Study Visa

STUDY VISA PRIOR TO ARRIVAL

All international students must have a valid study visa to study at Stellenbosch University (SU). Without it, SU is not allowed to accept your registration. The visa needs to be obtained before you travel to South Africa. Therefore, please contact your nearest South African high commission​ for information on the application process and supporting documents required. 

Some of the documents you will be required to submit along with your visa application include:

• a medica​​​l certificate;
• a radiological report; and 
• proof of medical cover recognised in South Africa, from a provider registered with the South African Council for Medical Schemes in terms of the Medical Schemes Act, 1998 (click here for more information on medical schemes).

​IMPORTANT: Although turnaround times may vary depending on the country you’re applying from, visa applications can take several weeks to process. Therefore, start by making a list of the supporting documents you will need, as these may take time to obtain. Please ensure that your visa application is complete before you submit.

The information provided here serves as a guide only. The requirements for obtaining a study visa are subject to change, and each application is treated individually. Always approach your nearest South African high commission​ for a full list of requirements before you start assembling your application.

RENEWAL OF STUDY VISA IN SOUTH AFRICA

If you plan on continuing your studies beyond the validity of your study visa, you will need to apply for visa renewal. This has to be done at least 60 days prior to the expiry date of your current visa. 

​​Applications are dealt with by VFS Global. Please follow these simple steps:

• Apply online on the VFS Global website. Please familiarise yourself with the process described there.
• Pay the application fee. This will be a total of R1 775, which is made up of VFS’s facilitation fee of R1 350 and the Department of Home Affairs’ renewal fee of R425.
• Then schedule an appointment.

On the day of your appointment, take along the following supporting documents, which may not to be older than six months: 

• Copy of your passport and visa
• Medical certificate and radiological report​
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate if you come from a yellow fever region
• Official letter confirming your continued studies, including undertaking   
• Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself (three months’ South African bank statements)
• Proof of fully paid health insurance from a provider registered with the South African Council for Medical Schemes in terms of the Medical Schemes Act, 1998 

VFS Global will also do the following during your appointment:

• Apply for a South African police clearance
• Take your biometrics if your application is accepted

For more information on immigration issues:

Linda Uys • Immigration & Health
Tel: +27 (0)21 808 4628/E-mail: lu@sun.ac.za