Country guide
🇿🇦 South Africa
Southern Africa · PretoriaHDI 0.741GDP per capita (PPP) 15456
Student decision
Student work20 h/weekVérifiéSource · 2026-06-30
Post-study workBeing qualified
Admission languageProof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) required from non-native speakers; English is the main language of instruction.VérifiéSource · 2026-06-30
Student visa requiredYesOfficielSource · 2026-07-01
Cost of livingBeing qualified
Student visaVisa issued to foreigners wishing to study in South Africa at an institution registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and the Department of Home Affairs (DHA).Source · 2026-07-01T00:00:00.000Z
Preparation & steps
Required documentsApplication combining passport, DHA-1738 form, admission letter, financial proof, medical cover, medical certificate and police clearance.Source · 2026-07-01T00:00:00.000Z
Application documents
- Passport valid 30+ days after return, 2 blank pages (+ certified copy of the bio page)
- Duly completed and signed DHA-1738 form
- Acceptance letter from an institution registered with the DHET and the DHA
- Proof of financial means (bank statements for the past 3 months + notarised sponsorship)
- Proof of medical cover renewed annually (registered scheme, Medical Schemes Act)
- Medical certificate (< 6 months) and chest X-ray (with exceptions)
- Police clearance / criminal record certificate (< 6 months)
- Two ID photos on a light background