Study Visa South Africa

Summaries & Comparisons

Who Needs a South African Study Visa?

Foreign nationals who wish to study in South Africa must apply for a Study Visa before arrival if the course exceeds 3 months. There are generally two categories of applicants:

• International Students: Individuals moving to South Africa specifically to further their education at a university, college, or school.
• Dependent Children: Children of foreign nationals already holding valid work or business visas in South Africa who need to attend school (from Grade R to Grade 12).

What Qualifies as a “Learning Institution”?

Not every educational facility qualifies. To obtain a Study Visa, the institution must be a “Learning Institution” as defined by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA).

Warning: Many private language schools, “bush schools” (game ranger courses), and short-term technical academies are not registered learning institutions. You cannot obtain a Study Visa for these institutions. Always request proof of registration from the institution before applying.

Qualifying Institutions include:

• Schools: Any school contemplated in section 1 of the South African Schools Act 84 of 1996, which includes:
• Public Technical and Vocational Training (TVET) colleges: (formerly known as Further Education and Training (FET) colleges), of which there are about 50.
  • Registered Public TVET colleges (as at 25 November 2025)
• Private Technical and Vocational Training (TVET) colleges: (formerly known as Further Education and Training (FET) colleges), of which there are about 420.
  • Registered Private TVET colleges (as at 25 November 2025)
• Higher Education: A university or college established under the Higher Education Act.
  • Registered Public Universities in South Africa (as at 18 November 2025)
  • Registered Private Higher Education Institutions (as at 25 November 2025)

Study Visa Requirements

1. Acceptance by a Learning Institution
You must submit an official letter of acceptance (or provisional acceptance) signed by the Registrar or Principal. The institution effectively acts as your sponsor and undertakes to report your registration, deregistration, or failure to attend classes to the DHA.

2. Medical Aid Cover (Strictly Enforced)
The Rule: You must have medical aid cover with a scheme registered in terms of the South African Medical Schemes Act. The Catch: International travel insurance or foreign health insurance is not accepted, regardless of how comprehensive it is. You must join a South African medical aid (e.g., Momentum, Discovery, Bonitas) that offers student plans. Exception: If you are a dependent child accompanying a parent who holds a work visa, and you are included on your parent’s South African medical aid, this suffices.

3. Financial Means
You must prove that you have the financial means to support yourself. While the legislation is broad, the DHA policy standard is currently R3,000 per month for the duration of the visa.

• Calculation: R3,000 x 12 months = R36,000 per year.
• Proof: Certified bank statements (3 months) or a financial undertaking from a parent/sponsor/bursary.

4. Medical and Police Clearance(s)
In line with Operation Vulindlela reforms to streamline visa processing:

• Medical Report: Completed standard medical certificate. (Form BI-811) confirming you are free of infectious diseases. Note: Radiological reports are no longer required per Immigration Directive 4 of 2023.
• Police Clearance: From every country where you’ve resided for 12+ months in the last 5 years (for applicants over 18). Allow ample time for these, as some can take months.

Duration and Validity

The validity of your visa depends on the level of education:

• Primary School: Issued for a maximum of 8 years (covering the primary phase).
• Secondary School: Issued for a maximum of 6 years (covering the high school phase).
• Tertiary Education: Issued for the duration of the degree, diploma, or certificate.

Note: If you change schools or institutions, you must apply for a Change of Conditions. A visa issued for the “University of Cape Town” is invalid if you move to “Stellenbosch University.”

Work Rights for Students

Can you work on a Study Visa? Yes, but with strict limitations defined in Regulation 12(3).

Tertiary Students (Universities/Colleges)

• Part-Time Work: You may conduct part-time work for a period not exceeding 20 hours per week.
• Vacation Work: You may work full-time during official academic vacation periods, provided you have a letter from the institution confirming the vacation dates and consenting to the work.
• Practical Training: If your degree requires an internship or practical training (e.g., medical students, engineers) to graduate, this is permitted as part of the study visa conditions.

School Learners
Children at primary or secondary school level generally do not have work rights attached to their study visas as they are generally minors.

Provisions Regarding Minor Children

South Africa has stringent laws to prevent child trafficking. If the applicant is under 18:

• Guardianship: If the parents are not in South Africa, the student must have a nominated South African Guardian. This person must submit a letter accepting responsibility for the child and proof of their physical address and ID.
• Unabridged Birth Certificate: Must be submitted to prove parentage.
• Parental Consent: Both parents must sign an affidavit consenting to the child’s travel and study. If one parent is deceased or absent, a death certificate or court order granting sole custody is required.

How to Apply

Applying from Outside South Africa
Standard applications must be submitted in your country of origin or long-term residence.

1. VFS Global / Embassy: Most applications are routed through VFS Global centres or directly at the SA Mission.
2. Form: Complete Form DHA-1738 (online).
3. Fees: Pay the DHA application fee (approx. R425, varies by currency) and the VFS service fee (approx. R1,550).
4. Submission: Submit biometrics and documents in person.

Applying from Inside South Africa
Prohibition on Change of Status: You generally cannot enter South Africa on a Visitor’s Visa (tourist) and apply for a Study Visa from within the country. You will be sent back home to apply. 

Exceptions: You can apply from within SA if:

• You are the accompanying minor child of a Work/Business Visa holder.
• You are already on a Study Visa and are renewing it or changing institutions (Change of Conditions).

2025 Processing Times & Backlogs

• Standard Processing: Officially 8–10 weeks, but realistically can take 12–16 weeks during peak seasons (Jan/Feb).
• Directive 22 of 2025: If you have a pending waiver or appeal application, the Department of Home Affairs has granted a blanket extension until 31 March 2026. You can view the Waiver here. Consequently, students caught in the backlog may legally remain in the country and even travel (with their VFS receipt) while awaiting their outcome.

Post-Study Options: Staying in South Africa

Does a Study Visa lead to Permanent Residency? No. Years spent on a Study Visa do not count towards the 5-year requirement for General Work Visa permanent residency.

However, graduates may consider the following options to remain:

• Critical Skills Work Visa: If you graduate with a qualification on the Critical Skills List (e.g., Engineering, IT, Actuarial Science), you can apply for this visa.
• General Work Visa (Points-Based): Under the new Points-Based System (PBS), graduates with advanced degrees (Master’s/PhD) earn significant points (50 points), making it easier to qualify for a work visa without needing Department of Labour certification.

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South African Visa Options