Five places to find affordable textbooks in South Africa

As the cost of education continues to rise, textbooks remain one of the biggest expenses for learners, students and parents across South Africa. From school-level resources to tertiary study material, access to affordable textbooks can make a significant difference in academic success.

Fortunately, there are several cost-effective options available—both online and offline—that help reduce the financial burden without compromising on quality. Here, the team at FundiConnect provides five reliable places to find affordable textbooks in South Africa.

1. Open-access education platforms

Open educational resource platforms provide free, curriculum-aligned textbooks that can be accessed online.

The Siyavula platform offers free maths and science textbooks for Grades 4 to 12, aligned with the CAPS curriculum. Learners can download digital versions at no cost, making it a popular option for schools and households looking to save on textbook expenses.

2. Second-hand bookstores and resellers

Buying second-hand textbooks remains one of the most affordable options, especially for tertiary students.

Stores such as Cash Crusaders and Bookdealers often stock pre-owned academic textbooks at a fraction of the original price. Many independent campus bookstores also sell used textbooks at discounted rates during peak registration periods.

3. Online marketplaces

Online retailers and peer-to-peer platforms have made it easier to compare prices and find budget-friendly textbooks.

Websites like Takealot and Loot regularly offer discounted academic books, while platforms such as Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree allow students to buy directly from others who no longer need their textbooks.

4. Public libraries

Public and university libraries remain an often-overlooked resource for textbooks and prescribed reading material.

Many branches of the National Library of South Africa and municipal libraries stock school and tertiary textbooks that can be borrowed for free. University libraries also provide access to both physical textbooks and digital copies, reducing the need for personal purchases.

5. Digital textbooks and eBooks

Digital textbooks are increasingly affordable and accessible, particularly for students with reliable internet access.

Platforms such as Amazon Kindle and Google Play Books offer electronic versions of textbooks at lower prices than printed copies. Many publishers also provide student discounts or rental options for digital textbooks, making them a cost-effective alternative.

Making textbooks more accessible

With a combination of digital resources, second-hand options and public libraries, South Africans have more affordable textbook choices than ever before. By exploring these alternatives, learners and students can significantly reduce study costs while still accessing the material they need to succeed.

As education continues to evolve, affordability and access remain key to ensuring that learning opportunities are within reach for all.

For more information, visit www.fundiconnect.co.za.