Can I work on a study visa?

Tertiary students may work up to 20 hours per week during term and full-time in vacations. School pupils may not work.

Can I apply from inside South Africa?

Generally no — first applications are made from abroad. Renewals and extensions for continued study are made inside the country through VFS.

Does a study visa lead to permanent residence?

Not directly, but graduates in critical skills fields may qualify for a critical skills work visa afterwards.

Immigration

South African Study Visa (Section 13)

In plain English

A study visa lets a foreign national live in South Africa while enrolled at a registered school, college or university. It is issued by the Department of Home Affairs under the Immigration Act 13 of 2002 and is valid for the length of the course.

View requirements Visit official website

Who needs this permit

Any foreign national accepted at a South African learning institution registered with the Department of Basic Education or the Department of Higher Education and Training — including school pupils and exchange students.

When is it required

Before travelling to take up studies. You cannot convert a visitor's visa into a study visa from inside South Africa except in narrow circumstances.

Eligibility

A letter of acceptance from a registered South African institution
Proof of funds to cover fees and living costs
Medical and radiological reports
Medical cover with a South African medical scheme for the study period
For minors: parental consent and guardianship arrangements

Documents you need before applying

Completed application via VFS Global or a South African mission abroad
Valid passport (at least 30 days beyond intended stay, with blank pages)
Official acceptance letter from the institution
Proof of financial means (bank statements, sponsor letter or bursary letter)
Medical and chest X-ray reports
Police clearance certificates from countries you have lived in
Proof of medical scheme membership
For under-18s: birth certificate, parental consent and a guardian's details in South Africa

Download a printable checklist

A one-page PDF of everything you need to bring with you. Tick items off before you go.

How to apply — step by step

1
Get accepted first
The visa follows the acceptance letter, not the other way round. Confirm the institution is registered — visas are refused for unregistered colleges.
2
Apply through VFS or the mission
Book an appointment with VFS Global in your country (or the South African embassy where there is no VFS), pay the fee and submit biometrics with your documents.
3
Wait for the outcome before travelling
Processing commonly takes 4 to 8 weeks. Do not book non-refundable travel until the visa is issued.
4
Register and keep the visa conditions
Register at the institution on arrival. A study visa allows limited part-time work (up to 20 hours a week during term for tertiary students) and must be renewed if your course is extended.

Where, how much, how long

Where to apply

VFS Global or the South African embassy/consulate in your country of residence.

Fees

VFS service fee plus the Home Affairs application fee; amounts change, so confirm on the VFS site for your country.

Processing time

Commonly 4–8 weeks; longer during peak intake periods.

Validity

The duration of the registered course, renewable for further study.

Renewal

Renew inside South Africa at least 60 days before expiry. Provide updated proof of registration and medical cover.

Common mistakes to avoid

Applying with an acceptance letter from an unregistered institution
Insufficient proof of funds for the full first year
Letting the visa lapse while waiting for exam results — apply for renewal before expiry

Tips to speed up your application

Start police clearance early — it is the document that most often delays applications
Keep certified copies of every submission; VFS appointments in peak season fill up weeks ahead