Study visa

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A study visa may be issued to individuals who wish to attend school, universities of any other duly registered learning institutions.

Students who wish to work during their studies may take up part-time employment not exceeding 20 hours per week.

 

An important requirement for this visa is that students must register with a medical scheme in South Africa (foreign medical schemes are not accepted).

Persons under 18 years accompanying a parent or both parents who is on a visitor’s visa, study visa, treaty visa, business visa, medical treatment visa, relative’s visa, work visa, retired person visa or exchange visa may not be required to provide registration at a medical scheme in South Africa.

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Students who wish to apply for a medical elective or clinical traineeship may also apply for a study visa.

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What is a learning institution?

a) an institution of higher education established in terms of the Higher Education Act, 1997 (Act No. 101 of 1997); or

b) a college established in terms of the Further Education and Training Colleges Act, 2006 (Act No. 16 of 2006), but does not include –

i.) a school offering further education and training programmes under the South African Schools Act, 1996 (Act No. 84 of 1996); or

ii.) a college under the authority of a government department other than the Department of Higher Education and Training;

c) or a school contemplated in section 1 of the South African Schools Act, 1996 (Act No. 84 of 1996).

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A study visa may be issued for the duration of the course.