused diplomas.

3) University of Venda (UNIVEN)

Estimated cost: UNIVEN publishes student fee booklets and course fee schedules with many undergraduate programmes falling into an affordable band (specific course fees vary — consult the university fee booklet for exact module rates). UNIVEN frequently appears on affordability roundups and provides clear guidance for international vs domestic fee payment.

Best for: Students wanting a small-to-mid sized campus experience in Limpopo with modest fees.

4) Walter Sisulu University (WSU)

Why it’s affordable: WSU — with campuses in Mthatha, East London and Butterworth — is a historically affordable institution with student support services and often no or low application fees. WSU’s 2026 admissions pages and fee support information make it a good option for cost-conscious applicants from the Eastern Cape and beyond. (Check WSU’s fees & financial support pages for programme-specific costs.) Walter Sisulu University

Best for: Students in the Eastern Cape looking for lower-cost campus living and public university facilities.

5) Vaal University of Technology (VUT)

Estimated cost: VUT publishes a fees guideline showing affordable per-programme estimates with many qualifications priced in mid/low-range bands (examples in campus guides show programme costs like R12,000–R45,000 per annum depending on programme). VUT is known for accessible tuition in engineering, applied sciences and vocational tech programmes. vut.ac.za

Best for: Applied sciences, engineering and technology students in the Gauteng/Vaal region.

6) University of Fort Hare (UFH)

Why it’s cheap: UFH frequently appears on lists of universities with modest registration and tuition fees. Programmes vary, but UFH is one of the more affordable Eastern Cape options and regularly offers support and bursaries. Check the UFH fee guides to confirm costs for specific programmes.

Best for: Humanities, education and agriculture students seeking low-cost higher education with a historic campus experience.

7) University of Zululand (UNIZULU)

Estimated cost: UNIZULU publishes yearly brochures and per-module fee schedules; many undergraduate programmes fall in lower to mid fee bands (e.g., some BEd and BCom streams are noted as affordable). University of Zululand serves rural and urban regions with relatively low tuition in many common degree tracks. unizulu.ac.za

Best for: Prospective teachers, commerce students and those from KwaZulu-Natal looking for lower fees.

8) Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)

Why it’s affordable: CPUT (Cape Town) is a large University of Technology that offers several programmes with competitive fees — particularly for domestic students using network resources and subsidised options. CPUT consistently features among institutions with lower registration/tuition for many vocational degrees. Check the CPUT fees estimator or the 2025–2026 fee booklet for programme-level estimates.

9) Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)

Why it’s affordable: TUT charges tuition per subject and offers student-friendly payment options; the fees structure is modular which allows students to budget per semester. Many of TUT’s diploma and degree programmes have modest tuition compared with historically pricey Russell Group-style universities. (Always request a formal fee quotation for your specific modules.) tut.ac.za

Best for: Students wanting practical T-shaped skills in engineering, business and applied technology in Pretoria/Tshwane.

10) Durban University of Technology (DUT)

Why it’s affordable: DUT publishes departmental handbooks with programme tuition clearly outlined, and the university is often marketed as an accessible and lower-cost option for KZN students. Semester payment options and departmental quotes make DUT manageable for budget-conscious applicants. Durban University of Technology

Best for: KZN students and those seeking technology, commerce or hospitality programmes.

— Understanding the ranges and the fine print

A few important realities to keep in mind when comparing “cheapest” universities:

Programme matters more than institution. A medical degree or engineering degree will cost far more than a BCom or BEd, even at the same university. Always check faculty-level or module-level fees for your chosen qualification. (Universities publish fee booklets and online calculators for this.) University of South Africa
Domestic vs international students. International applicants typically pay higher tuition. The “cheapest” university for local students may not be cheapest for foreign nationals. Always confirm the correct fee schedule for your residency status. University of Venda
Additional costs matter. Registration deposits, residence fees, books, data, and transport can double the “tuition-only” cost. When budgeting, include accommodation and living costs. (Many universities show residence deposit and minimum first instalment amounts on registration pages.) mut.ac.za
Per-module & semester charges help cashflow. Universities that allow per-module registration (UNISA, many universities of technology) enable students to pay less each year by spreading study over more years — an advantage if you’re working or paying fees yourself. University of South Africa

How to choose the cheapest right university for you (practical checklist)

Pick a programme first, then a campus. A low-cost campus with your wrong course won’t help long term.
Use each university’s fee calculator or ask Student Finance for a personalised quote. That quote is the single most useful number when comparing cost. University of South Africa
Factor in living costs: on-campus residence vs shared private accommodation; provincial differences matter (Cape Town is costlier than rural Limpopo).
Look for NSFAS eligibility & bursaries. If you qualify for NSFAS, tuition (and in many cases accommodation and allowances) may be covered, making the effective cost near zero. Apply on time.
Consider part-time/distance options (UNISA) if you need to work while studying. Per-module pricing means you can afford study while earning.
Ask about payment plans and discounts. Some universities offer monthly debit order plans or early-payment discounts.

Money-saving strategies for 2026 applicants

Apply for every bursary you qualify for. University bursaries, private sector bursaries (banks, mines, corporates) and municipal funds add up. Look at ZABursaries-type aggregators and university financial aid pages.
Be strategic with residence: Shared off-campus housing is often cheaper than university residence in big cities.
Buy second-hand textbooks and use library resources. Study materials can be a surprisingly large portion of yearly costs.
Work part-time or freelance during semesters and holidays. Many students cover living costs from weekend or online work.
If eligible, apply for NSFAS early. NSFAS applications open annually and deadlines are strict — late applications may lose priority. (NSFAS covers tuition for qualifying students and provides allowances.)

FAQs (short, high-value answers)

Q: Which university is the absolute cheapest in South Africa 2026?
A: There’s no single “absolute cheapest” because fees depend on programme, residency status and modules. For flexible low-cost study, UNISA (per-module fees) and universities of technology (MUT, VUT, TUT, CPUT) are consistently among the most affordable options for many students.

Q: Can I study full-time and still keep costs low?
A: Yes — choose an affordable institution (e.g., universities of technology, regional universities), apply for NSFAS or bursaries, and live in shared housing or with family to reduce living expenses.

Q: Do international students pay the same cheap fees?
A: No — international students often pay higher tuition. Always check the “international student” fee schedule.

Q: How do I get an exact tuition quote?
A: Contact the university’s Student Finance or use the online fee calculator/fee guide — most universities publish a downloadable finance booklet or an online estimator. prospectus.cput.ac.za

Final thoughts

Choosing a “cheap” university is less about hunting for the lowest headline number and more about matching programme, delivery mode (distance vs campus), residency and funding eligibility to your financial reality. In 2026 the smartest students will combine a cost-effective institution (like UNISA or a university of technology), early NSFAS/bursary applications and sensible living choices to graduate without crippling debt.

If you’d like, I can:

Build a compare table showing estimated annual tuition + residence ranges for your top 3 programmes of interest, or
Pull the exact 2026 fee quotes (by module/course) for any three universities you choose so you can make a direct apples-to-apples comparison.

Tell me which three programmes or universities you want compared and I’ll fetch their 2026 fee quotes and funding options.