Home Affairs and Study Permits

All non-South African students, including students who will only be doing research and not attending classes, require study permits or an endorsed visitor's visa. You should lodge your application in your country of origin and await the outcome BEFORE travelling to Stellenbosch.

If coming to Stellenbosch University for less than three months (i.e. for research purposes) you do not need a study permit. However, you do need a visitor’s visa with an endorsement / condition stating clearly the purpose of your visit to Stellenbosch University.

Without this document you cannot be registered. Students with passports from countries that have been exempted from tourist visas must still apply for a visitor’s visa with the special endorsement. If you enter the country without such an endorsement you may be requested to leave the country. Without such a document the University is in no position to register you.

Your application for a study permit must be lodged at your nearest South African representative (in your home country) and you may not enter South Africa without a valid study permit.

It is your responsibility to maintain its validity. Your study permit should stay valid in the passport for 30 days. Renewals should be applied for at least 8 weeks prior to the expiry date. Assistance and forms are available at the Postgraduate & International Office.

Nearest branches of Home Affairs in South Africa: