South Africa offers real educational value for money. Living and education costs are approximately one-third of that of other popular study destinations.

In an increasingly globalize world economy, people need special skills and qualities to succeed. Employers want employees who can think effectively, creatively and for themselves. This is an essential part of the South African learning experience.

Many private, state schools and higher education institutions chart a path of excellence, adopting cutting-edge trends. Some schools offer solid, religious-based education since their early origins as mission schools. In all schools the trend is to move towards outcomes-based education (OBE). This is an approach to learning that seeks to link education more closely to the real world, giving students skills to access, criticise, analyse and practically apply knowledge, rather than simply absorb and repeat it parrot-fashion.

South Africa also has an excellent reputation as a prime destination for English language learners. English language skills will be important for your future career prospects. Learning English in South Africa allows you to immerse yourself in the language, to live and think in English.

Like so much else in South Africa, the education system is characterised by diversity: schools and universities vary greatly in terms of quality, financial resources, ethos and size. Most institutions fall under the auspices of the state, but due to an emphasis on local or community-based governance, and a strong and growing private school and higher education sector, the educational landscape is colourful.

South Africa is a nation at the cutting edge of change. Its rich natural and ecological resources, its multi-cultural population, its inspiring history and dynamic political milieu, and the vigour with which South African academics are approaching the world's most pressing problems, are some of the reasons why international academics are attracted to this country.

A large proportion of students come here to take advantage of the tertiary academic opportunities that South Africa has to offer. Many of the universities are world-class academic institutions, at the cutting edge of research in certain spheres. At the postgraduate level, many international students are here simply because the most exciting research in their particular field is being done in South Africa. South African scholars, often in collaboration with international partners, are involved in crucial research into health issues such as he epidemiology of tropical diseases, urban renewal and area-based development, capacity-building and entrepreneurial skills development, outcomes-based education and the appropriate application of convergent technologies to developing economies, agricultural and seed research, marine biology and many other important research areas. South Africans are at the forefront of global awareness of the need for a more equitable and sustainable world order. In South Africa with both developed and developing dimensions academics have the opportunity to become directly involved with the social impact of their research and often make a real difference to the lives of the people they are working with.

South Africa is one of the most diverse and enchanting countries in the world. Situated on the southernmost tip of the African continent with the Atlantic Ocean on the west and the Indian Ocean on the east coast, South Africa will dazzle you with a kaleidoscope of wildlife, scenery, cultures and heritage. You can enjoy long, hot summers and balmy winters with an average of eight hours of sunshine per day, the nearly 3 000 kilometres of coastline with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, the large areas of pristine wilderness with more animal species than Europe and Asia combined, and the captivating mix of African, European and Asian cultures.

The real heart of South Africa is the diversity of people and cultures. South Africa has a fascinating mix of African, European and Asian cultures with 11 official languages. Many thousands of families from around the world have made South Africa their home, creating a richly diverse, open-minded, multicultural society. It is this dynamism that makes South Africans unique. South African universities, colleges and schools will provide a vibrant, creative and challenging environment in which to develop your potential. This is why it is one of the world's most exciting places to be a student. You'll get a warm welcome .