South African study visa official service page
Official South African government study visa page.
What this page is for
Student Visa guide for Ethiopian passport holders applying for South Africa, including workbook-imported 2026 fee guidance, requirements, application route and official source links.
FeeUS$36 study visa fee in official schedule example
Processing
Resource typeRequirements Page
RouteStudent visa
Prices and fee checks
- Student: about 5,650 birr (USD 36) study visa fee in official schedule example
- Tourist / visitor: about 5,650 birr (USD 36) port of entry/visitor visa fee in official schedule example
- Business: about 5,650 birr (USD 36) visa to attend business meetings 90 days or less in official schedule example
- Medical: about 5,650 birr (USD 36) medical visa fee in official schedule example
- Work: Check official fee page
Birr amounts are approximate planning conversions; verify the official currency and fee page.
Requirements
- Passport valid 6+ months
- admission/acceptance letter or CAS/I-20/LOA/COE depending on country
- proof of tuition payment/scholarship
- financial evidence for tuition + living costs
- academic records
- English/language test if required
- police certificate/medical exam/TB test if required
- accommodation details
- guardian documents for minors
- biometrics/interview where required
Documents to prepare
- Passport valid 6+ months
- admission/acceptance letter or CAS/I-20/LOA/COE depending on country
- proof of tuition payment/scholarship
- police certificate/medical exam/TB test if required
Money proof
- Bank statement: Yes / Depends / [VERIFY]
- Minimum: [VERIFY official minimum; if none, show practical guidance separately as non-official]
- Sponsor: Yes / Depends / [VERIFY]
Appointment
- Required: Yes / Depends / [VERIFY]
- Biometrics: Yes / Depends / [VERIFY]
- Official online portal / embassy / authorised VAC depending on country
Stay rules
- Validity: Varies by visa decision; visitor usually short stay; student usually course/residence duration
- Max stay: Varies by visa decision; visitor usually short stay; student usually course/residence duration
- Entries: Single / multiple / depends [VERIFY]
Application path
- Choose correct Student category for South Africa
- Read official checklist and gather documents
- Complete the online form/portal or embassy form
- Pay government fee and service/biometric fee if applicable
- Book appointment at embassy/VFS/TLS/BLS/visa centre if required
- Attend appointment with originals + copies; submit biometrics/interview
- Track application
- Collect passport/eVisa/decision letter
- Re-check visa validity, entries, stay limit, and conditions before travel
Common weak spots
- Insufficient or unexplained funds
- Unclear travel purpose
- Missing or inconsistent documents
- Weak proof of ties to Ethiopia
- False/unverifiable documents
- Previous refusal or overstay not explained
VisaMenged is independent guidance. We are not an embassy, government agency, immigration lawyer, or visa decision-maker. We gather official resources and provide support templates/checklists. Always verify final requirements on the official embassy, government, VFS, TLS, or visa-center website before applying. VisaMenged does not guarantee approval.