Study Visa South Africa: How to Apply [2026]

If you're a foreign national planning to study in South Africa, you'll need a study visa — issued under Section 13 of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002. The visa is mandatory for any foreigner enrolled at a South African school, college, or university for a course longer than three months. Unlike the more familiar visitor's visa, a study visa allows you to register at a Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)-accredited institution, remain in South Africa for the full duration of your course, and apply for limited part-time work after registration.

This 2026 guide walks through the legal basis, eligible institutions, document checklist, the BI-1738 application form, fees, processing times, renewal rules, common refusal reasons, and what happens after approval. If you've never applied before, work through it from top to bottom; if you're renewing, jump to the renewal section.

What Is a Study Visa?

A study visa is a temporary residence visa issued under Section 13 of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002, read with Regulation 13 of the Immigration Regulations, 2014. It authorises a foreign national to remain in South Africa for the purpose of full-time study at a recognised learning institution. The visa is endorsed in the holder's passport and pegged to a specific institution and course — if you change either, you must apply for a new study visa or a change of conditions.

Although the legislation uses the term "study visa," many applicants and consultancies still refer to it as a "study permit" — these are the same instrument. The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) standardised on "visa" terminology after the 2014 regulations replaced the earlier permit framework. For a broader walkthrough of the temporary residence visa categories, see our work visa guide and our spousal visa guide — both share the same statutory architecture.

Study Permit vs Study Visa vs Student Visa: Are They the Same?

Yes — a study permit, a student visa, and a study visa all refer to the same document in South Africa. The confusion is purely historical. Before the Immigration Regulations, 2014 came into force, the Department of Home Affairs issued "permits"; the 2014 regulations renamed every temporary residence category a "visa," so the legally correct term today is study visa. International applicants and many education agents still say "student visa" or "study permit," and search engines treat all three as the same query intent. Whichever term you use, you are applying for the Section 13 temporary residence visa described in this guide.

This matters in one practical way: when you complete the BI-1738 form or search the DHA and VFS Global portals, look for "study visa" — that is the wording the official systems use, even though your acceptance letter or agent may call it a study permit.

Who Needs a Study Visa?

Any foreign national who intends to enrol at a South African learning institution for a course longer than three calendar months needs a study visa. This includes:

• University students — undergraduate, honours, master's, and doctoral candidates at any of South Africa's 26 public universities or accredited private higher education institutions.
• TVET and college students — Technical and Vocational Education and Training colleges, private colleges, and learning academies registered with DHET or Umalusi.
• School-going minors — primary or high-school learners attending a public or independent school registered with the relevant provincial education department.
• Exchange and study-abroad students — including students on Erasmus+, Fulbright, and bilateral inter-university exchanges if the placement exceeds 90 days.

You do not need a study visa if your course runs for 90 days or less — a Section 11(1) visitor's visa, or visa-exempt entry where applicable, will cover short courses, summer schools, and conferences. Note that a Section 11(1) visitor's visa cannot be converted to a study visa from inside South Africa; you must return to your country of residence and apply through the SA mission abroad.

Eligible Learning Institutions

The DHA only issues study visas where the applicant is enrolled at an institution recognised under South African law. Three regulators sit between you and visa eligibility:

• DHET — Department of Higher Education and Training. Accredits all public and private universities, universities of technology, and TVET colleges. The DHET register is at dhet.gov.za.
• Umalusi — quality-assures private colleges, schools, and adult education centres offering NQF Levels 1–4 qualifications.
• Provincial education departments — register schools (Grades R–12) at provincial level (e.g. Gauteng Department of Education, Western Cape Education Department).

Always verify the institution's accreditation before paying any tuition. Several private colleges advertise programmes that DHET has not accredited; the DHA will refuse the study visa application even if you have a paid offer letter.

Student Visa Requirements: Eligibility at a Glance

Before you gather paperwork, confirm you meet the core student visa requirements. These are the eligibility conditions the DHA assesses; the detailed document checklist that proves each one follows in the next section.

Meet every row and your application is on solid footing; miss one and it is the single fastest route to a refusal. The full study permit requirements — the exact forms and supporting documents — are listed next.

Documents Required (Full Checklist)

The DHA's documentary requirements are set out in Regulation 13(1) and the standard study-visa checklist. As of 2026 you must submit:

• Completed BI-1738 application form, signed and dated.
• Passport valid for at least 30 days beyond the intended end of your study, with two clear blank pages for the visa endorsement.
• Two recent passport-style photographs (35mm × 45mm, white background).
• Official letter of acceptance from a DHET-accredited learning institution, on official letterhead, confirming enrolment, course details, course duration, and that the student has met admission requirements.
• Proof of medical aid registration with a South African medical scheme registered under the Medical Schemes Act 131 of 1998 — this is a mandatory condition under Regulation 13(2)(c) and must cover the full study period. International travel insurance does not satisfy this requirement.
• Proof of financial means to cover tuition, living expenses, and repatriation — typically a bank statement, a sponsor's affidavit (DHA-1664), or proof of bursary/scholarship. The DHA does not publish a fixed amount but expects evidence of approximately R3,000 per month for living expenses plus tuition.
• For applicants 18 years or older: a police clearance certificate from each country in which you've resided for 12 months or more since age 18.
• Radiological report (chest X-ray) for tuberculosis screening, unless exempted (children under 12, pregnant women).
• Medical certificate (BI-811 form) confirming applicant is in good health.
• For minors (under 18): unabridged birth certificate, parental consent, and proof of guardianship in South Africa. Read our guide to the unabridged birth certificate for what an SA-acceptable version looks like.
• Proof of payment of the application fee (R425, see fee table below).

If any document is in a language other than English, you must submit a sworn translation alongside the original.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step (BI-1738)

The 2026 application process is processed through VFS Global service centres on behalf of the DHA. The flow differs depending on whether you apply from outside or inside South Africa.

Applying from Outside South Africa (First-Time Applicants)

1. Receive your acceptance letter from the SA learning institution.
2. Register your medical aid with a South African scheme covering the full study period.
3. Obtain your police clearance, radiological report, and medical certificate in your home country.
4. Complete BI-1738 — download the latest version from dha.gov.za. Sign every page where indicated.
5. Book a VFS Global appointment at the SA mission or VFS centre nearest you. Pay the application fee online or at the appointment.
6. Submit biometrics and documents in person at the appointment.
7. Wait for the decision — current standard processing is 8 weeks (see processing times below).
8. Collect your passport with the study visa endorsed inside.
9. Travel to South Africa on or before the visa start date.

Applying from Inside South Africa

You may apply for a study visa from inside South Africa only if you already hold a valid temporary residence visa other than a Section 11(1) visitor's visa, and the change is permitted under Regulation 9(9). For example, holders of a spousal visa or relative's visa may apply for a study visa from within South Africa. Otherwise you must return to your country of residence and apply through the SA mission abroad.

2026 Fees

Study visa fees are payable in South African Rand and are set by the DHA. As of 2026 the fees are:

Renewal applications and changes of conditions carry the same DHA fee (R425) plus the VFS Global service fee.

Processing Times

The DHA's published target turnaround for first-time study visa applications is 8 weeks from VFS submission to decision, though in practice applicants often see decisions in 4–10 weeks depending on the SA mission and whether additional supporting documents are requested. Renewal applications submitted from inside South Africa typically resolve within 8–12 weeks.

You can track your application using the VFS Global tracking portal or by quoting your reference number to the SA mission you applied through. The DHA does not publish a public real-time status tool for study visa applications.

Working Part-Time on a Study Visa

Holders of a valid study visa may work part-time, but only under strict conditions set by Regulation 13(8):

• Maximum 20 hours per week during academic terms.
• Full-time work permitted during official university recess periods.
• The work must be incidental to the studies — internships, on-campus jobs, tutoring, or part-time service work.
• The student must inform the institution and may not require a separate work visa for this incidental work.

If you want to take on full-time employment beyond what is permitted, you must apply for a work visa separately.

Renewing or Extending a Study Visa

Study visas are issued for the duration of the course of study, capped at the maximum of the qualification (typically 3 years for an undergraduate degree, plus a 90-day grace period after course end). If your course is longer or your registration extends, you must apply to renew or extend the visa at least 60 days before expiry.

Renewal applications follow the same process as a first application but may be submitted from inside South Africa. You'll re-submit the BI-1738 form, an updated letter from the institution confirming continued enrolment and good academic standing, an updated medical aid certificate, and proof of financial means.

Common Refusal Reasons

The most common refusal reasons in the past two years have been:

• Acceptance letter from a non-DHET-accredited institution.
• Medical aid certificate from an international (non-SA) provider.
• Insufficient proof of financial means or sponsor affidavit not properly notarised.
• Police clearance missing for one or more countries of residence.
• Passport with less than 30 days' validity beyond intended end of study.
• Application from inside South Africa where the applicant holds a Section 11(1) visitor's visa.

If your application is refused, you have a right of appeal under Section 8(4) of the Immigration Act, which must be lodged within 10 working days of the refusal letter. A second appeal (review) under Section 8(6) lies to the Director-General within 10 working days of the appeal outcome.

After Approval: Registration and Practicalities

Once your study visa is endorsed and you've travelled to South Africa, there are several practical steps to complete in your first 30 days:

• Register at your institution — present the visa and all original supporting documents at the registrar's office.
• Activate your medical aid — confirm coverage start date and obtain your member card.
• Open a South African bank account — most banks accept the study visa, passport, and proof of address (an institution residence letter works) as FICA-compliant identification. See our guide to non-citizen identification in South Africa for the full picture, and our free SA ID number checker confirms any ID number's format instantly.
• Apply for a SARS tax number if you'll be working part-time. SARS issues tax numbers to study visa holders on the strength of the visa endorsement.
• Register with your country's embassy or consulate in South Africa — an unofficial but useful safety net.

Study Visa vs Other Temporary Residence Visas

Several temporary residence visa categories overlap with the study visa in scope. Knowing which one applies saves a refused application:

• Study visa (Section 13) — for full-time study at an accredited institution, course longer than 90 days.
• Visitor's visa (Section 11(1)) — for short courses, summer schools, or conferences ≤ 90 days. Cannot be converted to a study visa from inside SA.
• Work visa (Section 19) — for full-time employment. Holders may study part-time without a separate study visa.
• Exchange visa (Section 22) — for cultural, economic, or social exchange programmes ≤ 12 months. Different category, similar age and institution requirements.
• Spousal visa (Section 11(6)) — issued to foreign spouses or life partners of SA citizens or permanent residents. May allow study without a separate visa.

Path to Permanent Residence and Citizenship

A study visa is not a direct pathway to permanent residence. Years spent in South Africa on a study visa do not count towards the five-year qualifying period for residence under Section 26(a) of the Immigration Act. However, after graduation a study visa holder may apply for a general work visa or critical skills visa if their qualification matches a critical skills occupation. Five years on a continuous work visa thereafter qualifies for PR under Section 26(a), and a further five years (with PR) qualifies for naturalisation as a South African citizen under Section 5(1)(c) of the Citizenship Act.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch from a visitor's visa to a study visa from inside South Africa?

No. Section 11(1) visitor's visa holders may not change conditions or apply for a study visa from inside South Africa. You must depart and apply through the SA mission in your country of residence. This is one of the most common refused-application scenarios.

How long does a study visa last?

A study visa is issued for the duration of the course of study, plus a 90-day grace period after course end. The maximum continuous validity is the length of the qualification — typically 3 years for an undergraduate degree, 1–2 years for an honours or master's, and up to 5 years for a doctoral programme. It is renewable.

Can I bring my spouse or children with me?

Yes. Spouses and dependent children may apply for accompanying visas — typically a Section 11(6) spousal visa for the spouse and a relative's visa under Section 18 for dependent children. Each accompanying person must apply separately and meet financial-means requirements.

Do I need medical aid from a South African scheme?

Yes. Regulation 13(2)(c) requires medical aid registration with a scheme registered under the Medical Schemes Act 131 of 1998. International travel insurance does not satisfy this requirement, even if the cover amounts are higher. Common compliant schemes include Discovery, Bonitas, Momentum Health, and Compcare.

What happens if I drop out or change institutions mid-visa?

The institution must report the change to the DHA. If you drop out, the visa lapses and you must depart South Africa or change to another visa category. If you change institutions, you must apply to vary the conditions of your study visa within 30 days of registration at the new institution.

Can I work full-time after I graduate while my application for a work visa is pending?

No. Your study visa lapses once you complete or formally withdraw from your course of study (subject to the 90-day grace period). You may not work in South Africa unless you hold a valid work visa or critical skills visa endorsement. You can apply for a work visa from inside South Africa only if you submit before the study visa expires; otherwise you must depart and apply abroad.

Where can I track my application?

Use the VFS Global tracking portal — visa.vfsglobal.com/zaf/en/zaf/track-your-application — and enter your reference number. The DHA does not publish a separate public tracking tool for study visas.

Is a study permit the same as a study visa in South Africa?

Yes. "Study permit" is the older term used before the 2014 Immigration Regulations; "study visa" is the current legal term; and "student visa" is the everyday phrasing. All three describe the same Section 13 temporary residence visa. Use "study visa" when dealing with the BI-1738 form and the DHA or VFS Global systems.

What are the requirements for a student visa in South Africa?

The core student visa requirements are an acceptance letter from an accredited institution, proof of financial means, membership of a registered South African medical scheme, police clearance from each country you have lived in for 12 months or more since age 18, a passport valid for at least 30 days beyond your course, and a TB radiological report plus a medical certificate. The full document checklist is set out above.

Final Thoughts

A study visa is the gateway for international students to access South Africa's universities, colleges, and schools — but the application is unforgiving of small mistakes. Verify the institution's DHET accreditation, register medical aid with a South African scheme, gather police clearances from every country you've lived in for 12 months or more since age 18, and apply at least 8 weeks before your intended travel date. If you're unsure whether the study visa is the right category for you, a 10-minute review of our work visa, spousal visa, and non-citizen ID guides will save weeks of confusion later.

Our free South African ID number checker validates the format of any SA ID number — useful once you start opening bank accounts, registering for SARS, or signing tenancy agreements as a study visa holder.