Foreigners who want to study abroad in South Africa must apply for a South African student visa (alsocalled a South African study permit) before arriving in the country. This applies even if you are coming to South Africa as the dependent of someone who is coming to work here. International students applying for scholarships in South Africa may also require a South African study visa first. You cannot register with a school, college or university without a valid South African student visa.
Foreign students who want to study in South Africa must apply for and obtain the student visa before they arrive in South Africa. A student visa allows you to enter South Africa for a program of study at a specific institution. In case a Student Visa applicant wishes to change the institution where the applicant has taken admission, he or she will have to obtain a new student visa prior to getting admission into the new institution.
What is a study permit?
As an Indian student planning to study in South Africa, you will require a student visa to enter the country as well as a permit to stay in there for a short or long period. Once you enter into South Africa, the immigration authorities validate your Student Visa and subsequently your visa becomes a temporary residence permit.
To be eligible to study in South Africa:
Fulfill the following requirements to be eligible for South Africa student visa:
- A copy of the official letter from the prospective educational institution (confirming your acceptance and the duration of the course)
- The Department of Higher Education and Training in South Africa must approve the educational institution.
- A valid passport
- Completed student visa application form
- Provide proof of payment of tuition fee for the course
- Proof of your financial ability
- You must provide personal bank account statements
- Provide proof of having adequate medical cover
- Proof of consent from both parents
- Medical and radiology reports in the prescribed format
- You may be required to provide a vaccination certificate
- You must not have a criminal record
- If you are 18 years or older, you must submit a police clearance certificate for 12 months.
- If you are younger than 21 years, you will have to nominate a local guardian in South Africa approved by your guardian/s in your home country and provide proof for the same.
- You intend to leave South Africa at the end of your authorized stay.
South Africa Student Visa application:
Fill up the visa application form: Obtain the student visa application form from the South African Embassy or Consulate near you. Completely fill out the details required in the application form carefully and authentically. You must provide your email address so that you get updates on the status of your visa application. Do not forget to put your signature on your completed application form.
Gather the documents required for visa application: Make a checklist of all the documents that you need to submit along with your application form.
Provide photograph for your visa application: Provide your recent color photograph for the visa application. Make sure that your photograph matches all the necessaryphoto specificationsrequired for Visa procedure.
Submit your visa application form: Submit your completed visa application form along with all the required documentation at the South African Embassy or Consulate. You must submit the application form in person.
Pay the Visa Fee & Collect your Visa: Check the fees required and the mode of payment accepted by the South African Embassy or Consulate for your visa application. Keep the fee ready for submission along with your visa application form. Ensure that you pay the applicable fee for your visa application at the time of submitting your application form.
After the Embassy issues your visa, you will receive a notification regarding the issuance. Collect your visa on time.
How can Akbar Travels help you obtain your Visa?
So, are you all set to start your visa application process?We at Akbartravels.com will assist you with the entire process of obtaining your South Africa Visa. We are experts in the travel & tourism sector with over 40 years of experience. We provide friendly, comprehensive, up-to-date Visa services that cater to our client’s individual needs and have helped a significant number of individuals in getting a successful visa.
Useful Links:
How to apply for a South Africa Visa
Tips to get South Africa Visa
Reasons for South Africa Visa Rejection
