Diverse Cultural Heritage: South Africa is a melting pot of cultures, providing a rich backdrop for studies in Art & Humanities. The country's complex history and its many languages and traditions offer a deep well of material for students interested in art, culture, history, languages, and social sciences.
Vibrant Art Scene: South Africa boasts a vibrant art scene, from traditional African art to contemporary and experimental forms. Cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town are hubs for artistic innovation, hosting numerous galleries, festivals, and creative workshops that can enrich a student’s academic and practical experience.
Academic Excellence: Several South African universities are recognized globally for their strong Art & Humanities programs. These institutions often feature collaborations with international universities, providing a global perspective within the curriculum.
Affordability: Compared to many Western countries, South Africa offers a more cost-effective education. Lower tuition fees and living costs make it an attractive option for international students.
Dynamic Study Environment: Students have the opportunity to study in a society undergoing dynamic social changes, providing a real-time context for studies related to political science, social justice, and public policy.
Opportunities for Field Research: The diverse landscapes and communities in South Africa provide rich opportunities for field research in disciplines like anthropology, archaeology, and history.
English Medium of Instruction: As English is one of the official languages, most universities offer courses in English, which is beneficial for international students.
University |
Program |
Specializations |
---|---|---|
University of Cape Town (UCT) |
Bachelor of Arts |
Anthropology, English, Film and Media, History, Linguistics, Philosophy, Political Studies, Sociology, Psychology |
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
Bachelor of Arts |
African Literature, Drama, Fine Arts, History of Art, Philosophy, Political Studies, International Relations, Sociology |
Stellenbosch University |
Bachelor of Arts |
Drama and Theatre Studies, History, Language and Cultural Studies, Philosophy, Political Science, Sociology |
University of Pretoria (UP) |
Bachelor of Arts |
Anthropology, English Studies, Historical and Heritage Studies, Philosophy, Political Science, Sociology |
Rhodes University |
Bachelor of Arts |
Anthropology, Art History and Visual Culture, Drama, English, Fine Art, History, Linguistics, Philosophy, Political and International Studies, Sociology |
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) |
Bachelor of Arts |
Cultural and Heritage Tourism, Drama and Performance Studies, History, Philosophy, Politics, and International Relations, Sociology |
University of Johannesburg (UJ) |
Bachelor of Arts |
Anthropology and Development Studies, English, Historical Studies, Philosophy, Politics and International Relations, Sociology |
North-West University (NWU) |
Bachelor of Arts |
Art History, Cultural Studies, History, Language Studies, Philosophy, Political Studies, Sociology |
University of South Africa (UNISA) |
Bachelor of Arts |
Anthropology, Communication Science, English Studies, History, International Politics, Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology |
University of the Western Cape (UWC) |
Bachelor of Arts |
Anthropology, English, History, Linguistics, Philosophy, Political Studies, Sociology |
University |
Program |
Specializations |
---|---|---|
University of Cape Town (UCT) |
Bachelor of Arts |
Anthropology, English, Film and Media, History, Linguistics, Philosophy, Political Studies, Sociology, Psychology |
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
Bachelor of Arts |
African Literature, Drama, Fine Arts, History of Art, Philosophy, Political Studies, International Relations, Sociology |
Stellenbosch University |
Bachelor of Arts |
Drama and Theatre Studies, History, Language and Cultural Studies, Philosophy, Political Science, Sociology |
University of Pretoria (UP) |
Bachelor of Arts |
Anthropology, English Studies, Historical and Heritage Studies, Philosophy, Political Science, Sociology |
Rhodes University |
Bachelor of Arts |
Anthropology, Art History and Visual Culture, Drama, English, Fine Art, History, Linguistics, Philosophy, Political and International Studies, Sociology |
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) |
Bachelor of Arts |
Cultural and Heritage Tourism, Drama and Performance Studies, History, Philosophy, Politics, and International Relations, Sociology |
University of Johannesburg (UJ) |
Bachelor of Arts |
Anthropology and Development Studies, English, Historical Studies, Philosophy, Politics and International Relations, Sociology |
North-West University (NWU) |
Bachelor of Arts |
Art History, Cultural Studies, History, Language Studies, Philosophy, Political Studies, Sociology |
University of South Africa (UNISA) |
Bachelor of Arts |
Anthropology, Communication Science, English Studies, History, International Politics, Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology |
University of the Western Cape (UWC) |
Bachelor of Arts |
Anthropology, English, History, Linguistics, Philosophy, Political Studies, Sociology |
University |
Program |
Specializations |
---|---|---|
University of Cape Town (UCT) |
Bachelor of Arts |
Anthropology, English, Film and Media, History, Linguistics, Philosophy, Political Studies, Sociology, Psychology |
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
Bachelor of Arts |
African Literature, Drama, Fine Arts, History of Art, Philosophy, Political Studies, International Relations, Sociology |
Stellenbosch University |
Bachelor of Arts |
Drama and Theatre Studies, History, Language and Cultural Studies, Philosophy, Political Science, Sociology |
University of Pretoria (UP) |
Bachelor of Arts |
Anthropology, English Studies, Historical and Heritage Studies, Philosophy, Political Science, Sociology |
Rhodes University |
Bachelor of Arts |
Anthropology, Art History and Visual Culture, Drama, English, Fine Art, History, Linguistics, Philosophy, Political and International Studies, Sociology |
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) |
Bachelor of Arts |
Cultural and Heritage Tourism, Drama and Performance Studies, History, Philosophy, Politics, and International Relations, Sociology |
University of Johannesburg (UJ) |
Bachelor of Arts |
Anthropology and Development Studies, English, Historical Studies, Philosophy, Politics and International Relations, Sociology |
North-West University (NWU) |
Bachelor of Arts |
Art History, Cultural Studies, History, Language Studies, Philosophy, Political Studies, Sociology |
University of South Africa (UNISA) |
Bachelor of Arts |
Anthropology, Communication Science, English Studies, History, International Politics, Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology |
University of the Western Cape (UWC) |
Bachelor of Arts |
Anthropology, English, History, Linguistics, Philosophy, Political Studies, Sociology |
University |
Program |
Specializations |
---|---|---|
University of Cape Town (UCT) |
Master of Arts |
Anthropology, English, Film and Media, History, Linguistics, Philosophy, Political Studies, Sociology, Psychology |
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
Master of Arts |
African Literature, Drama, Fine Arts, History of Art, Philosophy, Political Studies, International Relations, Sociology |
Stellenbosch University |
Master of Arts |
Drama and Theatre Studies, History, Language and Cultural Studies, Philosophy, Political Science, Sociology |
University of Pretoria (UP) |
Master of Arts |
Anthropology, English Studies, Historical and Heritage Studies, Philosophy, Political Science, Sociology |
Rhodes University |
Master of Arts |
Anthropology, Art History and Visual Culture, Drama, English, Fine Art, History, Linguistics, Philosophy, Political and International Studies, Sociology |
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) |
Master of Arts |
Cultural and Heritage Tourism, Drama and Performance Studies, History, Philosophy, Politics, and International Relations, Sociology |
University of Johannesburg (UJ) |
Master of Arts |
Anthropology and Development Studies, English, Historical Studies, Philosophy, Politics and International Relations, Sociology |
North-West University (NWU) |
Master of Arts |
Art History, Cultural Studies, History, Language Studies, Philosophy, Political Studies, Sociology |
University of South Africa (UNISA) |
Master of Arts |
Anthropology, Communication Science, English Studies, History, International Politics, Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology |
University of the Western Cape (UWC) |
Master of Arts |
Anthropology, English, History, Linguistics, Philosophy, Political Studies, Sociology |
University |
Program |
Specializations |
---|---|---|
University of Cape Town (UCT) |
PhD in Humanities |
Anthropology, English, Film and Media, History, Linguistics, Philosophy, Political Studies, Sociology, Psychology |
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
PhD in Humanities |
African Literature, Drama, Fine Arts, History of Art, Philosophy, Political Studies, International Relations, Sociology |
Stellenbosch University |
PhD in Humanities |
Drama and Theatre Studies, History, Language and Cultural Studies, Philosophy, Political Science, Sociology |
University of Pretoria (UP) |
PhD in Humanities |
Anthropology, English Studies, Historical and Heritage Studies, Philosophy, Political Science, Sociology |
Rhodes University |
PhD in Humanities |
Anthropology, Art History and Visual Culture, Drama, English, Fine Art, History, Linguistics, Philosophy, Political and International Studies, Sociology |
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) |
PhD in Humanities |
Cultural and Heritage Tourism, Drama and Performance Studies, History, Philosophy, Politics, and International Relations, Sociology |
University of Johannesburg (UJ) |
PhD in Humanities |
Anthropology and Development Studies, English, Historical Studies, Philosophy, Politics and International Relations, Sociology |
North-West University (NWU) |
PhD in Humanities |
Art History, Cultural Studies, History, Language Studies, Philosophy, Political Studies, Sociology |
University of South Africa (UNISA) |
PhD in Humanities |
Anthropology, Communication Science, English Studies, History, International Politics, Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology |
University of the Western Cape (UWC) |
PhD in Humanities |
Anthropology, English, History, Linguistics, Philosophy, Political Studies, Sociology |
Institution |
Program |
Specializations |
---|---|---|
University of Cape Town (UCT) |
Diploma in Music Performance |
Classical Music, Jazz Studies |
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
Diploma in Arts and Culture Management |
Arts Administration, Cultural Policy, Project Management |
Stellenbosch University |
Postgraduate Diploma in Translation and Editing |
Translation, Editing |
University of Pretoria (UP) |
Postgraduate Diploma in Heritage and Museum Studies |
Heritage Management, Museum Studies |
Rhodes University |
Postgraduate Diploma in Media Management |
Media Management, Journalism |
Durban University of Technology (DUT) |
National Diploma in Drama |
Acting, Directing, Writing |
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) |
National Diploma in Fine Art |
Painting, Sculpture, Printmaking |
University of Johannesburg (UJ) |
Advanced Diploma in Visual Art |
Photography, Multimedia, Fine Art |
Nelson Mandela University (NMU) |
National Diploma in Journalism |
Journalism, Media Studies |
Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) |
National Diploma in Language Practice |
Translation, Language Practice |
Institution |
Program |
Duration |
Focus Areas |
---|---|---|---|
University of Cape Town (UCT) |
Summer School |
1-3 weeks |
Art, History, Literature, Philosophy |
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
Wits Plus Short Courses |
Varies (several weeks) |
Arts Administration, Creative Writing, Cultural Studies |
Stellenbosch University |
Short Courses |
1-2 weeks |
Language Studies, Cultural Studies, Music |
University of Pretoria (UP) |
Continuing Education Courses |
Varies (several weeks) |
Heritage and Museum Studies, Language Practice |
Rhodes University |
Short Courses in Journalism and Media Studies |
1-2 weeks |
Media Management, Journalism, Digital Media |
University of Johannesburg (UJ) |
UJ Arts Academy Workshops |
1-4 weeks |
Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Photography |
Durban University of Technology (DUT) |
DUT Short Courses |
1-3 weeks |
Drama, Visual Arts, Music |
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) |
TUT Short Learning Programs |
1-4 weeks |
Fine Arts, Design, Photography |
Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) |
CPUT Short Courses |
1-3 weeks |
Language Practice, Media Studies |
South African College of Music (SACM) at UCT |
SACM Short Courses |
1-2 weeks |
Music Performance, Music Theory, Music Production |
University |
Program |
Specializations |
---|---|---|
University of Cape Town (UCT) |
Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, PhD in Humanities |
Anthropology, English, Film and Media, History, Linguistics, Philosophy, Political Studies, Sociology, Psychology |
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, PhD in Humanities |
African Literature, Drama, Fine Arts, History of Art, Philosophy, Political Studies, International Relations, Sociology |
Stellenbosch University |
Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, PhD in Humanities |
Drama and Theatre Studies, History, Language and Cultural Studies, Philosophy, Political Science, Sociology |
University of Pretoria (UP) |
Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, PhD in Humanities |
Anthropology, English Studies, Historical and Heritage Studies, Philosophy, Political Science, Sociology |
Rhodes University |
Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, PhD in Humanities |
Anthropology, Art History and Visual Culture, Drama, English, Fine Art, History, Linguistics, Philosophy, Political and International Studies, Sociology |
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) |
Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, PhD in Humanities |
Cultural and Heritage Tourism, Drama and Performance Studies, History, Philosophy, Politics, and International Relations, Sociology |
University of Johannesburg (UJ) |
Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, PhD in Humanities |
Anthropology and Development Studies, English, Historical Studies, Philosophy, Politics and International Relations, Sociology |
North-West University (NWU) |
Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, PhD in Humanities |
Art History, Cultural Studies, History, Language Studies, Philosophy, Political Studies, Sociology |
University of South Africa (UNISA) |
Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, PhD in Humanities |
Anthropology, Communication Science, English Studies, History, International Politics, Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology |
University of the Western Cape (UWC) |
Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, PhD in Humanities |
Anthropology, English, History, Linguistics, Philosophy, Political Studies, Sociology |
University |
Program |
Intake Period |
---|---|---|
University of Cape Town (UCT) |
Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, PhD in Humanities |
January-February (main intake), July (mid-year intake for some programs) |
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, PhD in Humanities |
January-February (main intake), July (mid-year intake for some programs) |
Stellenbosch University |
Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, PhD in Humanities |
January-February (main intake), July (mid-year intake for some programs) |
University of Pretoria (UP) |
Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, PhD in Humanities |
January-February (main intake), July (mid-year intake for some programs) |
Rhodes University |
Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, PhD in Humanities |
January-February (main intake), July (mid-year intake for some programs) |
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) |
Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, PhD in Humanities |
January-February (main intake), July (mid-year intake for some programs) |
University of Johannesburg (UJ) |
Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, PhD in Humanities |
January-February (main intake), July (mid-year intake for some programs) |
North-West University (NWU) |
Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, PhD in Humanities |
January-February (main intake), July (mid-year intake for some programs) |
University of South Africa (UNISA) |
Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, PhD in Humanities |
January-February (main intake), July (mid-year intake for some programs) |
University of the Western Cape (UWC) |
Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, PhD in Humanities |
January-February (main intake), July (mid-year intake for some programs) |
University |
Program |
Approximate Annual Tuition Fees (ZAR) |
---|---|---|
University of Cape Town (UCT) |
Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, PhD in Humanities |
55,000 - 65,000 (Undergraduate), 35,000 - 50,000 (Postgraduate) |
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, PhD in Humanities |
50,000 - 70,000 (Undergraduate), 40,000 - 55,000 (Postgraduate) |
Stellenbosch University |
Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, PhD in Humanities |
45,000 - 60,000 (Undergraduate), 35,000 - 50,000 (Postgraduate) |
University of Pretoria (UP) |
Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, PhD in Humanities |
40,000 - 55,000 (Undergraduate), 30,000 - 45,000 (Postgraduate) |
Rhodes University |
Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, PhD in Humanities |
50,000 - 65,000 (Undergraduate), 40,000 - 55,000 (Postgraduate) |
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) |
Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, PhD in Humanities |
45,000 - 60,000 (Undergraduate), 35,000 - 50,000 (Postgraduate) |
University of Johannesburg (UJ) |
Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, PhD in Humanities |
35,000 - 55,000 (Undergraduate), 30,000 - 45,000 (Postgraduate) |
North-West University (NWU) |
Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, PhD in Humanities |
30,000 - 50,000 (Undergraduate), 25,000 - 40,000 (Postgraduate) |
University of South Africa (UNISA) |
Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, PhD in Humanities |
20,000 - 35,000 (Undergraduate), 15,000 - 25,000 (Postgraduate) |
University of the Western Cape (UWC) |
Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, PhD in Humanities |
30,000 - 50,000 (Undergraduate), 25,000 - 40,000 (Postgraduate) |
University |
Program |
Eligibility Criteria |
---|---|---|
University of Cape Town (UCT) |
Bachelor of Arts |
National Senior Certificate (NSC) with minimum scores, proficiency in English, specific subject requirements depending on the chosen major |
|
Master of Arts |
Relevant Bachelor's degree with good academic standing, proficiency in English, research proposal |
|
PhD in Humanities |
Relevant Master's degree, proficiency in English, detailed research proposal, academic references |
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
Bachelor of Arts |
National Senior Certificate (NSC) with minimum scores, proficiency in English, specific subject requirements depending on the chosen major |
|
Master of Arts |
Relevant Bachelor's degree with good academic standing, proficiency in English, research proposal |
|
PhD in Humanities |
Relevant Master's degree, proficiency in English, detailed research proposal, academic references |
Stellenbosch University |
Bachelor of Arts |
National Senior Certificate (NSC) with minimum scores, proficiency in English, specific subject requirements depending on the chosen major |
|
Master of Arts |
Relevant Bachelor's degree with good academic standing, proficiency in English, research proposal |
|
PhD in Humanities |
Relevant Master's degree, proficiency in English, detailed research proposal, academic references |
University of Pretoria (UP) |
Bachelor of Arts |
National Senior Certificate (NSC) with minimum scores, proficiency in English, specific subject requirements depending on the chosen major |
|
Master of Arts |
Relevant Bachelor's degree with good academic standing, proficiency in English, research proposal |
|
PhD in Humanities |
Relevant Master's degree, proficiency in English, detailed research proposal, academic references |
Rhodes University |
Bachelor of Arts |
National Senior Certificate (NSC) with minimum scores, proficiency in English, specific subject requirements depending on the chosen major |
|
Master of Arts |
Relevant Bachelor's degree with good academic standing, proficiency in English, research proposal |
|
PhD in Humanities |
Relevant Master's degree, proficiency in English, detailed research proposal, academic references |
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) |
Bachelor of Arts |
National Senior Certificate (NSC) with minimum scores, proficiency in English, specific subject requirements depending on the chosen major |
|
Master of Arts |
Relevant Bachelor's degree with good academic standing, proficiency in English, research proposal |
|
PhD in Humanities |
Relevant Master's degree, proficiency in English, detailed research proposal, academic references |
University of Johannesburg (UJ) |
Bachelor of Arts |
National Senior Certificate (NSC) with minimum scores, proficiency in English, specific subject requirements depending on the chosen major |
|
Master of Arts |
Relevant Bachelor's degree with good academic standing, proficiency in English, research proposal |
|
PhD in Humanities |
Relevant Master's degree, proficiency in English, detailed research proposal, academic references |
North-West University (NWU) |
Bachelor of Arts |
National Senior Certificate (NSC) with minimum scores, proficiency in English, specific subject requirements depending on the chosen major |
|
Master of Arts |
Relevant Bachelor's degree with good academic standing, proficiency in English, research proposal |
|
PhD in Humanities |
Relevant Master's degree, proficiency in English, detailed research proposal, academic references |
University of South Africa (UNISA) |
Bachelor of Arts |
National Senior Certificate (NSC) with minimum scores, proficiency in English, specific subject requirements depending on the chosen major |
|
Master of Arts |
Relevant Bachelor's degree with good academic standing, proficiency in English, research proposal |
|
PhD in Humanities |
Relevant Master's degree, proficiency in English, detailed research proposal, academic references |
University of the Western Cape (UWC) |
Bachelor of Arts |
National Senior Certificate (NSC) with minimum scores, proficiency in English, specific subject requirements depending on the chosen major |
|
Master of Arts |
Relevant Bachelor's degree with good academic standing, proficiency in English, research proposal |
|
PhD in Humanities |
Relevant Master's degree, proficiency in English, detailed research proposal, academic references |
Scholarship |
University |
Eligibility Criteria |
Coverage |
---|---|---|---|
National Arts Council (NAC) Scholarships |
All universities |
South African citizens, pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate studies in arts and culture fields |
Tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs |
Mandela Rhodes Scholarship |
All universities |
African citizens, strong academic performance, leadership potential, pursuing postgraduate studies |
Tuition fees, accommodation, meals, travel, study materials |
Canon Collins Trust Scholarships |
All universities |
Citizens of Southern African countries, pursuing postgraduate studies in arts, humanities, and social sciences |
Tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs |
Rhodes University Scholarships |
Rhodes University |
Varies by specific scholarship; generally based on academic merit and financial need |
Tuition fees, accommodation, study materials |
University of Cape Town (UCT) Scholarships |
University of Cape Town (UCT) |
South African and international students, based on academic merit and financial need |
Tuition fees, living expenses, study materials |
Stellenbosch University Scholarships |
Stellenbosch University |
South African and international students, based on academic merit and financial need |
Tuition fees, accommodation, study materials |
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) Scholarships |
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
South African and international students, based on academic merit and financial need |
Tuition fees, living expenses, study materials |
University of Pretoria (UP) Scholarships |
University of Pretoria (UP) |
South African and international students, based on academic merit and financial need |
Tuition fees, living expenses, study materials |
University of Johannesburg (UJ) Scholarships |
University of Johannesburg (UJ) |
South African and international students, based on academic merit and financial need |
Tuition fees, living expenses, study materials |
NRF Freestanding, Innovation and Scarce Skills Development Fund Masters and Doctoral Scholarships |
All universities |
South African citizens, pursuing full-time master's or doctoral studies in various fields including humanities |
Tuition fees, living expenses, research costs |
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Scholarships |
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) |
South African and international students, based on academic merit and financial need |
Tuition fees, living expenses, study materials |
University of South Africa (UNISA) Scholarships |
University of South Africa (UNISA) |
South African and international students, based on academic merit and financial need |
Tuition fees, living expenses, study materials |
Field |
Job Title |
Average Annual Salary (ZAR) |
---|---|---|
Education |
Teacher/Lecturer |
200,000 - 450,000 |
Media and Communications |
Journalist, Editor, Public Relations Specialist |
180,000 - 500,000 |
Arts and Culture |
Museum Curator, Art Gallery Manager, Cultural Heritage Manager |
220,000 - 400,000 |
Writing and Publishing |
Author, Copywriter, Publisher |
150,000 - 400,000 |
Performing Arts |
Actor, Theatre Director, Musician |
100,000 - 500,000 |
Visual Arts |
Visual Artist, Photographer, Graphic Designer |
150,000 - 350,000 |
Government and Public Service |
Policy Analyst, Diplomat, Public Administrator |
250,000 - 600,000 |
Research and Academia |
Researcher, Academic Analyst |
250,000 - 600,000 |
Social Services |
Social Worker, Community Development Worker |
180,000 - 400,000 |
Marketing and Advertising |
Marketing Specialist, Brand Manager, Advertising Executive |
200,000 - 550,000 |