Study Visa Requirements (2026)
A South African study visa allows international students to study at recognized educational institutions in South Africa. Understanding the requirements, application process, and conditions helps ensure a successful application and smooth study experience. This comprehensive 2026 guide covers everything you need to know about South African study visa requirements.
Eligibility Requirements
Who Can Apply
Eligibility:
- International students: Non-South African citizens
- Accepted to institution: Must have acceptance letter
- Recognized institution: Must be registered with Department of Education
- Full-time study: Typically required
- Financial means: Must prove ability to support studies
Age Requirements:
- No maximum age: Adults can study
- Minors: Different requirements for under 18
- Parental consent: Required for minors
- Guardian requirements: If applicable
Institution Requirements
Recognized Institutions:
- Universities: Public and private universities
- Colleges: Technical and vocational colleges
- Schools: Primary and secondary schools
- Language schools: Registered language institutions
- Other institutions: As recognized by authorities
Institution Registration:
- Must be registered with Department of Education
- Must be recognized by authorities
- Check institution status
- Verify registration
- Ensure legitimacy
Required Documents
Essential Documents
Required Documents:
- Valid Passport: Minimum 6 months validity, 2 blank pages
- Acceptance Letter: From recognized educational institution
- Completed Application Form: BI-1738 form (study visa)
- Two Passport Photos: Recent photos meeting requirements
- Proof of Financial Means: Bank statements, sponsor letters
- Medical Insurance: Comprehensive medical cover
- Medical Certificate: Health certificate
- Police Clearance: From country of origin (if 18+)
- Return Ticket: Or proof of funds for return
- Application Fee: Payment receipt
Additional Documents (if applicable):
- Academic Transcripts: Previous qualifications
- Language Proficiency: If required
- Accommodation Proof: Where you'll stay
- Sponsor Documents: If sponsored
- Parental Consent: If under 18
Acceptance Letter
Institution Letter:
- Official acceptance: From recognized institution
- Course details: Program of study
- Duration: Study period
- Full-time status: Confirmation of full-time study
- Institution registration: Proof of registration
Letter Requirements:
- Must be on institution letterhead
- Signed by authorized person
- Include course details
- Include study duration
- Include institution registration number
Financial Requirements
Proof of Financial Means:
- Bank Statements: Last 3-6 months
- Sponsor Letter: If sponsored
- Scholarship Proof: If on scholarship
- Sufficient Funds: To cover tuition and living expenses
- Minimum Amount: Check requirements
Financial Threshold:
- Tuition fees: Must be covered
- Living expenses: R3,000-R5,000 per month
- Medical insurance: Must be covered
- Return travel: Must be covered
- Total amount: Varies by institution and duration
Medical Requirements
Medical Certificate:
- Health certificate: From recognized medical practitioner
- Recent examination: Within specified period
- Health status: Good health confirmation
- No communicable diseases: As required
- Medical clearance: As specified
Medical Insurance:
- Comprehensive cover: Required
- Valid for duration: Of study period
- Coverage amount: Minimum requirements
- South African provider: Or recognized international
- Proof of insurance: Certificate required
Police Clearance
Police Clearance Certificate:
- From country of origin: Required if 18+
- Recent certificate: Within specified period
- No criminal record: Or explanation if applicable
- Official certificate: From police authorities
- Translation: If not in English
Validity:
- Typically valid for 6 months
- Must be recent
- Check specific requirements
- May need from multiple countries
- If lived in multiple countries
Application Process
Step 1: Get Accepted to Institution
Before Applying:
- Apply to recognized institution
- Receive acceptance letter
- Confirm course details
- Verify institution registration
- Prepare for visa application
Institution Application:
- Apply directly to institution
- Meet admission requirements
- Receive acceptance
- Get official acceptance letter
- Proceed to visa application
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Document Preparation:
- Ensure passport valid (6+ months)
- Get acceptance letter from institution
- Gather financial documents
- Get medical certificate
- Obtain police clearance
- Get medical insurance
- Complete application form
- Get passport photos
Document Checklist:
- ✓ Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- ✓ Acceptance letter from institution
- ✓ Completed application form (BI-1738)
- ✓ Two passport photos
- ✓ Proof of financial means
- ✓ Medical insurance certificate
- ✓ Medical certificate
- ✓ Police clearance (if 18+)
- ✓ Return ticket or proof of funds
- ✓ Application fee payment
- ✓ Additional documents (if needed)
Step 3: Complete Application Form
Form Requirements:
- Form Type: BI-1738 (study visa application)
- Completion: Fill all sections accurately
- Information: Must match passport and documents
- Institution Details: Accurate institution information
- Signature: Must be signed
- Date: Must be dated
Form Sections:
- Personal information
- Passport details
- Institution information
- Course details
- Financial information
- Accommodation details
- Medical information
- Declaration and signature
Step 4: Pay Application Fee
Study Visa Fees (2026):
- Application Fee: R425
- Non-refundable: Even if declined
- Payment required: Before application
- Additional fees: May apply for extensions
Payment Methods:
- Bank deposit (most common)
- Online payment (if available)
- Cash at embassy/consulate
- Check accepted methods
- Keep proof of payment
Step 5: Submit Application
At Embassy/Consulate/VFS:
- Book appointment (if required)
- Bring all documents
- Submit application form
- Provide required documents
- Pay application fee (if not paid)
- Biometric capture (if required)
Application Submission:
- Document verification
- Information check
- Biometric capture (fingerprints, photo)
- Application logged
- Receipt issued
- Reference number provided
Step 6: Wait for Processing
Processing Times:
- Standard Processing: 4-8 weeks
- May vary: By country and time of year
- Peak periods: Longer processing (start of academic year)
- Track application: Use reference number
- Be patient: Processing takes time
Tracking:
- Online status check (if available)
- Email updates (if provided)
- Phone inquiry
- Embassy/consulate contact
- VFS tracking (if applicable)
Step 7: Collect Visa
When Ready:
- Receive notification
- Bring passport
- Bring application receipt
- Collect visa
- Verify visa details
Visa Collection:
- Must collect in person (usually)
- Bring identification
- Verify visa information
- Check validity dates
- Check study conditions
Visa Conditions
Study Restrictions
Must Study:
- At specified institution
- In specified course
- Full-time study (typically)
- Cannot change without permission
- Must maintain enrollment
Changing Institution:
- Must apply for permission
- May need new visa
- Follow procedures
- Notify Home Affairs
- Get approval before changing
Work Rights
Part-Time Work:
- Limited work allowed: During studies
- Maximum 20 hours: Per week during term
- Full-time work: Allowed during holidays
- Must not interfere: With studies
- Check specific conditions: On your visa
Work Restrictions:
- Cannot work full-time during term
- Must prioritize studies
- Work must be legal
- Follow visa conditions
- Check work permit requirements
Duration and Renewal
Visa Validity:
- Matches study period: Typically
- Can be extended: For longer programs
- Renewable: For continuing studies
- Tied to institution: Must maintain enrollment
- Check expiry date: Regularly
Renewal Process:
- Apply before expiry
- Provide updated documents
- Proof of continuing studies
- Updated financial proof
- Medical insurance renewal
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements for a South African study visa?
Requirements include a valid passport (6+ months validity), acceptance letter from a recognized educational institution, completed application form (BI-1738), two passport photos, proof of financial means, comprehensive medical insurance, medical certificate, police clearance (if 18+), return ticket or proof of funds, and payment of the R425 application fee.
How much does a study visa cost?
A South African study visa application costs R425 in 2026. The fee is non-refundable and must be paid before application submission. Additional fees may apply for visa extensions or renewals.
How long does it take to get a study visa?
Study visa processing typically takes 4-8 weeks from application submission, though this may vary by country, time of year, and application completeness. Peak periods (start of academic year) may have longer processing times.
Can I work on a study visa?
Yes, you can work part-time (maximum 20 hours per week) during term time and full-time during holidays on a study visa. Work must not interfere with your studies, and you must follow the specific conditions of your visa.
What if I want to change institutions?
If you want to change institutions, you must apply for permission from Home Affairs and may need to apply for a new visa. You cannot change institutions without approval. Notify Home Affairs and follow the proper procedures.
Do I need medical insurance for a study visa?
Yes, comprehensive medical insurance is required for a study visa. The insurance must be valid for the duration of your study period and meet minimum coverage requirements. You must provide proof of insurance with your application.
Can I extend my study visa?
Yes, you can extend your study visa if you need to continue your studies. Apply for extension before your visa expires, provide updated documents (proof of continuing studies, updated financial proof, renewed medical insurance), and pay extension fees.
What happens if my study visa expires?
If your study visa expires, you may face penalties, deportation, or difficulties with future visa applications. It's important to renew or extend your visa before it expires, or leave South Africa before expiry if you're not continuing studies.
Do I need a police clearance for a study visa?
Yes, if you're 18 years or older, you need a police clearance certificate from your country of origin (and any country you've lived in for 12+ months). The certificate must be recent (typically within 6 months) and may need to be translated if not in English.
Can I bring my family on a study visa?
Study visas are typically issued for the student only. If you want to bring family members (spouse, children), they may need to apply for their own visas (relative visas or spousal visas) depending on your circumstances and their relationship to you.
Conclusion
South African study visa requirements include a valid passport, acceptance letter from a recognized institution, proof of financial means, medical insurance, medical certificate, police clearance (if 18+), and payment of the R425 application fee. The application process takes 4-8 weeks, and study visas allow limited part-time work (20 hours per week during term, full-time during holidays). You can extend your visa for continuing studies, but must maintain enrollment and follow visa conditions. Plan ahead, gather all required documents, and apply well in advance of your study start date.
For more information about visa types, requirements, processing times, or Home Affairs services, explore our other comprehensive Home Affairs guides.
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