Pre-arrival

After you have received your letter of admission, the next step is applying for a study permit.

You have to apply for a study permit at a South African representative while you are still outside South Africa. It is not possible to arrive with a valid tourist visa and then apply for the study permit inside South Africa. To find the appropriate diplomatic or consular representative you should contact your local embassy of the Republic of South Africa or visit the website of the Department of Foreign Affairs of South Africa.

When applying for the study permit you need the following documents which are listed below:

• letter of admission (University of Stellenbosch)
• form BI-1738
• passport
• flight ticket
• proof of sufficient funds
• details of accommodation in South Africa
• police clearance certificate
• medical certificate and certificate of vaccination
• self-addressed envelope

form BI-1738

This form can be downloaded at the website of your local embassy of South Africa or here. You also have to attach two identity photographs: 45mm x 35mm ;)

passport

Your passport should have at least 2 free pages for visas and be valid for at least 30 days after your intended date of departure from SA. It is possible to stay longer than the end of your studies. You should indicate this on your application for the study permit and you will get an extension for holiday purposes.

flight ticket

You must be in the possession of a return or onward ticket. The South African government will ensure that you will return after your studies. I booked a STA travel flight: they offer quite cheap flights for students and changing the return date costs only US$25. The other possibility is to lodge a cash deposit equivalent to the value of a return ticket. But I would recommend to book a flight.

proof of sufficient funds

You have to provide a proof of sufficient funds to cover the tuition fees, accommodation, and reasonable maintenance. Just copy some bank statements with plenty of money :) Helpful is also a letter of confirmation from your parents that says “We will support with ... £ or € or ¥ per month.”

details of accommodation

You must have proof that you have arranged accommodations, the South Africans don't want foreigners sleeping under bridges :). Even if you have not applied for a room in a student house, the international office will indicate on your letter of admission that you have adequate accommodation and you should use this address on your application for the study permit. Information on accommodation can be found in the "living" section.

police clearance certificate

The handling charge for issuing a police certificate is affordable but the waiting period can be quite long. You should pre-plan and request the certificate as soon as possible.

medical certificate

The funniest thing you have to show is the medical certificate: you need proof that you are not insane :) and are healthy. In some cases you need proof of vaccination e.g. if you are entering South Africa from a yellow fever area. In any case I would suggest getting immunisation against hepatitis A,B and the common vaccinations such as tetanus.

It takes 10-14 days to process the application and the officer at the consulate appreciates very much when all the necessary documents are complete and in order. The fee is about 43 €. So, that's all regarding the application for the study permit. What else is important before you board the plane?

Information on accommodation can be found in the living section.

insurance

Students at the University of Stellenbosch will not be registered without proof of adequate medical insurance. The international office can help you obtain medical insurance from a South African company but I would recommend to make a contract with a company in your country before you leave. You should also think about getting accident insurance.

arrival

I would propose arriving 2 or 3 weeks before the orientation week of the semester. So you have enough time to acclimatise, find accommodation or attend an English or Afrikaans course before the semester starts. The international office will also send a "Flight Arrival Sheet".

flight arrival sheet

You should fax this sheet to the IO indicating your flight details and if you need a temporary accommodation at a youth hostel. I stayed at Backpacker's Inn at Stellenbosch for 1 week before I could move into the student house. You should ask when it is possible to move in. If the flight arrives before 14:00 someone from the international office will pick you up at Cape Town International Airport and drive you to Stellenbosch.

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