Study visa

 

In South Africa, immigration services permit a foreign national student to apply for a South African study visa in order to undertake a course of study within the Republic.

 

Study visas apply to those immigrating to South Africa to study at primary, secondary and tertiary levels and they require an offer to be in place before an application is submitted - in this case a place at a recognised educational institution

 

The processing for a study permit to South Africa takes about 8 weeks. An educational institute cannot register a candidate until he/she can provide a valid study visa. A South Africa study permit application should be submitted as early as possible as the process can take up to eight weeks to complete. Since educational institutions are unable to register foreign students until the process of obtaining valid South African visa is concluded, it is advisable to apply as soon a place is offered.

 

A Study Visa in South Africa is meant for temporary residency in the country. This type of visa is issued to students who wish to come to South Africa in order to pursue a specific study program.  If the course lasts for 3 months or less, a study visa is not required. A student can pursue the specific course with a visitor visa or travel visa that remains valid for 90 days. 

 

With a Student Visa in South Africa, a person can undertake part time work, which should not exceed 20 hours per week. During vacations, if students can obtain a letter of permission from their respective academic institutions, no restrictions on the working hours will be made. However, South Africa Student Visa holders are allowed to work while pursuing a study program but they should not engage themselves in full time employment. 

 

The Department of Home Affairs of South Africa encourages foreign students, who have plans to pursue further studies, to immigrate to this country. However, certain restrictions are placed when foreign nationals apply for a study permit. 

The candidates applying for a South Africa Student Visa is required to demonstrate that they can provide their own course fees during the entire period of the study program. The students should also be able to pay for their own medical insurance. 

 

In order to be eligible for a Study Visa in South Africa, one has to present a letter from the concerned academic institution, which will also provide detail about the arrangements made for the student’s accommodation in the new place. The applicant has to also ensure that he/she will be able to financially support himself/herself while residing in South Africa. 

 

A valid passport and a valid return ticket should also be provided along with the application. The applicant should also provide a medical statement from his/her doctor along with a medical insurance. If the applicant is above the age of 18 then he/she has to provide a police clearance from countries where they have stayed for a year or more. 

 

A South Africa Student Visa is valid for 1 year but it can be extended if a student requires completing the specific course. Nevertheless, a study permit is valid only for the original course. If a student applies for another course or decides to change the academic institution then a new study permit is required. 

 

South Africa Student Visa does not allow a candidate to stay in the country on a permanent basis. However, a course or study program can continue for a period of time that will compel the visa holder to reside in South Africa for a longer period. Keeping this in mind, the immigration services of South Africa allows spouse immigration. Dependant family members and immediate relatives can also immigrate to visit a Study Visa holder in South Africa. Family members, dependants and spouse of the visa holder will be allowed to reside in this country as long he/she stays there for the study course.