Studying in Saudi Arabia vs. South Africa
Saudi Arabia and South Africa are both popular study destinations — but the price tag, visa rules, and currency differ. We pulled the numbers from our cost calculator: monthly living averages €1,072 in Saudi Arabia and €588 in South Africa.
Side-by-side comparison
Verdict
Cheaper tuition
Saudi Arabia
Cheaper monthly living
South Africa
Lower visa proof of funds
South Africa
Side-by-side comparison
Saudi Arabia
South Africa
Currency
SAR (SR)
ZAR (R)
Public tuition (annual)
SR0
≈ €0 / yr
R50,000
≈ €2,500 / yr
Private tuition (annual)
SR60,000
≈ €14,700 / yr
R100,000
≈ €5,000 / yr
Monthly living (city avg)
SR4,375 / mo
≈ €1,072 / mo
R11,750 / mo
≈ €588 / mo
Visa proof of funds
SR36,000
Proof of funds (≈ SR 3,000/month) — often covered by a scholarship
R120,000
Proof of funds for the Section 11(1)(b) study visa (varies by case)
Cities tracked
Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Mecca
Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban
Figures are 2026 reference estimates from our cost calculator. Actual costs vary by city, program, and lifestyle.