Students Russia Mpumalanga Department of Education

SA students in Russia are facing eviction and expulsion after government failed to pay. Image: Supplied

How much it costs to be a student in South Africa – 2022

With the cost of being a student constantly rising, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to afford higher education in South Africa.

Students Russia Mpumalanga Department of Education

SA students in Russia are facing eviction and expulsion after government failed to pay. Image: Supplied

If you’re considering studying beyond high school, you’re probably wondering what it will cost. The costs of being a student in South Africa have been on the rise for quite some time now and show no sign of slowing down.

So what can you expect a year at university in 2022 to cost you?

Tuition Costs

According to recent data by Old Mutual, one can expect to pay around R65 000 on average, for the first year of tuition fees at South African universities in 2022 – and this is expected to rise to R107 600 by 2025 and as much as R165 600 by 2030. Of course, the costs for students will vary depending on the university you attend, your field of study and your living arrangements.

One of the many factors contributing to this sharp increase in tuition costs is inflation which has been increasing steadily over the past few years. This means that the cost of goods and services is also increasing making it more expensive to run higher education facilities. As a result, the cost of tuition fees must go up to cover expenses.

Student Living Costs

Other factors affected by inflation that have also contributed to the increased cost of being a student include increases in the cost of renting accommodation, buying food, paying for transport and other daily utilities and necessities such as electricity, water and an internet connection. The cost of textbooks and other study materials and resources has also increased.

So, what does this mean for students who are considering furthering their education in 2022 and beyond? Well, the cost of a three-year degree is likely to be upward of R300 000. This is a lot of money, but it is important to remember that this cost can be spread out over several years while studying.

Funding your Studies

Despite these challenges – and while studying may seem very expensive – there are a number of ways in which students can finance their studies in South Africa. The most common way is through loans from financial institutions such as banks, but students can also apply for bursaries and scholarships from a variety of different organisations.

One of these organisations is Fundi – a company committed to helping students and families find affordable ways to pursue their education dreams. We also have a great student content platform that provides students with the best resources and career decision-making tools full of information that can help you figure out student life in South Africa.

Fundi wants to assist students in reaching their dreams by offering student financing that covers a range of costs from tuition and device loans, to textbooks, study material, accommodation, and more. Students can even find student accommodation through Fundi’s online platform, buy airtime or data and get eBooks. All your education and financial needs are in one place!

Contact Fundi

Webpage: FundiConnect
Email: support@fundi.co.za
Facebook: @fundiconnectSA
LinkedIn: FundiConnectSA