If you are not from Durban, or even South Africa, it’s a great opportunity to visit this beautiful city! Experience the beauty of Kwa-Zulu Natal while learning fun and marketable skills at the same time. With an extremely favourable cost of living and quality of life index, coupled with a weak currency, South Africa is the ideal place to come for a study holiday.
Our modular courses can be structured around your visit, and we have hand picked various accommodation options available to suit every pocket.
Once you have received conditional acceptance from Keyline, you will need to complete a study permit application (BI-1738) and submit it to your nearest South African embassy abroad.
Complete a study permit application and submit it to your nearest south african embassy abroad.
- Your passport, which should be valid for at least 30 days more than the application period.
- The relevant permit fee (cash or bank-guaranteed cheque). Contact Home Affairs for the latest fee.
- Proof that you are financially able to pay your tuition fees and have adequate means of support. You will need to submit three months’ worth of bank statements.
- Proof of medical or health insurance cover that is registered or recognised in South Africa.
- A repatriation guarantee. Unless you have a written undertaking of support from a South African, you will need to lodge a cash deposit equivalent to the value of a return ticket. In the case of African students, proof that your country has signed a written undertaking to pay costs for deportation should it become necessary. However, if your course is less than a year, or you will be attending a religious institution, you will be exempt from this requirement, and you only need a valid return/onward ticket.
- A medical certificate and a radiological report (chest X-ray) or skin TB test.
- If you are a minor – that is, under 18 – you will need written permission from both parents or sole custody parent, along with proof of sole custody. You must also supply particulars of the person in South Africa who will act as your guardian and a letter of confirmation from the intended guardian.
- An official letter from the institution in South Africa confirming your acceptance and detailing the duration of the course.
- If you are older than 18, a police clearance certificate.
How long does it take for my application to be processed?
It usually takes around six weeks for a study permit to be processed. It’s a good idea to make your application as early as possible. If you are applying for a renewal, you should do so at least 30 days before the expiry date of your original visa.
When should I renew my study permit?
Study permits are generally valid for the duration of the course for which they were granted, or for three years for school and two years for other institutions. Depending on what your original visa stipulates, you may have to apply for a new permit if you plan to change your course of study or institution.
If I am here on a study permit, can I work?
If you have a valid study permit, you are allowed to work part-time for no more than 20 hours a week (although not during academic vacations). If you plan to work as part of your studies or to get work experience, you will need to apply for permission from Home Affairs and include:
- A formal offer to do practical training.
- Consent from the educational institution.
- Proof that you are still a registered student.
I'll be back soon. Will I need a re-entry visa?
If you are in South Africa on a valid study permit, and you leave the country temporarily, you will not need a re-entry visa, provided your permit does not expire while you are out of the country. This holds even though your permit may have “single entry” endorsed on it.
Where can I make enquiries about visas?
See the Department of Home Affairs website.
Check the list of South African offices abroad for information on where to apply in your own country. You can also get in touch with the South African Home Affairs contact centre:
International Number +27 11 461 9252
Local Number 0800 601190
Email Address csc@dha.gov.za
