It is your responsibility to obtain a study visa before arriving in South Africa to begin your studies. Your study visa will be issued for one specific institution. Should you wish to transfer to a different institution, you must apply for a change of conditions.

You must apply for a study visa at the South African high commission, embassy, consulate, or trade mission in your country of residence. If there is no South African representation in your country, apply at the nearest such mission.

The required documents for your application can be found here:

To renew your visa, gather the following documents:

A passport valid for at least 30 days beyond the end of your studies Proof of payment of the prescribed administrative fee Medical aid confirmation and proof of payment from a South African medical scheme registered with the Council for Medical Schemes, valid for the calendar year Undertaking letter from the UFS International Office indicating the duration of your programme Admission letter from the University Medical and radiology reports (not older than six months) Yellow fever vaccination certificate, if applicable Relevant certificates (if married, divorced, widowed, or separated) Proof of accommodation arrangements in South Africa Proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses

Note:
Submit your documents directly to the South African high commission, embassy, consulate, or trade mission. Do not send them to the University. Keep copies of all submissions and receipts. Study visa processing may take more than a month.

Refugees and asylum seekers do not require a study visa or medical aid.

Passport renewals can be processed at your home country’s embassy, high commission, or consulate in South Africa.

If your passport is lost or stolen:

Report the incident to the police and obtain an affidavit. Report it to Campus Control if the incident occurred on campus. The OIA will issue you with a copy of your passport details and visa. Apply for a new passport at your embassy. Once received, apply for a replacement study visa

Documents required:

• New passport
• Police affidavit
• Copy of the stolen passport
• Copy of study visa
• Confirmation of registration from your faculty

A change of conditions is necessary when a student holds a visa issued for a different institution. To study at the University of the Free State, the visa must be specifically endorsed for UFS.
This constitutes a new study visa application.

More info: Study Visa Changes.

Endorsement of a relative visa

From 1 May 2015, holders of valid temporary residence visas (such as relative visas) may register for part-time studies at a higher education institution. An endorsement for part-time study is still required.

BI1739 application form No fee payable Acceptance/offer letter from the University Original passport and visa Proof of medical aid Proof of financial support Confirmation of employment letter/contract

Apply for a waiver of general work permit requirements:

What is a waiver?
A waiver is a formal request to the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) to exempt certain visa requirements (e.g., job offer, advertisement).

How to apply:
Submit supporting documentation and a motivation letter for the waiver. Once approved, proceed to apply for a general work permit.