Studying in South Africa

South Africa - a country of extremes. Poverty and wealth, big cities and rural beauty, desert and the green Cape region. Moreover it`s a melting pot of cultures. So on the whole South Africa is making up a unique life style. For that reason many students from all over the world would love to study at least for one term at one of South Africa`s 21 universities.  

Our topics for you at a glance

1. Student in South Africa

2. The Educational System of South Africa

3. Matter of language

4. Available degrees

5. University of Cape Town

6. Application

7. Student Visa

8. Costs

9. Financial Support

10. Credit transfers

11. Health Insurance

Contact addresses

1. Student in South Africa

You are studying at university and would like to go to South Africa? Nice choice. You`ll have an exciting time there. Plenty of different landscapes, exotic animals, different cultures – South Africa offers a lot.

On the one hand there are friendly people, nice warm temperatures all year round and sandy beaches which you can enjoy every single day if you like to. But on the other hand there is also poverty, crime, Aids and corruption. South Africa has two completely different faces.

Nevertheless, the standard of South Africa`s universities is comparable to those of the UK and the United States.

2. The Education system of South Africa

There are 21 universities as well as 15 colleges in South Africa. If you are applying for admission at a university the university itself will decide whether it will accept you. So if you are interested in tuition fees or entrance requirements please contact your favorite university directly.

Although the universities are self-governed,  the Council of Education is responsible for the higher educational system as a whole.

School programs, branches of study and available degrees differ at universities. If you are looking for something special you need some endurance in comparing all the offered programs.

3. Matter of language

Usually a TOEFL or an IELTS English test is required for the application process at universities in South Africa. Moreover not all the courses at university are held in English. Some are still held in Afrikaans.

4. Degrees available

The Bachelor's degree is the first certificate after three years of basic studies.  After another two years at university you can acquire the Master's degree.

5. University of Cape Town

The University of Cape Town is situated directly at the foot of Table Mountain. Founded in 1829, it is the eldest university of South Africa. Moreover it is the most famous one. Currentyl 21 000 students are enrolled. Half of them are black.

6. Application

Applying for a place at university in South Africa comes with loads of paperwork to do. First of all your credentials need to be translated and certified. These documents have to be sent to the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). It is their decision whether they will be credited or not. They issue a so called confirmation of equivalence. Only this confirmation allows you to apply at a South African university.

Your full application consists of your translated and certified credentials, the confirmation of equivalence, a covering letter, your TOEFL or IELTS English test results and a recommendatory letter.

If the university accepts you, you will receive a  “Letter of personal admission”. This document opens you the door to the South African Embassy to apply for a Student Visa.

7. Study permit

Only the “Letter of personal admission” allows you to apply for a study permit, meaning that your acceptance at university needs to be confirmed before you have a chance for a study permit. Usually a study visa allows you to stay in South Africa for three months. Optional an extension for another three months is possible.

We highly recommend you to apply for a visa extension, instead of staying illegally in South Africa  for the second three months. The Department of Home Affairs does impose fines and even deportations.

8. Costs

Every South African university claims tuition fees. The amount depends on the university and the course of study.  Tuition fees range from EUR 700.00 up to EUR 6000.00 per year. In addition you have to pay fees for enrolling as well as an international student fee.  Please check with you university whether it has a partner programme with a South African university. That way you can save a lot in fees.

9. Financial assistance

In general you can get financial assistance through scholarships, credits or special foundations.

Please consider that you have to apply for most of the support fairly early.

10. Recognition of university degrees and credits

To be on the safe side we recommend you to ask your home university in advance if it will accept your work in South Africa. Usually the registrar`s office can give you information about that.

11. Health insurance

While studying in South Africa you definitely need health insurance. Without health insurance you will neither get admission to a South African university nor a study permit.

12. Contact addresses

Department of Education
Private Bag X895
Sol Plaatje House, 123 Schoeman Street
Pretoria 0002
Tel. +27/12/312 59 11
Fax +27/12/325 62 60
Web: www.education.gov.za

Higher Education South Africa
PO Box 27392
Sunnyside
Pretoria 0132, RSA
Tel. +27/12/481 28 42
Fax +27/12/481 28 43
Web: www.sauvca.org.za
Email: Admin@hesa.org.za

Council on Higher Education (CHE)
PO Box 13354, The Tramshed, 0126
Didacta Building, 211 Skinner Street
Pretoria, 0001
Tel.: +27 (0)12 392 91 00
Fax: +27 (0)12 392 91 10
Web: www.che.org.za
Email: admin@che.ac.za

Office for International Relations
Student information South Africa Cape Town
Mrs. Alison April
University of Stellenbosch
Private Bag X1
7602 Matieland
Tel.: 00 27 - 21 - 808 – 4615
Fax: 00 27 - 21 - 808 – 4537
Email: aea@maties.sun.ac.za