If you’re planning to come to South Africa to study, you’ll need to apply for a study visa.
This can seem like a massive undertaking, but being prepared and getting all the right documents ready before you start can make the process easier.
Study visas allow non-South African citizens to stay in the country while they are completing their studies at an educational institution – from primary and secondary school to a registered tertiary educational institution.
You can apply for a study visa at a South African Embassy in your country or a Visa Facilitation Services (VFS) Centre.
The most important form you’ll need to familiarise yourself with and submit is the BI-1738.
Available from the South African Department of Home Affairs (DHA), you’ll also need to submit other documentation along with the application form.
Your document checklist:
5. Proof that you are a member of a South African medical aid. Learn more about medical aids for international students.
6. Medical reports, a vaccination certificate and radiology reports. Note that your medical and radiology reports should not be older than six months.
7. Bank statements, traveller’s cheques or proof of your available cash showing you’re able to pay for tuition fees, accommodation and other living expenses while you’re studying in South Africa.
8. Proof that you have the amount needed for a return ticket to your home country.
9. If you are 18 years or older, you’ll need a police clearance certificate* from every country you have stayed in for 12 months or longer. This is only applicable to the countries you have stayed in from the age of 18 onwards.
*A police clearance certificate is a confirmation of whether you have a criminal record or not.
In certain instances, you’ll also need the following documentation: