In South Africa, being a student means managing a tight budget while juggling tuition, books, transport, and everyday living expenses. Fortunately, student discounts make life a bit easier, offering savings across various categories, from food to travel, tech, entertainment, and even health and fitness. Whether you’re attending a university, college, or any registered tertiary institution, South African companies are ready to reward your student status with discounts designed to help you save.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best student discounts available in South Africa, how to access them, and tips for making the most of your student years on a budget.
1. Transport Discounts for Students
Getting around can be costly, especially for students who commute daily. Luckily, several transport options offer discounts specifically for students.
a) Gautrain
- Discount Details: Gautrain offers discounted prices on certain routes for students who sign up for their monthly travel passes.
- How to Access: You’ll need a valid student card to purchase the student pass.
- Benefit: Ideal for students in Gauteng looking to commute comfortably between Johannesburg, Pretoria, and surrounding areas.
b) MyCiTi Bus (Cape Town)
- Discount Details: MyCiTi provides discounted fares for students, especially on monthly passes, allowing unlimited travel in the city.
- How to Access: Register at MyCiTi stations with a valid student ID.
- Benefit: Convenient and affordable travel around Cape Town for students in the Western Cape.
c) Bolt and Uber Discounts
- Discount Details: Ride-hailing services like Bolt and Uber sometimes offer promo codes and discounts for students.
- How to Access: Keep an eye on their websites and social media channels for promotions.
- Benefit: Great for those late nights or when public transport isn’t an option.
2. Technology and Electronics Discounts
From laptops to software, technology is essential for every student. Brands and retailers offer students significant discounts on tech products, especially those necessary for learning.
a) Apple Store for Education
- Discount Details: Apple offers discounted prices on MacBooks, iPads, and other Apple products for students through their Education Store.
- How to Access: Visit the Apple Education Store and verify your student status.
- Benefit: Get top-quality tech for less, whether it’s for studying, creating, or managing student life.
b) Microsoft Student Discounts
- Discount Details: Microsoft offers Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) free of charge for students.
- How to Access: Register with a valid student email address.
- Benefit: Full access to essential productivity tools without added cost.
c) Incredible Connection Student Discounts
- Discount Details: Incredible Connection provides periodic discounts on laptops, tablets, and accessories for students.
- How to Access: Show your student ID at any branch or inquire online.
- Benefit: Affordable electronics from a trusted South African retailer.
Related: Essential University Apps Every Student Should Download
3. Food and Restaurant Discounts
Eating out is a treat for most students, but there are places that help make dining out or ordering food a little easier on the wallet.
a) Nando’s Student Offers
- Discount Details: Nando’s offers discounts on select meals for students at various locations.
- How to Access: Present a valid student card when ordering.
- Benefit: Enjoy a budget-friendly meal without sacrificing taste.
b) Spur Steak Ranches
- Discount Details: Many Spur branches offer student nights with discounted burgers, ribs, and drinks.
- How to Access: Check with your local Spur, as offers may vary by location.
- Benefit: A delicious meal with friends without breaking the bank.
c) Mr D Food App Student Discounts
- Discount Details: Mr D Food frequently collaborates with restaurants to offer special discounts for students ordering through their app.
- How to Access: Download the app, sign up, and keep an eye out for student promotions.
- Benefit: Convenience and savings on food deliveries to your door.
4. Entertainment and Lifestyle Discounts
Whether you want to watch a movie, attend a music event, or enjoy a night out with friends, entertainment discounts help make student life more affordable and enjoyable.
a) Ster-Kinekor Cinemas
- Discount Details: Ster-Kinekor offers discounted movie tickets for students every day.
- How to Access: Present your student card at the ticket counter or register for a Ster-Kinekor loyalty card online.
- Benefit: Affordable movie nights for solo outings or group hangouts.
b) Spotify Premium Student Plan
- Discount Details: Spotify offers a 50% discount on their premium subscription for students.
- How to Access: Sign up for the Spotify student plan and verify your student status.
- Benefit: Access to ad-free music and downloads at half the price.
c) Game Stores and Makro Student Discounts
- Discount Details: These popular retailers often have back-to-school promotions that include discounted prices on gaming consoles, appliances, and other student essentials.
- How to Access: Watch for promotions on their websites or subscribe to their newsletters.
- Benefit: Affordable entertainment and household goods in one place.
5. Health and Fitness Discounts
Staying fit and healthy is crucial, and many gyms and wellness centers offer discounted memberships for students.
a) Virgin Active Youth Membership
- Discount Details: Virgin Active offers a reduced rate for students on their gym memberships.
- How to Access: Show your student card at the Virgin Active branch when signing up.
- Benefit: Access to fitness facilities and classes to help you stay active and healthy.
b) Planet Fitness Student Discount
- Discount Details: Planet Fitness also provides discounted rates for students on their monthly memberships.
- How to Access: Register at your nearest Planet Fitness with a valid student ID.
- Benefit: Affordable gym memberships across South Africa with diverse fitness options.
c) Clicks and Dis-Chem Rewards
- Discount Details: While not strictly student-only, Clicks and Dis-Chem offer loyalty programs where you can earn points and save on health and beauty products.
- How to Access: Sign up for free at any Clicks or Dis-Chem store.
- Benefit: Regular savings on essential products.
6. Retail and Fashion Discounts
Looking good without spending a fortune is possible with student discounts at various retailers.
a) Cotton On Student Discount
- Discount Details: Cotton On offers a 10% discount for students on in-store purchases.
- How to Access: Show a valid student card at the checkout.
- Benefit: Fashionable clothing at reduced prices.
b) Typo and The Foschini Group (TFG) Discounts
- Discount Details: Many TFG stores, including Typo, offer special promotions and discounts for students.
- How to Access: Check with individual stores for ongoing offers and present a student ID when shopping.
- Benefit: Stylish clothing and accessories for less.
c) Takealot Student Promotions
- Discount Details: Takealot often has sales that include discounts on clothing, accessories, and essentials for students.
- How to Access: Follow their student offers page and browse for discounts.
- Benefit: Convenient online shopping with special deals for students.
7. Books and Stationery Discounts
Books and stationery are essential for every student. Luckily, several bookstores and online retailers have student-friendly prices.
a) Exclusive Books
- Discount Details: Exclusive Books offers discounts on textbooks and other educational materials for students.
- How to Access: Present your student card or order online and check for promotions.
- Benefit: Quality reading materials at more affordable rates.
b) CNA Stationery Discounts
- Discount Details: CNA provides seasonal discounts on stationery, particularly during the back-to-school season.
- How to Access: Visit your local CNA store or shop online for promotions.
- Benefit: Affordable supplies for your studies all year round.
c) Van Schaik Bookstore
- Discount Details: Van Schaik, a popular bookstore among students, offers discounts on textbooks and study guides.
- How to Access: Sign up for their loyalty program for additional discounts and specials.
- Benefit: Reliable access to academic books and resources at lower prices.
Tips for Maximizing Your Student Discounts
- Always Carry Your Student Card: This is your key to most discounts.
- Ask About Student Discounts: Even if it’s not advertised, ask retailers if they have special student offers.
- Follow Social Media and Websites: Many businesses announce their discounts on social platforms.
- Use Apps and Digital Wallets: Many retailers offer rewards and discounts through apps, like Mr D Food and Uber Eats.
- Budget Wisely: Take advantage of these discounts for essential purchases and avoid overspending on unnecessary items.
Related: Managing Your Bursary Funds – Top Tips for Students in 2024
With this list of student discounts in South Africa, you can easily stretch your budget without sacrificing your lifestyle. From tech to travel, food, fashion, and fitness, there’s a wide range of student-friendly deals waiting for you. Whether shopping online or in-store, remember to use loyalty programs and apps to get the best value out of every purchase.
