UNIVERSITY OF THE WITWATERSRAND, JOHANNESBURG

Study Visa

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How to Apply for a Study Visa

The University is not permitted to register you until you have produced your VALID study visa. It usually takes at least 6 weeks for your study visa application to be processed. It is also important for you to note that your Study Visa is issued to study at one institution and you would have to apply for a change of status, should you want to change institutions. This can be done in the city applicable to the new institution of study.

You are required to apply for a study visa at the South African High Commission, Embassy, Consulate or Trade Mission in your country of residence. If there is no South African representative in that country, you must apply to the nearest South African High Commission, Embassy, Consulate or Trade Mission.

The following are the current requirements to be submitted to the South African Embassy/Consulate in your country to obtain your Study Visa:

  1. A passport valid for not less than 30 days after intended studies.
  2. Administrative fee of R425 (as at December 2006)
  3. Confirmation and proof of payment of a South African Medical Aid Cover with a medical scheme registered with the SA Medical Schemes Council. Cover must remain valid for the duration of the calendar year.
  4. Letter of Offer from the University stating the duration of degree, confirming that the student is not taking the place of a local student and undertaking to inform the Department of Home Affairs when the student deregisters. 
  5. Medical and Radiological reports (less than six months old).
  6. Yellow Fever vaccination certificate, if relevant.
  7. Relevant certificates if married, widowed, divorced or separated.
  8. Details regarding arranged accommodation while in South Africa.
  9. Proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and maintenance.
  10. A police clearance certificate for the past 12 months or longer since the age of 18.
  11. A cash deposit or a return ticket to country of origin. 
    1. Nationals of African countries are not required to pay this deposit if their Government undertakes, in writing, to cover all costs relating to any repatriation action that may become necessary.

You are advised to submit the documentation as soon as possible to the South African High Commission, Embassy, Consulate or Trade Mission - DO NOT send the documentation to Wits University. We, however advise that you keep a copy of your submission and all receipts safely.

Some South African Embassies, High Commissions, Consulates and Trade Missions require a letter of undertaking from Wits University stating that a student will not be taking the place of a South African citizen and that the University will inform the Department of Home Affairs should the student discontinue his/her studies. While this is not necessary according to the regulations; if you require such a document, the WIO will be able to facilitate this request.

 
ENDORSEMENT TO STUDY PART TIME

New interpretations of the regulations have been issued to the conditions of part time studies on a work visa. A If you are a holder of a Work or Business visa you may apply for an endorsement to study part-time
The endorsement will only be valid for the period of the holder's prospective Work or Business Visa.

To apply for the endorsement you will need to:

  • Complete form BI1739
  • Form to be completed in black ink only
  • There is no cost for the endorsement
  • Letter of acceptance/firm offer letter from the University
  • Original Passport and Work Permit
  • Proof of Medical Aid
  • Proof of Finance
  • Confirmation of Employment Letter

Your application for AN endorsement needs to be signed by a representative in the Wits International Office (WIO) before it is submitted to the Department of Home Affairs. Though the WIO will make copies of these documents for your student file, it is advised that you retain a set of documents for your own records.

EXTENSION OF A STUDY VISA


The following should be submitted to the Department of Home Affairs:

  1. BI1739 form (R425.00 - application fee) (Form to be completed in black ink)
  2. Form to be completed in black ink only
  3. Spouse ID & Marriage Certificate
  4. Proof of Registration with an Institution (letter from the Faculty to include current year of study and end date of when the visa is to be extended to)
  5. Proof of Payment of Tuition Fees
  6. Proof of Funds Available (balance to reflect tuition and living allowance for the year). If the funds are in a foreign currency, the Department of Home Affairs requires the funds to be converted into South African Rand (ZAR)
  7. Proof of a South African based Medical Aid Cover
  8. Police Clearance or Proof thereof if longer than one year in the Republic of South Africa (Due to a delay in the processing of a police clearances in South Africa - Home Affairs have made a provision that applicants provide letters confirming that a police clearance would be submitted within a period of 6 months of issue of visa)
  9. Proof of Repatriation Deposit Paid (Original Receipt)
  10. Proof of Guardianship for Minor if Applicable
  11. Passport (Original)
  12. Apply within a minimum of 30 days before Visa Expires


Your application for extension of a study visa needs to be signed by a representative in the Wits International Office (WIO) before it is submitted to the Department of Home Affairs. Though the WIO will make copies of these documents for your student file, it is advised that you retain a set of documents for your own records.

PLEASE NOTE

The holder of a study visa for studies at a higher education institution may conduct part-time work for a period not exceeding 20 hours per week during term and full time when the University is closed.

Contact details for Department of Home Affairs in Johannesburg:

77 Harrison Street, Johannesburg, Tel: 27 11 639 4000


CHANGING CONDITIONS OF A STUDY VISA

A change of conditions of a study visa refers to a situation where you hold a valid study visa with a condition to study at another institution in the republic other than the one you are applying to, in this instance Wits University. This is usually the case of learners and students studying at South African high schools, colleges and other academic institutions and their visas would therefore be endorsed with a condition to study at institutions in any of the categories above. In order to register at Wits University the visa will need to be endorsed for the applicant to study at the University of the Witwatersrand.

Application for change of conditions of a study visa constitutes a new application of a study visa. Though the applicant will need to complete a separate form, the requirements are the same as for the initial application of a study visa. These forms are not available on the internet. They can only be collected at any of the South African Visa Issuing Authorities (Home Affairs Offices, Consulates or Embassies).

Please Note: Registered students are legally required to update their records with the Wits International Office each time the visa is renewed. If the expiry date lapses, this will result in an automatic deregistration.