Student Visas for South Africa

• on one of our three semester programs: you will need to apply for a study permit.
• on a summer study abroad or internship program: you do not need a visa before you arrive. You will need to bring a few documents to show when you arrive and receive a tourist stamp. Learn more in your MyIESabroad account.
• on a Customized & Faculty-Led Program: you may need a student visa depending on the length and nature of your program. Learn more in your MyIESabroad account.

Your visa application process may look a bit different. Please reach out to your Program Advisor for details.

After being admitted to your program, you will need to obtain an FBI background clearance/check, also known as Identity History Summary Check.

Then you will use these FBI documents and other supplemental documents, including a biometrics and medical scan and your passport, to apply for a study permit.

IES Abroad will also provide you with visa letters, which serve as your enrollment certification and proof of international insurance.

In the United States, there are two South African consulates and an embassy in Washington DC. Each consulate serves a specific geographic region called a "jurisdiction." The consulate that serves the jurisdiction of your home address is where you will apply for your South Africa permit or visa.

Refer to the South African Consular General website to determine which consulate you will apply to.

Obtaining your FBI background check and other supporting documents may take several weeks. 

After collecting all of your application materials, you can apply for your visa. You will need to contact the consulate to schedule an appointment.

We suggest you apply for your visa at least 4 weeks before you leave for South Africa and no more than 90 days before the official program start date. Once you've applied, processing may take 2-6 weeks.

The South African visa fee for U.S. citizens changes quarterly depending on the current conversion rate and is typically $36. This is a price determined by the consulate and paid directly to the consulate that serves your jurisdiction.