Study Visa
section 13, Immigration Act 13 of 2002
A temporary visa for foreign nationals admitted to study in South Africa for more than three months. Applicants need an admission letter, an undertaking from the institution's registrar, proof of funds and medical cover with a South African registered medical scheme. Part-time work up to 20 hours a week is allowed.
1 entry rule for South Africa based on recent travel
These apply to people who were recently in certain countries. Sign in and add your trips to see whether any apply to you.
Yellow fever certificate needed after a stay in countries with risk of yellow fever transmission (WHO list)
Travellers over 1 year arriving from a WHO yellow fever risk country (or after more than 12 hours' airport transit in one) must show a valid yellow fever certificate. Without one: may be refused entry or quarantined for up to 6 days or until the certificate becomes valid.
National Department of Health (South Africa): Health Protocols for Travellers Arriving in South Africa (2026) WHO International Travel and Health, Annex 1: Countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and countries requiring proof of vaccination against yellow fever (18 Nov 2022, revised 3 Jan 2023) WHO ITH Country List: Vaccination requirements and WHO recommendations for international travellers, 2022 edition (18 Nov 2022, revised 3 Jan 2023) Checked October 19, 2026
Life in South Africa
Money
3
Currency
South African Rand
ZAR
South African Rand
Cost of living
43
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
18–45%
Income tax (national)
VAT 15% · social security 1%
45% applies to taxable income above R1,878,600 (2027 tax year); rebates create an effective tax-free threshold.
Living
1
Happiness
#99 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Members
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Who it’s for
Students accepted by a registered South African school, college or university.
Eligibility
Admission to an institution
Official letter from the South African institution confirming acceptance and course duration.
Registrar undertaking
The institution's registrar or principal must undertake to confirm registration, failure to register, withdrawal and completion to DHA.
Medical cover
You need valid medical cover with a scheme registered under South Africa's Medical Schemes Act for your full stay.
- Cover must be renewable annually
Official wording
Valid medical cover with a scheme registered under South Africa's Medical Schemes Act for the full stay, renewable annually.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirementFinancial means
- Document checklistVisa application form DHA-1738, signed
- FeesVisa application fee (South African Embassy Washington DC)
The full requirements are for members
Create an account and subscribe to see every requirement, the full document checklist, fees, steps, processing times and conditions, and how your profile compares.
- 4 more requirements
- 13 documents
- 2 fees
- 7 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Places to visit in South Africa
Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.
Finding places for you…
Official sources
Other routes to South Africa
- Visit & tourismVisitor's visa for tourism (section 11(1)), with Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) or port of entry visa
- Work permitsCritical Skills Work Visa (section 19(4), Immigration Act 13 of 2002)
- FamilyRelative's Visa, including spouse and life partner
- Investors & entrepreneursRemote Work Visa - visitor's visa under section 11(1)(b)(iv) for remote work
- Asylum & protectionAsylum application at a Refugee Reception Office
- Work permitsGeneral Work Visa (section 19(2), Immigration Act 13 of 2002)
