International postdocs
The Postdoctoral Office (PDO) at the Division for Research Development (DRD) is your primary contact for administrative support and to facilitate your stay in South Africa. In collaboration with Stellenbosch University International (SU International/SUI), we assist international postdoctoral researchers with logistical arrangements, including support for visa applications, temporary accommodation at Stellenbosch University, airport transport upon arrival, and registration on the University system. If you have an existing visa, please reach out to SU International for guidance
For further enquiries, please contact us at [email protected]
Postdoctoral researcher fellows (Postdocs) at Stellenbosch University are considered research fellows, rather than staff or students. They receive a fellowship, not a salary, from the University or a funding organisation. Hosting international postdocs helps to internationalise the university and expand collaborative research networks. International postdocs contribute to SU's goal of becoming an internationally acclaimed research-intensive university.
Visa Requirements:
International postdoctoral researcher fellows must apply for a "Visitor’s Visa Section 11(1)(b)(iii) for research activities (exceeding 3 months to 3 years)." You should apply for a visitor's permit allowing you to conduct postdoctoral research at Stellenbosch University.
International postdoctoral researchers can get information regarding their type of visa below:
• https://www.sun.ac.za/english/SUInternational/Pages/Visa-Information.aspx
• https://www.vfsglobal.com/en/individuals/index.html
• https://visa.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/dha/southafrica/english/index.html
To successfully apply for an endorsed visitor's visa (Section 11.1) for your postdoctoral position at Stellenbosch University, follow these steps:
1. Prepare Key Documents:
- Acceptance Letter (Award letter): Obtain a formal acceptance letter from the PDO. Ensure that it clearly states your fellowship period (start and end dates).
- Confirmation Letter from PDO (Visa letter/Letter of Invitation): Request a letter from the PDO confirming your placement as a Postdoc.
2. Contact the Nearest South African Mission:
- Identify the nearest South African Mission (Consulate or Embassy). This will be your primary point of contact for submitting your visa application.
- Confirm the specific documents required and the application process, as these can vary by location.
3. Visit the VFS Global Website:
- Even if your nearest South African Mission does not currently use VFS for visa applications, the VFS Global website provides valuable information on the required documents. Visit the VFS Global South Africa page for guidance.
4. Gather Supporting Documents:
- Ensure you have all the necessary documents ready. These typically include:
* A valid passport
* Completed visa application forms
* Passport-sized photos
* Proof of financial means
* Travel itinerary
* Proof of accommodation in South Africa
* Police clearance certificate (which can take up to 6 weeks to acquire)
* Medical insurance proof
* Any other documents specified by the South African Mission
5. Submit Your Application:
- Allocate sufficient time for visa processing.
- Submit your application along with all required documents to the South African Mission. Ensure everything is complete to avoid delays.
6. Follow Up:
- Stay in contact with the South African Mission to track the progress of your application. Be prepared to provide any additional documents they may request.
According to the regulations of the Department of Home Affairs, international Postdocs are required to become members of a South African medical aid. Should a Postdoc have been at the University for more than 30 days without SA medical aid cover, he/she will be in contravention of this regulation and the appointment of such a Postdoc can be cancelled due to non-compliance. It is the Postdoc’s responsibility to submit proof of membership of a South African medical aid to the Postdoc Office at the Division for Research Development.
Information is available here: https://www.sun.ac.za/english/SUInternational/international-students/medical-aid
SU International can arrange temporary university accommodation on campus for postdoctoral researchers, subject to availability. This temporary housing allows postdocs to settle in Stellenbosch before finding long-term accommodation.
Enquiries can be sent to: [email protected] and [email protected].
More information is available at the links below:
https://www.sun.ac.za/english/SUInternational/international-students/accomodation
Stellenbosch University International will arrange for a driver to pick you up from Cape Town International Airport and bring you to Stellenbosch. Please complete the transport request here and, the arrival sheet online at least five working days before your arrival.
SUI TRANSPORT REQUESTS (NEW ARRIVALS)
Important: The transfer service is available to all new international postdocs, but only for the first arrival. It is the postdoc’s responsibility to ensure that they make their booking with the office. More information is available here:
https://www.sun.ac.za/english/SUInternational/international-students/airport-transfer