Section 13 study visas · students & parents
Study Visas for South Africa – Universities, Colleges & Schools
You have the acceptance letter – now make sure the visa does not hold you back. We prepare study visa applications for students and school learners, including medical cover, proof of funds, parental consent for minors and renewals, so you are in class on the first day.
[email protected]
- Expert consultationhonest, in-depth assessment
- Open 7 days08:00 – 18:00, incl. weekends
- Since 200420+ years of casework
- Glen Marais basedKempton Park, near OR Tambo
Quick answer
What do I need for a South African study visa?
A study visa under Section 13 of the Immigration Act needs an official letter of acceptance from a registered South African learning institution, proof that you can pay your fees and living costs, medical cover from a South African-registered medical scheme, and – for most applicants over 18 – police clearance certificates. Learners under 18 also need parental consent and details of a guardian in South Africa. Students may generally work part-time, up to 20 hours a week.
Call 073 283 7916, WhatsApp 072 561 3097, or email [email protected].
- Service
- Study visa applications
- Legal basis
- Section 13, Immigration Act 13 of 2002
- For
- University, college & school
- Part-time work
- Generally up to 20 hrs/week
- Our fee
- Quoted per case after your consultation
- Hours
- Mon–Sun 08:00–18:00
01Who we help
Study visa situations we handle
From first-year students to parents relocating children, every situation has its own document trail.
01
University & college students
Undergraduate, postgraduate and diploma students at public and registered private institutions.
02
School learners (minors)
Children attending South African schools, with parental consent and guardian arrangements.
03
Renewals & extensions
Extending your visa for the next academic year or a longer programme.
04
Change of course or institution
Updating your visa when you transfer or progress to a new qualification.
02Requirements
Study visa document checklist
Student documents
Most applicants- Official letter of acceptanceRequiredFrom a registered SA institution, stating course and duration
- Proof of medical coverRequiredFrom a medical scheme registered in South Africa
- Proof of fundsRequiredFor tuition and living costs, or a bursary / sponsor letter
- Police clearance certificatesRequiredFor applicants 18 and older
- Medical & radiology reportsIf applicableWhere required for your stay
- Parental consent & guardian detailsIf applicableFor learners under 18
- Proof of accommodationIf applicableResidence, lease or host letter
Requirements are set by the Immigration Regulations and Home Affairs and can change. We confirm the current list for your exact category at your consultation.
03Avoid refusals
Common study visa problems
Medical cover from the wrong scheme
Cover must be from a medical scheme registered in South Africa – foreign travel insurance is not enough.
Unclear funding
Statements that do not clearly show who pays tuition and living costs raise doubts.
Missing consent for minors
Both parents’ consent (or proof of sole custody) and guardian details are essential for under-18s.
Renewing too late
Study visas run to course dates. Renew ahead of expiry so exams and graduation are not affected.
04Fees
What does a study visa cost?
No fixed packages – fees reflect the real complexity of your matter, and you always know the cost before you commit.
There is no fixed price list on this site on purpose. The work behind a study visa depends on your category, your family, your paperwork and your history in South Africa, so a one-size price would either overcharge simple cases or under-prepare complex ones.
Your consultation is a paid, in-depth session with an experienced consultant – not a sales call. The consultation fee is confirmed when you book, before anything is charged, and you leave with real answers whether or not you go ahead with us. If you want us to handle the application, that work is quoted in writing before it starts. Government (Department of Home Affairs) and VFS Global fees are separate, set by them and paid directly.
Not sure you need a consultation? WhatsApp a short question to 072 561 3097 and we will tell you honestly whether you do. If a simple renewal is all you need, we will say so.
What your consultation gives you
- A full review of your documents and immigration history
- The exact visa or permit route we recommend, and why
- A personalised document checklist you keep
- Honest risks and realistic timelines – stated up front
- A written quote for any application work, with no obligation
What shapes the fee for your case?
Visa category
A visitor's visa extension is far simpler than a business visa or permanent residence.
Number of applicants
Spouses, children and dependants each need their own documents and forms.
Document readiness
Whether certificates, clearances, translations and apostilles are already in hand.
Case history
Previous refusals, overstays, undesirable status or a change of status add work.
Urgency
Tight deadlines – such as a 10-working-day appeal window – need priority handling.
Independent consultancy. Immigration Galore SA CC is a private immigration consultancy. We are not the Department of Home Affairs or VFS Global. Decisions are made by Home Affairs, and no consultant can lawfully guarantee an outcome – what we guarantee is a complete, correct and well-motivated application.
05How it works
From first question to final outcome in 5 steps
One consultant guides your case from the first conversation to the decision letter.
Book your consultation
Call, WhatsApp or send the form to book. In your consultation we review your full situation and documents, and tell you honestly which visa or permit route fits – and whether you qualify.
Written route & document list
You get a personalised checklist for your exact category, with notes on certificates, translations, clearances and the order to collect them in.
Fee agreed before work starts
Because no two cases are the same, we quote your professional fee in writing once we understand the complexity. Government and VFS fees are shown separately.
Pack prepared & checked
We draft motivation letters and forms, check every page against the Immigration Regulations and book your VFS Global appointment.
Submit, track & follow up
We track the application with VFS and Home Affairs, answer requests for more information and explain the outcome – including next steps if you need to appeal.
06Why Immigration Galore
Why families and employers choose Immigration Galore
Immigration is too important for guesswork. This is what working with us looks like.
Since 2004
More than 20 years of South African immigration casework – through every major change to the Immigration Act and Regulations.
An honest assessment first
If you do not qualify yet, we tell you plainly – before you spend money on an application – and show you what would change the answer.
Checked before it reaches VFS
Most refusals come from missing, expired or wrong documents. Every page is checked against the current requirements before submission.
Open 7 days a week
We are available Mon–Sun 08:00–18:00, including weekends, so you can consult without taking leave from work.
One consultant, start to finish
The person who assesses your case is the person who prepares it and follows it up. You never have to repeat your story.
Local in Glen Marais
Based in Kempton Park, minutes from the R21 and OR Tambo, with clients across Gauteng and the rest of South Africa.
07Related services
Clients who ask about this often need these too
Immigration routes connect. These are the services most often combined with this one.
Temporary residenceTemporary Residence Visas
Every Section 11–22 temporary visa: visitor, spousal, study, work, business, medical, retired and more.
- New applications & renewals
- Change of status inside SA
- VFS submission support
ApplicationsVisa & Permit Applications
Complete, checked application packs for any South African visa or permit, prepared and tracked for you.
- Document checklist & review
- VFS appointment booking
- Tracking until outcome
FamilyRelative's Visas
Join a South African citizen or permanent resident who is your parent, child, sibling, grandparent or grandchild.
- Kinship proof & sponsorship
- Financial undertaking pack
- Renewals & dependants
WorkWork Visas
General work, critical skills and intra-company transfer visas for employees and the companies hiring them.
- Critical Skills List checks
- SAQA & professional body steps
- Employer compliance advice
08Service area
Immigration help across Kempton Park, Ekurhuleni, Johannesburg and South Africa
Immigration Galore works from Glen Marais in Kempton Park, a few minutes from the R21 and R25 and about 15 minutes from OR Tambo International Airport. Clients meet us in person by appointment, or handle the whole process by phone, WhatsApp and email – which is how we assist people in Cape Town, Durban and abroad.
Getting to us
- R21 and R25 – a few minutes from our office
- OR Tambo International Airport – about 15 minutes
- Kempton Park CBD and Kempton Park Home Affairs – about 10 minutes
- Benoni, Boksburg, Germiston and Midrand – 20 to 30 minutes
Areas we serve
- Glen Marais
- Birchleigh
- Norkem Park
- Edleen
- Bonaero Park
- Aston Manor
- Rhodesfield
- Van Riebeeck Park
- Kempton Park CBD
- Isando
- Tembisa
- Midrand
- Edenvale
- Bedfordview
- Germiston
- Boksburg
- Benoni
- Brakpan
- Springs
- Alberton
- Sandton
- Randburg
- Fourways
- Rosebank
- Johannesburg CBD
- Centurion
- Pretoria
Outside Gauteng? Most of our work can be done by phone, WhatsApp and email – call 073 283 7916 to confirm.
09FAQs
Study Visa FAQs
Straight answers to the questions our clients ask most.
Can I work in South Africa on a study visa?
Study visa holders may generally work part-time, up to 20 hours a week, while studying. Full-time work requires a separate work visa.
What medical cover do I need for a study visa?
You need medical cover from a medical scheme registered in South Africa for the duration of your studies. Many institutions recommend specific student medical plans.
Can my child study in South Africa?
Yes. Learners under 18 need a study visa, an acceptance letter from the school, parental consent and details of a guardian or parent in South Africa.
Can I apply for a study visa from inside South Africa?
If you hold a visa that allows a change of status, you may apply inside South Africa. Visitor's visa holders generally have to apply from outside unless exceptional circumstances apply.
How long is a study visa valid?
It is usually issued for the duration of the course, subject to your passport validity and medical cover period.
What if I change course or university?
You may need to update or apply for a new study visa reflecting the new institution or qualification. Contact us before you change.
Can I stay and work after graduating?
Graduates may have options, such as a critical skills work visa for qualifying fields. We can assess your options before you finish your studies.
What does a study visa application cost?
Our fee is quoted per case after your consultation. Government and VFS fees are separate.
10Consultation
Book your immigration consultation
Tell us where you stand and what you need. A consultant replies within one business day – usually the same day – with the recommended next step and the consultation fee for your matter. No obligation to book. Prefer to talk? Call 073 283 7916.
Consulting hours
- Monday08:00 – 18:00
- Tuesday08:00 – 18:00
- Wednesday08:00 – 18:00
- Thursday08:00 – 18:00
- Friday08:00 – 18:00
- Saturday08:00 – 18:00
- Sunday08:00 – 18:00
South African time (SAST). Office visits by appointment.
Find Immigration Galore in Glen Marais, Kempton Park
Glen Marais, Kempton Park, 1619 – in north Kempton Park, close to the R21 and R25 and about 15 minutes from OR Tambo International Airport. Office consultations are by appointment.
Mon–Sun 08:00–18:00 · 7 days a week