How long does a South African study visa take?

Home Affairs targets 6 weeks. Applications in busy months (December to February) can take 8 to 10 weeks.

Can I work part-time on a study visa?

Yes. University students may work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. School learners may not work.

Do I need a study visa for a short course?

For courses shorter than 3 months you can use a visitor's visa with a study endorsement. Longer courses require a full Section 13 study visa.

Can my parent or guardian accompany me?

A parent of a minor can apply for a relative's visa or accompanying visitor's visa. Adult students bring family under separate spouse or dependent visas.

Where do I renew my study visa?

Renewals are lodged in South Africa at a VFS centre at least 60 days before expiry. Do not leave the country while a renewal is pending unless VFS confirms it is safe to do so.

Immigration

South African Study Visa (Section 13)

In plain English

A study visa (Section 13 of the Immigration Act) is issued to foreign nationals accepted at a registered South African school, TVET college or university. It is valid for the duration of your programme and is applied for via VFS Global on behalf of the Department of Home Affairs.

View requirements Visit official website

Who needs this permit

Foreign learners and students who have been accepted at a registered South African basic, further or higher education institution.

When is it required

Before you start your course. You may not study on a visitor's visa for more than 3 months, and any longer study period must be on a Section 13 study visa.

Eligibility

Formal letter of acceptance (provisional or final) from a registered SA institution
Proof of medical cover with a South African registered medical scheme
Proof of funds to cover living costs
Undertaking by parent or guardian (for minors) covering care, accommodation and repatriation

Documents you need before applying

Completed DHA-1738 form
Passport valid for at least 30 days after the visa expiry, with 2 blank pages
Two recent passport-size photographs
Official letter of acceptance from the SA institution
Proof of registration and payment of first-year fees (or first-term fees for schools)
Proof of medical scheme cover registered in South Africa
Yellow fever certificate (if travelling from a yellow fever region)
Medical and radiological report (DHA BI-811) — required for stays over 3 years
Police clearance from every country lived in for 12+ months since age 18 (applicants 18 and older)
Unabridged birth certificate (for minors)
Notarised parental consent + copies of both parents' IDs (for minors)
Proof of accommodation in South Africa
Proof of funds (bank statements or scholarship letter)
Visa fee and VFS service fee receipts

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
Accept your offer and pay the first fees
Confirm your acceptance with the SA institution and pay any registration or first-term fees. You'll need the official receipt for the visa file.
2
Register with a South African medical scheme
The Immigration Regulations require cover with a scheme registered under the Medical Schemes Act. Most universities partner with a preferred scheme.
3
Collect police clearance and unabridged birth certificate
Order police clearance from every country lived in for 12+ months since age 18. For learners under 18, get an unabridged birth certificate and notarised parental consent.
4
Book a VFS appointment
Book at your nearest VFS centre. Family groups can book joint appointments.
5
Submit biometrics and documents
Attend the appointment in person with the full document set. VFS forwards the application to DHA.
6
Collect the visa and register on campus
Once approved, collect your passport with the visa. Report to your institution's international office within 30 days of arrival.

Where, how much, how long

Where to apply

VFS Global Visa Facilitation Centre on behalf of the Department of Home Affairs. First-time applications must generally be made from your country of origin.

Fees

DHA visa fee ~R425 + VFS service fee ~R1 550.

Processing time

6 to 8 weeks on average.

Validity

For the duration of the study programme, generally issued year by year for schools and for the full course length for universities (up to 3 years, renewable).

Renewal

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

Common mistakes to avoid

Submitting a provisional acceptance letter with no proof of first-fee payment
Buying travel insurance instead of full SA medical scheme cover — VFS will reject it
Missing the unabridged birth certificate for minor applicants
Letting the visa expire before renewal — this triggers an overstay ban

Tips to speed up your application

Ask the institution's international office for their VFS document checklist — many maintain up-to-date templates
Register for medical cover before booking the VFS appointment — it's the most common rejection reason
Keep the DHA reference number safe; it's needed for every future renewal