We know that thinking about studying in another country, especially one as exciting as the UK, can feel like a massive step. It’s natural to have lots of questions, from figuring out where to go to understanding how to even start the process. If you’re in South Africa and dreaming about student life in the United Kingdom, you’ve come to the right place.
Contents
- 1 Why Study in the UK as a South African?
- 2 Best UK Universities to Study at for South Africans
- 3 Cost of Study in the UK for South Africans
- 4 Can You Study in the UK for Free as a South African?
- 5 How to Apply to Study in the UK from South Africa
- 6 Entry Requirements to Study in the UK for South Africans
- 7 Visa Requirements to Study in the UK for South Africans
- 8 Work Conditions for South African Students in the UK
- 9 Can You Stay in the UK After Your Studies?
- 10 Conclusion
- 11 FAQs
Why Study in the UK as a South African?
Let’s discuss why so many students from South Africa and all over the world choose the UK for their studies. It’s more than just getting a degree; it’s a whole experience that can change your life.
World-Famous Universities
The UK has some of the oldest and best universities on the planet. Names like Oxford, Cambridge, and many others are known everywhere for their amazing teaching and research. Getting a degree from a UK university looks fantastic on your CV, no matter where you want to work later.
High-Quality and Short Education
The way they teach in the UK is all about helping you think for yourself and go deep into your subject. You’ll learn from top experts who are passionate about what they do. The courses are often shorter too – usually 3 years for a Bachelor’s degree and just 1 year for a Master’s. This can save you time and money!
Best UK Universities to Study at for South Africans
Many UK universities have lots of students from different countries, making it easier to settle in and feel at home. Places like the University of Manchester, University College London (UCL), and the University of Edinburgh are known for their diverse student bodies.
Top-Ranked Institutions
If you’re aiming for the very top, universities like Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, and the London School of Economics (LSE) are world leaders in many subjects. Entry is competitive, but a degree from one of these is highly prestigious.
Cost of Study in the UK for South Africans
Details of the costs of studying in the UK are a big part of planning your study adventure. There are two main things to think about: tuition fees and living costs.
UK University Tuition Fees for South Africans
Tuition fees for international students in the UK can be quite different depending on the university and the course.
Undergraduate Degree Fees
For UK Bachelor’s degrees, fees can range from about £11,000 to over £38,000 per year.
Postgraduate Degree Fees
UK Master’s degrees can cost anywhere from £10,000 to £30,000 or more for a one-year course. Again, the subject and university play a big role.
Living Costs in the UK for South Africans
Besides tuition, you need to cover your living expenses. This includes accommodation, food, transport, books, and social activities.
Living Costs in London
London is generally the most expensive city. The UK government suggests you need about £1,483 per month for living costs if you study in London.
Living Costs Outside London
If you study outside London, the required amount is less, around £1,136 per month.
These figures are standard and set by the UKVI, and how much you actually spend can vary based on your lifestyle and where exactly you live.
Can You Study in the UK for Free as a South African?
Studying completely for free in the UK as an international student from South Africa is very difficult. Unlike some countries, the UK doesn’t offer free tuition for international students at the undergraduate or postgraduate level.
Scholarships and Funding
While you can’t study for ‘free’ in the sense of no tuition fees, you absolutely can reduce the cost significantly through scholarships, grants, and bursaries. These are funds given to students that you don’t have to pay back. Many students from South Africa use these to help cover tuition and living costs.
How to Apply to Study in the UK from South Africa
How you apply depends on whether you’re applying for undergraduate or postgraduate study.
Undergraduate Applications (Bachelor’s Degree)
Most undergraduate applications go through a central system called UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). You create an online application, fill in your details, choose your courses (up to five), write a personal statement, and get a reference from your school or college. There are specific deadlines, usually in January for courses starting the following autumn, but earlier for popular subjects like Medicine or at Oxford/Cambridge.
Postgraduate Applications (Master’s or PhD)
For postgraduate courses, you usually apply directly to the university through its online application system. You’ll need to provide academic transcripts, proof of English, references, and often a personal statement or research proposal.
Entry Requirements to Study in the UK for South Africans
To study at a UK university as a student from South Africa, you’ll need to meet certain entry requirements. These show that you have the right academic background and English language skills for your chosen course.
For Undergraduate Study
UK universities usually look for qualifications equivalent to British A-levels. This means your South African National Senior Certificate (NSC) will be assessed. Universities will have specific requirements for the number of subjects and the marks or symbols you need to have achieved in your NSC, especially in subjects related to your chosen degree. Some competitive courses or universities might require additional qualifications or a foundation year programme.
For Postgraduate Study
To apply for a Master’s degree, you’ll need a Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university. For a PhD, you’ll typically need a strong Master’s degree with a research component. UK universities will look at your academic transcripts and the overall standard of your degree from South Africa.
Visa Requirements to Study in the UK for South Africans
Getting the right visa is a must to study in the UK from South Africa. The main visa for most students is the Student visa (this replaced the old Tier 4 visa). To get the Student visa, you need to meet several conditions:
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
You must have an unconditional offer of a place on a course from a licensed Student sponsor (a UK university or college approved by the Home Office). Your university will give you a CAS number once you accept their offer. This is proof that you have a place.
Financial Proof
You need to show that you have enough money to pay for your first year’s tuition fees (or the total course fee if it’s less than a year) and your living costs. The required amount for living costs is currently £1,483 per month for courses in London and £1,136 per month for courses outside London, for up to 9 months. You usually need to show you’ve had this money in your bank account for at least 28 consecutive days ending no more than 31 days before you apply.
Work Conditions for South African Students in the UK
Many international students from South Africa are interested in working while they study in the UK to help with living costs and gain experience. The good news is that most Student visa holders are allowed to work, but there are important rules you must follow.
How Much Can You Work?
If you are studying a full-time course at degree level or above at a university, you are usually allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term-time.
During official university holiday periods, you can usually work full-time.
Can You Stay in the UK After Your Studies?
Many students from South Africa fall in love with the UK and want to stay after they finish their degrees. The good news is that there are options available for international graduates.
The Graduate Route Visa
This is the most common way for international students to stay and work after graduating.
The Graduate Route allows you to stay in the UK for two years after successfully completing a Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree at a UK university. If you complete a PhD or other doctoral qualification, you can stay for three years.
This visa gives you flexibility. You can work in most jobs, look for work, be self-employed, or do voluntary work. It doesn’t require a job offer or sponsorship from an employer to apply.
Eligibility
To be eligible, you must have completed an eligible course at a UK Higher Education Provider with a track record of compliance. You must also be in the UK when you apply.
Conclusion
Deciding to study in the UK is a fantastic choice that can open up a world of opportunities for you as a student from South Africa. From getting a top-quality education and experiencing a vibrant new culture to boosting your future career, the benefits are huge.
Ready to start your UK study adventure? Get in touch with Atlas Apply today! You can easily reach us on WhatsApp at +447498782831. We’re excited to help you make your UK study dream a reality!
FAQs
The standard processing time for a UK Student visa application from outside the UK is usually around 3 weeks after you’ve provided your biometrics.
Under the current rules, international students on a Student visa can only bring dependents (partner and children) if they are: a Government-Sponsored Student or a Postgraduate Research Student
CAS stands for Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies. It’s a unique electronic reference number that your UK university gives you once they’ve offered you an unconditional place on a course and you’ve accepted it. You must have a CAS number before you can apply for your Student visa. It’s proof that you have a genuine offer to study.
Yes, you can. The Graduate Route visa allows eligible students who have completed a degree in the UK to stay for two years (or three years for PhD graduates) to work or look for work. This doesn’t require a job offer beforehand. You can also potentially switch to a Skilled Worker visa if you get a qualifying job offer from an approved employer.
