Study in South Africa: Visa

South Africa is not just the land of roaring lions and incredible wildlife, it's also an upcoming international study destination attracting thousands of international students.

Well, if you aim to study in South Africa, then just follow these instructions to be well prepared before filing your admission applications.

Any student intending to study in South Africa needs to acquire a student visa from the South African Embassy. The South African Embassies in India are located in New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, and Mumbai. You may want to contact the one that's nearest to you and be prompt in putting together all the documentation at the earliest.

Student Visa

It is essential to apply for your study permit, and await the outcome of the application, before leaving for South Africa. The fact that a student has been accepted by a South African educational institution does not guarantee that he or she will be issued a study permit, which is required for entering the host country.

Applying for Visa

After receiving an acceptance from the South African educational institution, the student must file an application accompanied by the following documents:

• Passport, which should be valid for at least 30 days more than the application period.
• The relevant permit fee (cash or bank-guaranteed cheque). Contact Home Affairs for the latest fee.
• Proof for showing financial ability to pay the tuition fees.
• Proof of medical or health insurance coverage that is registered or recognized in South Africa.
• A repatriation guarantee. Unless a South African sponsoring body, citizen, or permanent resident provides a written undertaking to support you, you will need to lodge a cash deposit equivalent to the value of a return ticket.  
• A medical certificate and a radiological report (chest X-ray) or skin TB test.
• If you are a minor – that is, under 18 – you will need to write permission from both parents or sole custody parent, along with proof of sole custody.
• An official letter from the institution in South Africa confirming your acceptance and detailing the duration of the course.
• If you are older than 18, a police clearance certificate.
• Make sure you've got copies of your application forms and all the supporting documents.
• Permit application forms online

Pre-requisites for the Visa Interview

The applicant needs to complete Form BI-1738, before gearing up for the Visa Interview.

Work while studying:

If a student has a valid study permit, he will be allowed to work part-time for no more than 20 hours a week (not during academic vacations). If you plan to work as part of your studies or to get work experience, you will need to apply for permission from Home Affairs and include:

• A formal offer to do practical training.
• Consent from the educational institution.
• Proof that the applicant is still a registered student.