Guidance on how to study in South Africa. Top 22 schools and universities in South Africa, study fees, rankings

Nowadays, foreign education is easy to get, it is important only to choose the right country and educational institution. The Republic of South Africa belongs to the states with an established reputation as an international educational center. In South Africa, foreign students can acquire not only a prestigious certificate or a diploma, but also a huge number of incredibly bright impressions from contact with the difficult history and multifaceted culture of the country.

A specialty can be obtained in a college, but technical schools and universities - in terms of the prestige of the diploma, give higher vocational education and the quality of education, the difference between them is small. Institutions fundamentally differ in their academic direction: 

The humanities;

Technikons (as the technical schools are called here).

University education programs are in demand among international students due to the high level of qualifications of graduates and educational process in English - one of the state, relatively low cost of educational services, rental housing and food. Language schools are popular among foreign students, which offer a large selection of English courses. Private schools invite those wishing to study in South Africa to prepare for admission to the university. Also in the country there are a number of language camps for children who can come to rest with benefit during the holidays. Studying English in private schools in the country can be combined with an internship (if provided by the course program).

High-tech education, maximum number of modern educational methods are used in schools and universities in South Africa. Students have a great opportunity to deal with highly qualified teachers who have international certificates.

Schools in South Africa provide various fields of studying, from humanitarian to medical. Foreign students often choose language schools, they offer a wide selection of English courses. Private schools invite students to prepare for admission to university. Also in the country there are a number of language camps for children.

South Africa is one of the most developed countries on the continent, which opens up a variety of tourist opportunities for foreign students: 

• Stunning natural;

• Urban landscapes;

• A unique cultural environment. 

Studying in an intercultural environment is a great opportunity to make new friends and make useful contacts.

South Africa offers foreign students education in English at any level. The education system is three-stage: 

• Primary;

• Secondary;

• Secondary special;

• High schools in South Africa.

Higher technical preparation is provided by technical colleges and universities. It's worth noting that universities prepare specialists in the humanitarian field, in technical colleges students can get a specialty for work in the sphere of industry and or commerce.

Private language schools stand apart in the educational system. They offer a wide range of courses for students of all ages. Foreign students also can choose vacational and academic programs: the first allow to combine studying English with a bright holiday in the pearl of South Africa - Cape Town, or in other interesting cities of the country.

Academic courses are aimed at those wishing to prepare for the subsequent admission to the university, for passing the language exam at the international level. For adults, professional courses are provided. For example, Business English or special programs for teachers.

Students of courses in private schools always get everything necessary for comfortable living and stay in the country. Foreign students study in very well equipped classrooms, have access to language laboratories, a library, wireless Internet.

South Africa is one of the most interesting countries in the world. It is distinguished by a combination of ancient culture and modern technologies, stunning nature and first-class infrastructure. An attractive place for students also makes a variety of climatic zones, opportunities for entertainment and tourism.

Schools and universities are known for excellent academic quality. In the country, international students can get an education that meets the world standards. Studying in the intercultural environment is an excellent opportunity to get new friends, to make useful acquaintances. Actually, English courses and programs in private schools can be combined with an internship.

List of main advantages of language courses:

• English is one of the official languages ​​of South Africa;

• Educational programs are developed by leading teachers;

• Educational process takes place in a multicultural environment with English as the language of communication:

• South Africa is a popular tourist route with an abundance of historical, natural, cultural, gastronomic attractions;

• The cost of the courses is lower than in most English-speaking countries.

Educational programs with different academic load are designed for a duration of 2 weeks. The teaching method includes:

• Speaking practice block;

• Listening block;

• Block of writing skills;

• Pronunciation training;

• The study of idiomatic expressions. 

Methods developed by experienced teachers ensure rapid language progress. Linguistic courses offer one-to-one tuition for 16+ international students. 

List of available accommodations:

• Host family;

• Residence;

• Full or partial board.

Education in South Africa for students, adult students includes courses with the study of English for business communication. The combined course is focused on the formation of general language skills:

• Listening comprehension;

• Communicative practice;

• Expanding the vocabulary;

• Practicing special linguistic skills:

  • Conducting presentations;

  • Negotiations;

  • Business correspondence;

  • Correspondence;

  • Working with documents.

Studying in South Africa for schoolchildren and students during the vacation periods is popular among foreign students. South Africa invites students wishing to combine study and leisure abroad to attend language courses in summer or winter.

Most of the language schools and camps are located in Cape Town, in the best tourist areas in the country. The age of the students varies from 10 to 17 years old.

Types of educational programs:

• Parent + child (separate education, joint leisure);

• General language course.

Combined language courses also includes rich extracurricular activities: 

• Safari;

• Hiking;

• Sports activities;

• Theme parties.

Studying in South Africa for schoolchildren and students at the higher educational level requires sufficiently high results of passing language tests for knowledge of English. Each university has its own requirements for the type of testing and minimum scores, but any international test for proficiency in academic English requires intensive preparation. In the language schools of the Republic of South Africa, high-quality, in-depth preparation for 4 popular tests is carried out:

IELTS is a popular English language test for study or citizenship in the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand. The South African Language Courses offer international students a specialized test preparation course. The teaching method involves working out:

• Grammar;

• Reading;

• Listening;

• Writing;

• Expanding the vocabulary;

• Practical communication. 

Upon completion of the course, applicants overcome the psychological barrier before passing test tasks, gain skills in solving problems similar to examinations, and feel confident in oral and written communication.

TOEFL is a standard test for knowledge of English as a foreign language for admission to universities in the USA, Canada, as well as universities in other countries (including South Africa). The educational program includes: 

• Familiarization with the structure of testing and the nature of tasks;

• Improvement of the language in a number of aspects (fluent oral speech, grammar, vocabulary, perception of printed text, speech by ear).

FCE is an international test that certifies the level of proficiency in English Upper-Intermediate, which is considered sufficient for studying and working in an English-speaking country or university. The test preparation program includes general language and special blocks. The general one is aimed at the formation of basic skills: 

• Grammar exercises;

• The introduction of new vocabulary;

• Reading;

• Listening;

• Writing;

• Speaking. 

A special block introduces students to the testing methodology, the grading system, and includes the implementation of typical tasks.

CAE is an international test developed by the University of Cambridge to assess the level of knowledge of English as a foreign language. Most English-speaking universities and colleges accept CAE results. The educational program for the preparation courses for the CAE includes theoretical and practical modules.

Education in South Africa for schoolchildren and students in the best higher educational institutions of the country, included in world and national rankings, is a quality education in English in a multicultural environment. Universities in South Africa offer courses for bachelor's and master's degrees. In South Africa today there are 23 state-funded higher education institutions and 115 private universities. Study programs at universities include most academic areas, also MBA courses. 

Bachelor's and master's degrees can be obtained in the best universities in the country:

• University of Cape Town;

• University of Johannesburg;

• University of the Witwatersrand;

• University of KwaZulu-Natal (Durban).

Leading universities offer foreign students educational programs in a wide range of academic areas:

• Business, economics;

• Art, design, architecture;

• Education;

• Healthcare;

• Engineering, construction;

• Humanitarian sciences;

• Natural Sciences;

• Management;

• Law;

• Agricultural sciences,

• Engineering graphics, design,

• Information Technology,

• Religious studies,

• Drama art, fine arts.

South African university professors are leading specialists in their fields with international certificates, as well as expats professors and experts. The educational base of universities is equipped with high-tech equipment: students are provided with modern laboratories and libraries.