A South African study visa is issued under section 13 of the Immigration Act, read with regulation 12 of the Immigration Regulations. It lets a foreign national study at a registered learning institution, for the duration of the course. You cannot apply without an acceptance letter from that institution.
Requirements differ in detail between South African missions, so use the checklist of the mission or VFS Global centre that handles your application, and the Department of Home Affairs for the rules.
Eligibility and Entry Requirements at a Glance
The regulation asks for the following from a study visa applicant:
- An official letter confirming provisional acceptance or acceptance at the learning institution, with the duration of the course.
- An undertaking from the institution (see the FAQ below).
- A police clearance certificate.
- Proof of medical cover.
- Proof of sufficient financial means.
- Medical and radiological reports. A blanket waiver signed on 8 July 2026 (gazetted on 17 July 2026) removed the requirement to submit a medical report for temporary residence visa and permanent residence permit applications. DHA’s own web pages still list it, and it is unclear whether the radiological report is also waived, so check the current VFS checklist before you apply.
- For applicants under 18, details of the guardian.
Passport and Travel Document Requirements
One mission checklist, from the South African Embassy in Cotonou, asks for a passport valid for 30 days after the end of the visit with two blank pages, two photographs, a yellow fever certificate where relevant, and the application forms BI-947 and BI-1738. See that study visa checklist. Other missions may differ, so check yours.
Visa and Supporting Document Requirements
The institution’s letter should confirm your acceptance, the duration of the course, the course name and your student number, and that the institution will inform Home Affairs as prescribed.
Police clearance is required by regulation 12. The Cotonou checklist applies it to applicants aged 18 and older whose stay will exceed 90 days, with a certificate not older than six months. Foreign documents generally need to be originals or authenticated copies, with a sworn translation into an official South African language where they are in another language.
The same checklist says that if the institution is not on the Register of Private Higher Education Institutions, you must attach proof that it has applied for registration and its accreditation certificate. Confirm with the institution and your mission before paying any fees.
Financial, Health and Entry Conditions
Medical cover. The regulation refers to cover with a medical scheme registered under the Medical Schemes Act, renewed annually. Funds. The Canberra mission asks for certified bank statements for the last three months and a minimum of ZAR 3,000 per month per person (see its study visa page). Other missions may set different amounts. Fees. Canberra lists a non-refundable fee of AUD 37.00; fees differ by mission. The DHA fee for a study visa, including renewals, is R425 from 17 August 2026, according to the gazetted fee regulations, and VFS charges a separate service fee to be confirmed with VFS.
How to Prepare or Apply
- Get your acceptance letter and the institution’s undertaking.
- Obtain police clearance, medical and radiological reports, and proof of medical cover and funds.
- Complete the forms your mission lists and have foreign documents authenticated and translated where needed.
- Submit the application at the South African mission or VFS Global centre that serves your country, and pay the fee that mission sets.
- Keep your visa valid for the length of your course. For schools, validity may not exceed eight years for a primary school or six years for a secondary school; for other institutions it follows the registered course.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the South African study visa requirements?
An acceptance letter showing the course duration, the institution’s undertaking, police clearance, medical cover, proof of funds and medical and radiological reports, plus the forms your mission requires.
How do I check an institution is registered?
Ask the institution for its registration proof and check it against the Register of Private Higher Education Institutions, which the Cotonou checklist refers to. This page does not rely on any other register, so confirm with your mission if unsure.
What is the institution’s undertaking?
The registrar or principal undertakes to provide proof of your registration within 60 days of registration, to report within seven days if you fail to register, and to report your de-registration or completion of the course within 30 days.
Does travel insurance satisfy the medical cover requirement?
The regulation names a medical scheme registered under the Medical Schemes Act, renewed annually. Ask your mission whether any other cover is accepted before you buy a policy.
How much money must I show?
It depends on the mission. Canberra states ZAR 3,000 per month per person. Home Affairs does not publish one figure on the sources we checked, so confirm with your mission.
Can I change institutions later?
A study visa is tied to the registered institution and course. Contact Home Affairs or your mission to confirm the procedure before you change.
Confirm the current list with the South African mission or VFS Global centre handling your application, or the Department of Home Affairs before you apply. See visa requirements and browse all travel and immigration requirements.