How to Apply for a South African Study Permit?

International students should apply for a Study Permit at the South African High Commission, Embassy, Consulate or Trade Mission in their country of origin.

If there is no South African representative, prospective students must apply to the South African High Commission, Embassy, Consulate or Trade Mission nearest to their home country. It is imperative that students await the outcome of this application for a study permit in their own country of residence or origin.

Study permits are issued for a program of study at a specific institution. International students should obtain a new permit only if they wish to change institutions.

Once you have confirmed your acceptance of the formal offer from the University or Technikon, you can make your application for a study visa. You should contact the South African Consulate for full details about applying for a study permit.

Prospective international students are advised to submit their study permit documentation as soon as possible. It normally takes six to eight weeks for applications to be processed. The institution (technikon or university) in South Africa cannot register a student until a valid study permit has been produced. Passports with the valid study permit must be presented to the host institution during registration.

Basic Requirements:

• Passport requirements when applying for a South African visa or permit

Note: Passports/travel documents must be valid for at least 30 days after expiry of visit to South Africa

For nationals of countries whose citizens require a visa or permit?

Passports (Including Travel/Emergency Travel Documents) must have:

At least two (2) unused (blank) visa pages when presented at the Embassy or Consulate; one page for affixing the visa or permit by the embassy/consulate and the other page for endorsement of entry/departure stamp by the South African Immigration Services.

• For nationals of countries whose citizens do not require a visa?

Passports (including travel/emergency travel documents) must have:

At least one (1) unused (blank) visa page when presented to the South African Immigration Services upon arrival in South Africa.

Note: Visa pages referred above do not include pages reserved for observations, amendments and endorsements.

Passport valid for 30 more days after the intended return date from South Africa with at least two unused visa pages for endorsement. The unused page needed for endorsement purposes is separate from pages in a passport reserved for observations and amendments.
Fees payable to the appropriate South African representative office

Prescribed Form 1738
Medical Report (BI-811)
Radiological Report (BI-806)
Police Clearance Certificate from all countries where the applicant resided for 12 months or longer since 18 years.
A vaccination certificate, if required;

Proof of financial means in the forms of:

Bank statements;
Salary advices;
Undertaking (commitment) by the South African host;
Bursaries (grant awarded as part of a financial assistance package);
Medical coverage;
Cash available, including credit cards or travelers' checks to cover expenses related to the visit;
Deposit
Marriage and birth certificate
Applicants traveling by air must be in possession of round trip tickets, or proof of sufficient funds or lodge a repatriation deposit of equivalent value to such a ticket;

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Study and Work

Foreign students are not allowed to work in South Africa. However, a provision has been made for students who have to do practical work as part of their research at either the university where they are studying or a related organization. In such cases, a formal application for a Working Permit should be submitted to the nearest South African embassy in the country of origin of the students.