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Overview
A study visa allows international students to study in South Africa for the duration of their course, usually up to three years. Whether you are aiming for an undergraduate, graduate, or post-graduate degree, a study visa will enable you to take full advantage of South Africa's excellent educational opportunities.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for a study visa, you must be accepted at a recognized South African educational institution. This includes universities, colleges, and other accredited schools. Ensure that the institution you choose is registered with South Africa's Department of Higher Education and Training.
Required Documents
Preparing the correct documents is crucial for a successful visa application. Here's what you typically need:
- Valid Passport: Must have at least two blank pages and be valid for at least 30 days after the end of your intended stay.
- Official Acceptance Letter: From the South African educational institution where you intend to study.
- Proof of Funds: Bank statements or other financial documents to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other related costs.
- Medical and Health Insurance: Evidence of medical coverage recognized in South Africa.
- Other documents may include a police clearance certificate, medical and radiological reports, etc.
Each South African embassy or consulate may have slightly different requirements or procedures, so be sure to check their specific guidelines.
Read more on the Department of Home Affairs website
Temporary Residence Permit
If you wish to stay longer in South Africa after your studies, or if you have an offer for work, you may apply for a Temporary Residence Permit. This allows you to:
- Live: Stay in South Africa beyond your studies.
- Work: Take up employment with local businesses.
- Study Further: Continue your education or engage in research.
- Application Process: Requires specific documents, including an offer of employment, qualifications, and other legal criteria.
Working While Studying
As an international student, you can also work part-time during your studies, provided you follow certain guidelines:
- Permission: Obtain permission from your educational institution.
- Work Hours: Usually limited to 20 hours per week during term time.
- Types of Work: Consult local regulations for any restrictions on the types of work you can engage in.
- Application Process: This may include proving the offer of employment and obtaining an endorsement from your institution.
Post-Study Work Permit
After completing your studies, you may wish to continue working in South Africa. The Post-Study Work Permit allows this, with options such as:
- Critical Skills Work Visa: For professions deemed to be in high demand in South Africa.
- General Work Visa: For other types of employment
- Application Process: Requires documents such as proof of qualifications, an offer of employment, and others, depending on the visa type.
Dependent Visas
If you have family members who wish to join you in South Africa during your studies, you can apply for Dependent Visas:
- Eligibility: For spouse, children, or other dependents.
- Required Documents: Proof of relationship, financial support, and other necessary documentation.
- Application Process: Can be done simultaneously with your study visa application or separately.
Overview
Accommodation options for students in South Africa include on-campus residences, off-campus student housing, and private rentals.
On-campus residences are often the most convenient choice, providing a secure and comfortable living environment close to university facilities. These residences may offer single or shared rooms, as well as communal kitchens, study areas, and recreational spaces.
Off-campus student housing options are also available, usually in the form of shared apartments or houses. These accommodations can be more affordable and offer more independence, but may require additional travel time to reach campus.
Private rentals, such as apartments or houses, are another option for students who prefer a more independent living situation. Prices and availability can vary greatly depending on the location and size of the rental.
When choosing accommodation, it's essential to consider factors such as proximity to campus, cost, safety, and personal preferences. Many universities have dedicated accommodation offices that can provide information and assistance in finding the right housing option for you.
Find Safe Accommodation
Student at Home: Student at Home offers various types of accommodation, including shared apartments and private rooms, specifically for students in Cape Town. Website
South Point: South Point provides affordable, secure, and fully furnished student accommodation in various cities across South Africa, such as Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, and Durban. Website
CampusKey: CampusKey offers premium, all-inclusive student accommodation in Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Pretoria, Bloemfontein, and Potchefstroom. They provide furnished apartments with shared and private room options. Website
MyDomain Student Living: MyDomain provides modern, all-inclusive student accommodation in Cape Town with various room options and amenities. Website
DigsConnect: DigsConnect is an online platform where students can find and book various types of accommodation, such as apartments, shared houses, and private rooms, in different cities across South Africa. Website
Afhco: Afhco offers affordable, safe, and well-located student accommodation in Johannesburg. Website
Respublica: Respublica offers secure, fully furnished student accommodation in Pretoria, Johannesburg, Bloemfontein, and other cities across South Africa. Website
TheRoomLink: TheRoomLink is an online platform where students can find different types of accommodation, including private rooms, shared apartments, and houses, in various cities throughout South Africa. Website
IHS (International Housing Solutions): IHS provides student accommodation in various cities in South Africa, including Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Pretoria. Website
Private Property: Private Property is a real estate platform where students can find rental properties, including apartments and houses, in multiple cities across South Africa. Website
Remember to research each accommodation option thoroughly and read reviews to ensure that the accommodation you choose is safe and suitable for your needs.
Higher Education Qualifications in South Africa
The South African higher education system offers a broad spectrum of qualifications to meet the various academic and professional goals of students. The system is classified into three main qualification types: undergraduate, postgraduate, and vocational.
Undergraduate Qualifications
Higher Certificate
- Short, career-focused
- 1 year of full-time study
- Practical skills in a specific field
- Credits: 120
Diploma
- 2 to 3 years
- Practical, career-oriented
- Fields include business, engineering, health sciences
- Credits: 360
Advanced Diploma
- 1-year program
- For those with a relevant diploma
- Credits: 120
Bachelor's Degree
- Most common undergraduate qualification
- 3 to 4 years of full-time study
- Fields include arts, sciences, commerce, engineering
- Credits: 360-480
Postgraduate Qualifications
Honours Degree
- 1-year program
- Requires a Bachelor's degree
- Research-intensive
Postgraduate Diploma
- 1-year program
- Specialized knowledge
- Credits: 120
Master's Degree
- 1 to 2 years of full-time study
- Research or coursework-based
- Credits: 180-240
Doctoral Degree (Ph.D.)
- 3 to 5 years of full-time study
- Highest level of academic achievement
- Focus on original research and thesis
Vocational Qualifications
National Diploma
- 3 years
- Practical skills in fields like engineering, agriculture, hospitality
- Credits: 360
National Higher Diploma
- 1 to 2 years
- Advanced vocational qualifications
- Credits: 120-240
Note on credits
- Credit values may vary by institution and program.
- Credits represent the workload required to complete a program successfully.
- Consult your chosen institution for accurate credit requirements.
Overview
A study visa allows international students to study in South Africa for the duration of their course, usually up to three years. Whether you are aiming for an undergraduate, graduate, or post-graduate degree, a study visa will enable you to take full advantage of South Africa's excellent educational opportunities.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for a study visa, you must be accepted at a recognized South African educational institution. This includes universities, colleges, and other accredited schools. Ensure that the institution you choose is registered with South Africa's Department of Higher Education and Training.
Required Documents
Preparing the correct documents is crucial for a successful visa application. Here's what you typically need:
- Valid Passport: Must have at least two blank pages and be valid for at least 30 days after the end of your intended stay.
- Official Acceptance Letter: From the South African educational institution where you intend to study.
- Proof of Funds: Bank statements or other financial documents to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other related costs.
- Medical and Health Insurance: Evidence of medical coverage recognized in South Africa.
- Other documents may include a police clearance certificate, medical and radiological reports, etc.
Each South African embassy or consulate may have slightly different requirements or procedures, so be sure to check their specific guidelines.
Read more on the Department of Home Affairs website
Temporary Residence Permit
If you wish to stay longer in South Africa after your studies, or if you have an offer for work, you may apply for a Temporary Residence Permit. This allows you to:
- Live: Stay in South Africa beyond your studies.
- Work: Take up employment with local businesses.
- Study Further: Continue your education or engage in research.
- Application Process: Requires specific documents, including an offer of employment, qualifications, and other legal criteria.
Working While Studying
As an international student, you can also work part-time during your studies, provided you follow certain guidelines:
- Permission: Obtain permission from your educational institution.
- Work Hours: Usually limited to 20 hours per week during term time.
- Types of Work: Consult local regulations for any restrictions on the types of work you can engage in.
- Application Process: This may include proving the offer of employment and obtaining an endorsement from your institution.
Post-Study Work Permit
After completing your studies, you may wish to continue working in South Africa. The Post-Study Work Permit allows this, with options such as:
- Critical Skills Work Visa: For professions deemed to be in high demand in South Africa.
- General Work Visa: For other types of employment
- Application Process: Requires documents such as proof of qualifications, an offer of employment, and others, depending on the visa type.
Dependent Visas
If you have family members who wish to join you in South Africa during your studies, you can apply for Dependent Visas:
- Eligibility: For spouse, children, or other dependents.
- Required Documents: Proof of relationship, financial support, and other necessary documentation.
- Application Process: Can be done simultaneously with your study visa application or separately.
Overview
Accommodation options for students in South Africa include on-campus residences, off-campus student housing, and private rentals.
On-campus residences are often the most convenient choice, providing a secure and comfortable living environment close to university facilities. These residences may offer single or shared rooms, as well as communal kitchens, study areas, and recreational spaces.
Off-campus student housing options are also available, usually in the form of shared apartments or houses. These accommodations can be more affordable and offer more independence, but may require additional travel time to reach campus.
Private rentals, such as apartments or houses, are another option for students who prefer a more independent living situation. Prices and availability can vary greatly depending on the location and size of the rental.
When choosing accommodation, it's essential to consider factors such as proximity to campus, cost, safety, and personal preferences. Many universities have dedicated accommodation offices that can provide information and assistance in finding the right housing option for you.
Find Safe Accommodation
Student at Home: Student at Home offers various types of accommodation, including shared apartments and private rooms, specifically for students in Cape Town. Website
South Point: South Point provides affordable, secure, and fully furnished student accommodation in various cities across South Africa, such as Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, and Durban. Website
CampusKey: CampusKey offers premium, all-inclusive student accommodation in Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Pretoria, Bloemfontein, and Potchefstroom. They provide furnished apartments with shared and private room options. Website
MyDomain Student Living: MyDomain provides modern, all-inclusive student accommodation in Cape Town with various room options and amenities. Website
DigsConnect: DigsConnect is an online platform where students can find and book various types of accommodation, such as apartments, shared houses, and private rooms, in different cities across South Africa. Website
Afhco: Afhco offers affordable, safe, and well-located student accommodation in Johannesburg. Website
Respublica: Respublica offers secure, fully furnished student accommodation in Pretoria, Johannesburg, Bloemfontein, and other cities across South Africa. Website
TheRoomLink: TheRoomLink is an online platform where students can find different types of accommodation, including private rooms, shared apartments, and houses, in various cities throughout South Africa. Website
IHS (International Housing Solutions): IHS provides student accommodation in various cities in South Africa, including Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Pretoria. Website
Private Property: Private Property is a real estate platform where students can find rental properties, including apartments and houses, in multiple cities across South Africa. Website
Remember to research each accommodation option thoroughly and read reviews to ensure that the accommodation you choose is safe and suitable for your needs.
Higher Education Qualifications in South Africa
The South African higher education system offers a broad spectrum of qualifications to meet the various academic and professional goals of students. The system is classified into three main qualification types: undergraduate, postgraduate, and vocational.
Undergraduate Qualifications
Higher Certificate
- Short, career-focused
- 1 year of full-time study
- Practical skills in a specific field
- Credits: 120
Diploma
- 2 to 3 years
- Practical, career-oriented
- Fields include business, engineering, health sciences
- Credits: 360
Advanced Diploma
- 1-year program
- For those with a relevant diploma
- Credits: 120
Bachelor's Degree
- Most common undergraduate qualification
- 3 to 4 years of full-time study
- Fields include arts, sciences, commerce, engineering
- Credits: 360-480
Postgraduate Qualifications
Honours Degree
- 1-year program
- Requires a Bachelor's degree
- Research-intensive
Postgraduate Diploma
- 1-year program
- Specialized knowledge
- Credits: 120
Master's Degree
- 1 to 2 years of full-time study
- Research or coursework-based
- Credits: 180-240
Doctoral Degree (Ph.D.)
- 3 to 5 years of full-time study
- Highest level of academic achievement
- Focus on original research and thesis
Vocational Qualifications
National Diploma
- 3 years
- Practical skills in fields like engineering, agriculture, hospitality
- Credits: 360
National Higher Diploma
- 1 to 2 years
- Advanced vocational qualifications
- Credits: 120-240
Note on credits
- Credit values may vary by institution and program.
- Credits represent the workload required to complete a program successfully.
- Consult your chosen institution for accurate credit requirements.
