Student Visa

South Africa is fast becoming one of the countries with the best educational system and it is said to have some of the best Universities in Africa. A foreigner going into the country for the main purpose of studying must get a study visa before attempting to travel. While some countries do enjoy visa-free opportunities, in terms of studying, the visa-free agreement can only work for courses that are not more than 1 to 3 months.

So what are the required documents for a foreigner who wishes to study in South Africa?

A completed visa application form

The country is currently working on an eVisa for travelers so they can just get and fill the application form online and submit but currently, you need to visit a South African consulate in your country to collect your form. The form for a study visa should be the BI-1738.

The visa application fee

You will be required to pay a token for the form. Be it the form or the payment, you must keep both because you would be asked to present evidence for both on the day of your interview.

An eligible passport

One must possess a valid passport to travel to the country. It must not be expiring anytime soon and not during your stay in the country. Its validity must extend at least 30 days after you leave the country.

Proof of financial means

Another very important requirement is proof of sustenance. You must be able to show that you can take care of yourself throughout your stay. Your bank statement is the surest way to convince them of this.

Proof of medical insurance cover

Medical records, psychological tests, vaccination certificates, and medical and radiology reports, as long as you have it, bring it along.

Information about the program and the organizing institution, together with a letter of invitation

Specific to study visa is information about your course of study, the educational institute offering you the course, and a letter of admission or acceptance into the institute. All documents presented in respect to this must address what your course entails, the duration of your course if you will be doing any other thing in the school apart from studying, information about the educational institution, etc.

An official letter from the educational institution in South Africa confirming that the traveler has been offered a placement to study

An official letter detailing the institution confirming that you have been offered admission to study a course in their institute should be ready before your go for your interview. This will improve the chances of your visa getting accepted.

Police clearance certificates from each country in which the applicant resided for 12 months or longer since the age of 18

As additional proof that you are of good character and law-abiding, you can present a clearance certificate of the police from a country you have visited or resided in for more than a year. The dates must be after you are 18 and you can present for more than one country.

Police clearance certificates from each country in which the applicant resided for 12 months or longer since the age of 18

As additional proof that you are of good character and law-abiding, you can present a clearance certificate of the police from a country you have visited or resided in for more than a year. The dates must be after you are 18 and you can present for more than one country.

Travel information such as the itinerary and address at which the applicant will reside while in South Africa

Your proof of accommodation is also very vital. If you will be staying with someone then such person has to write and sign a letter consenting to your claim. The individual supporting the foreigner must be a South African citizen or a permanent resident. If the person will also be taking care of your expense then they also need to show proof that they have enough resources to take of you throughout your stay.

In the case of an under 18 learner, they will require additional documents like:

Signed consent from the parent/guardian

The parent or guardian must consent to the minor’s travel. You can prove this by presenting a signed letter of consent from them. The visa will not be applied if there is no letter of consent. Even if a third-party stand for the minor, if there is no evidence of relationship, the visa will not be approved.

Birth certificate

The minor’s birth certificate will be required. This is probably to confirm the relationship between the persons who signed the consent form and the child and also to confirm the true age of the child.

Certified copies of proof of adoption/legal guardianship (where applicable)

If the parents are not in the custody of the child, or if only one of the children has custody, then you need to present documents confirming that you have legal custody of the child. For adopted children; their adoption papers are valid and a court decision is valid for a one-parent custody.

Address information of the individual in South Africa who will act as legal guardian of the student

There must also be proof of accommodation i.e. who the student will stay with when he/she gets to South Africa and the person must be willing to take full responsibility for the child.

For a tertiary institution course, the visa will be valid for the duration of the course, for secondary education; it cannot exceed 8 years and primary education cannot exceed 6 years. While in the country, South Africa permits you to work so far you procure the relevant permit. Students are allowed to work for at most 20 hours a week.