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Study Visa

Applying for a study visa

It is advisable to apply 60 days before the expiry of your current visa when applying within South Africa through VFS Global.

All international applicants who will be applying outside South Africa can submit their applications at the South African visa issuing authority (Embassy, High Commission, Consulate and Trade Mission) in their country of residence.

The following documents are to be submitted with the study visa application at the visa issuing authority to obtain your study visa:

  1. The Passport is valid and expires in no less than 30 days after expiry of the intended date of departure from the Republic in terms of regulation 9(1)(a)
  2. The application is being submitted in person, no less than 60 days prior to the expiry date of the applicant’s visa and if the visa was issued for less than 30 days, not later than seven working days before the expiry of the visa.
  3. A medical report, signed by a Medical Practitioner, reflecting the Practice No. of the Practitioner and their address and contact details, which report shall not be older than six months at the time of its submission.
  4. Police clearance certificate issued by the police or security authority of a country where the applicant resided for longer than 12 months in the last 5 years prior to submitting the current application, which certificate shall not be older than six months at the time of its submission.
  5. Department of Home Affairs application fee R 425 plus R 1550 (VFS service fee).
  6. Confirmation and proof of payment of a South African medical aid cover with a medical scheme registered with the SA Medical Schemes Council. Cover must remain valid for the duration of the calendar year (January – December).
  7. Letter of acceptance from the University stating the duration of the diploma/degree, confirming that the student is not taking the place of a local student and undertaking to inform the Department of Home Affairs when the student deregisters.
  8. Yellow fever vaccination certificate if that person travelled or intends travelling from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic area: (Provided that the certificate shall not be required where that person travelled or intends travelling in direct transit through such area)
  9. Relevant certificates if married, widowed, divorced, or separated.
  10. Details regarding arranged accommodation while in South Africa.
  11. Proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and maintenance.

(Link to VFS http://www.vfsglobal.com/dha/southafrica/)