South Africa Student Visa
The South Africa Student Visa, officially the Study Visa, is issued by the Department of Home Affairs to foreign nationals who have been accepted to study at a recognised South African learning institution. Applicants apply using Form BI-1738, submitted at the VFS Global centre nearest to the institution where they will study, or at a South African embassy, mission, or consulate abroad.
This visa is intended for students enrolled in a formal course of study, including university, college, or other accredited educational programmes. Unlike short-stay visas, a Study Visa for enrolment at an institution other than a school is issued for the duration of the course the student is registered for, rather than a fixed short period. Students are generally not permitted to undertake unrelated work while on this visa unless the applicable conditions and endorsements specifically allow limited part-time work.
Approval of a South Africa Student Visa depends solely on the South African Department of Home Affairs, based on the applicant’s admission status, financial documentation, and compliance with the requirements set for this category.
Eligibility
- Applicant must have a confirmed offer of admission from a recognised South African learning institution.
- Applicant must hold a valid passport with sufficient remaining validity.
- Applicant must demonstrate sufficient financial means to cover tuition fees and living expenses for the duration of study.
- Applicant must provide proof of accommodation arrangements in South Africa.
- Minor applicants require additional documentation, including parental consent and guardianship arrangements.
- Applicant must meet standard temporary residence requirements, such as medical documentation and police clearance where required.
- The application should generally be lodged in the applicant’s country of origin or permanent residence, where required by the relevant mission.
Government Visa Fees
| Fee Type | Government Fee (ZAR) |
| Study Visa Application Fee | Confirmed at application |
| VFS Global Service Fee (where applicable) | Confirmed at application |
Government fees for the South Africa Student Visa are confirmed at the time of application and can vary by nationality and mission. Information may vary depending on the visa category and individual circumstances. Exchange rates fluctuate daily, so always confirm the current INR equivalent before payment.
South Africa Student Visa Processing Time
Processing time for a South Africa Student Visa depends on the mission or VFS centre handling the application, the completeness of the admission and financial documentation, and the applicant’s nationality. Because the visa is tied to a specific institution and course, delays in obtaining the institution’s admission letter can also affect the overall application timeline, so students are encouraged to secure their admission confirmation as early as possible.
DHA has acknowledged historic backlogs across visa categories and has issued periodic concessions for affected applicants, so processing times can vary, particularly during peak enrolment periods ahead of academic terms. Once a decision is made, the passport is returned through the same application centre or mission where the application was submitted. Students should apply well ahead of their course start date to allow sufficient time for processing and any additional document requests. Information may vary depending on the visa category and individual circumstances.
Required Documents Checklist
South Africa Student Visa Application Process
Important Notes
Why Choose Shivansh Consultants
A South Africa Student Visa application depends on tight coordination between your institution’s admission process and DHA’s documentation requirements — a delay on either side can affect your intended start date. Shivansh Consultants offers Documentation Support, a clear Eligibility Assessment, and thorough Application Review to help keep your application on track.
We provide Personalized Guidance suited to your course and institution, backed by a Transparent Process and End-to-End Assistance from document preparation through to submission. We do not guarantee visa approval, as this decision rests entirely with the Department of Home Affairs, but we help ensure nothing is missing from your application.