A study visa is an official immigration document issued by the South African Department of Home Affairs (DHA) that allows non-South African citizens to enroll at a South African educational institution while temporarily residing in the country.

International students who do not hold South African citizenship, a permanent residence permit, or another temporary residence permit for study purposes must obtain this visa.

(Source: http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/types-of-visas)

a) First-time applicants
All first-time study visa applicants must apply at the nearest South African embassy, consulate, or high commission in their home country.

b) Visa extensions for current students
Students already enrolled at Stellenbosch University who wish to extend their study visa must submit their application:

• 60 days before the current permit expires for long-term study visas.
• 30 days before the current visa expires for short-stay visas.

Extension applications can be submitted through VFS Centers in South Africa. For a list of centers, visit: VFS Global – Where to Apply.

All passports and travel documents must be valid for no less than 30 days after the end date of your intended stay.

(Source: http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/immigration-services/types-of-visas )

Visa applications are assessed on an individual basis, so processing times can vary. Please wait until a decision has been made and your documents are ready for collection, as VFS Global does not control or influence the processing timelines.

(Source: https://www.vfsglobal.com/dha/southafrica/study-visa-content.html)

After completing your undergraduate studies and with your visa expired, you must apply for a new study visa for your postgraduate studies. As a returning applicant, you can submit your application either from your home country or at a VFS center in South Africa. For locations and details, visit: VFS Global – Where to Apply.

If you do not apply for a study visa extension on time, you must leave South Africa before your current visa expires. Overstaying can result in being declared ‘undesirable.’ You can then apply for a new study visa from your home country.

a) Applying for concession:
If you have overstayed your visa, you must immediately report to the nearest Home Affairs office to obtain Form 23. This form allows you to apply for Form 20, which is a request for concession from penalties for overstaying on good grounds. Once approved, you will receive Form 20 and should apply for your visa renewal as soon as possible through a VFS center.

b) Important note:
Overstaying is a violation of the South African Immigration Act. If you leave South Africa without obtaining Form 23 and Form 20, you may be declared ‘undesirable’, which can result in being banned from re-entry.

c) Appealing a declaration of undesirability:
Persons declared undesirable under Section 30(1)(h) read with 50(1) of the Immigration Act (No. 13 of 2002, as amended) must submit a written representation to appeal. The following documents are required:

• A written explanation for the overstay with supporting documents
• Copy of the declaration of undesirability (Form 19) issued at the Port of Entry
• Copy of relevant passport pages, including the bio page
• Acknowledgment of receipt if a permit application is pending
• Medical certificate, if the overstay was due to medical reasons

Submit the appeal via email to: [email protected].
For confirmation, applicants may contact IMS Deportations at 012 406 4985.

For Study Visa:
Depending on your situation, you may need the following letters:

1. Letter of Undertaking for New Applicants – Required for first-time study visa applicants.
2. Letter of Undertaking for Current Students – Required to renew your study visa to continue your studies at Stellenbosch University.
3. Confirmation of Accommodation – Confirms your university-arranged housing. Note: This letter is only issued if you have successfully secured accommodation through the university.

For Visitor Visa:
If you are accompanying your spouse who is a student at Stellenbosch University, you will need an Invitation Letter. This letter should confirm:

• Your address and duration of stay in South Africa
• Support from your spouse
• Your passport details

How to request these letters:

• Contact SU International via email or their online request portal, providing your full name, student number (if applicable), programme details, and the purpose of the letter.
• Allow sufficient time for processing before your visa application deadline.

The Letter of Undertaking is a document issued by Stellenbosch University that confirms you have been accepted as an international student.

If you are applying for a study visa to study at Stellenbosch University, this letter is required as part of your visa application.

For a full list of documents needed for your study visa application, visit: VFS Global – Study Visa Documents.

Yes, each time you apply for a study visa, you are required to provide a police clearance certificate. This certificate must cover every country where you have lived for 12 months or more since the age of 18.

VFS Global can assist with the police clearance application for a fee. 

Yes, you can apply for a study visa using an official letter confirming provisional or conditional acceptance at Stellenbosch University. The letter must also indicate the duration of your course.

(Source: VFS Global – Study Visa Documents)

Yes, students can leave South Africa while awaiting the outcome of their study visa renewal. As long as your current visa is still valid, you can leave and re-enter the country. However, it is recommended to remain in South Africa until your renewed visa has been issued to avoid any potential complications.

Faculty officers have the discretion to allow students to register after the official registration period. Students must contact the relevant faculty office directly to discuss their situation and obtain a decision for their individual case.

No. If you have a study visa for a different institution but want to study at Stellenbosch University, you must apply for a change of conditions through VFS.

A change of study visa conditions allows you to transfer your valid study visa from one institution to another within South Africa.

(Source: Department of Home Affairs – Temporary Permits)

No. You can only receive a proof of accommodation letter from the university if you have been offered a room and have accepted it. The letter confirms that you will be residing in university-provided accommodation during your studies.

An asylum seeker is someone who has fled their home country and is seeking recognition and protection as a refugee in South Africa, with their application still being processed. If the application is denied, the individual must leave the country voluntarily or face deportation.

As long as they hold a Section 22 permit, asylum seekers have the right to work and study in South Africa and are protected from deportation to their country of origin.

(Source: Department of Home Affairs)

A refugee is a person who has been granted asylum and protection under Section 24 of the Refugee Act No. 130 of 1998. Refugees may be recognized as “convention refugees” if they have left their home country due to a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group, as defined by the 1951 United Nations Convention.

A refugee with a Section 24 permit is allowed to stay in South Africa for two years. While the permit is valid, the holder is permitted to work and study in South Africa.

(Source: Department of Home Affairs)

Yes. Students on a study visa can work up to 20-hours per week.

No, all passports and travel documents must be valid for no less than 30 days after the end date of your intended stay.

(Source: http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/immigration-services/types-of-visas )

All passports and travel documents must be valid for no less than 30 days after the end date of your intended stay.

(Source: http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/immigration-services/types-of-visas )

No. For a study visa in South Africa, you are required to have South African medical aid cover registered with the Council for Medical Schemes. International or foreign-based medical cover is not accepted for visa purposes.

No. You are required to have medical aid cover with a South African provider registered under the Council for Medical Schemes.

Medical aid helps cover a wide range of healthcare needs such as doctor’s visits, surgery, dental care, optometry, prescribed medicine, and hospital accommodation when needed.

By contrast, medical or hospital insurance only provides limited cover for specific events, such as accidents or particular medical procedures. It does not cover ongoing healthcare expenses in the same way that a medical aid scheme does, and therefore does not meet the Department of Home Affairs’ requirements for a study visa.