Time frames and cost

The primary characteristics that define the conditions for obtaining and using a visa. These conditions may vary depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant and the decision of the immigration authorities of the country.

Documents

A list of documents required for visa application. The exact list depends on the chosen visa type, the purpose of the visit, and the individual conditions of the applicant.

Mandatory

The essential minimum documents required for a visa application, such as a passport or visa application form. These are necessary regardless of the location, method, or conditions of the application.

• Passport

  Or an equivalent travel document, with a validity period exceeding the duration of the visa by at least 30 days and with at least 2 blank pages.

• Photograph

  Must be recent (taken within the last 6 months), in color, clear, and sized 35x45mm. The face should occupy 70-80% of the image, printed on high-quality, matte paper with a plain, light background. Hair must not cover the eyes or eyebrows. Headwear is not permitted unless worn for religious or medical reasons, and the full face must remain visible. Applicants must submit 2 photographs.

• Visa application form

  Official visa application form, completely filled and signed by the applicant.

• Receipt of fee payment

  Confirmation of the visa application processing fee.

• Passport copies

  Applicants are required to submit a copy of the passport page bearing their personal data and photograph, copies of any previous South African visas appearing in the passport, and, if applicable, a copy of a second passport.

Supporting

Documents that specify, substantiate, and confirm the purpose of the visit, as well as provide necessary information about the applicant and their future activities in the country.

• Letter of acceptance

  A signed and dated acceptance letter from the South African educational institution (school, university, or college) on its official letterhead, confirming provisional or final admission and the course duration. The letter must include the signatory's details and the institution's contact information. The document must be accompanied by proof of the institution's accreditation or registration with the Department of Education or the relevant provincial education authority, unless the institution is a public university or college.

• Undertaking letter

  The applicant must submit a written undertaking by the Registrar or Principal of the learning institution, committing to provide proof of registration as required by relevant legislation within 60 days of registration, or, in the event of failure to register by the closing date, to provide the Director-General with a notification of such failure within 7 days of the closing date. The institution also undertakes to inform the Director-General within 30 days if the applicant is deregistered, and to notify the Director-General within 30 days of the completion of studies or if an extension of the study period is required.

• Documents for minors

  For a learner under the age of 18, the following documents must be submitted: an unabridged birth certificate; a copy of their identity document, if applicable; proof of the physical address and contact number of the adult person in South Africa who has agreed to act as the learner's guardian, along with a confirmatory letter from that guardian; and proof of consent for the intended stay from both parents, or, where applicable, from the parent or legal guardian who holds a court order granting full or specific parental responsibilities and rights or legal guardianship of the learner.

• Undertaking to cover departure costs

  If a foreign state accepts responsibility for the applicant under a bilateral agreement, a written undertaking from that state must be submitted, confirming that it will cover the costs of the applicant's departure.

Additional

Documents required vary depending on individual circumstances, specific visa conditions, the place, and the method of application.

• Yellow fever vaccination certificate

  A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for individuals traveling from or transiting through yellow fever endemic regions of Africa or South America. The vaccination should be administered at least 10 days prior to entry. This requirement does not apply to persons who remain in direct transit through such areas without stopover.

• Medical report

  Applicants must submit a medical report issued by a registered medical practitioner, confirming their general state of health and detailing any medical conditions they may have. The document must not be older than 6 months at the time of submission.

• Police clearance certificate

  A police clearance certificate must be issued by the police or competent authority in any country where the applicant resided for 12 months or longer during the five years immediately preceding the application, after having attained the age of 18. The certificate must not be older than 6 months at the time of submission.

• Proof of financial mean

  Applicants must submit an original bank statement for the last 3 months, duly stamped and certified by the issuing bank, and dated no earlier than 7 days prior to the date of submission. The statement must show a sufficient balance to cover the academic program and living expenses. If sponsored, a written undertaking with financial commitments is required, together with proof of the sponsor's income and a certified copy of their ID or passport (including a valid long-term visa or permanent residence permit, if applicable).

• Proof of accommodation

  If proof of accommodation is not included in the Acceptance Letter or Undertaking from the learning institution, applicants must provide a lease agreement in their or their parent's name for a university or school residence, showing the physical address. For minors, a copy of the adult or guardian's ID and contact details must also be submitted. If staying with a family member, relative, friend, a signed invitation letter is required, dated within 1 month of the application and including the host's physical address and contact details.

• Medical cover

  The applicant must provide proof of medical cover, renewed annually for the duration of the study, with a medical scheme registered under the Medical Schemes Act. For minors, a written undertaking by the parents or legal guardian must be submitted, confirming that the learner will have medical cover for the entire study period.

*Foreign official documents must be apostilled and legalized in accordance with the regulations of the country whose consular or diplomatic mission they are being submitted to. Additionally, they must be accompanied by a certified translation into the official language of that country or into English, unless otherwise specified by the mission's requirements.

**Prior to submitting the documents, it is strongly advised to verify the specific procedures and requirements with the relevant mission.

Sources

Links to official resources upon which the information presented on the website is based. Information portals of government bodies or diplomatic representations of the country responsible for visa issuance and immigration policy in general.

• The Department of Home Affairs of the Republic of South Africa
• Immigration Act of the Republic of South Africa
• The South African online eVisa system