VISA AND MEDICAL AID 

In terms of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002 as amended and its regulations, any prospective student to the Republic of South Africa has to provide proof of medical cover with a medical scheme registered in terms of the Medical Schemes Act 131 of 1998. 

Medical-aid schemes accepted in South Africa (https://www.medicalschemes.com/medicalschemes.aspx

Although you might be able to secure a study visa with other types of medical products, be they South African or otherwise, the University of the Free State only accepts South African medical-aid products. To comply with the regulations, the university requires a membership certificate as proof of full medical-aid cover with a South African-based medical-aid scheme for the full calendar year, until 31 December of that year. 

To avoid unnecessary complications, please make the necessary financial arrangements with the medical-aid provider prior to your entry into South Africa. Should you rely on sponsorship, please ensure that you advise your sponsor of this requirement as soon as you get sponsorship or acceptance. The required medical-aid cover fee must be paid directly to the medical-aid company, separate to the tuition fees. 

Students will not receive a clearance certificate unless they can show a membership certificate as proof of a valid and comprehensive medical-aid cover for the duration of the academic year (until 31 December); without a clearance certificate they cannot register at the institution. 

Students who are members or dependents on a South African-based parent/guardian/spousal/work medical aid, are required to present a recent membership certificate for the annual registration. The membership certificate must reflect active membership for the current year. 

The above medical-aid service providers have confirmed that cancellation of coverage will not be refunded without written communication from the OIA, confirming the student’s deregistration/completion status. If you wish to use another SA medical-aid product, please ensure that the certificate/letter confirming membership is for the current academic year.
 
For more information about the medical-aid providers in South Africa, please contact: 
  • Joseph Brown 
    ABSA Consultants and Actuaries | Healthcare 
    T: +27 51 401 0780 • F: +27 51 401 0808 
    E: joseph.brown@absa.co.za

Go back to the postgraduate main page

We use cookies to make interactions with our websites and services easy and meaningful, to better understand how they are used and to tailor advertising. You can read more and make your cookie choices here. By continuing to use this site you are giving us your consent to do this.

Accept