The South Africa student visa fees payment must be completed to start the processing. The South African embassy or consulate charges these fees for the processing of its student visa applicants. Check the below blog to know about South Africa student visa requirements. You need to complete the Form BI-1738 to obtain this visa. This is a long-term visa that will be applicable as long as your course duration. Keep reading to learn more about the South Africa student visa and the fees charged for it.
This Blog Includes:
- How much does a Student Visa Cost in South Africa?
- How Much Does a South Africa Visa Cost?
- How Much Bank Balance is Required for a South Africa Student Visa?
- Documentation Requirements for South Africa Student Visa
- Application Process for a South Africa Student Visa
- South Africa Student Visa Processing Time
- Student Visa and Dependents
- Can I work in South Africa on a Student Visa?
- What to Do if My South Africa Student Visa is Rejected?
- FAQs
How much does a Student Visa Cost in South Africa?
The South Africa student visa is a long-term visa given to students to pursue studies in a higher educational institution in the country. The long-term visa fees include both the fees charged by the South African embassy and the VFS logistics fees. The exact fees are provided below:
Visa Name | Visa Fee |
Study Visa (long-term visa) | INR 2210 |
Location | VFS Logistic Fee/ Applicant |
Gurgaon | INR 2301 (inclusive of all taxes) |
Delhi | INR 2040 (inclusive of all taxes) |
Kolkata | INR 2301 (inclusive of all taxes) |
Jaipur | INR 2301 (inclusive of all taxes) |
Mumbai | INR 2040 (inclusive of all taxes) |
Pune | INR 2301 (inclusive of all taxes) |
Ahmedabad | INR 2301 (inclusive of all taxes) |
Bangalore | INR 2301 (inclusive of all taxes) |
Goa | INR 2301 (inclusive of all taxes) |
How Much Does a South Africa Visa Cost?
The South Africa student visa fees is INR 2210. The fees for other visas are as follows: Note: the visa fees differ depending on the visa type:
Particulars | Visa Fees |
Short-term visa for Indian nationals | Gratis/Free |
Short-term visa for foreigners | INR 2207/- |
Visa Category | Visa Fee in INR |
Treaty Visa / Permit | INR2207/- |
Relatives Visa / Permit | INR2207/- |
Medical Treatment Visa / Permit | INR2207 |
Business Visa / Permit | INR7892/- |
Exchange Visa / Permit | INR2207/- |
Critical Skills Visa / Permit | INR7892/- |
General Work Visa / Permit | INR7892 / |
Intra-company transfer work Visa / Permit | INR 7892/- |
Study Visa/Permit | INR2207/- |
How Much Bank Balance is Required for a South Africa Student Visa?
As per the High Commission, you need a current balance of Rs 3000,00 or its equivalent at the exchange rate. Additionally, you need to provide documentation providing that you have this amount. The documents required to prove that you are financially stable are:
- The last 3 months’ bank statements reflect all transactions
- The bank statement must be printed and certified/stamped by the bank
- Additionally, you need to provide details of cash in your savings account
Documentation Requirements for South Africa Student Visa
The following documents are required for a South Africa student visa. It is important not to miss any of these documents.
- Filled in BI-1738 Form
- You must have a passport that is valid for 30 days beyond the course completion date
- You must have an offer letter from a University in South Africa
- Proof that you have paid the South Africa student visa fees (submit fee receipt)
- 2 Passport size photograph of yourself
- Submit a cover letter explaining the details of your visit
- A vaccination certificate (if needed)
- Provide details of your travel (arrival and departure), and show your return ticket to India
- Proof that you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses for the course duration
- You must also be healthy. Therefore, you need to meet the medical requirements
To learn about documentation requirements in detail download this PDF
Application Process for a South Africa Student Visa
The application process for a South Africa student visa is as follows. You have must have the documents ready, to start the visa application process:
- First, download the visa application form from the official website of VFS Global
- Next, you need to complete the visa application form and print and sign it. You need to bring it with you to the visa application centre. You also need to present your necessary documents
- You can schedule your visa appointment with a South African embassy or consulate in your home country
- After you have completed your visa application form, you will be asked to pay the South Africa student visa fees. Make the payment and take the printout of the fee payment. You need to bring this along with your documents to the visa application centre.
- At this stage, your visa application will be processed. You can choose to track your application online.
- Once, the visa is processed the authorities will let your know about the decision.
To book an appointment with the consulate or embassy in your country, watch the video below:
South Africa Student Visa Processing Time
The South Africa student visa processing time is as follows. The timeline provided is mainly for the South African Consulate General; Mumbai, and for the South African High Commission; New Delhi. Note: the processing time may vary depending on the discretion of the South African High Commission.
Visa | Processing Time |
South Africa Study Visa (long term) | Minimum 90 days |
Student Visa and Dependents
You can bring your spouse and children on a South African student visa. However, they will have to apply for an accompanying child or spouse visa. This will allow your family to stay with you for 3 years. However, this does not mean that they can work or study in the country. When family members are applying to join you, it is best to take the proof of custody or guardianship on the day of your visa appointment.
The South Africa student visa fees must be paid separately for each student visa applicant. The visa fees are INR 2210.
Can I work in South Africa on a Student Visa?
Yes. You can work while you are on a South African student visa. The student visa working hours are as follows:
Particulars | Maximum Working Hours |
Regular college days | Part-time 20 hours |
Holidays | Full time 40 hours |
What to Do if My South Africa Student Visa is Rejected?
If your South Africa student visa is rejected, you have two choices. You can either reapply for a visa or choose to file an appeal.
- Reapplying: In case of Reapplication, ensure that you have read the visa rejection letter, and identified the reason for the visa rejection. Next, correct the mistake. If your visa application was denied due to insufficient documentation, ensure that you have sufficient evidence before reapplying. File a strong application at the time of reapplying. Also, make sure to pay the South Africa student visa fees.
- Appeal: An appeal can be filed if you have proof that your visa application was rejected unfairly. In such a circumstance, you can file an appeal within 10 days. You have to arrange a visa appointment with the nearest visa centre and complete an application form.
FAQs
South Africa short-term visa is free for Indians. However, if you want to study in South Africa you will have to apply for a study visa. Therefore, you will have to pay the study visa fees which is INR 2210.
No. In fact, only 7% of the visas are rejected. This means the visa approval rate is 93%. Therefore, as long as you meet the requirements, your visa application will be approved.
The South Africa study visa is given for the course duration. However, a maximum limit is set. You can get the study visa for a maximum of 8 years (primary education). For secondary school education the visa is given for a maximum period of 6 years.
We hope you now understand what is the south africa student visa fees. Want to apply for a Visa for your study abroad journey? Drop us a comment in the section below, or you can connect with a visa expert at Leverage Edu, and we will guide you on your dream journey!
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