• The application form fully completed in detail and signed.
• An original passport and a copy authenticated by the issuing authority of the country of origin, with a valid visa as proof of current status in the Republic.
• The passport is valid and expires in no less than 30 days after expiry of the intended date of departure from the Republic in terms of regulation 9(1)(a).
• The application is being submitted in person, no less than 60 days before the expiry date of the applicant’s visa and if the visa was issued for less than 30 days, not later than seven working days before the expiry of the visa.
• A medical report, signed by a Medical Practitioner, reflecting their practice number, address and contact details and the report shall not be older than six months at the time of its submission.
• Police clearance certificate issued by the police or security authority of a country where the applicant resided for longer than 12 months in the last 5 years before submitting the current application, which certificate shall not be older than six months at the time of its submission.
• A yellow fever vaccination certificate if that person travelled or intends travelling from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic area (provided that the certificate shall not be required where that person travelled or intends travelling in direct transit through such area).
• Marriage certificate or in the case of a foreign spousal relationship, proof of official recognition thereof issued by the authorities of the foreign country of the applicant (where applicable).
• The affidavit where a spousal relationship to a South African citizen or resident is applicable, as well as documentation proving cohabitation and the extent to which the related financial responsibilities are shared by the parties and setting out the particulars of children in the spousal relationship (where applicable).
• Divorce decree, where applicable.
• Court order granting full or specific parental responsibilities and rights, where applicable.
• Death certificate, in respect of the late spouse, where applicable.
• Written consent from both parents and full parental responsibilities, where applicable.
• Proof of adoption where applicable:
  • Legal separation order, where applicable.
  • An official letter confirming provisional acceptance or acceptance at that learning institution and the duration of the course.
  • An undertaking by the Registrar or Principal of the learning institution to:
  • provide proof of registration as contemplated in the relevant legislation within 60 days of registration; or
  • In the event of failure to register by the closing date, provide the Director-General with a notification of failure to register within seven days of the closing date of registration;
  • Within 30 days, notify the Director-General that the applicant is no longer registered with such institution; and
  • Within 30 days, notify the Director-General when the applicant has completed his or her studies or requires extension of such period of study.
  • Proof of payment of the applicable fee.
  • The holder of a study visa may conduct part-time work for a period not exceeding 20 hours per week.

The overriding considerations in processing applications for study permits are that:

• No foreigner may displace a South African citizen/resident at a local educational institution.
• The student must have adequate medical cover with a registered South African medical scheme and proof thereof
• Children under the age of 18 who are studying at a learning institution under the Department of Basic Education do not require medical cover in their name. An undertaking of proof of medical cover by the parents is acceptable.