Table of Contents




    Visa Information Tool


    Destination:

    South Africa

    Visa:

    Study




    South Africa Student Visa

    Foreign Students in South Africa can benefit from low tuition fees and living expenses. To Study in South Africa, Student Visa is the first thing you must need to have.



    Table of Contents



      Today, South Africa is home to 23 public universities comprising a mix of the traditional, vocational, and hybrid models. Each now accepts students from all countries around the globe. 

      International students have realized studying in South Africa can prove more affordable than other international destinations. South African undergraduate degrees normally take three years to complete although some programs take longer. South African universities follow a two-semester calendar running from February to June and from July to December.

      "Learn about the requirements for studying in South Africa.., such as how much does a South Africa student visa cost? What documents will you be needing for applying for a student visa? Etc. "

      Tuition fees for studying in South Africa

      Tuition fees at universities in South Africa vary depending on the university, study level, and the subject of study. To give a rough idea of the price range, the table is given below:

      Type of course  Tuition fees yearly 
      undergraduate level. R53,440 to R64,890 (~US$3,800 – 4,600)
      master’s level  R25,000 to R70,000 (US$1,800-5,000)
      Specialized postgraduate courses and MBAs R410,000 (~US$29,300).

      South Africa student visa cost

      Category DHA Application Fee VFS Service Fee
      Study Visa 425 1350
      Premium Lounge (Optional Service)   500

      Living costs in South Africa 

       Living costs are relatively cheap, especially when compared to countries such as the US or the UK. On average, you’ll need around R102,000 (~US$7,300) a year to cover accommodation, food, travel, and other expenses.

      South Africa student visa process

      Go to the visavendor.com. Here you will have to:

      • Fill in the Assessment form
      • Receive our email
      • You will have to pay the refundable visa service fee that Visa Vendor charges
      • After your payment, you will be given credentials of your portal
      • You will attach all your important documents that are mentioned in the checklist above
      • Your application will be finalized 
      • Once your application is completed, it will be sent to the embassy to get processed

      South Africa student visa processing time

      The processing time for a study visa application submitted is between 4 and 8 weeks. 

      South Africa Student Visa Requirements

      • A passport valid for at least 30 days after the end of your course, with two consecutive, clear pages left for entry and departure stamps.
      • Payment for the South African student visa application.
      • Two-color passport-sized photographs.
      • An official letter from the South African educational institution confirming the duration of your course, plus confirmation that it will inform the authorities if you fail to register, you are de-registered or expelled, or when the course is completed or extended.
      • Proof of necessary finances to cover tuition fees and living costs for the duration of your stay, around ZAR 3,000 per month (bank statements, travelers’ cheques, etc.) and a cash deposit to cover the cost of a return ticket.
      • Certificate of medical aid cover or health insurance recognized by the South African authorities, plus a letter confirming that it will be renewed every year for the duration of your stay. If you are a student and the dependent child of a parent holding a South African visa and medical insurance, you may be covered by your parent’s scheme. 
      • In some cases, a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
      • Medical and radiological reports from within the last six months.
      • Information about where you will be living in South Africa.
      • A police clearance certificate for every country you’ve lived in for more than 12 months since the age of 18.
      • Birth certificates of dependent children.
      • Relevant certificates if married, widowed, divorced.

      Best Universities in South Africa according to International Rankings

      Universities

      Times Higher Education Ranking (2020)

       

      Shanghai Jiao Tong University Ranking (2019)

       

      TopUniversities Ranking (2020)

       

      U.S. News & World Report Ranking (2020)

       

      University of Cape Town

      136

      201

      198

      121

      University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg

      194

      201

      400

      200

      Stellenbosch University

      251

      401

      427

      329

      University of Kwazulu Natal

      401

      401

      801

      338

      northwest University

      501

      601

      -

      645

      University of Johannesburg

      601

      601

      501

      366

      University of Pretoria

      601

      401

      551

      441

      University of the Western Cape

      601

      -

      801

      722

      University of South Africa (UNISA)

      -

      801

      -

      951

      Rhodes University

      -

      -

      801

      893






      Visa Information Tool


      Destination:

      South Africa

      Visa:

      Study