Choosing a degree is one of the most important decisions any student can make. For many young people and adults in South Africa, the biggest challenge is finding a qualification that is both affordable and leads to strong job opportunities after graduation.

University fees continue to rise, and many families struggle to pay for expensive programs like medicine, engineering, or law. But the good news is that South Africa offers many low-cost degrees at public universities and TVET colleges that still provide high employment potential, stable career paths, and opportunities for growth.

This guide explains:

• The most affordable degrees in South Africa

• Why these qualifications have high job demand

• What you can expect to study

• The type of jobs you can get

• Estimated earning potential

• How to choose the right program for your future

Whether you want a career in technology, health, business, education, or public services, you will find several low-cost degrees here that match your goals.

Why Affordable Degrees With Good Job Prospects Matter

Choosing a cheap degree with high demand can help you:

• Reduce tuition costs and student debt

• Graduate faster and start working quickly

• Enter industries with a shortage of skilled workers

• Build long-term job security

• Earn stable income earlier in your career

• Access opportunities for promotions and further study

Many of the degrees listed in this guide are offered at public universities, universities of technology, and TVET colleges, making them much cheaper than private institutions.

What You Need to Know Before Choosing a Degree

Before we explore the cheapest degrees, here are important points to understand:

1. Public universities cost far less than private institutions

Schools like:

• University of Pretoria (UP)

• University of Johannesburg (UJ)

• University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)

• University of the Free State (UFS)

• Durban University of Technology (DUT)

• Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)

offer degrees at much lower fees compared to private universities.

2. High-job-prospect degrees are linked to skills scarcity

South Africa faces shortages in:

• IT

• Teaching

• Nursing

• Engineering technicians

• Accounting technicians

• Agriculture

• Environmental management

• Supply chain and logistics

Degrees in these fields often guarantee employment soon after graduation.

3. Choose a field that fits your strengths

A cheap degree is only useful if you can thrive in it. Choose based on:

• What you enjoy

• What subjects you are good at

• What kind of work environment you prefer

• Whether you want fieldwork, office work, or hands-on work

Top 10 Cheapest Degrees to Study in South Africa With High Job Prospects

Below is a summary table before we dive into the full details.

Summary Comparison Table: Cheapest Degrees With High Job Prospects

Detailed Reviews of the Cheapest High-Demand Degrees

Below is a long, detailed section covering each degree, why it is affordable, and the types of jobs you can get.

1. Bachelor of Education (Teaching)

Teaching is one of the cheapest and most accessible degrees in South Africa. It is also one of the highest-demand professions, especially for:

• Mathematics

• Science

• Technology

• Foundation phase education

Why It’s Affordable

• Offered widely at all major public universities

• Distance-learning options like UNISA reduce costs

• Government bursaries like Funza Lushaka support teaching students

Job Prospects

Teachers are needed across South Africa, especially in rural and township schools.

Careers

• Foundation Phase teacher

• Intermediate Phase teacher

• High school teacher

• Special needs assistant

• Private tutor

• Online teacher

2. Diploma or Degree in Information Technology (IT)

IT remains one of the fastest-growing fields in South Africa. An IT diploma or degree is much cheaper than fields like medicine or engineering.

Why It’s Affordable

• Available at universities of technology (cheaper than traditional universities)

• Many modules are computer-based, which lowers equipment costs

• Some programs offer part-time or online learning options

Job Prospects

Skills shortages exist in:

• Software development

• Cybersecurity

• Data analytics

• Network management

Careers

• IT support technician

• Junior software developer

• Data assistant

• Network administrator

• Help desk specialist

3. Nursing

Nursing is one of the most employable qualifications in South Africa. The country has a national shortage of nurses in both public and private hospitals.

Why It’s Affordable

• Many nursing colleges are subsidized

• Scholarships and hospital-funded programs exist

• Practical training occurs in hospitals, reducing tuition cost

Job Prospects

Extremely high across:

• Public hospitals

• Private clinics

• Old age homes

• Community healthcare centers

Careers

• Enrolled nurse

• Staff nurse

• Community health worker

• Clinic assistant

4. Accounting (Diploma or Degree)

Accounting diplomas and degrees provide one of the cheapest and quickest paths to stable employment.

Why It’s Affordable

• TVET colleges offer very low-cost accounting courses

• Public universities provide cheaper BCom programs

• No expensive equipment required

Job Prospects

All businesses need accounting staff, especially:

• Small businesses

• Retail companies

• Government departments

Careers

• Bookkeeper

• Accounts clerk

• Payroll assistant

• Financial administrator

5. Environmental Science

This field is becoming more important as South Africa faces environmental challenges such as pollution, drought, and conservation issues.

Why It’s Affordable

• Most learning uses accessible equipment

• Minimal lab costs compared to chemistry or engineering

• Offered at several public universities

Job Prospects

Growing demand in:

• Conservation

• Waste management

• Water quality

• Environmental compliance

Careers

• Environmental technician

• Conservation assistant

• Field researcher

• Sustainability officer

6. Agriculture

Agriculture is vital for food production, and South Africa needs more skilled workers in modern farming and agribusiness.

Why It’s Affordable

• Many programs are government-supported

• TVET agricultural colleges offer cheaper fees

• Practical learning reduces the need for expensive laboratories

Job Prospects

High demand in rural provinces like:

• Limpopo

• Mpumalanga

• Free State

• North West

Careers

• Farm manager

• Agricultural technician

• Livestock assistant

• Crop production officer

7. Logistics and Supply Chain Management

South Africa’s economy relies heavily on transport, warehousing, and distribution. This makes logistics a strong career choice.

Why It’s Affordable

• Offered at universities of technology

• Few specialized tools or labs required

• Curriculum focuses on real-world work skills

Job Prospects

High demand in:

• Retail

• E-commerce

• Manufacturing

• Transportation

Careers

• Inventory controller

• Supply chain assistant

• Warehouse supervisor

• Logistics planner

8. Public Management

Public management focuses on how government departments operate. It is one of the cheapest qualifications in the country, especially at TVET colleges.

Why It’s Affordable

• Offered at low-cost public TVET colleges

• Simple curriculum

• Many bursaries available

Job Prospects

High demand in:

• Local municipalities

• Government offices

• Public service institutions

Careers

• Administrative officer

• Data capture assistant

• Office clerk

• Community service officer

9. Marketing and Communications

Marketing degrees are affordable and flexible, making them great for students interested in business, media, or digital communication.

Why It’s Affordable

• Offered by most public universities

• No special equipment needed

• Distance-learning options available

Job Prospects

Medium to high, especially in:

• Digital marketing

• Social media

• Advertising

Careers

• Marketing assistant

• Social media coordinator

• Communications officer

• Customer relations assistant

10. Human Resource Management (HR)

HR is a stable and essential field because every organization needs people who can manage employees, training, and recruitment.

Why It’s Affordable

• Offered at both TVET colleges and universities

• No lab or expensive equipment required

• Flexible curriculum options

Job Prospects

High demand across all industries:

• Retail

• Hospitality

• Education

• Government

• Healthcare

Careers

• HR assistant

• Recruitment coordinator

• Training administrator

• Payroll support staff

Common Mistakes Students Make When Choosing a Degree

Here are common errors that you should avoid:

1. Choosing a degree because it is cheap, not because it fits your strengths

2. Ignoring job demand

3. Not checking if the institution is accredited

4. Underestimating the workload

5. Choosing a degree only because friends chose it

Tools and Resources to Help You Choose

• University websites

• TVET college program guides

• Career counselors

• Online aptitude tests

• Government bursary portals

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the cheapest degree to study in South Africa?

Education, public management, and agriculture are among the cheapest.

2. Which affordable degrees offer the best job prospects?

Teaching, nursing, IT, and accounting lead the list.

3. Can I study a cheap degree online?

Yes — programs like teaching, HR, or marketing are available through distance learning.

4. Are TVET diplomas useful?

Yes. They are practical, affordable, and in demand.

5. Which field is cheapest between IT and engineering?

IT is far cheaper because engineering requires expensive equipment.

6. What degree gets you a job fastest?

Nursing, teaching, and logistics often lead to quick employment.

7. Are public university degrees cheaper than private ones?

Yes. Public universities have much lower fees.

8. Is nursing really in demand?

Yes. South Africa faces a shortage of nurses nationwide.

9. Can I work overseas with these degrees?

Some fields like nursing, IT, and teaching offer international opportunities.

10. What if I can't afford university fees at all?

You can study at a TVET college, apply for bursaries, or choose a distance-learning option.

Conclusion

Choosing one of the cheapest degrees in South Africa with high job prospects can help you build a stable career without carrying heavy student debt. Programs like teaching, nursing, IT, accounting, logistics, and agriculture offer strong employment opportunities while remaining affordable for most families.

These degrees give you practical skills, faster entry into the workforce, and long-term career growth. With careful planning and the right program, your education can open the door to a better future.