List of Cheapest Universities in Africa- Studying abroad can really be capital intensive especially if your choice of university is in places like U.K, U.S, Canada and others. Do you really want quality education but you are not financially buoyant? Well, in this article, you will be learning about some universities in Africa that are relatively cheap but still offer sound and quality education.
Education in Africa
Education is simply the process by which an individual acquires or imparts basic knowledge. Education could be formal, informal or semi-formal.
Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest rate of illiteracy in the whole of Africa. Statistics has revealed that over one-fifth of children between age 6 and 11 are out of school, one-third of teens age 12-14 are also out of school. Also, about 60% of teens age 15-17 are not in any school.
This is really alarming!
UNESCO is a body that does not joke with education at all and they like to support the course of education in countries lacking it. From provision of electricity to supply of potable water and other activities, UNESCO goes all out to ensure that Africa is not behind in education.
Why Education is so important?
- Education helps to improve your communication skills
- It develops your problem-solving skills
- It develops critical thinking skill (a skill highly important in decision making and interacting with others).
- Education gives you the chances of getting a good job
- It empowers you and build some level of self-reliance in you
- Education gives you stability and some level of financial security.
- It brings about economic growth of the nation
5 Best countries in Africa that has Affordable Universities
These 5 countries have universities that rank between 1-500 globally. They include:
- South Africa
- Egypt
- Nigeria
- Ghana
- Ethiopia
List of Cheapest Universities in Africa
You get to find some really cheap universities in Nigeria and South Africa. Other countries like Ethiopia, Ghana, Egypt and Malaysia also have cheap universities .
Cheapest Universities in South Africa
- Nelson Mandela University
- University of Cape Town
- Rhodes University
- University of Limpopo
- North West University
- University of Forte Hare
- University of Venda
- University of Pretoria
- Stellenbosch University
- University of Kwazulu-Natal
University of Kwazulu Natal
It was established in 2004 as a result of merger of the university of Durban-west ville and university of Natal. The university is ranked 358 at global level and ranked among the top 3 universities in South Africa.
The university offers both undergraduate and post-graduate courses.
It has 5 campuses:
- Westville campus
- Nelson.R. Mandela school of medicine
- Howard college campus
- Edgewood campus
- Pietermaritzburg campus
Fees of university of Kwazulu Natal
Average tuition fee- R34,000
Residence fees – R38,690
Book Allowance R11,000
Meals Allowance R27,500
University of Free state
It was founded in 1904 as a tertiary section of Grey College until much later it became a university. It is a multi-campus public university in Bloemfontein. Language of teaching is English.
In 2010 webometrics, the university the university ranked 9th best in South Africa.
The university offers undergraduate and post-graduate programs in the following field:
Economics, Education, Health Sciences, Law, Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Humanities, Theology and Religion.
Fees of University of Free state
Faculty | Fees |
Humanities | Ranges between R31,955 to R36,380 |
Education | R30,630 |
Economic and Management Sciences | Ranges between R32,140 and R36,705 |
Health Science | Ranges between R31,255 and R46,285 |
Religion | R32,200 |
Natural and Agricultural Sciences | Ranges between R32,200 and 45,450 |
Rhodes University
Rhodes University was founded in 1904. The University runs both undergraduate and post graduate programs in the following fields:
Humanities, Science, Commerce, Pharmacy, Law and Education.
The school has just about 8000 students which makes it much easier for the students to have one-on-one interaction with their lecturers.
The university has hostel accommodations for undergraduate students and also special hostels for post graduate students.
Students while on campus, are being prepared for their chosen career, which makes it easier for the students to get employed after study.
Students are being equipped with necessary skills that are in hot demand by employers. This they do through social activities, volunteering, work experience, etc.
There are lots of clubs and societies that gives the students avenue to take part in different intellectual, social, cultural and sport activities and further develop valuable skills.
School Fees of Rhodes University
There are two very basic fees; tuition and residence. Some additional lesser fees also exist e.g. handouts or special examination costs, e. t. c.
1. Tuition fees for undergraduate degrees range from R37 577 to R67 923
2. Residence fees range from R73 285 to R76 940 for undergraduate residences and R62 421 – R93 441 for post-graduate degrees.
North West University
It is a public research university that was established in 2004. It was formed from the merging of Potchefstroom University for higher education and University of North-West. It has three campuses located in Potchefstroom, Mahikeng and Vanderbijlpark in South Africa.
The university has 8 faculties:
- Economic and Management sciences
- Education
- Engineering
- Health Sciences
- Humanities
- Law
- Natural and Agricultural Sciences
- Theology
Fees for Northwest University
Below is the breakdown of the North-West University school fees.
Undergraduate Tuition: $33,500 (12–18 credits)
Room & Board: $9,700 (double occupancy in the residence halls)
Student Fees: $480.
Total Direct Costs: $43,680.
University of Cape Town
University of Cape Town is the oldest university in South Africa, instituted in 1829. It is a public research university.
Fees of Cape Town University
For an academic year, undergraduates will pay between $2,500 – $4,500 while postgraduates will pay between $2,700-$3,000 for their programs.
The Fees include the following:
Registration
All charges for classes, tutorials, and laboratories
University examinations
Library access
Compulsory personal accident insurance
The use of general sporting facilities
In the case of medical students, hospital fees for clinical instruction
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
Nelson Mandela University is a comprehensive public university that was established in 1882 in South Africa. The university offers both professional and vocational training. It has 7 campuses, six in port Elizabeth, one in George. The language of instruction is teaching.
It has 7 faculties:
- Faculty of Arts
- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Engineering, the built and IT
- Faculty of Health Sciences
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Science
Fees at Nelson Mandela University
Registration fee is R1420
Tuition Fees
Faculty | Fees |
Engineering | Ranges between $2326 to $3,272 |
Health | Ranges between $2315 to $2736 |
Business and Economic Sciences | Ranges between $1890 to $2897 |
Arts | Ranges between $2237 and $2364 |
Science | Ranges between $1890 and $4044 |
Law | Ranges between $2098 and $2359 |
Cheap Universities in Malaysia
Malaysia is located in the south eastern region of Asia. The country has a progressive growth. The universities in Malaysia are highly affordable and include:
- University of Malaya
- Universiti Putra Malaysia
- Universiti Malaysia Pahang
- Universiti Malaysia Perlis
- Univeristi Malaysia Sabah
- International Islamic University
- Sunway University
What you should know if you want to study in Malaysia
- Higher education is new but is growing at a fast rate.
- Private universities are more popular for international students.
- Although Malaysian is the official language, English is also widely used.
- You can study in Malaysia for less than $10,000!
Cheapest Universities in Ghana
- Ghana Technology University
- All nations University College
- Pentecost University College
- Zenith University College
- University of Ghana
Nine Benefits of Studying in Ghana
- Ghana is a safe place to study
- The weather is quite favorable
- They have a friendly culture
- The courses are internationally recognized
- Education in Ghana is of high quality
- The tuition fee is very affordable
- Visa application is easy
- Admission into university is very easy and direct.
- English is the language of instruction in the schools.
Cheapest Universities in Nigeria
- Bayero University, Kano
- University of Ibadan
- Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
- Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta
- University of Benin
- University of Lagos
- Obafemi Awolowo University
- University of Abuja
- National Open university of Nigeria
- Federal University of Technology, Akure
- University of Calabar, Calabar
Reasons you should study in Nigeria
One major advantage of schooling in Nigeria is that, you are being prepared for real-life situations, not only in the labor market in Nigeria but anywhere in the world. Schooling in Nigeria refines you and brings out the best in you.
The second benefit of studying in Nigeria is that education is highly affordable most especially in the public universities.
Cheapest Universities in Egypt
- Cairo University
- Mansoura University
- Alexandria University
- Zagazig University
- Al Zhar University
- Misr International University
- Tanta University
- German University in Cairo (GUC)
- Nile University
Six reasons you should study in Egypt
- The universities in Egypt are well respected and recognized internationally.
- The cost of living is low.
- Education is highly affordable in Egypt.
- There are opportunities for scholarships in Egypt.
- Egypt is a multicultural environment, which makes it an interesting country to study.
- The quality of education is high, from pre-primary to tertiary level.
Cheapest University in Ethiopia
Education in Ethiopia is not only affordable but of high quality too. Universities in Ethiopia include:
- Addis Ababa University
- Mekelle University
- Bahir Dar University
Seven reasons you should consider studying in Ethiopia
- They have a rich and friendly culture
- Presence of beautiful landscapes makes it a centre of tourist attraction
- There are a large number of courses that are internationally recognized
- Unlike some other African countries, Ethiopia is a safe place to live.
- Tuition is highly affordable
- It is easy to apply for its visa
- The country has standard and high quality educational system
Conclusion
I believe you have been able to learn about good and affordable universities in Africa. So if your budget for education is not high enough for you to school in places like U.K, Canada and others, you may want to consider applying to some of the African universities listed in this article.