A South African study visa allows a foreign national to enroll with a registered primary, secondary or tertiary institution of education within the country, it also permits the holder 20 hours of part-time employment per week.
Study Visa Application
Who can apply?
Any student who intends to enroll with a primary or secondary school (whether public or independent), college, further education and training institution, university, specialist skills school or other “learning institution” is eligible for a study visa South Africa – provided the institution is accredited by the Ministry of Basic and Higher Education.
Additionally, applicants must be able to prove the following:
No foreigner may displace a South African citizen/resident at a local educational institution;
The student must have proof of sufficient funds to pay for day-to-day living expenses, accommodation as well as tuition fees during his/her stay in South Africa;
The student must have adequate medical cover with a registered South African medical scheme and proof thereof.
If submitting abroad, an application for a Study Visa requires the following:
A passport valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of intended visit;
Payment of the prescribed fee;
A vaccination certificate, (in some cases);
Proof of financial means to cover envisaged living expenses during the sojourn in the Republic and to also pay for the tuition fees. This should be in the form of: bank statements, cash available or travellers’ cheques;
Proof of medical cover;
A cash deposit equivalent to the value of a return ticket;
In the case of African students, an undertaking from the relevant government to take full responsibility of the student and to pay all costs, should it become necessary to deport the student;
Medical and radiology reports;
An unabridged birth certificate in the case of minors;
In the case of a minor, the particulars of the person in the Republic of South Africa who will act as the learner’s guardian and a letter from such person confirming guardianship;
Consent from both parents for your stay in South Africa, or from the parent who has sole custody, along with proof of sole custody;
An official letter from the educational institution, where you intend to study, confirming provisional acceptance and the duration of the course;
Proof of medical cover renewed annually for the period of study with a medical scheme registered in terms of the Medical Schemes Act;
If you are 18 years and older, a police clearance certificate from each country in which you resided for 12 months or longer since the age of 18 years is required. This should be submitted with the application or within three months of submission.
What is an Exchange Visa?
Exchange Visas may be issued to foreigners who wish to participate in cultural, economic or social exchange programmes administered by an organ of the State or a public higher educational institution in conjunction with an organ of a foreign state.
The validity period of an exchange visa depends on the length of the programme for which it is issued, however usually does not exceed 12 months. Exchange visas cannot be renewed or extended.
Who can apply?
Applicants for an exchange visa should be no older than 25 years of age, and have an offer of exchange with an accredited public or educational entity within South Africa.
Exchange Visa Application
If submitting abroad, an application for an Exchange Visa requires the following:
A passport valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of intended visit;
Payment of the prescribed fee;
A vaccination certificate, (in some cases);
Proof of financial means to cover your living expenses during your stay in the Republic in the form of: bank statements, cash available or travellers’ cheques;
Undertaking(s) by the host(s) in the Republic of South Africa;
Proof of medical cover;
A cash deposit equivalent to the value of a return ticket or an undertaking by the relevant institution to cover costs for deportation, if necessary;
Medical and radiology reports;
A police clearance certificate from each country in which you resided for 12 months or longer since the age of 18 years;
A letter from the Department of Education or a public higher educational institution in the South Africa, confirming that it is responsible for organizing/administering the programme, outlining the activities and duration thereof, as well as confirming that it will take full responsibility for the student whilst he/she is in the country;
A letter from an organ of the foreign state, confirming the particulars of the student, including confirmation of the student’s registration with a tertiary educational institution abroad, as well as the date on which study will commence;
A report from a South African organ of state or learning institution prescribed in regulation 19(3).
More information can be found on the Home Affairs Department site.
