Are you interested in studying in South Africa? We’ve got the answers to all your South African student visa questions.
Who needs a South African student visa?
To be eligible for a South African student visa, the school you enroll with must first be recognised as a learning institution by the Department of Basic Education or the Department of Higher Education. You may not be eligible for a South African student visa if you intend to attend a private language school, a wildlife ranger school (a bush school), or an institution exclusively offering short-term technical courses. If you are unsure, you can request proof of registration from the institution.
A school may accept you conditionally, but this does not secure your visa. However, you can’t enter South Africa on a visiting visa and then apply for a South African student visa.
Furthermore, it’s crucial to note that no matter how long you stay in South Africa on a student visa, you will not be eligible for permanent residency. Instead, you must first modify your visa status to one that allows you to qualify for living, such as a work or business visa. This can be done from within South Africa.
South Africa student visa requirements
First, you must be accepted by a South African school. The letter of acceptance must be on the letterhead of the institution and signed by or on behalf of the principal or registrar.
Next, you must complete a temporary residency permit application form B1-1738 and take it to the South African embassy in your native country in person.
You must also supply the following documents:
· A passport valid for at least 30 days after completing your course, with at least two consecutive, clear pages remaining.
· Payment for the application for a South African student visa.
· Two passport-sized photos.
· A formal letter from the South African educational institution confirming the duration of your course, and confirmation that the school would notify the authorities if you fail to enrol, are de-registered or expelled, or the course is completed or extended.
· Proof of funds to cover tuition and living expenses for the duration of your stay and a cash deposit to cover the cost of a return trip.
· Certificate of medical aid coverage or health insurance and a letter confirming the annual renewal.
· A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required in some instances.
· Medical and radiological reports within the last six months are acceptable.
· Details about where you will live in South Africa.
· A police clearance certificate for each nation where you have resided for more than a year since the age of 18.
· Birth certificates for dependent children.
· Certificates are required if married, widowed, or divorced.
South African student visas for students under the age of 18
If you are under the age of 18, you do not require a police clearance certificate when applying for a South African student visa. Students under the age of 12 are also excused from providing radiological results.
Minors under the age of 18 must generally submit the following South African student visa requirements:
· A birth certificate (or lawful adoption) and proof of parental identity are required.
· Written permission from both parents, one if your parents are divorced, or from a guardian if your parents are deceased or you are not in their care; you may be required to give documents verifying the condition.
· Proof of the address and phone number of a South African adult who will act as your guardian (together with a letter confirming this).
South African exchange visa
If you are over 25 and wish to visit South Africa on a cultural, economic, or social exchange program organised by a South African educational institution or government body and one in another country, you must obtain official confirmation from both the South African and foreign organisations. The South African exchange visa is valid for the term of the exchange program, which can be up to three years.
If you are under the age of 25, you may work in South Africa on a temporary basis if you obtain a South African exchange visa. The employer must certify the post’s existence, and the pay and benefits must meet the standard legal criteria. The South African exchange visa is valid for the exchange period, which usually is no longer than 12 months.
Please note that a South African exchange visa cannot be renewed or extended. After having this sort of permission, you may only apply for a temporary or permanent residence permit after living outside of South Africa for at least a year.
Renewing your South African student visa
A South African student visa is provided for your studies at a certain school, college, or university, with a maximum of eight years for elementary school, six years for secondary school, and the length of the degree or other tertiary qualification. A South African student visa can be renewed as many times as necessary.
A South African student visa allows you to study in South Africa only at the school or college for which it was given. Therefore, if you want to change schools, you must apply again.
If you need to amend your visa status or renew your South African student visa, you can do it from within the country. Your renewal application must be submitted at least 60 days before your South African student visa expires.
Working on a South African student visa
If you have a South African student visa and are studying at the tertiary level, you can work part-time for no more than 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacations. You must apply for a work visa if you intend to work more than 40 hours per week.
Furthermore, if you want to work as part of your studies, you must provide the Department of Foreign Affairs with the following documents: a letter verifying that you are still a student and that the university has granted permission for you to work and an offer of training from a business.
While on a South African student visa, you are not permitted to operate a business.
Foreign graduates requiring South African student visas
The conditions for a South African student visa for graduate studies are similar to those for other types of study. You will need paperwork proving the following: preliminary acceptance at a university and the course duration; your guardian in South Africa; recognised medical cover; and confirmation of sufficient means to cover fees and living costs.
Foreigners with a PhD from a South African university can now apply for a critical skills work visa (a five-year temporary residence visa) that includes a 12-month term to find work. They will be able to seek permanent residence after five years.
Families of students applying for a South African student visa
Your spouse and dependent children (but no other family members) may accompany you to South Africa while you study, but they must apply for an accompanying spouse or child visa, which is valid for up to three years. They are prohibited from working, establishing a business, or studying in South Africa. If they choose to do so, they must apply for a separate visa from their home country.
Why you should study in South Africa
South Africa is home to internationally famous universities such as the University of Cape Town, the University of Johannesburg, the University of Witwatersrand, Stellenbosch University, and the University of Pretoria, all ranked among Africa’s top institutions by QS World University Rankings 2023.
International students who move here will have the one-of-a-kind opportunity to live in an outstanding country with unrivalled natural attractions and prominent multicultural urban centres like Cape Town.
Furthermore, South Africa is more affordable for international students than other well-known English-speaking study destinations such as Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
Contact PM Immigration For Details
For more information and assistance about obtaining a South African student visa, contact PM Immigration’s team of South African visa specialists today.