Best Study Abroad Programmes for South Africans in 2027

 How to Find Study Abroad Programmes for South African Students

Studying abroad does not always mean applying to a university in another country, paying international tuition fees and moving away for three or four years. 

There are several ways South Africans can study overseas, depending on their age, qualifications, budget and what they want to achieve.

You could complete a full degree in France, spend one semester at a partner university in Germany, join an international student exchange, or apply for a government scholarship that pays for postgraduate study. 

There are also organisations that help students find programmes, prepare university applications and understand the requirements for studying in another country.

The trick is knowing which type of programme suits you. Some opportunities are designed for school learners, others are for students already registered at a South African university, and some are only open to graduates.

Here are some options worth exploring, including organisations that South African students can approach and a few opportunities with details that are especially useful for planning ahead.

1. Start with international scholarships listed for South Africans

If you need financial assistance, one of the first places to look is the DHET International Scholarships website.

The Department of Higher Education and Training publishes international scholarship opportunities offered through different governments, universities and organisations. 

The opportunities vary by country and study level, so you may find postgraduate research funding in one listing and undergraduate study opportunities in another.

Countries featured in past and current listings include Germany, China, Hungary, Japan and Mauritius. 

The important thing is to look at the individual programme rather than assuming every scholarship covers the same expenses or accepts the same qualifications.

Some awards require you to return to South Africa after completing your studies. Others have subject restrictions, age limits or specific academic requirements.

We would use this directory as a starting point, not as the only place to search. 

Once you find an opportunity that interests you, the original scholarship provider's announcement is the source to use for the final eligibility rules and application deadline. 

DHET itself warns South Africans about enrolling at unaccredited overseas institutions or choosing qualifications that may not be recognised in South Africa.

You may look at Student Visa Requirements for South Africans Studying Abroad in 2027

2. Campus France: Help with studying in France

France is worth considering if you want to study in Europe but do not want to rely entirely on private education agencies for information. Campus France provides country-specific guidance and information about scholarships available to South Africans.

One opportunity to know about is the France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship. The 2027 scholarship campaign opened on 2 October 2026. 

It supports selected international students applying for master's and doctoral study in priority subject areas, including engineering, mathematics, digital technology, biology and health, law, political science, economics and management.

The scholarship provides a monthly allowance of €1,200 at master's level or €2,000 at doctoral level, along with certain services and support for travel, insurance and accommodation arrangements. 

However, it does not pay university tuition fees, so you must account for those separately. If this does’nt fit your current needs look at Cheapest Countries to Study Abroad for South African Students in 2027.

There is also an important application detail: students cannot apply directly to Campus France for the Eiffel award. 

A French higher education institution must select and nominate them. The deadline for institutions to submit applications for the current campaign is 6 January 2027, but individual universities may set earlier deadlines for students.

If you are considering this scholarship, start by identifying a suitable French university and contacting its international relations department about the course and its internal selection deadline. 

You can read the current requirements on the official France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship page.

This is a good example of why the order of your applications matters: you may need to secure the university's support before your scholarship application can move forward.

3. EducationUSA: A useful starting point for studying in the United States

Applying to a US university can be confusing because institutions set their own admission requirements, deadlines and financial aid policies.

 Some consider applications during Grade 12, and some offer substantial financial aid to international students. Others may expect students to cover much more of the cost themselves.

EducationUSA helps students research universities, understand applications, prepare for any required tests and learn about financial aid. 

The Johannesburg advising centre offers group information sessions, individual advising after the required introductory session, and college presentations and fairs.

There is also a programme worth knowing about for high-achieving learners from families with limited financial means: the EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Program. 

The 2026 application round for students aiming to enter US universities in August 2027 closed in August 2026, so it is not currently accepting applications for that intake.

 The programme is still useful to understand because it focuses on students who have the academic potential to gain admission and substantial financial aid but cannot afford the upfront costs of applying.

Opportunity Funds is not a full university scholarship. It helps selected students with eligible application-related costs and provides individual guidance while they apply for admission and financial aid.

For future opportunities, use the EducationUSA Johannesburg centre to find out about advising sessions and university events. 

If you are still in matric, this kind of support can be particularly useful because US applications may involve essays, school references, test requirements and separate financial aid forms. 

Here is a guide for Studying Abroad After Matric Without Taking a Gap Year.

4. Study abroad through your current South African university

Here is something students sometimes overlook: you may not need to leave your South African university permanently to gain international study experience.

Universities such as the University of Cape Town and Stellenbosch University have international exchange arrangements that allow eligible students to spend a semester or year at a partner institution overseas. 

Students can take approved courses abroad and, where the arrangement permits, transfer the credits towards their South African degree.

This can be a sensible option if you want international experience without applying for an entirely new degree in another country.

At UCT, students on an exchange remain registered at UCT and pay the applicable UCT tuition fee. 

They generally do not pay tuition to the partner university under the exchange agreement, although travel and living costs still need to be covered. 

Eligible students can apply for a 50% reimbursement of flight costs through the International Office, and some placements provide stipends.

UCT also has academic requirements. Students must have completed their first year, meet the applicable average requirement and receive support from their faculty or academic department. Exchange placements are competitive, and the university decides which partner institutions and courses are suitable.

You can read the details on the UCT Student Exchange page.

Stellenbosch University has a similar programme, with partner institutions across six continents. Its exchange options include universities such as Sciences Po in France, Leipzig University in Germany, West Virginia University in the United States and Nagoya University in Japan. Students can explore the Stellenbosch University semester exchange programme.

Our advice: If you are already studying for a degree at a South African university, contact your international office before paying an outside agency. 

Your university may already have an agreement that lets you study overseas while keeping your degree on track.

5. AFS South Africa: School exchanges, gap years and short-term programmes

AFS is different from a scholarship directory or university admissions service. It organises exchange and educational programmes, including high school exchanges, language learning, gap-year experiences, volunteering, internships and short-term study.

The length and cost depend on the programme. Some last a few weeks, while high school exchanges can run for several months or an academic year. 

AFS also works with sponsors and donors to provide full or partial scholarships for selected programmes.

Its published programme listings have included options such as high school study in Norway and the United States, as well as shorter educational and cultural exchanges. 

The fees can be substantial: the listed US high school year programme, for example, has been priced at R220,000. Costs vary by destination and programme, so compare what is included before deciding whether it fits your budget.

This is worth considering if you are a school learner who wants to experience another education system, or if you want a shorter international programme rather than enrolling for a full degree overseas.

One distinction matters: an exchange programme is not necessarily a university scholarship, and completing an AFS programme does not automatically give you admission to a foreign university. 

If your goal is to earn a degree abroad, make sure the programme matches that goal.

6. The British Council: Information about UK universities and funding

The British Council's Study UK service is another useful source for students interested in British universities.

It provides information about UK higher education, studying in the country and funding options. Its scholarship section points students towards grants, bursaries and other financial support, while its International Student Calculator can help you estimate living costs and build a budget.

This is especially useful if you are comparing UK universities and need to understand the cost beyond tuition. Rent, transport, food, visa expenses and health-related charges can change the total amount you need to save.

The British Council is not a replacement for a university's admissions office, and it does not guarantee you a scholarship. Think of it as a source of information that helps you make sense of your options before applying.

If you are still choosing a destination, our guide to the cheapest countries to study abroad for South African students in 2027 can help you compare countries before you settle on the UK.

7. Study abroad agencies: When are they worth paying?

Private study abroad agencies can help with finding programmes, submitting applications, arranging accommodation or preparing for departure. Some specialise in university admissions, while others focus on exchange programmes, language courses or shorter overseas experiences.

However, paying an agency does not automatically improve your chances of admission or getting a visa. Universities and immigration authorities still make those decisions.

Before paying, ask exactly what the fee covers. Does it include university application fees, accommodation, airport transfers or insurance? Is the agency charging for help you could get directly from the university or a government-supported information service?

Also, ask whether the agency receives commission from particular universities. That does not automatically mean the advice is poor, but it is useful to know whether you are being shown a wide range of suitable options or mainly institutions with which the agency has commercial agreements.

Be careful with anyone who guarantees a student visa, promises a scholarship without a formal award, or pressures you to pay immediately. Verify the university's accreditation and whether the qualification will be recognised in South Africa, particularly if you plan to work in a regulated profession.

For some students, an agency may save time. For others, direct applications and free official advising services may be enough.

Which study abroad programme should you choose?

The right option depends on where you are now and what you want to do next.

If you are planning to start a degree abroad in 2027, it is also worth reading our guide on applying to overseas universities after matric without taking a gap year. You may be able to apply before your final results are released, depending on the university and course.

And once you receive an admission offer, remember that you still need to deal with immigration requirements. 

Our guide to student visa requirements for South Africans studying abroad explains how proof of funds, bank statements and visa documents fit into the process.

The main point is that there is no single organisation that handles every part of studying abroad. Government scholarship offices, universities, exchange organisations and private agencies each serve different purposes. 

Start with the option that matches your situation, compare the actual costs and requirements, and make sure you know what the programme will give you before committing your money.