STUDY VISA

South Africa boasts with internationally ranked universities and degrees that are recognised world-wide. A study visa allows you to reside in the Republic whilst studying at a South African institution of primary, secondary or tertiary education. Many opportunities arise for children to join private school exchange programs with world class education levels.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A SOUTH AFRICAN STUDY VISA?

Exit and re-enter the country freely

Foreigners can study and reside in South Africa for the duration of their study

South African Study Visa is renewable as often as necessary subject to meeting the requirements and will be issued inline with the duration of study

South African Study Visas Are Issued As Temporary Residence Permits

A foreigner holding a Study Visa may work part-time whilst studying in South Africa

Immediate family members of an applicant may join the applicant in South Africa

WHO NEEDS A SOUTH AFRICAN STUDY VISA?

Foreign nationals who wish to study in South Africa must apply for a study visa before arrival and meet the study visa criteria requirements.

There are two categories of people who require a study visa:

Those who are dependent children accompanying their parents who are on another type of temporary visa and are of a school going age.
Those who wish to study in South Africa and are either of a dependent age or simply to further their education.

FILING APPLICATIONS

A complete study visa application requires the following documents:

A valid passport with at least 6 months validity from the date of return from the scheduled trip with at least 3 blank pages at date of submission.
A letter of acceptance from a learning institution where you will undertake your studies.
Proof of sufficient financial means available whilst residing in the Republic in the form of bank statements.
Police clearance certificates. (for applicants above the age of 18)

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET A SOUTH AFRICAN STUDY VISA?

A South African study visa application submitted in South Africa takes between 8-12 weeks. However, study visa submissions abroad vary and depend on the High Commission or Embassy and the time of the year.

It is important to note that the South African embassy reserves the right to request or change document requirements without prior notice.

*Please be advised that we are unable to assist you in registering for any accredited learning institution or Medical Aid. Our services are centered on supporting international students in obtaining a lawful study visa to study in South Africa.

At Xpatweb our team of immigration consultants are committed to helping you obtain the right South African visa for you. Find out how Xpatweb can help you.

Frequently asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is a Study Visa in South Africa?

A Study Visa is a temporary residence permit that allows a foreign national to live in South Africa legally while studying at an approved educational institution, such as a university, college, school, or language center.

2. Who needs a Study Visa?

Any foreign national (including minors) who plans to study in South Africa for more than 3 months must apply for a Study Visa before entering the country, unless already on a qualifying temporary residence visa.

3. What are the requirements for a Study Visa?

Applicants must submit:

Official letter of acceptance from a registered South African institution
Proof of sufficient financial support (tuition + living expenses)
Medical and radiological reports
Valid passport
Proof of accommodation in South Africa
Police clearance (if over 18)
Proof of medical insurance valid in South Africa
Completed DHA-1738 form

4. How long is a Study Visa valid for?

It is typically valid for the duration of the academic program, as stated in the acceptance letter — usually 1 to 3 years. It must be renewed before expiry if the study period continues.

5. Can I work on a Study Visa in South Africa?

Yes, students on a valid Study Visa may work part-time, up to 20 hours per week during academic terms and full-time during vacations, provided the work does not interfere with their studies.

6. Can I bring my spouse or children with me on a Study Visa?

Not automatically. Family members must apply for their own accompanying visa (usually as relatives), and they may not work or study unless they apply for the correct permits.

7. Can I apply for a Study Visa from inside South Africa?

Generally, no. First-time applications must be made from your country of origin or legal residence. Only renewals or extensions may be processed from within South Africa (via VFS).

8. Can a Study Visa be converted to a Work Visa later?

No, you cannot convert a Study Visa to a Work Visa from inside South Africa. You’ll need to apply for a Work Visa from abroad, once you’ve met the necessary qualifications (e.g., for a Critical Skills Visa).

9. What are the common reasons for Study Visa rejection?

Incomplete or incorrect documentation
Unaccredited or unregistered educational institutions
Insufficient proof of funds or medical cover
Criminal record or prior visa violations
Applying too late or from within South Africa without eligibility

10. How long does it take to process a Study Visa?

Processing times can vary:

Overseas applications: 4–8 weeks (on average)
Renewals/extensions in SA: 6–10 weeks via VFS

Early application is advised to avoid delays that might impact study start dates.

CONTACT US

Full Name(Required)

Contact Number

Email Address(Required)

Please select the visa category you require assistance with:(Required)

How old is the child?(Required)

Does the child's parent/ guardian have valid status within South Africa?(Required)

What is your marital status?(Required)

What is the status of your spouse?(Required)

What is the number of foreign nationals you are looking to employ?(Required)

CS - Do you currently have a formal offer of employment from a registered South African company?(Required)

CS - What is your highest level of Education?(Required)

CS - What is your expected annual income for the position you have been offered?(Required)

CS - How many years of work experience do you have?(Required)

CS - Is your prospective employer a member of the Trusted Employer Scheme?(Required)

* Trusted Employers who have received this status form the DHA often meet the following criteria: - Have invested more than R100 million into the South African Economy - Employ more than 150 staff

CS - In which country did you complete your highest qualification(Required)

CS - What position have you been offered(Required)

CS - Do you have accompanying family members?(Required)

GWV - What is your highest level of education?(Required)

GWV - In order to qualify for a General Work Visa, you must have an offer of employment from a South African employer. What is your expected annual income for the position you have been offered?(Required)

GWV - How many years of work experience do you have?(Required)

GWV - Is your prospective employer a member of the Trusted Employer Scheme?(Required)

* Trusted Employers who have received this status form the DHA often meet the following criteria: - Have invested more than R100 million into the South African Economy - Employ more than 150 staff

GWV - Are you proficient in one of South Africa's 11 official languages?(Required)

ICT - Are you being sent on a secondment or assignment to South Africa?(Required)

ICT - Have you been employed in your current position for longer than 6 months?(Required)

ICT - What is the expected duration of your secondment/ assignment?(Required)

RV - What is your relationship to a South African citizen/ Permanent Resident?(Required)

RV - What is the expiry date of your current visa(Required)

RV - Are you currently residing in South Africa?(Required)

RV - Do you have an offer of employment from a South African employer?(Required)

RWV - Are you currently employed by a foreign entity outside of South Africa?(Required)

RWV - Do you earn an annual salary exceeding R650,000? (UDS $37,000 / EUR 33,000)(Required)

RPV - Do you have a monthly irrevocable income of at least R37,000?(Required)

RPV - Do you have a net worth of at least R1.8 million?(Required)

RPV - Do you intend on working part time or conducting business while in South Africa?(Required)

RPV - Do you have accompanying family members?(Required)

STWA - What is the duration of your assignment in South Africa?(Required)

STWA - Does your current employer support your work in South Africa?(Required)

SV - Do you have an enrollment letter from a recognized learning institution?(Required)

SV - What level of education will you be completing in South Africa?(Required)

VV - What is your intention in South Africa?(Required)

VV - What is you intended duration of stay in South Africa?(Required)

RNW - What visa do you currently hold?(Required)

Please specify other(Required)

What is the expiry date of your current visa(Required)

What is the expiry date of your current Critical Skills Work Visa?(Required)

What is the expiry date of your current Intra Company Transfer Work Visa?(Required)

PR - What Visa do you currently hold for South Africa?(Required)

PR - Have you received a permanent offer of employment?(Required)

PR - Do you have accompanying family members?(Required)

PR_CS - What is the expiry date of your current Critical Skills Work Visa?(Required)

PR_CS - Do you have accompanying family members?(Required)

PR_GWV - What is the expiry date of your current General Work Visa?(Required)

PR_GWV - How long have you resided in South Africa?(Required)

PR_GWV - Do you have accompanying family members?(Required)

PR_ICT - How long have you resided in South Africa?(Required)

PR_ICT - Have you been offered Permanent employment by a South African employer?(Required)

PR_RV - What is your relationship to a South African citizen/ Permanent Resident?(Required)

PR_RV - How long have you resided in South Africa?(Required)

PR_RV - Have you maintained your relationship with your South African partner/ South African PR holder?(Required)

PR_RV - How long have you resided in South Africa?(Required)

PR_RPV - Do you receive an irrevocable income of at least R37,000 per month (Rental income, dividends, interest, pension, ect )(Required)

PR_RPV - Do you have a net worth of at least ZAR 1,8 million(Required)

PR_VV11(6) - What is your relationship to a South African citizen/ Permanent Resident?(Required)

PR_VV11(6) - How long have you resided in South Africa?(Required)

PR_VV11(6) - Have you maintained your relationship with your South African partner/ South African PR holder?(Required)

PR_VV11(6) - How long have you resided in South Africa?(Required)

RV - What is the duration of your relationship?(Required)

PR_VV11(6) - What is the duration of your relationship?(Required)

Do you have an offer of employment from a South African employer?(Required)

RPV - Do you have a monthly irrevocable income of at least R37,000?(Required)

RPV - Do you have a net worth of at least R2.4 million?(Required)

RPV - Do you intend on working part time or conducting business while in South Africa?(Required)

RPV - Do you have accompanying family members?(Required)

Are you being sent on a secondment or assignment to South Africa?(Required)

PR - Do you have direct family members that are South African Citizens or Permanent Residence holders?(Required)

BV - Do you intend to establish or invest in a business in South Africa?(Required)

What type of business do you intend to operate or invest in?(Required)

BV - Are you able to invest a minimum of R5 million into the South African economy?(Required)

This field is hidden when viewing the form

GWV - Total Points(Required)

Country(Required)

Important Notice: Applications are accepted only from the countries listed below.

Please select the Visa Type you need to verify:(Required)

X/Twitter

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.