Studying | Healthcare | Accommodation | Travel | Visa | Student Voice
Almost all universities have an International Affairs Office that should be your first point of contact when trying to gain further information about the university.
Several South African universities have signed cooperation agreements with various other international universities to participate in student exchange programs.
For your study permit application, a medical examination is required. It is recommended that you contact your nearest South African embassy for more details.
Student health insurance is mandatory for all students.
Malaria and Bilharzia are found mainly in the eastern half of the region, so you should always check before drinking or swimming in the water.
Most of the South African universities offer accommodation on-campus. However, acceptance to a degree program does not imply automatic acceptance to a residence.
Many universities have a Housing or Student Office that helps students find off-campus accommodation if you need it.
The main international airport is in Johannesburg, but flights to Cape Town and Durban are increasing.
Student Visa
For those of you wishing to enroll at a university or other higher education institution in South Africa, you are required to apply and obtain a Study Permit before proceeding to South Africa. Such applications should be submitted to the nearest South African embassy in your country. You will need the following documents when applying for a student visa:
- A passport valid for one year.
- An official letter of provisional admission from the institution concerned.
- Financial guarantees.
- Medical certificate and insurance.
- A repatriation guarantee (cash deposit equal to a return ticket to the country of residence).
Working Visa
Foreign students are not allowed to work in South Africa. However, a provision has been made for students who have to do practical work as part of their research at either the university where they are studying or a related organisation. In such cases, a formal application for a Working Permit should be submitted to the nearest South African embassy in the student's country of origin.
Tourist Visa
No visas are required for nationals from Commonwealth countries such as the USA, Japan and the European Union, for visits up to 90 days.
Learn from the experiences of other students and share your experiences of going overseas at International Student Blogs and Forums.
