Cost of studying abroad for a South African

How much does it cost to study abroad?  

Studying abroad offers benefits like exposure to new cultures, enhancing your career opportunities and personal growth, and networking. With these advantages, many South African students are pursuing higher education abroad. But there are plenty of things to consider, and undoubtedly, cost is the greatest concern of many.

This article aims to break down the costs of studying in the UK, US, or Australia, helping South African students plan effectively.

Exchange rates used as of 9 August 2024 are: 

  • 1 GBP to ZAR = 23.30
  • 1 USD to ZAR = 18.30
  • 1 AUD to ZAR = 12.10

1. Pre-departure cost

Programme Application Fees

In the United Kingdom, the application fee depends on whether you’re applying for an undergraduate or postgraduate program. Undergraduate applicants use the UCAS system which costs  £28 (R653) for up to five choices. Some universities don’t charge application fees for postgraduate applicants, but for some, it typically ranges from £50 to £150 (R1,170-R3,500) as per the Secure My Scholarship website.

In the United States, application fees generally range from $50 to $100 (R915-R1,830) per application (Leap Scholar), with the Common App providing fee waivers for eligible students.

In Australia, application fees vary by institution and typically range from AUD 50 to AUD 150 (R605 to R1,815) (Studies in Australia). If you apply online, some institutions waive this fee.

ServiceCost
UK University Application£50 to £150 (R1,170-R3,500) per application
US University Application$50 to $100 (R915-R1,830) per application
Australian University ApplicationAUD 50 to AUD 150 (R605 to R1,815) per application

Credential evaluation and translation

South Africans applying to universities in the United States usually need a formal credential evaluation to verify their educational qualifications. In the UK and Australia, this is generally not required for undergraduate programs but might be needed for some postgraduate courses or specific programs. You must also provide certified translations if your documents are not in English.

World Education Services (WES)

  • Document-by-Document Evaluation: $160 (R2,930)
  • Course-by-Course Evaluation: $225 (R4,120)

Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)

  • General Report: $100 (R1,830)
  • Course-by-Course Report: $195 (R3,570)

Translation of documents 

  • Typical cost: £0.03-£0.06 (R0.75-R1.5) per source word / £32.10- £64.20 (R750- R1,500) per 1000 words

Language proficiency test fees

For South African students applying to universities abroad, passing the language proficiency test is necessary, especially in the US and Australia. It will cost approximately £205 – £245 (R4,800 – R5,700) per test.

  • UK: They accept a range of global English tests (for example: IELTS, TOEFL iBT). Having completed NSC or IEB English (taken within the last seven years) is generally sufficient, meaning you don’t have to do the IELTS or other English language tests. Generally, South Africans may not need an English language test if their last medium of education is in English. So it’s an advantage to study in the UK as you save on doing tests. (The University of Manchester)
  • US: The US doesn’t recognise the above so you need to do TOEFL or IELTS. It is a requirement to be eligible for a US student visa (USCIS Guide).
  • Australia: Proof of English proficiency is required to get an Australian student visa (Department of Home Affairs). The required tests are IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, or Cambridge English (CAE).

In addition, you also need to take an admission test (if required by the university). Each university will specify which tests they accept and the minimum scores required. It’s important to check the specific requirements of the university and program you are applying to, as they may have different preferences or score thresholds.

Test RequiredEstimated CostSource
IELTS (International English Language Testing System)£245 (approx. R5,700)British Council
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)£205(Approx. R4,780)ETS
PTE AcademicAUD460/ £240 (Approx. R5,600)Pearson PTE
Cambridge English (CAE) / C1 AdvancedAUD395/ £205 (Approx. R4,800)AICOL 

Note: 

  • All the costs mentioned above exclude late or rescheduling fees. Check deadlines to avoid extra charges. 
  • The tests mentioned above are only for language proficiency, which is required to get a visa. To find out about admission tests required for particular academic programs, please check with the university you’re applying to.

Visa and passport fees

If you wish to study in the US, UK, or Australia, you need a valid South African passport and the appropriate student visa for the destination you plan to study in. See the details below.

Passport fees

A regular passport is adequate for most students, but if you anticipate frequent travel or require additional visa pages, you should opt for a maxi passport. Here are the costs as mentioned in the Department of Home Affairs, Republic of South Africa website.

  • Regular Passport: 32 pages; £52 (R1,200)
  • Maxi Passport: 48 pages; £103 (R2,400)

Visa application fees

CountryVisa TypeApplication feeBiometrics FeeHealth InsuranceAdditional feesTotal
UKStudent Visa (Tier 4)£490(Approx. R11,400)Included£770 (Approx. R17,900 per year)
Required
Priority Visa Service: £500 (Approx. R11,650) / Super Priority Visa Service: £1,000 (Approx. R23,300)*This is optional.£1,260 (R29,360)
*Standard processing fee
USF-1 Student Visa$185 (Approx. R3,390)IncludedNot requiredSEVIS Fee: $349 (Approx. R6,390) – *Expedited processing fees may apply$534 (R9,780)
*Standard processing fee
AustraliaStudent Visa (Subclass 500)AUD1,600(Approx. R19,360)IncludedThe OSHC is required.The minimum is $40 / AUD 61 (R740) per month.No priority processing is availableAUD1,661 (R20,100) or above

Note:

  • The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is a mandatory fee for all individuals applying for an F, M, or J visa (US Immigration and Customs Enforcement).
  • Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is required for international students for the whole duration of study in Australia. It varies by provider and the length of coverage. According to Study in Australia, the minimum is $40 per month for a single person.
  • All the costs mentioned above exclude late or rescheduling fees. Check deadlines to avoid extra charges.

Travel costs

DestinationAirfare (Round-trip)Luggage FeesTravel Insurance (optional)Transit Accommodation (optional)Total (required)
UK£220 – £725(R5,100 – R16,900)£20 – £65 per bag(R500 – R1,500) £65 – £130(R1,500 – R3,000)£45 – £110 per night(R1,050 – R2,600) £240 – £790(R5,600- R18,400)
US$375 – $1,090(R6,900 – R20,000)$25- $85 per bag(R500 – R1,600) $20 – $50(R370 – R900)$55 – $140 per night(R1,000 – R2,600) $400 – $1,175(R7,320 – R21,500)
AustraliaAUD900 – AUD2,230(R11,000 – R27,000)AUD40 – AUD125 per bag(R490 – R1,500) AUD30 – AUD75(R360 – R900) AUD80 – AUD200 per night(R1,000 – R2,450) AUD940 – AUD3,730(R11,380- R45,140)

Sources: Globelink, Cheapflights, Qantas, Overseas Students, Travelner Insurance, and KAYAK

Note: 

  • Travel insurance typically covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost or stolen belongings, and travel delays. It provides financial protection and peace of mind during your travels. Note that the cost of travel insurance for international students can vary depending on the coverage and duration.
  • Transit accommodation refers to the cost of staying in a hotel for a 1 night layover

2. Tuition Fees

Remember that tuition fees can change based on a few things: whether the university is public or private, where the university is located, what course you are studying, and whether it’s part-time or full-time.

Study destinationUndergraduatePostgraduate
UK£11,750 to £68,000 per year / £980 to £5,670 per month(R23,055 to R133,400 per month)£1,500 to £68,000 per year / £125- 5,670 per month(R2,940 to R133,400 per month)
US$20,000 to $40,000 per year/ $1,670 to $3,340 per month(R30,870 to R61,750 per month)$20,000 to $55,000 per year/  $1,670 to $4,590 per month(R30,870 to R84,900 per month)
AustraliaAUD 35,000 to AUD 55,000 per year / AUD 2,920 to AUD 4,590 per month(R34,850 to R54,770 per month)AUD 35,000 to AUD 60,000 per year / AUD2,920 to AUD 5,000 per month(R34,850 to R59,700 per month)

Sources: Hotcoursesabroad and IDP

Tuition fee total: 

A standard UK undergraduate degree typically takes three years of full-time study, while a postgraduate degree usually takes only one year of full-time study (UK Study Online).

In the US, undergraduate programs typically last four years for full-time students (Study in USA) while full-time postgraduate programs generally take two years (ETS.org).

The undergraduate programs in Australia typically take 3 to 4 years, while the postgraduate programs take 1 to 2 years for full-time study (Study Australia).

The table below is based on the typical full-time length of study per country.

CountryUndergraduatePostgraduate
UK£35,250 – £204,000 for 3 years£1,500 to £68,000 for a year
US$80,000 – $160,000 for 4 years$40,000 to $110,000 for 2 years
AustraliaAUD140,000 – AUD220,000 for 4 yearsAUD70,000 – AUD120,000 for 2 years

3. Cost of Living 

In the United Kingdom

In London, the students’ monthly cost of living is generally between £1,300 and £1,400 (R30,600 and R33,000). In other parts of the UK, it’s between £900 and £1,300 (R21,200 and R30,600) according to the British Council. Below are the estimated costs for different expenses per month:

ExpenseLondonRest of UK
Student halls (bills included)£848 (R20,000)£664 (R15,630)
Private accommodation (shared, room in a house share)£750 (R17,650)£554 (R13,050)
Utility bills (gas, electricity, water, broadband, TV license)£140 (R3,300)£80 (R1,900)
Public transportation (student discounts available with an 18+ Student Oyster card and/ or Railcard)£103 (R2,430)£54 (R1,270)
Groceries£155 (R3,650)£116 (R2,730)
Socialising (food/dining out, going to cafes or bars)£150 (R3,530)£80 (R1,900)
Mobile phone bill (sim-only plan)£18 (R430)£18 (R430)
Student gym membership£20 (R470)£15 (R400)

Note:

  • You will likely need to pay a deposit before moving in, usually around one month’s rent, though it can be higher depending on the accommodation type. 
  • Student halls- the costs are based on non-catered single occupancy student halls
  • Private accommodation- the costs are based on a room for one person in shared accommodation
  • Students get discounts for public transportation and gym memberships.
    • Student Oyster Card- If you live far from your university, using a Student Oyster card is more cost-effective than paying as you go. You can apply for an 18+ Student Oyster Card if you’re over 18, a student, and living in a London borough. With this card, you can save 30% on Travelcards and bus & tram passes, which can be purchased at Oyster Ticket Stops, Tube stations, Visitor Centres, and some National Rail stations. Note: Universities must be registered with the TfL Scheme for their students to apply for an 18+ Student Oyster card. (tfl.gov.uk)
    • Railcard- Get a 16-25 Railcard or a 26-30 Railcard and link it to your 18+ Student Oyster photocard or standard adult Oyster card to receive 34% off pay-as-you-go off-peak fares and daily caps for the Tube, London Overground, Elizabeth line, and most National Rail services in London. (tfl.gov.uk)
    • Your halls of residence or university might offer free or discounted gym memberships for students.
  • For dining out:
    • London average costs: Restaurant meal – £16 (R380), Takeaway coffee – £2.69 (R64)
    • Rest of the UK average costs: Restaurant meal – £15 (R353), Takeaway coffee – £2.50 (R59)

On the other hand, here is the cost of living in London according to Numbeo.

ExpenseAverage costDetails
Rent (1-bedroom apt)£1,700- £2,500 (R39,610-R58,250)In the city centre
Utilities£150- £300 (R3,495-R6,990)Electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage for 85m² apartment
Internet£30- £40 (R700- R930)Monthly cost for 60 Mbps or more, unlimited data
Groceries£235- £400 (R5,475- R9,320)Monthly cost for one person
Public Transport£150-£200 (R3,495- R4,660)Regular monthly pass
Dining out£10-£20 (R230- R465)Meal at an inexpensive restaurant
Fitness club£25-£45 (R580- R1,050)Monthly fee for one adult
Cinema£12- £15 (R280- R350)One seat
Clothing and shoes£35-£120 (R815- R2,800)1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

In the United States

According to Prodigy Finance, international students in the US can expect to spend between $1,000 (R18,300) and $2,500 (R45,750) or more each month, not including tuition fees. In tier 1 cities like New York, the estimated monthly living expenses range from about $2,500 (R45,750) to over $4,500 (R82,350).

ExpenseUS
Off-campus accommodation$700 – $2,500+ (R12,810 – R45,750)
On-campus accommodation$800 – $1,500 (R14,640 – R27,450)
Utility bills (electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage)$100 – $200 (R1,830 – R3,660)
Public transportation$100 – $200 (R1,830 – R3,660)
Personal Expenses (Groceries, Entertainment, Clothing, etc)$200 – $500+ (R3,660 – R9,150)
Food/Dining out$300 – $600 (R5,490 – R10,980)

Source: Uniacco and Prodigy Finance

In Australia

Based on the living expenses table in UNSW, international students in Australia specifically in a major city like Sydney can expect to spend between AUD 2,000 and AUD 4,600 (R23,900-R54,900) per month, not including tuition fees.

ExpenseAustralia
Off-campus accommodationAUD 960- 2,800 (R11,620 – R33,900)
On-campus accommodationAUD 1,564- 2,500 (R18,930 – R30,250)
Utility bills (gas, electricity)AUD 160 (R1,940)
Phone and InternetAUD 28- 140 (R340 – R1,695)
Public transportationAUD 200 (R2,420)
Groceries and eating outAUD120- 1,100 (R1,460 – R13,310)
Lifestyle spendingAUD 200 (R2,420)

Total cost of living in major cities of UK, US and Australia

UKUSAustralia
£1,300-£1,400 (R30,600- R33,000) per month$2,500-$4,500+ (R45,750- R82,350+) per monthAUD 2,000- AUD 4,600 (R23,900-R54,900) per month

Remember, these costs are approximate and can vary based on personal choices and location specifics.

4. Additional Expense

Books and other study materials

  • UK: £60 – £80 (R1,340 – R1,865) per month (IDP)
  • US: $100 – $300 (R1,830 – R5,490) per month (Prodigy Finance)
  • Australia: AUD42 – AUD83 (R510 – R1,000) per month (University Living

5. Total cost for the first year (monthly)

ItemUKUSAustralia
Programme Application Fees£50 – £150 (R1,170-R3,500) per application$50- $100 (R915-R1,830) per applicationAUD50 – AUD150 (R605 to R1,815) per application
Credential evaluation and translation£80 – £180(R1,860 – R4,190)$100-$225 (R1,830-R4,120)AUD150- AUD338(R1,815- R4,090)
Language proficiency test fees£205 – £245 (R4,800 – R5,700)$260-$310(R4,800 – R5,700)AUD340 – AUD475(R4,800 – R5,700)
Passport fees£52 -£103 (R1,200 – R2,400)$65 – $130(R1,200 – R2,400)AUD100 – AUD 200(R1,200 – R2,400)
Visa fees£1,260 (R29,360)$534 (R9,780)AUD1,661 or above (R20,100) 
Travel costs£240 – £790(R5,600- R18,400)$400 – $1,175(R7,320 – R21,500)AUD940 – AUD3,730(R11,380- R45,140)
Tuition fees£980 – £5,670 per month(R23,055 – R133,400)$1,670 to $4,590 per month(R30,870 to R84,900)AUD2,920 to AUD 5,000 per month(R34,850 to R59,700)
Cost of living£1,300-£1,400 (R30,600- R33,000) per month
$2,500-$4,500+ (R45,750- R82,350+) per month

AUD2,000- AUD4,600 (R23,900-R54,900) per month
Additional expense£60 – £80 (R1,340 – R1,865) per month$100 – $300 (R1,830 – R5,490) per monthAUD42 – AUD83 (R510 – R1,000) per month
TOTAL£4,227 – £9,878(R98,490 – R230,160)$5,679 – $11,864(R103,925 – R217,110)AUD8,203 – AUD16,237(R99,260 – R196,470)

Summary:

When studying abroad, the main costs to think about are tuition fees and living expenses. Planning your finances carefully is important to manage these costs well. According to the table above, Australia is the most expensive place to study abroad, mainly because tuition fees can be as high as AUD 5,000 (R59,700) per month, and living expenses can go up to AUD 4,600 (R54,900) per month.

The UK is a more affordable option compared to the two countries, making it an attractive choice for students. It offers high-quality education with shorter course durations than both the US and Australia. Additionally, the UK boasts a wide range of globally recognised universities and is renowned for its multicultural society, which can help South African students feel more at home and welcomed.

References

  1. UCAS- https://www.ucas.com/faqs/how-do-i-apply
  2. Secure My Scholarship- https://www.securemyscholarship.com/blog/list-of-universities-in-uk-without-application-fee
  3. Leap Scholar- https://leapscholar.com/blog/list-of-universities-in-usa-without-application-fees/#:~:text=Applying%20to%20universities%20in%20the,%2C%20transcripts%2C%20and%20test%20scores
  4. Common App- https://www.commonapp.org/
  5. Studies in Australia- https://www.studiesinaustralia.com/studying-in-australia/how-to-study-in-australia/applying-for-admission#:~:text=Most%20institutions%20charge%20a%20non,the%20application%20is%20made%20online
  6. World Education Services (WES)- https://www.wes.org/evaluations-and-fees/
  7. Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)- https://www.ece.org/ECE/Credential-Evaluations/US-Institutions/Services-and-Fees
  8. Translations South Africa- https://www.translationssouthafrica.co.za/rates
  9. The University of Manchester- https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/international/country-specific-information/south-africa/entry-requirements/
  10. USCIS Guide- https://www.uscisguide.com/visa/nonimmigrant-visas/study-and-exchange/u-s-student-visa-english-language-proficiency-requirements/
  11. Department of Home Affairs Australia (language proficiency requirements)- https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/english-language
  12. British Council (about IELTS)- https://www.britishcouncil.org.za/exam/ielts/dates-fees-locations
  13. ETS- https://www.ets.org/toefl/test-takers/ibt/register/fees.html
  14. Pearson PTE- https://www.pearsonpte.com/test-centers-and-fees
  15. AICOL- https://www.aicol.com.au/cambridge-cae-preparation/
  16. Department of Home Affairs, Republic of South Africa- https://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/fees
  17. Gov.uk – https://www.gov.uk/student-visa
  18. Travel state gov- https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study/student-visa.html#fees
  19. Department of Home Affairs Australia (about visa)- https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500
  20. Study Australia (about visa)- https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/plan-your-move/visa-application-process
  21. US Immigration and Customs Enforcement- https://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901
  22. Study Australia (about OSHC)- https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/plan-your-move/overseas-student-health-cover-oshc
  23. Globelink- https://www.globelink.co.uk/insurance/student-travel-insurance.html
  24. Cheapflights- https://www.cheapflights.co.za/flights-to-United-Kingdom/South-Africa/
  25. Qantas- https://www.qantas.com/za/en/travel-info/baggage/additional-baggage.html
  26. Overseas Students- https://overseasstudentsaustralia.com/packing-list-for-international-students-australia/
  27. Travelner Insurance- https://www.travelnerinsurance.com/blog/how-much-is-travel-insurance-in-south-africa
  28. KAYAK- https://www.kayak.com/flight-routes/South-Africa-ZA0/United-States-US0
  29. Hot Courses Abroad- https://www.hotcoursesabroad.com/study-abroad-info/student-finances/student-cost-of-living-in-australia-vs-uk/
  30. IDP- https://www.idp.com/egypt/study-in-usa/cost-of-study/
  31. British Council (about the cost of living)- https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/moving-uk/cost-studying
  32. TFL- https://tfl.gov.uk/fares/free-and-discounted-travel/18-plus-student-oyster-photocard
  33. Numbeo cost- https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/London
  34. Prodigy Finance- https://prodigyfinance.com/resources/blog/cost-of-living-us-international-students/#:~:text=Although%20the%20excitement%20of%20studying,per%20month%2C%20excluding%20tuition%20fees
  35. Uniacco- https://uniacco.com/blog/cost-of-living-in-new-york
  36. UNSW- https://www.unsw.edu.au/study/your-future/cost-of-living-sydney
  37. University Living- https://www.mastersportal.com/articles/1589/study-abroad-in-australia-tuition-fees-and-living-costs.html
  38. UK Study Online- https://www.ukstudyonline.com/differences-between-undergraduate-and-postgraduate-degrees/
  39. Study in USA- https://www.studyin-usa.com/study-options/undergraduate/
  40. ETS.org- https://www.ets.org/grad-school-journey/how-long-to-get-masters.html
  41. Study Australia- https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/plan-your-studies/australias-education-system