VISA ASSISTANCE

Recommendations on studying permits

What does the South African legislation require?
In adherence to South African Government rules and regulations, all foreign students studying at a South African institution of higher learning, are required to have a valid study permit for that particular university and for the full duration of the studies.

How to apply for a study permit
The applicant must first be accepted by the specific educational institute (English Access) on academic grounds before they may apply for a study permit. For this the applicant needs a provisional admission/acceptance letter from the institutes Faculty (English Access). Without this letter this person will not be able to obtain a valid study permit.

Where do I apply for a study permit?
You may apply for a study permit from the South African Embassy or South African Mission in your country or at the Department of Home Affairs .Please visit the website of the Department of Home Affairs; www.dha.gov.za or the Department Foreign Affairs for details of the SA mission in your country – www.dfa.gov.za, Foreign Relations.

Another option is to apply through us.
If you send us all your requirements that are needed by the Department of home affairs, we will apply for the study permit for you, at a additional fee

What does the Department of Home Affairs require when applying for a study permit?
• A passport valid for no less that 30 days after expiry of the intended visit.
• A fully completed B1-1740 form, signed by the applicant
• Medical and Radiological reports.
• An official letter of provisional acceptance from the University stating:
- Name of course and full duration there of
- Compliance with requirements including language proficiency
- Details regarding arranged accommodation
- Undertaking from the University to inform the Department of Home Affairs as soon as a foreign student has completed or cancelled his studies.
• Copy of return ticket or a repatriation guarantee in a form of a deposit equivalent to the cost of an air ticket to the country of origin or residence, if required
• Two ID photographs
• Full birth certificate
• Letter from sponsor/parent stating that they will be responsible for the tuition, maintenance and incidental costs.
• Medical cover registered with the Board of South African Medical Schemes
• Proof of financial means, in the form of a bank statement.
• Vaccination certificate, if required
• In case of a person under 21 years, the particulars of the person in the Republic who act as the learner's guardian and confirmatory letter from such a person.
• Proof of consent of the intended stay from both parents, or from the guardian parent along with proof of sole guardianship.
• A police clearance certificate issued by police or security authority in each country where applicant resided since the age of 18 years, which certificate shall not be older than 6 months at time of submission

**Please Note: It can take up to 6 weeks from the date of an application to receiving a study permit.