Applying for a study visa

Apply for a study visa

Please note that your Study Visa is issued to study at one institution and you would have to apply for a change of conditions, 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 at 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:

• A passport valid for not less than 30 days after intended studies
• Payment of the prescribed administrative fee
• Full Birth Certificate
• Proof of South African medical cover renewed annually for the period of study with a medical scheme registered in terms of the SA Medical Schemes Act
• An official letter from the Institution confirming provisional or acceptance of that learning institute and the duration of the course
• Undertaking from the Registrar or Principal of the learning institution with the Institutions official stamp to undertake to notify the Director-General:
  • To provide proof of registration as contemplated in the relevant legislation within  60 (sixty) days of registration; or
  • In the event of failure to register by the closing date, provide a notification of failure to register within 7 (seven) days of the closing date of registration;
  • Within 30 (thirty) days, that the applicant is no longer registered with such institution; and
  • Within 30 (thirty) days, when the applicant has completed his or her studies or requires to extend such period of study
    
    

The undertaking letter is facilitated by the International Students Office

• Medical Report (less than six months old)
• Yellow Fever vaccination certificate, where applicable
• Relevant certificates if married, widowed, divorced or separated
• Details regarding arranged accommodation while in South Africa
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, subsistence and incidental costs. Bank statements date stamped by the bank, for three months or bursary. If sponsored, written undertakings from the sponsor, with an official company stamp
• Proof of educational qualifications, academic results for the previous years (certified copies)
• Police clearance certificates in respect of applicants 18 years and older, in respect of all countries where a person has resided for 12 months or longer since the age of 18
  
  

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.

Full-time study visa: applying from outside South Africa

International students applying for undergraduate or postgraduate degrees from outside South Africa 

Key facts:

• Processing time: 6-8 weeks minimum
• You can work part-time (max 20 hours/week) while studying
• Visa is institution-specific - only valid for Wits
• Even if you're from a visa-exempt country, you still need a study visa for degree studies

 

Step 1: Gather your documents

You'll need ALL of these:

Identity and civil status:

• Valid passport (must be valid 30+ days after your studies end)
• Full birth certificate
• Marriage/divorce certificates (if applicable)
  
  

Academic:

• Letter of acceptance from Wits
• Letter of Undertaking from Wits - The undertaking letter is facilitated by ISO, contact us: StudySA.International@wits.ac.za
• Certified copies of your educational qualifications
• Academic transcripts with marks
  
  

Financial:

• Bank statements (last 3 months, date-stamped by bank) OR
• Bursary/sponsorship letter (with official company stamp)
  
  

Health and safety:

• Medical aid membership certificate (SA-registered scheme, valid until 31 December)
• Medical report (less than 6 months old)
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if you're from or transited through affected areas)
• Police clearance certificates from ALL countries you've lived in for 12+ months since age 18
  
  

Accommodation:

• Proof of arranged accommodation in South Africa
  
  

Fees:

• Payment for visa application fee (amount varies by country)

 

Step 2: Get documents certified

CRITICAL - CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

ACCEPTED certification by:

• South African High Commission, Consulate, or Trade Mission in your country
• Public Notary in your home country
  
  

NOT ACCEPTED:

• Police certification
• Ordinary Commissioner of Oaths
• Faxed or scanned copies
• High school transcripts alone (need full certificates)

Tip: Get TWO complete sets certified - one for your visa application, one for your Wits academic application.

 

Step 3: Apply at your nearest SA Mission

Where to apply: South African Embassy, High Commission, Consulate, or Trade Mission in your country of residence (or nearest one if none in your country)

Important:

• DO NOT send documents to Wits University
• DO keep copies of everything and all receipts
• DO allow 6-8 weeks for processing

 

Step 4: Check your visa carefully

When you receive your study visa, check:

• It says "University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg" (or a variation)
• Start and end dates are correct
• Your name matches your passport exactly

If anything is wrong, contact the Embassy immediately!

Current Wits students whose study visa is expiring

CRITICAL DEADLINE: Apply 60 days BEFORE your current visa expires

How to renew (if you're in South Africa)

Step 1: Apply through VFS Global

• Website: https://www.vfsglobal.com/dha/southafrica/ 
• VFS handles all Department of Home Affairs visa applications

 

Step 2: Choose your application type

You can apply for:

1. Renewal of existing study visa (same institution, same programme)
2. Change of conditions (e.g., changing degree level, extending studies)

Note: You CANNOT change conditions on a visitor's visa

 

Step 3: Prepare your documents

Check the VFS Global checklist for renewal requirements. Generally require:

• Current passport
• Current study visa
• Updated letter from Wits confirming continued registration
• Updated medical aid certificate (valid until 31 December)
• Proof of payment for the renewal fee
• Any other documents on the VFS checklist

 

Step 4: Submit and wait

Submit your complete application at least 60 days before expiry. Keep proof of submission - you'll need this if there are processing delays.

SEE our PDF overview on Study Visa Extension/Renewal

Refugees and Asylum Seekers: Who qualifies and what is required

Refugees

Who qualifies:

• Foreign nationals with refugee status from UNHCR
• Hold a South African ID book stamped "refugee status"
• ID typically valid for 2 years until permanent status granted

Study visa requirements: NO study visa required (Refugee Act, Act No. 130 of 1998, Section 27)

Medical aid requirements: Not legally required, but STRONGLY recommended

Important: You must update the International Students Office EVERY TIME you renew your refugee permit. If your permit expires without updating ISO, you may be automatically deregistered.

Asylum seekers

Who qualifies:

• Hold a valid Section 22 permit from Department of Home Affairs
• Permit issued under Immigration Act, Act No. 13 of 2002

Study visa requirements: NO study visa required

Medical aid requirements: Not legally required, but STRONGLY recommended

Important: You must update the International Students Office EVERY TIME you renew your asylum seeker permit. If your permit expires without updating ISO, you may be automatically deregistered.

 

How to register as a refugee or asylum seeker

Documents to bring to ISO for pre-registration clearance:

• Valid refugee ID or Section 22 asylum seeker permit
• Letter of acceptance from Wits
• Proof of fees payment (75% of annual fees)
• Matriculation exemption certificate (undergrads) or SAQA evaluation (postgrads)

 

Diplomats: Children/dependents of diplomatic staff

Who qualifies

• Under 23 years of age
• Parent/guardian is accredited diplomatic staff stationed in South Africa

Study visa requirements: EXEMPT from study visa requirements

Fees: Pay local tuition fees PLUS international registration fee (R6,970)

Spouses of diplomats

Spouses do NOT automatically qualify for exemptions.

DIRCO (Department of International Relations and Co-operation) reviews each case individually.

Important conditions

These benefits apply ONLY while the diplomat is stationed in South Africa.

Once the diplomatic posting ends:

• Student reverts to regular international student status
• Pays full international fees according to their citizenship
• May need to apply for study visa if continuing studies

These benefits are NOT transferable.

Documents needed for registration at Wits

Bring to ISO for pre-registration clearance:

• Diplomatic ID/passport
• Parent's diplomatic ID and documentation
• Letter from Embassy/Mission confirming:
• Parent's employment and position
• Posting station and dates
• Confirmation of medical aid coverage for student
• Proof of fees payment
• Matriculation exemption (undergrads) or SAQA evaluation (postgrads)

Block Release Students

Students attending Wits for less than 3 consecutive months for short courses or programmes delivered in intensive blocks

Study visa requirements

NO study visa required - can enter on visitor's visa

Medical aid requirements

Not legally required, but recommended for your own protection

Important requirements

You MUST update the International Students Office each time you enter South Africa to continue your block release programme. This helps us:

• Track your attendance for academic purposes
• Ensure you're compliant with immigration regulations
• Provide support if you encounter any issues
  
  

Documents for registration at Wits

• Valid passport with visitor's visa
• Letter of acceptance for your programme
• Proof of fees payment
• Academic transcripts (if continuing student)

Practical Training Visa: Work-integrated learning (WIL) or practical work experience

What is it?

A practical training visa allows you to complete work-integrated learning (WIL) or practical work experience that's required as part of your degree programme.

Key conditions

Allowed:

• Unpaid work directly related to your studies
• Work required to complete your degree

Not allowed:

• Any paid work
• Work unrelated to your studies
• Part-time jobs
  
  

How to apply

Timing: Apply for this visa at the SAME TIME as your initial study visa application.

Requirements:

1. All standard study visa documents
2. PLUS: Letter from your Wits faculty explaining:
• Why practical training is required for your degree
• Duration and nature of the practical work
• Where the training will take place

Fee: Additional fee applies (check with SA Embassy/Consulate)

Can't get it after arrival!

You CANNOT apply for a practical training visa once you're already in South Africa on a standard study visa. It must be obtained with your initial application.

If your programme requires practical training, discuss this with your faculty BEFORE applying for your visa.