South Africa study visa

You need an official letter of provisional or final acceptance from the learning institution stating the course duration, and an undertaking by the registrar or principal to confirm your registration within 60 days, to report failure to register within seven days of the closing date, and to notify DHA within 30 days if you leave the institution or finish or extend your studies. A police clearance certificate from each country where you lived more than 12 months in the last five years is required, not older than six months.

You must have adequate medical cover with a registered South African medical scheme. Children under 18 at institutions under the Department of Basic Education may rely on their parents' undertaking of cover. DHA notes that no foreigner may displace a South African citizen or resident at a local institution.

Apply at the South African mission for your place of residence with the application form, a passport valid 30 days beyond your intended stay, the institution's letter and undertakings, medical scheme cover, police clearance and the fee. Since 8 July 2026 a medical report is no longer required for visa applications. Renewals in South Africa must be lodged in person at least 60 days before the visa expires.

A study visa holder may do part-time work for no more than 20 hours a week. Short courses or study of less than three months are covered by a visitor's visa instead.

DHA lists visitor's visas for a spouse joining a spouse who is in South Africa on a study visa and for children joining parents who hold study visas.