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Studying in South Africa

On February 28, 2020 / by Andrew Wicks / Leave a comment

Alongside a fascinating landscape and storied history, South Africa offers an education that is unmatched in its depth and social importance. Since a reform, which began in 2004, South African higher education institutions have been improving. Their universities have been consistently keeping up with the increasingly high standards for higher education systems. More than 45,000 international students choose to study in South Africa each academic year.

Traditional universities offer theoretically focused degrees, universities of technology (also known as technikons) offer vocationally focused degrees, and comprehensive universities offer both types of degrees. There are 3 South African universities in the 2019 QS World University Rankings top 500. The highest ranked of these is the University of Cape Town, which is placed at 200th. The next highest ranked are the University of Witwatersrand, which is placed at 381st, and Stellenbosch University, which is placed at 405th.

As an international student, you will need to obtain a student visa in order to study in South Africa. Your university will not be able to register you as a student until you have a valid visa. You will need to apply for a visa at your nearest South African embassy, consulate or high commission. You can only apply for a student visa once you have received a conditional offer from a South African institution. You will then need to complete the BI-1738 application form, and provide several other supporting documents:

  • A passport, its valid until date must be at least 30 days after the end of your degree
  • 2 additional passport photos
  • An official letter of acceptance from your university
  • A clear criminal background check
  • Your flight details, including those of your return flight at the end of your degree
  • Proof of sufficient finances for tuition fees, living costs, and health insurance
  • Payment for your visa

Student visas are valid only for the duration of your degree. During this time, you are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during term time. There are no work restrictions outside of term time. If your course requires you to take part in work experience that amounts to more than 20 hours per week, you will need to apply to the Department of Home Affairs to obtain permission. You will need to submit an offer of practical training, consent or confirmation from your university, and proof that you are still a registered student.

If you need help with obtaining your student visa, make sure you get in touch with one of our consultants today. By using an immigration consultant, you also get the peace of mind of knowing that your application is in the hands of someone up to date on all immigration legislation. Our immigration consultants know relocation procedures back to front.

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Andrew Wicks

Andrew Wicks

Over the past 11 years, Andrew’s entrepreneurial spirit, as well as his business acumen, has led to the establishment of small to medium enterprises worldwide. Promising opportunities in the fields of IT, mobile distribution and advertising (amongst others) have been converted into successful business units in a variety of global markets. Andrew returned to South Africa after seven years in Europe to found Initiate International. He remains totally hands-on and has expanded the company across three continents.

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