Study Visa for Non Dependent Students in South Africa

All foreign students that wish to continue their education in South Africa will require a study visa. Below we look at the study visa requirements, from the prospective of a non-dependent student (where the applicant is not accompanying a parent or parents).

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What is a student visa?

A study visa, as discussed here, enables a foreign national to further their education at an approved Department of Higher Education and Training learning institution.

If you are the parent of a child of dependent age, and are either applying for a temporary residency visa yourself or are already in possession of such a visa, please see here for details on dependent study visas.

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Requirements for a successful application

Applicants will need to meet the following requirements in order to apply for a student visa:

• A duly completed temporary visa application form
• You will be required to produce an official letter confirming that you have been accepted at that particular learning institution for the duration of the course
• There are a number of undertakings from the Registrar or Principle of the learning institution you will be attending that they will disclose and update the Director General of Home Affairs with various notifications during your study period
• Police clearance certificate, as applicable
• You will need to have in place medical insurance for the duration of your study visa from a registered scheme in terms of the Medical Schemes Act
• Whilst you may work on a study visa (more details below), you may not rely on any income you receive from this to support your study visa application. You must therefore provide proof of sufficient financial means for the duration of your study visa.