Studying in South Africa: what do you need to know?

At my school in east Africa, we have had some challenges with sending students to South Africa. In one instance, a student was already in South Africa, registering for classes, only to be told by the university that – even though he had been offered a place – the university would not accept his BTEC qualifications. The parent called us in a panic, but there really wasn’t anything we could do to help at that point. 

My goal is therefore to ensure that counsellors have as much information as possible about applying to university in South Africa, so that situations like the one described above can be avoided.

Why study in South Africa?

South African universities offer a diverse range of programmes taught by field experts. Key disciplines include public health and biomedical sciences, social sciences, and industry and finance. The University of Cape Town – ranked in the top 1 per cent globally – has a 14:1 student-to-staff ratio across six campuses. Thirteen per cent of its students are international, representing more than 100 countries.

Ample research and career opportunities are available post-graduation. Industry leaders actively seek South African university graduates because of the high-quality training they have received.

South African universities cater to different preferences, with small, medium and large campuses.

Universities provide robust support for international students, offering networking opportunities crucial for future career prospects. International students can work up to 20 hours per week and engage in practical training while on student visas.

Virtual tours are offered by many institutions, allowing for remote exploration of campus facilities and surroundings. South Africa’s scenic beauty, mild climate, rich cultural heritage and vibrant nightlife ensure an enriching experience for students, with diverse activities, from arts and literature to music, catering to various interests.

Costs

Tuition fees range from $4,000 (£3,200) to $10,000 annually, depending on whether universities are public or private. Most programmes are taught in English, one of South Africa's national languages. The cost of living is relatively affordable, at around $600 per month.

Scholarships tailored to international undergraduate students are available at various institutions, including the University of Cape Town, the University of the Witwatersrand, the University of Pretoria, Rhodes University, Nelson Mandela University and the University of KwaZulu-Natal. As a note, these scholarships require additional applications, which have strict deadlines, and students must still demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to cover the cost of tuition.

Applying to South African universities

The South African academic year runs from February to November and is divided into two semesters. University applications typically open between May or June, closing in August. Students apply directly through each individual university’s website.

South African universities recognise standard public examinations, such as IB and A levels, converting results to the National Senior Certificate (NSC) using university-provided conversion tables. They do not accept BTEC qualifications.

US high-school diplomas are equivalent to the NSC, but students might require standardised test scores, such as SAT or ACT, as well. Language proficiency tests, such as IELTS or TOEFL, are mandatory for non-English speakers, though anyone with an IGCSE English pass is exempt.

Admission requirements include academic transcripts, recommendation letters, a statement of purpose, a passport, a CV or a resumé and proof of funding. Some programmes might require SAT or IELTS – this will be specified during the application process.

Submitting all forms by the institution’s deadline is crucial. Once accepted, students will receive scholarship application details.

Applying for a South African student visa

Upon receiving an offer from a South African university, students must confirm their place at the Department of Higher Education, securing a proof-of-acceptance letter, which is essential for the visa application.

Students must then schedule an appointment with the South African embassy or consulate in their home country. Students should begin preparing the necessary documents – including a student visa application form, valid passport, letter of acceptance and proof of financial means – well in advance. The application fee, typically around $25, is paid on the day of the visa appointment.

You should make it clear to students and parents that counsellors are often unable to intervene in cases of insufficient or improper documentation – which could lead to a visa application being rejected.

During the appointment, applicants submit their documentation and might undergo a brief interview. After this, they await a decision, which can take four to eight weeks, depending on the applicant’s home country. Starting the process as soon as students receive their offer letters is crucial, because of the processing time involved.

A student visa remains valid for the duration of the course and can be converted to a work visa upon graduation, provided the student is able to secure permanent employment.

Attention to detail and adherence to visa requirements is paramount in order to ensure a smooth visa-application process and subsequent entry into South Africa as an international student.