What visa do I need to study in South Africa?

What you need to know about student visas for South Africa

Planning to study in South Africa? One of the first things you’ll need to think about is your visa. The basic rules of how to apply for a visa are quite simple. Here’s a quick guide to help you understand what type of visa you need and how to get started.

Visitor’s visa: For courses of less than 90 days

Only staying for a short course? Then you do not need to apply for a study visa. 

If your course is under 90 days, you might be able to study on a visitor’s visa. Many nationalities can get this type of visa upon arrival in South Africa, so there’s no need to apply in advance. However, that’s not always true. Depending on your nationality, you might still need to apply ahead of time. Always double-check the rules for your country well before your trip.

If you are only going to attend one course in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) at the University of Pretoria, and have no plans to continue your studies after completing one level, you can come into South Africa on a visitor’s visa.

Study visa: For courses of more than 90 days

If you want to study English for more than 90 days, you’ll need a study visa. You cannot change a visitor’s visa to a study visa after you enter South Africa. So, make sure to get a study visa before you arrive. 

It’s best to apply early because it can take a few weeks to get a visa. There are a few steps to follow and you will need some documents such as proof of accommodation and medical aid. If you stay organised, the process is simple. Make sure your paperwork is ready from the start to save you time and avoid delays.

If you are going to attend two or more EFL courses, you will need to get a study visa. Note that you cannot change a visitor’s visa to a study visa while you are in South Africa, so you must get a study visa before you travel to South Africa.

What you’ll need before you apply

When you apply for a visa, you will need some documents to support your application. You will usually need:

• A passport that is valid for at least 30 days after you leave the country

• An acceptance letter from the University to confirm that you have registered for a course

• Medical insurance for the duration of your stay

Sometimes, you may have to submit other documents like proof of accommodation, proof that you can cover your living expenses during your stay, or a police clearance certificate. It’s important to check the requirements for your country.

You will find information about visa requirements as well as recommendations for accommodation and medical aid on our website under the ‘Visitors’ tab:  https://languagecentre.up.ac.za/visitors. 

When you get your visa

Whether you get a visa before you arrive or at the airport, always confirm that the dates on your visa are correct. Your visa must be valid from the day you arrive in South Africa until the day you leave.  

You must also check that the dates stamped in your passport by immigration when you arrive in the country match the dates on your visa.  Make sure of this when your passport is being stamped by the immigration official, and ask the official to change the date if it doesn’t match the one on your visa.

It is essential that you leave South Africa before your visa expires.

How we can help

Here’s the great part: if you’re studying at UP Centre for Language Learning, you’re not doing it alone. We can refer you to our agent to help you with the visa process. Our acceptance letter meets the requirements for your visa application, and we’re here to help you every step of the way.

Studying English in South Africa can be an amazing experience. Just make sure you get your visa in time, and the rest will fall into place. If you have questions or need advice, we’re always happy to help.

Ready to learn English? Register today:

https://languagecentre.up.ac.za/register-online