Student Life in South Africa: Scholarships and Housing

Published on September 29, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

South Africa, with its cultural richness and thriving educational heritage, is attracting an increasing number of international students eager to benefit from a dynamic and diverse academic experience.

Exploring a range of scholarships offered by various institutions and organizations, students can find opportunities to fund their studies in this vibrant country.

Additionally, the housing issue, often crucial for students far from home, is addressed with various options ranging from university residences to private accommodations, allowing students to fully immerse themselves in South African life.

This article aims to detail these essential aspects for any student considering moving to the country, providing practical and up-to-date information to navigate this crucial chapter of their academic journey.

International Student Guide: Studying in South Africa

Scholarships for International Students in South Africa

The main scholarships available to foreign students wishing to study in South Africa are offered by universities, private foundations, and certain international programs:

Organization/Institution	Scholarship Type	Eligibility Criteria	Application Process
Mandela Rhodes Foundation	Master’s & Specialization	Excellent academic results, leadership, under 30 years old, African citizen or permanent African resident	Online application with recommendation letters and supporting documents
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program	Undergraduate & Master’s	Academic talent from disadvantaged backgrounds primarily in Africa	Application through partner universities (e.g., UCT, Wits)
Canon Collins Trust	Postgraduate	Strong academic results, Southern African countries	Application on the Trust’s website
Commonwealth Scholarships	Master’s	Citizens/refugees in a Commonwealth country outside South Africa	Application via official platforms
University-specific scholarships (UJ, Pretoria…)	All levels	Academic excellence/financial need depending on institution	Direct contact with each university

Practical tip: It is recommended to check the website of your target university directly to learn about specific scholarships available and their deadlines.

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Accommodation Options for International Students

• University residences
• Private rental (apartment or studio)
• Shared housing

Comparative list of accommodation types:

Type	Advantages	Disadvantages
University residence	Campus proximity Security	Limited spaces Strict regulations
Private rental	Independence Flexible choice	High deposit/guarantee Full responsibility
Shared housing	Shared cost Enriched social life	Compatibility with roommates necessary

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Practical Tips for Finding Accommodation

• Start searching as soon as you receive an acceptance letter.
• Check dedicated South African student housing Facebook groups.
• Use specialized local platforms (e.g., Private Property).
• Prioritize proximity to campus to limit transportation costs.
• Always visit the accommodation before signing and request a written contract.

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Average Monthly Student Cost in Major South African Cities

Estimate excluding university fees:

	Shared/University Housing	Food	Local Transportation	Miscellaneous
Cape Town	5000–8000 ZAR	2000–3000 ZAR	600–1000 ZAR	1000–2000 ZAR
Johannesburg	4500–7000 ZAR	1800–2500 ZAR	500–900 ZAR	~1500 ZAR
Pretoria	4000–6500 ZAR	~1700—2300 ZAR	~500—800 ZAR	~1200 ZAR

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Key Tips for Cultural and Social Adaptation

• Actively participate in international or sports student associations upon arrival.
• Respect linguistic and cultural diversity; ask questions if you don’t understand a local custom.
• Adopt an open attitude towards the prevalent religious and ethnic diversity.
• Learn about urban safety: avoid certain risky neighborhoods after dark.

Taking part in local events will help you expand your social network while quickly discovering the South African academic environment.

Available Student Scholarships for South Africa

Student scholarships in South Africa are diverse and target both South African and international students, with a particular focus on academic excellence, leadership, and the desire to contribute to the continent’s development.

Main Types of Available Scholarships

Scholarship Type	Target Audience	Fields of Study	Institutions/Organizations
Excellence Scholarships	National & International	All fields (excluding MBA, sometimes)	Universities, foundations
Leadership Scholarships	Africans, emerging leaders	Generally all fields	Mandela Rhodes Foundation
Field-specific Scholarships	All eligible profiles	Science, engineering, health, etc.	Universities, research centers
Mastercard Foundation Scholarships	Disadvantaged Africans	Primarily STEM, leadership	Mastercard Foundation, partner universities
Mobility Scholarships	International	All fields	Canon Collins Trust, DAAD, etc.

Specific Examples of Renowned Scholarships

Mandela Rhodes Scholarship

• Eligibility Criteria: Be aged 19 to 29, have strong academic results (grades > 70%), demonstrate leadership potential, be a citizen of an African country.
• Fields Covered: Master’s and specialization, excluding MBA, at any South African university.
• Benefits: Full coverage of tuition and living expenses.
• Institution: Mandela Rhodes Foundation.

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (MCFSP) at University of Pretoria

• Eligibility Criteria: Talented young Africans from disadvantaged backgrounds, prior university admission.
• Fields Covered: Undergraduate, Honours, Master’s.
• Benefits: Full scholarship (tuition, housing, meals, materials, stipend, insurance, transportation, visa, support).
• Obligation: Return to home country after studies and community engagement.
• Institution: University of Pretoria in partnership with Mastercard Foundation.

African STARS MSc Fellowship

• Eligibility Criteria: Born or residing in Africa, under 35 years old, holder of a BSc Honours (NQF level 8).
• Fields Covered: Bioinformatics, infectious diseases, genomics.
• Benefits: Full funding for a Master’s at Stellenbosch University.
• Institutions: CERI (Stellenbosch University), Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Mastercard Foundation.

Canon Collins Trust Scholarships

• Eligibility Criteria: African students for master’s or doctoral studies in priority disciplines.
• Fields Covered: Primarily law, social justice, education, health.
• Benefits: Between 20,000 and 100,000 rand depending on study level.
• Institution: Canon Collins Educational & Legal Assistance Trust.

General Eligibility Criteria

• Excellent academic results (often > 70% or equivalent)
• Proof of leadership or community engagement
• Age limit (generally under 35 for master’s)
• Prior admission to a South African university
• For some scholarships, African nationality required

Fields of Study Covered

• Science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM)
• Humanities and social sciences
• Law, health, education
• Sometimes excludes MBA or accelerated programs

Impact of Scholarships on Student Life

• Increased accessibility to higher education for students from disadvantaged backgrounds
• Strengthening pan-African networks and leadership development
• Academic and professional support (mentoring, internships, leadership training)
• International mobility and beneficial experience return for home communities
• Reduced financial stress through full or partial coverage of living and study costs

Recent Trends

• Increase in scholarships targeting young African leaders and STEM fields
• Growing collaboration between South African universities and international organizations (Mastercard Foundation, Canon Collins, DAAD)
• Focus on social impact and community return after studies
• Digitalization of application and selection procedures

Testimonials from Scholarship Recipients

“Thanks to the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship, I was able to fully dedicate myself to my studies and develop leadership skills that transformed my professional vision. The alumni network still supports me in my journey today.”

“The MCF scholarship at Pretoria allowed me to access quality training, discover South Africa, and build connections with students from across the continent. I am now engaged in a development project in my home country.”

Key Takeaways

Student scholarships in South Africa are a major lever for access to higher education, the emergence of young leaders, and the socio-economic transformation of the continent.

Their impact goes beyond funding, promoting engagement, mobility, and innovation.

Finding Student Housing in South Africa

Types of Student Housing Available in South Africa:

• University residences:
  • Generally located in immediate proximity to campuses.
  • Offer single or shared rooms, often furnished and sometimes with a meal plan included.
  • The atmosphere promotes community life, intercultural exchanges, and rapid integration.
• Shared apartments (shared housing):
  • Highly sought after for their flexibility and moderate cost.
  • Allow living with other South African or international students, often in vibrant neighborhoods near universities or downtown.
• Private accommodations (studios/independent apartments):
  • Offer more privacy and independence.
  • Suited for students seeking quiet or greater autonomy.

Major University Cities and Local Options:

City	Major Universities	Housing Options	Local Particularities
Johannesburg	University of the Witwatersrand, UJ	On-campus residences, shared housing	Nearby neighborhoods to prioritize for safety
Cape Town	University of Cape Town	Private/university residences, shared housing	High demand: frequent waiting lists
Pretoria	University of Pretoria	Modern student residences	Relatively high cost in city center
Durban	University of KwaZulu-Natal	Affordable shared housing	Friendly atmosphere near campus

Average Costs by Housing Type:

• Single room in university residence: 46,000–60,000 ZAR/year
• Shared double room in university dormitory: ≈43,000 ZAR/year
• Shared apartment/shared housing in Cape Town or Johannesburg: from 4,500 to 8,500 ZAR/month per person (depending on neighborhood)
• Private accommodation/independent studio: generally more expensive (7,000–12,000 ZAR/month)

Money-saving tips:

• Prioritize shared housing
• Choose accommodation further out but well-served by transportation
• Book early to benefit from the best rates

Administrative Steps & Timelines:

Indicative list:

• Start searching upon receiving university admission
• Submit an application to the student housing service OR register via recommended private platforms
• Allow between 2 weeks and several months depending on type chosen (public residences are in high demand)

Frequently required documents:

• University acceptance letter
• ID/passport
• Financial guarantee/security deposit

Reliable Platforms for Finding Secure Student Housing:

Recommended list:

• Student.com
• Property24.com
• StudentAccommodationCapeTown.com
• ResPublica.co.za

Also consider checking official university-related Facebook groups and “accommodation” pages on their institutional websites.

Community Aspects in Some Student Residences:

Key features:

Some residences offer equipped common areas (shared kitchens, TV rooms), regularly organize social activities, sports/cultural clubs, and provide specific support for newcomers. This facilitates social integration while enabling intercultural discovery.

Testimonials & Practical Tips from Student Experiences:

“Shared housing not only allowed me to reduce my expenses but also quickly build a local social circle.”

“I booked my room on StudentAccommodationCapeTown.com three months before my arrival. This saved me a lot of stress—but beware of scams on some unverified sites.”

Key advice:

Always physically visit your future accommodation if possible or request a reliable virtual tour; be wary of offers that seem too good to be true; ensure the neighborhood is safe especially in large cities like Johannesburg.

Finding student housing in South Africa requires anticipation, vigilance regarding safety, exclusive use of recognized platforms… but it’s also the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in a dynamic international student life!