Visa/Study Permit Information
All international students (those who are not South African citizens or who do not have permanent residence in South Africa) are required to have a valid study permit prior to being permitted to register at Rhodes University. Applications for study permits should be made at your nearest South African Consulate, Embassy or High Commission, usually in your home country. A study permit is usually granted for the period of the degree programme for which you are registering at a specific institution. Should you change degree or institution, your study visa will need to be amended accordingly by the Department of Home Affairs. Students are responsible for maintaining the validity of their permits at all times. Please do not proceed to Rhodes University without a valid study permit.
The following documentation will be required in support of your study visa application:
- an official letter of provisional acceptance from Rhodes University
- medical and radiological reports
- relevant certificate (if married, divorced, widowed or separated)
- proof of valid medical insurance recognized in South Africa
- details regarding accommodation
- proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses and miscellaneous costs
- a police clearance certificate (less than 6 months old)
- a repatriation deposit
In addition you will be charged an application fee. Please note that the processing time for study visa applications can take six to eight weeks and your passport will be retained by the South African Consulate, Embassy or High Commission for the duration of the application period.
Students who have obtained an undergraduate degree from Rhodes University and are returning to do a postgraduate degree, especially Honours, cannot simply extent their current study permit. As it is a "new" degree, students have to apply for a new study permit.
Home Affairs
Please call this tollfree number for advice and assistance: 0800 601 190
Website: http://www.dha.gov.za/
Should a student need to extend his/her study visa, s/he needs to go in person to the Home Affairs office in Port Elizabeth. The Home Affairs department in Port Elizabeth is now located on the corner of Govan Mbeki Road and Bagshaw Street. The Home Affairs Office closes at 4pm and there are often a waiting period of about 1 hour to be assisted. It is therefore advised that students go to the Home Affairs in the morning.
Please note: Grahamstown Home Affairs no longer processes visa applications.
Port Elizabeth Visa Enquiries: +27 (0)41 404 8300/01
Please phone PE Visa Enquiries before journeying to PE to find out the requirements for a visa.
Students would need the following for Renewal of existing permit or Change of Conditions:
- Letter from Rhodes University confirming provisional acceptance and the duration of the course
- Copy of passport
- Proof of residence (if in Rhodes residence, Student Bureau can print this with No. 1)
- Bank Statement proving sufficient funds to pay for day-to-day living expenses, accommodation as well as tuition fees during his/her stay in South Africa
- Proof of adequate medical cover with a registered South African medical scheme
- An updated police clearance may be required depending on the student (please phone PE Visa Enquiries)
Fee: R425 (2012)
Forms
We have electronic copies of some of the required forms:
-
Application - Temporary Residence (has a study permit section in it)
