The tuition fees for international students at the University of Cape Town (UCT) in South Africa depend on the program of study. Below are the breakdown:
- International students from SADC countries: Students from countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) are treated the same as South African students. They must pay tuition fees for individual courses, a SADC Administration Fee, and any applicable residence fees.
- International students from all other countries: Students from countries outside the SADC region must pay tuition fees for individual courses, an International Administration Fee, an International Term Fee (for coursework qualifications only), and any applicable residence fees.
- Refugees and asylum seekers: International students who are officially recognized as refugees or asylum seekers pay the same fees as South African students.
- Diplomatic representatives (or their dependents): Accredited diplomatic representatives of a foreign government in South Africa pay fees at the same rate as students from SADC countries.
- International UCT staff (or their dependents): International UCT staff (or their dependents) eligible for the HR staff tuition concession pay the following fees: Tuition fees for individual courses and any applicable residence fees.
For the Graduate School of Business programs, the acceptance deposit is R15,000 for South African/African applicants and R30,000 for International applicants.
Please note that the total cost of attendance for an international student at UCT is typically around ZAR 150,000 (approximately USD 9,800) per year. However, the cost of study at UCT is the same for locals and foreigners — from 3,837 USD per year.
LIVING COSTS
Cape Town is one of the most affordable study-abroad destinations in the world. These are some indicative costs for living in private rented accommodation in the areas surrounding campus.
| Expenses | Rand cost per month | Dollar cost per month | Semester total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meals | ZAR 5 000 | 318 USD | 1 590 USD |
| Accommodation | ZAR 7 000 | 445 USD | 2 225 USD |
| Books & Stationery | ZAR 3 500 per semester | 223 USD | 223 USD |
| Transportation | ZAR 2 000 | 127 USD | 635 USD |
| Spending money | ZAR 2 000 | 127 USD | 635 USD |
| Living costs | ZAR 3 000 | 191 USD | 955 USD |
| Medical Aid Cover | ZAR 455 | 32 USD | 160 USD |
| Tuition | per semester | 7 800 USD | |
| Total | 14 223 USD |