About applying for visitor’s visa – academic sabbaticals

If you want to study in South Africa for three years or less, you may apply for a visitor’s visa under academic sabbatical category.

The visa is issued for only three years.

What you should do

• Apply at a South African representative in your country or nearest mission.
• Complete form BI-84.
• Submit the following:
• passport valid for 30 more days after the intended return date from South Africa
• cash deposit of equivalent value of your return ticket to your country of origin or residence
• proof that a South African organisation/institution will be responsible for you
• a vaccination certificate, if required
• a medical report and radiological report (radiological report is not applicable for pregnant woman)
• proof of financial means in the form of:
• bank statements
• cash available, or travellers’ cheques to cover living expenses 
• a police clearance from all countries you lived in since the age of 18 for 12 months or longer
• a letter from the foreign academic institution, confirming enrolment  
• a letter from the  South African organisation or institution confirming the purpose and duration of visit.
  

Note: The Immigration Act requires you to enter South Africa on a temporary residence permit commensurate with the intended activity to be taken in the country.

Timeframe

It might take about five to ten days to finalise your application.

How much does it cost

R 425

Forms to complete

Application for a visa,BI-84

Who to contact

Department of Home Affairs