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South Africa

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At a glance

Living index rating
Affordable
Monthly rent
R4,000 – R8,000 in a university residence or shared flat (Cape Town at the top end)
Monthly food
R2,500 – R4,500
Other monthly expenses
R1,500 – R3,000 (transport, phone, medical aid, personal)
Visa processing time
About 4 – 12 weeks
Family allowed for students
Limited

Visa requirements

  • Study visa from a South African mission or VFS centre, before travelling
  • Official acceptance letter from a registered institution
  • Proof of funds for tuition and living costs (3 months of bank statements) and, for some countries, a repatriation guarantee or return ticket
  • Medical and radiological reports (less than 6 months old) and a police clearance certificate if 18 or older
  • South African medical aid cover from an approved scheme
  • Higher-education students can work part-time, up to 20 hours a week

Work permit after studies

  • No dedicated post-study work visa
  • Graduates with qualifications on the Critical Skills List can get a Critical Skills Work Visa (up to 12 months to job-hunt if they don't yet have an offer)
  • Otherwise you need a job offer and a General Work Visa

Citizenship route

  • Permanent residence after 5 years on a work visa (or through a permanent job offer in a critical skill)
  • Citizenship by naturalisation after at least 5 years of ordinary residence as a permanent resident

Family details

  • There's no specific dependant visa for students; a spouse or children usually apply for a relative's or visitor's visa with proof of your support
  • They generally can't work unless they get their own work visa

Universities in South Africa

Top-ranked

All other universities and colleges (100), A–Z

This guide is for general information. Visa and immigration rules change often, so always check the official government website before you apply. Last updated 6 October 2026.