Study in South Africa
South Africa is a vast and beautiful country. It occupies 1.2 million square kilometres at the foot of the African continent - about the same size as Germany, France and Italy combined. South Africa offers stunning diversity in terms of landscape and people. For learners looking for sport and adventure, South Africa is the place to be. It has a high quality education system that is recognised by many international institutions.
The climate is mild (warm to hot) most of the year round with sporadic cold weather in winter. Sunshine averages vary from 7.5 to 9.5 hours a day, depending on the season. South Africa boasts a vast range of flora and fauna and is home to more mammal species than Europe and Asia combined. The country's 22 national parks and more than 200 provincial parks offer excellent accommodation and some of the best game viewing in the world.
The population (recently estimated at 46 million people) is diverse. There are at least 20 ethnic groups and cultures and four main race groups: African, whites, Indians and Coloureds (people of Malay or mixed origin). More than half of all South Africans live in urban areas, mostly in the four major cities - Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and Pretoria. The cities of the Gauteng province, with Johannesburg at the centre, form the world's biggest urban conglomerate south of the equator. South Africa has 11 official languages; however English is used by almost everybody and is the language of tuition at most institutions.
The South African economy is Africa's biggest (three times bigger than Nigeria or Egypt) and the 29th largest in the world. Although it covers only 4% of the African continent, South Africa accounts for more than half the continent's cars, telephones and industrial facilities. You can use Visa or Mastercard almost everywhere and bank by ATM or on-line. There are 13 commercial and merchant banks and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange is the world's 15th largest.
The country is cheap, easy and fun, especially for those international learners who come from countries with stronger currencies. The international back-packers’ scene is highly developed, the roads are generally good and the financial infrastructure is excellent. The suburban shopping malls in the larger cities are very modern.
Johannesburg is South Africa's biggest city, built on a goldmine just over 100 years ago, and is the industrial and commercial centre of the entire country. It is a city of extremes, from the moneyed suburbs of the north to vast informal settlements.
Cape Town, recognised as one of the world's most beautiful cities, has it all - spectacular mountains, pristine beaches, a unique floral kingdom and an exciting cultural life. Bellville, near Cape Town, is built on the slopes of the Tygerberg overlooking the Cape Flats. Durban, with its busy harbour, kilometres of beaches, buzzing nightlife and subtropical vegetation boasts excellent weather all year round. Port Elizabeth, a port city with a strong industrial sector, is well known for its beaches, its proximity to the beautiful Garden Route and friendly atmosphere. Pretoria, South Africa's administrative capital is a lot quieter than neighbouring Johannesburg, with jacaranda-lined streets, lush suburbs and some of the best restaurants and nightclubs in the country.
The higher education system in South Africa includes universities and technikons as well as private tertiary institutions, such as Milpark Business School (MBS). MBS offers high quality certificate, diploma and degree programmes. All institutions (whether private or public) have to be registered with the Department of Education and accredited by the relevant quality assurer. In South Africa the academic year is spread over two sessions - January to June and July to November. Tuition fees vary from institution to institution and the costs are between US$ 2,000 and US$ 5,000 per year, depending on the level of studies.
Milpark Business School will provide advice, information and materials on the various courses offered, admission/registration and critical issues including health, safety, visas and living and learning effectively in South Africa. It also provides all international students with an orientation programme (of the city surrounds and campus), usually during the first weeks of February, as well as an English skills programme, if required.
Information about South Africa and her cities - courtesy of SA Tour.