study visa in south africa
Who wouldn’t want to study in South Africa? The country offers some of your favorite activities and spectacular sights. But the questions that remain are: how can you go about studying in this country? Where should you study? What are the most important things you need to get a study visa? Let’s have a look at each question one by one.
Travelling to South Africa to study? You are on the right track. In this report, I am going to cover everything you need to know when it comes to studying in SA.
A study visa in South Africa may be issued to those who have been accepted by a recognized college, university or other educational institution, and who wish to study for up to two years.
Study visas are complicated and can be difficult to navigate, but don’t worry—we’re here to help.
The first step in studying in South Africa is applying for a student visa. You’ll need to fill out an application form and submit it along with your passport, high school diploma or equivalent, and proof of finances. You may also need to provide proof of English proficiency if you’re not a native English speaker.
Once you’ve been accepted into a university or college program, you’ll need to apply for an academic permit from the South African Department of Home Affairs. You will then be issued a Certificate of Registration from your school before you can get your student visa stamped into your passport.
When applying for a study visa in South Africa, make sure that all documentation is completed correctly and submitted on time. If any mistakes are made on these forms or if they aren’t submitted within 90 days of arrival, then your application will be rejected and you won’t be able to continue with the process.
Study in South Africa
The University of Cape Town is the oldest university in South Africa, and one of the top universities in the world. It offers an incredible range of degrees, from bachelor’s to doctorate level. The University of Cape Town’s faculty has a global reputation for excellence, with many researchers in the fields of biomedicine and other sciences being named as Fellows of the Royal Society.
Cape Town’s beautiful location on Table Mountain makes it a popular destination for tourists. The city boasts some of South Africa’s best beaches, such as Camps Bay Beach, which attracts surfers from all over the world.
South African visa application process
- Confirm your place at a university registered with the Department of Higher Education
- Download the BI-1738 form and complete it
- Schedule an appointment with a local South African embassy, mission, or consulate in your home country
- Present your relevant documents and pay the application fee
- Wait to receive a decision on your application
Visas for international students’ dependants
Only your spouse and dependent children can travel with you to South Africa. They’ll need to apply for an accompanying spouse or child visa which allows them to live there for up to three years. However, it doesn’t entitle them to work or study in the country.
If your family members do plan on joining you, you should take proof of custody or guardianship to your visa application meeting.
South African student visa requirements
It’s important that you bring all of the requested documents to your visa application meeting. Here’s a list of the resources you’ll be asked to bring along to your meeting:
- A valid passport with an expiry date at least 30 days beyond the end of your course
- Completed BI-1738 form
- An official letter of acceptance from your college or university on headed paper
- Money to pay the visa application fee
- Two additional passport photos in color
- A vaccination certificate (if required)
- A cover letter detailing the purpose and length of your visit
- The details of your arriving and departing flights, including your return ticket
- Proof of adequate financial resources
- Health insurance policy documents
- Medical records
South Africa student visa processing time
Applications can take up to 8 or even 10 weeks to be processed, so beginning the process as soon as you receive acceptance from your university is advised.
If there are any unforeseen delays, you might not get your visa in time if you leave it late, so start preparing your application as soon as possible.
Working while studying
South African student visas make it possible for you to earn while you learn. You can work up to 20 hours per week during term-time, and full-time during the university holidays if you wish.
Where to apply for a South African student visa
In most cases, applications must be submitted at a South African embassy or consulate abroad, in person.
In case the student is already in South Africa, they can contact the immigration authorities.
Most South African universities and educational institutions will also be able to help and/or direct prospective international students to the relevant office.
Please note: many South African diplomatic missions abroad only provide visa application services upon appointment.
Why should I study in South Africa?
South Africa is home to internationally renowned universities, such as the University of Cape Town, the University of the Witwatersrand and Stellenbosch University, which are the Africa’s top-3 universities according to Times Higher Education.
By moving here, international students will have the unique opportunity to live in an extraordinary country made of unmatched natural attractions and popular multicultural urban centres like Cape Town.
Compared to other famous English-speaking study destinations such as Australia, the US, and the UK, South Africa is affordable for international students, with undergraduate degrees costing between R53,440 and 64,890 (USD3,014-3,600) per year and master’s fees being set around R25,000-R70,000 (USD1,409 to USD3,948) per year.
Conclusion
Being a student in South Africa means you have access to a world-class education at some of the best universities in the world. The possibilities for study and work during your stay here are immense, and there is much to consider when selecting your university or studying abroad.