Bachelor's Degrees in South Africa

Study in South Africa

South Africa is emerging as one of the world's most exciting study destinations, confirmed by the rapidly increasing number of international students. Because of international exchange rates, South Africa offers real educational value for relatively low education fees.

South Africa's entire educational system is in the process of being redesigned for the post-apartheid future, by incorporating small universities into larger educational institutions. The result of this process will be a better, more efficient educational infrastructure.

Academic structure

South Africa has both public and private universities. Public universities can be:

• Traditional - focusing on theoretical and academic subjects
• Technological (technikons) - offering vocational qualifications
• Comprehensive - teaching a mix of technical and theoretical subjects

Private universities usually provide vocational courses.

Most universities teach in English, although some focus on preserving and encouraging the use of Afrikaans language in an academic context.

Degrees offered

As part of the South African university system students may study at undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate levels, although not all universities will offer all types of course.

There are also a large number of other educational institutions in South Africa - some are local campuses of foreign universities, some conduct classes for distance-learning students, offering both unaccredited and non-accredited diplomas. Universities and colleges are accredited by the Council on Higher Education.

General application requirements

To be eligible for an undergraduate degree at a university in South Africa, you must present proof of completing the following requirements:

• GCE A levels scores
• International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma
• a relevant high school degree
• a pass in English language proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL language tests)

Before applying , ask the university international student office for detailed information on application requirements.

Application dates

The academic calendar in South Africa usually begins in January or February and ends in November. Deadlines for international students to apply for the following year tend to be very early, so it is important to apply in plenty of time.

How to Apply for a South African Study Permit

International students should apply for a Study Permit at the South African High Commission, Embassy, Consulate or Trade Mission in their country of origin.

Study permits are issued for a program of study at a specific institution. Once you have confirmed your acceptance of the formal offer from the university or technikon, you can make your application for a study visa.

Prospective international students are advised to submit their study permit documentation as soon as possible. It normally takes six to eight weeks for applications to be processed. The institution (technikon or university) in South Africa cannot register a student until a valid study permit has been produced. Passports with the valid study permit must be presented to the host institution during registration.

In order to obtain their study permit to South Africa, students should provide the following documents:

• Application form
• Valid passport
• Passport photos
• Notarized copy of birth certificate
• Proof of medical report and radiological report
• Criminal background check report
• Proof of health coverage (health insurance)
• Flight itinerary
• Letter from the institution in South Africa confirming acceptance and duration of the course
• Proof of financial means to support yourself during your studies in South Africa.
• Non-refundable fee