Requirements for Study Visas

The following original supporting documents must accompany the application.

In respect of all temporary residence permit (visa) applications:

1. One passport photo - 35mm width x 45mm height against white background and not altered / photo shopped and taken within three (3) months from the date of application. The face of the applicant must be facing forward and in natural form (no open mouth / smiling; both ears must be visible)
2. A passport with a minimum of two unused visa pages and must be valid for a minimum 30 days after the intended visit to South Africa
3. International Yellow Fever Certificate (for applicants that have travel to or through a Yellow Fever endemic area; or intend to travel through/to a Yellow Fever endemic area prior to arriving in South Africa) and its copy.  The International Yellow Fever Certificate must be valid for a minimum of 10 days upon arrival in South Africa.
4. Medical Report (needs to be authenticated/apostilled by its issuing country)
5. Radiological Report (no needs to be authenticated/apostilled by its issuing country)

Ø  waived in April 2023 in accordance with Immigration Directive No. 5 of 2023;

6. 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) If the marriage certificate is not English document, it needs to be translated to English by a sworn public translator and authenticated/apotilled by issuing authority; (e.g. Taiwanese English version marriage certificate needs to be authenticated by Bureau of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of R.O.C.)
7. 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.
8. Divorce decree, where applicable (translated to English by a sworn public translator and authenticated/apotilled by issuing authority; (e.g. Taiwanese English version divorce certificate needs to be authenticated by Bureau of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of R.O.C.)
9. Court order granting full or specific parental responsibilities and rights, where applicable. translated to English by a sworn public translator and authenticated/apotilled by issuing authority; (e.g. Taiwanese English version court order needs to be authenticated by Bureau of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of R.O.C.)
10. Death certificate, in respect of late spouse, where applicable (translated to English by a sworn public translator and authenticated/apotilled by issuing authority; (e.g. Taiwanese English version death certificate needs to be authenticated by Bureau of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of R.O.C.)
11. Written consent from both parents and full parental responsibilities and rights parent, where applicable.
12. Proof of adoption where applicable (translated to English by a sworn public translator and authenticated/apotilled by issuing authority; (e.g. Taiwanese English version adoption order needs to be authenticated by Bureau of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of R.O.C.)
13. Legal separation order, where applicable (translated to English by a sworn public translator and authenticated/apotilled by issuing authority; (e.g. Taiwanese English version separation order needs to be authenticated by Bureau of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of R.O.C.)
14. A police clearance certificate shall only be required from the police or security authorities in each country where the applicant, after having attained the age of 18 years, has resided for 12 months or longer during the five years immediately preceding the date of application, translated to English by a sworn translator and authenticated/apostilled by the issuing country. ; (e.g. Taiwanese English version police clearance needs to be authenticated by Bureau of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of R.O.C.)
15. Proof of financial means in the forms of (three month Bank statement, less than three month old from the date of submission);
16. Non-Taiwanese passport holders must provide valid A.R.C. and its copy.
17. Fee for study/relative’s permit: required.  Fee for all types of work permits: required.

STUDY VISA: P. 87 & 88

In addition to the standard requirements for a visa, ie passport, application form, proof of residence, photos, etc the following additional supporting documents in respect of a study visa is required:

1.     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-

i.                 provide proof of registration as contemplated in   the relevant legislation within 60 days of  registration; or

ii.                In the event of failure to register by the closing date, provide the Director-General of Department of Home Affairs with a notification of failure to register within 7 days of the closing date of registration;

iii.              Within 30 days, notify the Director-General of Department of Home Affairs that the applicant is no longer registered with such institution;

iv.              Within 30 days, notify the Director-General of Department of Home Affairs when the applicant has completed his or her studies or requires to extend such period of study

2.      In the case of a learner under the age of 18 years -

i.                 an authenticated/apostilled unabridged birth certificate; (e.g. Taiwanese English birth certificate or household transcript needs to be authenticated by Bureau of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of R.O.C.)

ii.                A confirmatory letter from the guardian in South Africa (contains the full names, date of birth, ID/passport number of both parties and motivation), proof of physical address (e.g. the latest utility bill) and a copy of identity document or passport of the adult person residing in the Republic, who is acting or has accepted to act as such learner's guardian. (The letter needs to be signed at South African Police Station (SAPS) and ID of guardian in South Africa and his/her proof of physical address need to be certified at SAPS)

iii.              Proof of consent for the intended stay from both parents, or where  applicable, from the parent or legal guardian who has been issued with a court order granting full or specific parental responsibilities and rights or legal guardianship of the learner.

iv.              An undertaking by the parents or legal guardian that the learner will have medical cover for the full duration of the period of study.

v.               Original consent letter from the parent(s) who will not travel with the minor applicant. Applicants under the age of 18 years must provide the following additional documents:

In case of unaccompanied minors or minors travelling with one of the parents, valid passport of parent(s) not travelling along should be certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the issuing country

·       Parents/guardians passports and copies (passport needs to be authenticated/apotilled by issuing authority)

·       Proof of guardianship or custody (e.g. unabridged birth certificate or English household registration transcript) certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the issuing country;

Travel consent from the parent(s) / guardian in the case of an unaccompanied minors or minors travelling with one parent(s).

3.     In the case of a foreign state accepting responsibility for the applicant in terms of a bilateral agreement, a written undertaking from such foreign state to pay for the departure of the applicant, where applicable .

4.     Proof of medical cover renewed annually for the period of study with a medical scheme registered in R.S.A. in terms of the Medical Schemes Act.

5.     Proof of sufficient financial means available to the learner whilst resident in the Republic in the forms of three month Bank statement, less than three month old from the date of submission);