About applying for a study permit

What you should do

• Go to your nearest Home Affairs office or South African representative if you are applying from abroad.
• Complete application form BI-1738.
• Your passport must be valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of your intended visit.
  
• Submit the following:
• a vaccination certificate, if required 
• proof of financial means in the form of:
• bank statement
• bursary
• cash available or travellers’ cheques to cover your living expenses during your stay in South Africa and to pay tuition fees
• medical cover registered in terms of South African medical scheme or any medical cover recognised by the Medical Schemes Council
• cash deposit of equivalent value of your return ticket to your country of origin or residence. (In the case of African students an undertaking from the relevant government will take full responsibility of the student and to pay all costs, should it become necessary to deport the student)
• temporary residence permit, if applicable
• medical and radiological report
• if you are a minor you must also submit particulars of the person in South Africa who will act as your guardian and confirmatory letter from such person
• proof of consent for the intended stay from both parents, or from the sole custody parent along with proof of sole custody
• an official letter from the institution confirming provisional acceptance and duration of the course
• a police clearance from all countries you lived in for 12 months or longer since the age of 18.
  

Timeframe

It might take six months to process your application.

How much does it cost

R 425

Forms to complete

Who to contact