Looking for an exciting, unique and memorable language learning experience abroad? Then maybe you should consider an English language course in South Africa. There is nothing in this world that can compete with the wonderful scene of admiring wild animals from only ten feet away.
Apart of the lovely safaris, in South Africa you can enjoy stunning beaches and imposing mountains and everywhere you turn, you get to admire the picturesque scenery.
Although there is a slight chance you will feel a stranger in South Africa, as you will discover a large multicultural population, you can still find many places that reflect the true South African culture. Nevertheless, in most cases, you will have to apply for a study visa if you plan to enrol at an English language school in South Africa. Most language schools are based in the most developed cities in the country: Cape Town, Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth and Pretoria.
If you plan to stay for up to 90 days in South Africa, citizens from several countries won’t need to apply for a visa. So first check how long does you chosen English language course last.
Check the list of countries who are exempt from applying for a visa for South Africa.
If your home country doesn’t appear in the list below or your language course last more than 90 days, it means you will have to apply for a study visa for South Africa.
Specific features of the study visa for South Africa1. Even if you just consider to apply for a language course at a language school in South Africa, you will have to apply for the study visa, which is the same type of visa that is required for students who apply for a higher education institution. You can apply for a visa at the nearest embassy of South Africa.
2. In order to qualify for a study visa, your chosen language school must be registered with either the Department of Basic Education or the Department of Higher Education. First, contact one of these institutions, as some private language schools may not be included on the list of qualified institutions.
3. The term “visa” for South Africa is understood a little differently, compared to what you would normally think when you apply for a visa for any country. A visa for South Africa does not allow you to enter the country, it simply allows you to travel to a South African port of entry. Here, an immigration officer will check if you meet all the requirements that give you permission to enter South Africa.
4. You will receive a residence permit that replaces your visa and states the duration and the purpose of your stay in South Africa.
Useful tips in applying for a study visa for South Africa- Apply for your visa at least four weeks before your departure for South Africa.
- The study visa is granted only for a period of three months. If your language course lasts longer than three months or wish to apply for an additional language course, you will have to re-new your visa.
- Apply for a new study visa at least 60 days prior to the expiry of your study permit.
- You have the option to change your visa status or re-new it while you are still in South Africa so it’s not necessary to go back to your home country.
- The processing time for a study visa application submitted in South Africa is between four and eight weeks.
Check the list with all the necessary documents required by embassies or consulates for the South Africa study visa:
- A passport or travel document (valid for at least another 30 days after your intended visit ends)
- Your passport must have at least two unused page for entry / departure endorsements
- A completed Form BI-84 (application for a visa)
- Proof of payment of the visa application fee
- A yellow-fever vaccination certificate *(if required)
- Statement and/or documentation confirming the purpose and duration of your stay
- Two colour passport photographs
- A return plane ticket (if you are travelling by air)
- Proof of financial means to pay for your living expenses while in South Africa (3,000 African Rands per month – the equivalent of 200 USD)
* South Africa requires all travellers that come from yellow fever risk countries to show proof of yellow fever vaccination through a valid yellow fever certificate.
Although there is no mandatory request from South African authorities, The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention recommends making some health checks and immunisations before your departure to South Africa.
The most common vaccinations made by travellers that go to South Africa are:
- Hepatitis A vaccine – recommended as you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water regardless of where you are eating or staying.
- Typhoid vaccine – recommended as you can get typhoid through contaminated food or water, especially if you visit smaller cities or rural areas.
For any questions or detailed information about anything related to your planned trip to South Africa, don’t hesitate to contact the South Africa embassy or consulate in your area or the Department of Home Affairs in South Africa.