Residence Permit for Studies (ST1) vs Study Visa
Student visa comparison: Denmark and South Africa. Tuition, work rights, financial requirements and post-study pathways.
Overview
 DK
Residence Permit for Studies (ST1)
|
 ZA
Study Visa
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Country | Denmark | South Africa |
| Program type | Full time | Full time |
| Status | Active | Active |
At a glance
|
DK
Residence Permit for Studies (ST1)
|
ZA
Study Visa
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Initial duration | — | — |
| Proof of funds | $13,803 | $181 |
| Application fee | $474 | $26 |
| Work during study | Yes | Yes |
| Post-study visa | Yes | No |
Tuition
|
DK
Residence Permit for Studies (ST1)
|
ZA
Study Visa
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Tuition policy | Mixed | Full fee |
| Tuition-free scope | Eu eea | None |
| Tuition-free condition | Free for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and Nordic country nationals. | — |
| Tuition maximum | $17,900 | — |
| Scholarships available | Yes | Yes |
Duration
|
DK
Residence Permit for Studies (ST1)
|
ZA
Study Visa
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Initial duration | — | — |
| Maximum duration | — | — |
| Renewable | Yes | Yes |
| Renewal duration | 12 months | — |
Financial requirements
|
DK
Residence Permit for Studies (ST1)
|
ZA
Study Visa
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Proof of funds | $13,803 | $181 |
| Application fee | $474 | $26 |
| Dependent fee | $474 | — |
Work during study
|
DK
Residence Permit for Studies (ST1)
|
ZA
Study Visa
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Work allowed | Yes | Yes |
| Hours per week (term) | — | 20 hrs |
| Hours per week (vacation) | — | 20 hrs |
| Unlimited hours | No | No |
| Freelance allowed | No | No |
| On campus only | No | No |
| Work permission type | Automatic | Automatic |
Requirements
|
DK
Residence Permit for Studies (ST1)
|
ZA
Study Visa
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Full-time study | Required | Required |
| Institution accreditation | Required | Required |
| Health insurance | Not required | Required |
| Medical exam | Not required | Required |
| Criminal record check | Not required | Required |
| Accommodation proof | Not required | Required |
| Visa interview | Not required | Not required |
Family and dependents
|
DK
Residence Permit for Studies (ST1)
|
ZA
Study Visa
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Dependents allowed | No | Yes |
| Dependent restriction | Most new student applicants from 1 October 2026 cannot bring a spouse/partner or minor children. Grandfathering and PhD/Turkish Association Agreement exceptions apply; eligible family members must meet support and application requirements. | A spouse or dependent child may apply for a separate visa and must provide the required supporting documents. |
| Spouse can work | No | No |
| Spouse work unrestricted | No | No |
| Children can attend school | No | Yes |
Post-study pathways
|
DK
Residence Permit for Studies (ST1)
|
ZA
Study Visa
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Post-study visa | Yes | No |
| Work permit | Yes | Yes |
| Permanent residency | Yes(8 yrs) | No |
| Citizenship | Yes(10 yrs) | No |
| Time counts toward permanent residency | Yes | No |
| Fraction of time counted | 1.00 | — |
Application process
|
DK
Residence Permit for Studies (ST1)
|
ZA
Study Visa
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Method | Online, in person | In person |
| Processing time | 60–90 days | — |
| Apply in-country | Yes | No |
| Multiple entry | Yes | Yes |
| Schengen access | Yes | No |