Published: Mon, 01 December 2025
Money is always part of study plans. In 2026, tuition fees in South Africa show new changes.
Lots of students dream of studying at big universities like University of Cape Town or Wits. In 2026, fees are higher than before, and families must plan early.
At University of Pretoria, the average fee for a first year in commerce is around R55,000. Engineering courses are more expensive, often above R70,000. These numbers make students think carefully about their choices.
University of Johannesburg has kept some programs affordable. Arts and humanities are close to R40,000 per year. But medicine and law are still costly, with fees above R80,000.
UNISA remains popular for distance learning. Fees are lower, often between R25,000 and R35,000 for a year. Many working students choose UNISA because they can pay in smaller parts.
Stellenbosch University shows strong demand in science and agriculture. Fees in 2026 are about R60,000 for science programs. Agriculture courses are slightly less, but still above R50,000.
Students from poor backgrounds look to NSFAS for help. In 2026, NSFAS covers tuition for qualifying students, but delays in payments still cause stress. Many learners wait weeks before funds reach their accounts.
International students also face higher costs. At University of Cape Town, fees for foreign students are often double local rates. This makes South Africa less affordable for some, but still cheaper than Europe or the US.
Parents and students now compare bursaries and scholarships more than ever. Companies like Sasol and Vodacom offer bursaries for engineering and IT. These bursaries cover tuition and sometimes living costs, making study possible for many.
What can students do to manage tuition fees in 2026? They can apply early for bursaries, use NSFAS if they qualify, choose affordable programs, and plan budgets with care.