Study Visa
This is a kind of a visa issued to foreigners intending to take up studies in South Africa.
Also see, In case of a learner under the age of 18 years.
Checklist of Documents to be Submitted:
- Machine readable valid passport with at least two (2) unused (blank) pages labeled Visa when presented at the Embassy or Consulate; one page for affixing the visa or permit by the embassy/consulate and the other page for endorsement of entry/departure stamp by the South African Immigration Services. Passport must be valid for 30 more days after the intended return date from South Africa.
PLEASE NOTE: In order to comply with Regulation 2(1) (A) of the Immigration Act of 2014, only machine readable travel documents (MRTDs) will be accepted on submission of visa applications and at Port of Entry. Therefore, no extended passports will be accepted. - Certified/notarized copy of bio page of the passport
- A duly completed application form DHA-1738 signed by applicant
- Two (2) passport photos with white or light background
- Proof of itinerary/reservation of round trip air tickets. Please do not purchase air tickets until you obtain a South African visa.
- Proof of financial means in the form of recent three months bank statements stamped by bank, and notarized letter from the parents stating the financial responsibility.
- Proof of sufficient financial means available to the learner while in South Africa
- Certified copy of ID of person taking financial responsibility, with three months statement and stamped letter from the bank.
- Certified/notarized copy of proof of U.S. legal status (I-20 for F1 visa holders, copy of green card etc).
- Proof of hotel accommodation (confirmed hotel reservation) or a letter of invitation from the host with proof of address (relative or friend) in South Africa
- Proof of host’s legal status in South Africa (copy of I.D. Book/ passport if South African citizen) or copy of passport and a copy of visa or residence status in South Africa, certified by the South African Police Service.
- Proof of physical address and contact number of the adult person residing in South Africa, who is acting or has accepted to act as the learner's guardian, including a confirmatory letter from that guardian
- Non-refundable fee of $36.00 money order for processing
- A yellow fever vaccination certificate if that person traveled or intends traveling from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic area.
- Medical report on prescribed form (physical). The certificate must not be older than six (6) months at the time the applicant submits an application.
- Original FBI certificate (full criminal background check report) and original police clearance certificate from each country where the relevant applicant resided for 12 months or longer after attaining the age of 18 years (for the last 5 years) in respect of criminal records or the character of that applicant, which certificate shall not be older than six months at the time of its submission.
- Notarized copy of birth certificate
- Proof of medical cover renewed annually for the period of study with a medical scheme registered in terms of the Medical Schemes Act.
- An official letter from the institution in South Africa confirming acceptance and duration of the course with a school/varsity seal or college official stamp
- A stamped official letter of enrolment from the institution of learning concerned in the U.S. if applicable.
- Proof of payment of the applicable fee.
- In addition to the above requirements, in the case of a foreign state accepting responsibility for the applicant in terms of a bilateral agreement:
- A stamped, written undertaking from such foreign state to pay for the departure of the applicant
- In addition, an undertaking by the Registrar or Principal of the learning institution to:
- Provide proof of registration as contemplated in the relevant legislation within 60 days of registration;
- In the event of failure to register by the closing date, provide the Director-General with; a notification of failure to register within 7 days of the closing date of registration;
- Within 30 days, notify the Director-General that the applicant is no longer registered with such institution; and
- Within 30 days, notify the Director-General when the applicant has completed his or her studies or requires to extend such period of study
- In case of a minor, a notarized letter of consent from the parent is required.
- Certified copies of proof of adoption/legal guardianship/birth certificate where applicable
- Attention New York Applicants: The South African Consulate General in New York will no longer accept prepaid envelope/labels from FedEx and UPS with immediate effect. Applicants are welcome to enclose only US Postal Service self-addressed, pre-paid courier envelope for this office to facilitate return services.
- Attention Washington, DC Applicants: With immediate effect, the South African Embassy in Washington, DC will no longer accept a $16.00 fee to facilitate return services, but will accept a prepaid envelope with a tracking number from either FedEx or US Postal Service.
- Processing time for long visas exceeding 90 days may take up to 3 to 4 weeks.
- Where to submit your application
In case of a learner under the age of 18 years
Checklist of Documents to be Submitted:
- an unabridged birth certificate
- proof of itinerary/reservation of round trip air tickets. Please do not purchase air tickets until you obtain a South African visa.
- proof of physical address and contact number of the adult person residing in South Africa, who is acting or has accepted to act as the learner's guardian, including a confirmatory letter from that guardian
- stamped proof of sufficient financial means available to the learner while in South Africa
- An official letter from the institution in South Africa confirming acceptance and duration of the course with a school/varsity seal or college official stamp
- Certified copy of ID of person taking financial responsibility, with three months statement and stamped from the bank.
- Attention New York Applicants: The South African Consulate General in New York will no longer accept prepaid envelope/labels from FedEx and UPS with immediate effect. Applicants are welcome to enclose only USPS self-addressed, pre-paid courier envelope for this office to facilitate return services.
- Attention Washington, DC Applicants: With immediate effect, the South African Embassy in Washington, DC will no longer accept a $16.00 fee to facilitate return services, but will accept a prepaid envelope with a tracking number from either FedEx or US Postal Service.
- Processing time for long visas exceeding 90 days may take up to 3 to 4 weeks.
- Where to submit your application
Rev. Tuesday, 17-Oct-2023 3:26 PM