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Student and Exchange Permits

Who needs them?

Student and Exchange Permits

Student and Exchange Permits are issued to those who intend to attend a higher education programme or exchange programmes.

In order to issue a Student Permit, the Department of Home Affairs must make sure that:

  • No South African citizen or resident may be displaced at a local educational institution;
  • The student has sufficient funds to pay for day-to-day living expenses, accommodation and tuition fees;
  • The student has adequate medical cover with a registered South African medical scheme.

Student Permits

Student Permits are valid for the duration of the course for which they're issued (24 – 36 months), and require the applicants to submit:

  • A passport valid for more than 30 days after the expiry of the intended visit;
  • Proof of financial means to cover the living expenses until the first salary is received (bank statements, cash or travellers' cheques);
  • Medical and radiology reports;
  • If the applicant is a minor, the particulars of the person who in South Africa who will act as guardian, and letter from the person in South Africa confirming guardianship. Also, consent from both parents for the stay in South Africa;
  • If the student is 18 years or older, a police clearance certificate from each country in which he/she resided for more than 12 months;
  • An official letter from the educational institution where the applicant intends to study, confirming provisional acceptance and the duration of the course;
  • Proof of medical cover;
  • A cash deposit equivalent to the value of a return or onward ticket;
  • A yellow-fever vaccination certificate (in some cases);
  • The payment of a fee.

Holders of Sudent Permits can apply for permission to work for the purposes of getting work experience. This permit is issued free of charge, and it is valid for the duration of the training period. Applicants must submit:

  • An offer to do practical training;
  • Consent from the educational institution;
  • Proof that he/she is still a registered student.

Foreigners holding a Student Permit can also work part-time for less than 20 hours a week. However, they cannot work during academic vacations.

Exchange Permits

Exchange Permits are issued to foreigners younger than 25 years of age who wish to participate in cultural, economic or social exchange programmes. The validity of the permit depends on the length of the programme for which it is issued (usually, not longer than 12 months).It cannot be renewed or extended.

When applying for an exchange permit in order to take part in a programme organised by a learning institution in South Africa in conjunction with a foreign institution, applicants must submit:

  • A passport valid for more than 30 days after the expiry of the intended visit;
  • Payment of the fee;
  • A yellow-fever vaccination certificate (if required);
  • Proof of financial means to cover the living expenses until the first salary is received (bank statements, cash or travellers' cheques);
  • An undertaking by the host(s) in South Africa;
  • Proof of medical cover;
  • A cash deposit equivalent to the value of a return or onward ticket;
  • Medical and radiology reports;
  • A police clearance certificate from each country in which the person resided for more than 12 months since the age of 18;
  • A letter from de Department of Education or a public higher educational institution in South Africa confirming that it is responsible for organising the programme, outlining the activities and duration, and confirming that it will take full responsibility for the student while he/she is in the country;
  • A letter from the organ of the foreign state confirming the particulars of the applicant, including confirmation of his/her registration with a higher educational institution abroad, and the date on which the programme will begin.

To apply for an exchange permit in order to take part in a programme organised by an organ of state, applicants must submit:

  • A passport valid for more than 30 days after the expiry of the intended visit;
  • Payment of the fee;
  • A yellow-fever vaccination certificate (if required);
  • Proof of financial means to cover the living expenses until the first salary is received (bank statements, cash or travellers' cheques);
  • An undertaking by the host(s) in South Africa;
  • Proof of medical cover;
  • A cash deposit equivalent to the value of a return or onward ticket;
  • Medical and radiology reports;
  • A letter from the organ of state confirming the existence of the exchange programme;
  • A letter from the educational institution abroad confirming the applicant's enrolment, or a letter from the foreign state organ confirming the applicant's participation in the programme and their awareness of the exchange programme;
  • Annual reports from the sponsoring body. If there is not a sponsoring body, the educational institution or organ of state must submit the reports;
  • A police clearance certificate from each country in which the person resided for more than 12 months since the age of 18.

To apply for an exchange permit issued to work for less than a year, the applicant must submit:

  • A passport valid for more than 30 days after the expiry of the intended visit;
  • Payment of the fee;
  • A yellow-fever vaccination certificate (if required);
  • Proof of financial means to cover the living expenses until the first salary is received (bank statements, cash or travellers' cheques);
  • An undertaking by the host(s) in South Africa;
  • Proof of medical cover;
  • A cash deposit equivalent to the value of a return or onward ticket;
  • Medical and radiology reports;
  • A police clearance certificate from each country in which the person resided for more than 12 months since the age of 18;
  • A statement from the employer confirming that the position for which the permit is issued exists, that the remuneration complies with labour requirements, that he/she will provide for the applicant's welfare and needs whilst in his employ, and that the employee will leave South Africa when the permit expires.The employer must also confirm that if the employee does not comply with the terms and condition of the permit or leaves the country, the Department of Home Affairs will be informed.

Those who apply for an exchange permit will not qualify for a Temporary Residence Permit for a year, and will not qualify for a Permanent Residence Permit for a 2-year period.

More information can be found on the Home Affairs Department site (www.dha.gov.za ).

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