Visa Information
How to apply and what documents you need
Applying for a Visa
Most international students will need a visa to study in South Africa. The type of visa required depends on the length of your course and your nationality. South Africa has specific visa policies for students, ensuring that those coming for short-term or long-term study have the appropriate documentation. Understanding the process and gathering the necessary paperwork in advance will make your arrival and stay in the country much smoother.
Short Courses (Less than 90 Days)
If your course is shorter than 90 days, you may be eligible to study on a visitor’s visa. This visa is granted upon arrival for many nationalities, meaning there is no need to apply in advance. However, some nationalities must obtain their visitor’s visa before travelling. It is important to check your specific requirements well in advance of your trip to ensure a smooth entry into South Africa.
-
More about Visitor's Visas
Many countries have visa exemption agreements with South Africa, allowing visitors to receive a visitor’s visa automatically on arrival for either 90 days or 30 days. Below are two tables listing the visa-exempt countries and their respective allowances:
90-Day Visa Exempt Countries
Andorra Argentina Australia Austria Belgium Botswana Brazil Canada Chile Czech Republic Denmark Ecuador Finland France Germany Greece Iceland Ireland Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Liechtenstein Luxemburg Malaysia Malta Monaco Netherlands New Zealand Norway Palestine Panama Paraguay Portugal Qatar Russia San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Singapore Spain St Vincent Sweden Switzerland Tunisia UAE USA United Kingdom Uruguay Venezuela Zimbabwe
30-Day Visa Exempt Countries
Angola* Cyprus Malaysia Seychelles* Antigua and Barbuda Gabon Malawi South Korea Barbados Guyana Maldives Swaziland Belize Hong Kong Mauritius Thailand Benin Hungary Mozambique Turkey Bolivia Jordan Namibia* Zambia* Cape Verde Lesotho Peru Costa Rica Macau Poland
* Citizens of these countries receive a multi-entry visa that allows them to travel into the country for a maximum of 30 days at a time. This cannot exceed 90 days per year.
Non-exempt Countries
If you do not hold a passport for one of these countries listed above, and plan to be in South Africa for less than 90 days, you will need to apply for a Visitor's visa at the South African embassy in your country of residence.
Long-Term Courses (More than 90 Days)
For courses longer than 90 days, a study visa is required. This must be obtained before arrival in South Africa, and the process involves several steps. Since applications can take several weeks to be processed, we strongly recommend applying as early as possible to avoid delays. Ensuring that all required documents are correctly prepared in advance will help streamline your application.
As ELC is part of a university, our students benefit from an established visa process with strong institutional support. Our acceptance letter meets the requirements for a study visa, and we provide full support with the documentation needed for your application.
-
More about Study Visas
Where to Apply
Study visa applications must be submitted at the South African embassy, high commission, or consulate in your home country before you travel. Processing times vary, so it is important to apply well in advance of your intended start date. You may be required to schedule an appointment and submit biometric data as part of the process.
Once your application has been processed, you will be informed of the outcome and any further steps required before you can travel to South Africa.
Required Documents
When applying for a study visa, you will need to submit a set of official documents to support your application. These documents confirm your eligibility, financial stability, and health status. Having these prepared in advance will help prevent delays in processing. You will typically need:
An official letter of acceptance from the University of Cape Town
Proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses
Medical insurance valid in South Africa
A completed BI-1738 application form
Valid passport with at least 30 days validity after intended departure
Two recent passport-sized photographs
Proof of accommodation in South Africa
A police clearance certificate from your home country (not older than six months)
A medical certificate
Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements or financial support letter)
A return flight ticket or proof of onward travel
Visa Extensions
If you need to extend your visa while in South Africa, you must apply well before your current visa expires. Extensions are not automatic and require a formal application process. Processing times can vary, depending on demand and specific case requirements, so we strongly recommend applying at least 60 days in advance to avoid complications. Ensuring you have all the necessary documents ready before you apply will help prevent unnecessary delays.
-
How to Extend your Visitor's Visa
Can I extend my visitor’s visa?
Yes, if you are in South Africa on a 90-day tourist visa (Section 11(1) Visitor’s Visa), you can apply to extend it for an additional 90 days.
When should I apply?
It's recommended to apply at least 60 days before your visa expires. If you apply at least 30 days before expiry, your application may still be considered.
Where do I apply?
Applications are processed at the VFS Visa Facilitation Office in Cape Town. You must book an appointment and complete the forms online before visiting the office.
How do I book an appointment and complete the forms?
-
Visit VFS Global.
-
Select the following options:
- Application type: Temporary Residence Visa
- Application sub type: TRV – Renewal Visa
- Application category: Visitor’s Visa Section 11(1)
- Location: Cape Town
-
Register with your email, complete the online form, and pay the required fee.
-
Choose a day and time for your appointment.
How much does it cost?
The visa extension fee is R 1,775, payable online by credit card before booking your appointment.
What documents do I need?
Bring the following to your appointment:
- Passport
- Letter of enrollment from ELC
- Three months' bank statements
- Proof of return ticket to your home country
Can I change my tourist visa to a study visa?
No, you must return to your home country to apply for a study visa. If you need to extend your visa while in South Africa, you must apply well before your current visa expires. Processing times can vary, so we recommend applying at least 60 days in advance.
-
-
How to Extend your Study Visa
If your study visa is due to expire while you are still enrolled at ELC, you will need to apply for an extension to remain in South Africa legally. This process is not automatic and requires a formal application. It is essential to begin the renewal process well in advance, as processing times can vary.
Where to Apply
Study visa extensions must be submitted through the VFS Visa Facilitation Centre in South Africa. You will need to book an appointment and submit your application before your current visa expires. Late applications may be rejected, so we recommend applying at least 60 days before the expiry date.
Required Documents
When applying for a study visa extension, you will need to provide:
An official letter confirming your continued enrollment
Proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses
Medical insurance valid in South Africa
A completed BI-1738 application form
Valid passport with at least 30 days validity after intended departure
Two recent passport-sized photographs
Proof of accommodation in South Africa
A police clearance certificate from your home country (not older than six months)
Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements or financial support letter)
A return flight ticket or proof of onward travel
How to Apply
-
Visit VFS Global and create an account.
-
Select the following options:
- Application type: Temporary Residence Visa
- Application sub type: TRV – Renewal Visa
- Application category: Study Visa
- Location: Cape Town
-
Complete the application form and upload the required documents.
-
Pay the processing fee online using a credit card.
-
Book an appointment at the VFS Centre and attend in person to submit your documents and biometric data.
Processing Time and Fees
Study visa extensions can take several weeks to process, so it is advisable to apply well in advance. Fees are subject to change, so check the latest costs on the VFS website before submitting your application.
By applying early and ensuring all documents are in order, you can avoid unnecessary delays and continue your studies without interruption.
-
Need Help?
While we cannot process visa applications on your behalf, we are here to support you throughout the process. We provide all necessary documentation, including official acceptance letters and proof of enrollment, to help ensure your application meets the requirements. If you have any questions about the visa process, required documents, or application steps, our team is available to guide you. Contact us for assistance, and we will do our best to make the process as smooth as possible for you.
Contact Us
Need advice on your visa application? Our team can guide you through the process.
Speak to our Team
We're available during working hours
Book a Consultation
Speak to a trained advisor