Path to staying
- Study36 months, renewable
- Post-study workup to 60 months
- Permanent residencyafter 5 years
- Citizenshippossible
Overview
- Country
- South Africa
- Visa name
- Study Visa
- Status
- Active
- Duration
- 36 months
- Renewable
- Yes
Study visa (Section 13) issued by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) for international students enrolled in full-time programmes at South African institutions registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). Covers universities, universities of technology, TVET colleges, and private higher education institutions.
Tuition and costs
- Tuition policy
- Full fee
- Tuition range
- $2,000 – $8,000/year
- Funds type
- Bank statement
- Scholarships
- Available
Public universities: ZAR 40,000–100,000/yr ($2,200–$5,500) for international students. UCT, Wits, Stellenbosch at higher end. Private institutions: ZAR 50,000–150,000/yr ($2,700–$8,200). South Africa is relatively affordable compared to other English-speaking destinations.
Work rights during study
- Work allowed
- Yes
- Term hours
- 20 hrs/week
- Vacation hours
- Unlimited
- Permission
- Automatic
Study visa holders may work up to 20 hours/week during term time and full-time during vacation periods. Work permission is typically endorsed on the study visa. Must not interfere with studies. Some study visas may have a specific condition restricting work.
Post-study work options
| Program | Type | Duration | Min degree | Work | PR path |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Critical Skills Work Visa | Work permit | 60 mo | Bachelors | Unrestricted | Yes |
Language requirements
| Test | Purpose | Language | Min score | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT / IELTS | Admission | English | — | English is the primary medium of instruction. IELTS 6.0+ or TOEFL 80+ typically required. Some programmes at Stellenbosch University offered in Afrikaans. |
Fees and costs
| Fee | Type | Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study Visa Application Fee | Application | $47 | One time |
Dependents and family
- Dependents
- Allowed
- Restriction
- Spouse and minor children.
- Spouse work
- Not allowed
- Conditions
- Dependent visa holders generally cannot work. Must apply for a separate work visa.
Long-term pathway
- Post-study visa
- Available
- Work permit
- Possible
- Permanent residency
- After 5 years
- Citizenship
- Possible
How to apply
- Method
- In person
- Processing
- 28-84 days
- Interview
- Not required
- Official site
- www.dha.gov.za
- Health insurance
- Required (buy separately)
Notes and caveats
Institution must provide formal "Undertaking" letter committing to notify Director-General within 7 days if student fails to register or drops out. Medical aid must be registered under SA Medical Schemes Act. Processing times vary significantly (4–12 weeks). Apply well in advance of programme start. DHA backlogs can cause delays, especially at year-end.
Also in South Africa
Last verified May 3, 2026 Source