Study abroad in South Africa
Visa, costs, healthcare and the best cities for exchange students in South Africa.
Capital
Pretoria (Administrative), Cape Town (Legislative), Bloemfontein (Judicial)
Languages
English / isiZulu / isiXhosa / Afrikaans / Sepedi / Setswana / Sesotho / Xitsonga / siSwati / Tshivenda / isiNdebele
Academic Year
Most universities run Semester 1 (February to June) and Semester 2 (July to November).
Population
60.6 million
Typical Budget
EUR 600 - 1,000/month
Study Abroad in South Africa: What to Expect
Study abroad in South Africa should not be chosen by ranking or postcard alone: compare city, campus, language, rent and daily rhythm. South Africa offers international students an extraordinary mix of academic excellence and natural beauty. Compare Cape Town, Stellenbosch because housing, transport and social life change a lot by city.
Who loves this country?
Students who want a semester with high-impact landscapes, English-language academics, visible social complexity and a campus life that rewards practical safety planning.
What makes it special
South Africa can be one of Odisea's most distinctive destinations: academically serious, visually unforgettable and practical only when students plan safety, housing and transport carefully.
Newcomer shocks
- Safety planning is part of normal student life: night transport and phone awareness matter.
- Load shedding can disrupt study routines, traffic lights and housing comfort.
- Inequality is visible very quickly, especially around Cape Town.
Safety & Cost Indices
Source: Numbeo crowdsourced data. Lower crime = safer. Higher safety = safer.
Crime Index
High
World avg: 44.7
Safety Index
Be cautious
World avg: 55.3
Cost of Living
Very affordable
EUR 600 - 1,000/month
The cost to study abroad in South Africa is mostly shaped by rent, transport and weekly food routines. Use EUR 600-1000/month as a planning range, then add deposit money, insurance, local registration and first-week setup.
Safety: Safety requires active attention. Pickpocketing, car break-ins, and load shedding (scheduled power outages) are part of daily life. Always use campus escorts, travel in groups at night, and keep valuables out of sight.
Big Cities vs Small Towns
Big Cities
- Cape Town offers a spectacular coastal lifestyle and a diverse multicultural environment, but is more spread out and requires transportation planning.
Small Towns
- Stellenbosch provides a concentrated, walkable historic campus town feel, but is quieter and offers less diverse entertainment options.
Culture & student life in South Africa
Student culture in South Africa rewards adapting to schedules, local language and everyday etiquette. Treat the do and don't list as practical arrival advice, not tourist folklore.
Social Norms
Greeting people politely is key. A simple hello goes a long way. Braai culture is the ultimate social bonding event. Patience and adaptiveness are essential during load shedding.
Daily Rhythm
Local pace07:00–09:00
Morning
Quick breakfast, check EskomSePush app for power status, commute to campus.
09:00–13:00
Classes & Study
Lectures at Upper Campus, grab coffee at the campus canteen.
13:00–14:00
Lunch
Eat a quick lunch, enjoy the sunshine on Jammie Steps.
14:00–17:00
Afternoon Activities
Lab sessions, library study, or society meetings.
17:00–22:00
Evening
Head home via Jammie Shuttle, attend a braai, cook dinner with flatmates.
Food Culture
Biltong
R40-R80 per 100gSpiced, dried cured meat, typically beef or game.
Buy in bulk at local butcheries instead of supermarkets to save money.
Bunny Chow
R50-R80Hollowed-out loaf of white bread filled with spicy curry.
Order a quarter beans bunny chow for a cheap, filling, vegetarian-friendly meal.
Braai (Boerewors & Pap)
R60-R90Traditional South African barbecue featuring spiced sausage served with maize porridge.
Attend university residence braais on weekends for cheap food and socialising.
Cape Malay Koesisters
R10-R20 for a packSpiced round doughnuts rolled in coconut and syrup, traditional on Sunday mornings.
Buy from local home bakeries in the Bo-Kaap neighborhood for the most authentic taste.
Melktert
R20-R40 per sliceA sweet milk custard tart dusted with cinnamon.
Buy at local home industry (tuisbedryf) shops rather than coffee shops.
Gatsby
R80-R150A massive foot-long sub roll packed with hot chips, meat, and salad.
Never buy a whole one for yourself. Share a full Gatsby with 3-4 friends for a very cheap meal.
Cultural dos & don'ts in South Africa
Do
Carry a charged power bank at all times.
Use Uber or reliable private cabs at night.
Tip at least 10% in restaurants.
Secure off-street parking for cars.
Don't
Don't walk alone after dark.
Don't flash phones or cash in public.
Don't display valuables inside cars.
Don't ignore load shedding schedules.
Things to do in South Africa as a student
The semester works best when you build repeatable routines: cheap food, transport, student groups and realistic weekend trips. South Africa rewards students who solve housing early and avoid improvising admin.
Table Mountain Hiking
Stunning hiking routes (Platteklip Gorge or India Venster) offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Seaboard.
Learn more
Robben Island Tour
Educational tour of the historic prison Nelson Mandela was held at, led by ex-political prisoners.
Learn more
Garden Route Road Trip
Breathtaking coastal road trip featuring forests, lagoons, and outdoor adventure activities.
Learn more
Kruger Park Safari
World-class wildlife viewing of the Big Five during the dry winter months.
Learn more
Stellenbosch Wine Tasting
Historic university town surrounded by famous vineyards and Cape Dutch architecture.
Learn more
Boulders Beach Penguins
Close-up viewing of a unique land-based colony of endangered African penguins.
Learn moreFestival Calendar
March or April
Cape Town International Jazz Festival
Cape Town
Enjoy performances by world-class international and local jazz and contemporary artists at Africa's grandest gathering.
October
Rocking the Daisies
Darling
A massive outdoor music and lifestyle festival showcasing top local and international indie, electronic, and pop acts.
June or July
National Arts Festival
Makhanda
Immerse yourself in theater, dance, visual arts, and music at Africa's largest multi-arts festival in a historic university town.
September
Hermanus Whale Festival
Hermanus
Celebrate the return of Southern Right whales with eco-exhibitions, street parades, food stalls, and cliff-path whale watching.
January
Kaapse Klopse (Cape Town Minstrel Carnival)
Cape Town
Watch thousands of colorful minstrels parade through the streets of Cape Town dancing, singing, and playing brass instruments in a traditional celebration.
July
Knysna Oyster Festival
Knysna
A 10-day winter festival featuring oyster tastings, cycling races, forest marathons, and live music on the Garden Route.
Travel Tips
- Always check load shedding schedules before traveling.
- Use Uber instead of walking at night.
- Keep a copy of your passport on your phone.
Scholarships & student benefits in South Africa
Student benefits in South Africa can reduce transport, meals, culture and activities if you activate them in week one. Carry proof of enrolment and check youth, university and local discount schemes.
Useful either way
Support and discounts that still matter even if you are not in a strict incoming or outgoing case.
Transport
Free UCT Jammie Shuttle access for all registered students.
University of Cape Town
Official sourceDiscount card
International Student Identity Card (ISIC) gives access to thousands of South African and global discounts on transport, attractions, and retail — useful on top of any university card.
ISIC South Africa
Official sourceDiscount app
Varsity Vibe is South Africa's main student discount app, covering food, clothing, and gym membership deals nationally — sign up with a student email to verify.
Varsity Vibe
Official sourceSouth Africa student visa requirements
Difficulty: ModerateFor study abroad in South Africa, separate EU/EEA/Swiss students, short stays and non-EU routes before booking flights. Admission letter, insurance, funds, housing proof and local registration are the paperwork stack to prepare early.
Study Visa
Official letter of acceptance from host university, proof of financial means, South African medical cover registered with SA Council.
Study Visa
Official letter of acceptance from host university, proof of financial means, South African medical cover registered with SA Council.
Application Checklist
7 steps-
1
Valid passport with at least two blank pages
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2
Completed DHA-1738 application form
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3
Official university acceptance letter
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4
Proof of financial means (bank statements)
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5
Medical cover certificate from an SA-registered scheme
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6
Police clearance certificate from country of origin
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7
Radiological and medical reports
Healthcare for international students in South Africa
How It Works
South Africa has a dual healthcare system: public and private. Public healthcare is overcrowded and under-resourced. Private healthcare is world-class but expensive, requiring medical aid (insurance).
Student Needs
Exchange students must have medical insurance from a provider registered with the South African Medical Schemes Council.
Emergency vs Clinic
Use private hospital ERs for serious emergencies. For day-to-day needs, use campus health clinics.
Public Coverage Notes
Public healthcare is generally not recommended for international students due to long waiting times.
University Plans
UCT requires students to purchase SA-approved medical cover such as Compcare or Momentum.
Private Coverage
Private medical aid covers private hospital access, emergency services, and GP visits.
EXTRA: Culture Shock & Apps
Crucial utility app to track live loadshedding schedules and plan charging of devices and travel.
South Africa's primary student discount app offering deals on food, clothing, and gym memberships.
Essential for safe door-to-door transportation, especially at night when walking is discouraged.
Best cities to study in South Africa
Cape Town, Stellenbosch are not interchangeable. They offer different budgets, campus scales and social rhythms, so choose by academic fit and housing reality rather than the most famous name.
Cape Town
Known as the Mother City, Cape Town offers exchange students a stunning mix of ocean, mountains, and diverse culture.
Open City Guide
Stellenbosch
A historic, oak-lined wine-country town built around Stellenbosch University — walkable, student-dense, and 45 minutes from Cape Town.
Open City Guide