Study permits are valid for the duration of the course for which they are issued, alternatively 36 months for school and 24 months for other institutions.
As a holder of a study permit you may also apply for permission to work for the purposes of getting work experience, as part of your studies to obtain a diploma or degree by submitting:
- an offer to do practical training
- consent from the educational institution
- proof that your are still a registered student
The Department’s consent to get practical training as part of your studies is issued free of charge provided that you are a registered student and that your study permit remains valid for the entire duration of the training period.
Alternatively, as a foreigner studying at a higher educational institution with a valid study permit, you may work part-time for no more than 20 hours per week. However, you may not work during academic vacations.
The overriding consideration in processing applications for study permits are that:
- No foreigner may displace a South African citizen/resident at a local educational institution
- The student must have proof of sufficient funds to pay for day-to-day living expenses, accommodation as well as tuition fees during his/her stay in South Africa
- The student must have adequate medical cover with a registered South African medical scheme and proof thereof