Admissions

All international applicants who are resident in South Africa for the duration of their studies are required to have a relevant and valid study visa to study in the Republic of South Africa.

SACAP is not authorized to issue Study Visas for applicants.

• All international applicants without permanent residency or valid visa must apply for their study visa via the South African Consulate/Embassy in your country of origin. The list of available South African offices abroad can be viewed here: https://www.dirco.gov.za/south-african-representation-abroad/ .
• International applicants are welcome to contact the Department of Home Affairs from abroad on +27114619252.
• Should you already reside in South Africa and need to apply for a visa or require an extension please visit this sight: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/zaf/en/dha, alternatively please visit your nearest Department of Home Affairs.

• If you are a foreign applicant and wish to study in South Africa, you can apply for a study visa by completing Form BI-1738. Study visas must be applied for at VFS Centre across the country near the educational institution you will be studying at or at the nearest South African embassy, mission, or Consulate abroad.
• Study visas for studies at a learning institution shall be issued for the duration of course, qualification or programme being registered.
• The following documents must be submitted with the BI-1738 application form:
  • A passport valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of intended visit.
  • Payment of the prescribed fee.
  • A vaccination certificate, if required by the Act.
  • Proof of financial means to cover envisaged living expenses during the sojourn in the Republic and to also pay for the tuition fees. This should be in the form of:
  • Bank statements
  • Cash available
  • or travelers’ cheques
  • Proof of medical cover.
  • A cash deposit equivalent to the value of a return ticket.
  • In the case of applicants from Africa, an undertaking from the relevant government to take full responsibility of the applicant and to pay all costs, should it become necessary to deport the applicant.
  • Medical and radiology reports.
  • An unabridged birth certificate in the case of minors.
  • In the case of a minor, the particulars of the person in the Republic of South Africa who will act as the learner’s guardian and a letter from such person confirming guardianship.
  • Consent from both parents for your stay in South Africa, or from the parent who has sole custody, along with proof of sole custody.
  • An official letter from the educational institution, where you intend to study, confirming provisional acceptance and the duration of the course.
  • Proof of medical cover renewed annually for the period of study with a medical scheme registered in terms of the Medical Schemes Act.
  • If you are 18 years and older, a police clearance certificate from each country in which you resided for 12 months or longer since the age of 18 years is required. This should be submitted with the application.
• The holder of a study visa may conduct part-time work for a period not exceeding 20 hours per week.
• The overriding consideration in processing applications for study permits are that:
  • No foreign applicant may displace a South African citizen/resident at a local educational institution.
  • The applicant must have proof of sufficient funds to pay for day- to-day living expenses, accommodation as well as tuition fees during his/her stay in South Africa.
  • The applicant must have adequate medical cover with a registered South African medical scheme and proof thereof.

1. The applicant is required to upload all required application documents for their chosen programme. 
2. If an application holds a foreign qualification, the applicant is required to apply for foreign qualification equivalency certificate to the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). On receipt of their SAQA qualification equivalency certificate or on confirmation from SAQA that the application for equivalency has been successfully submitted, and the applicant meets all the minimum entrance requirements for their chosen qualification, SACAP will issue the applicant with a provisional qualification acceptance letter.  
3. An international applicant wanting to study in South Africa will require a valid South African study visa. Applicants who meet the minimum entrance requirements for a qualification will also be provided with a provisional acceptance letter that can be used to apply for a Study Visa.  
4. If the applicant is studying in their country of origin and studying through our Online Campus, a study visa is not required, however a SAQA qualification equivalency certificate will need to be provided upon application. 
5. The applicant will need to provide proof of study visa application (usually a receipt). 
6. The applicant can be registered once SACAP has received all the necessary information required.  
7. Applicants will have 90 days to provide SACAP with their SAQA certificate and their valid study visa.  

1. Applicants are to upload all required documents for the programme. 
2. If a foreign applicant that already holds a relevant South African qualification, only needs to provide a relevant and valid study visa to continue studying in South Africa. 
3. If the foreign applicant meets all the requirements for their chosen qualification, SACAP will provide the applicant with a provisional acceptance letter. 
4. Before an applicant can be registered, they need to provide proof of application for the study visa application (usually a receipt). 
5. The applicant can be registered once SACAP has received all the necessary information/documentation.  
6. Applicants will have 90 days to provide their valid study visa.  

Registration with South African Professional Bodies:

South African registered Professional Bodies may impose restrictions on foreign nationals wishing to practice within a registered profession in South Africa. As such, after completing their professional studies at SACAP, graduates will need to liaise with the relevant professional body regarding any specific requirements needed in order to register and practice professionally in a particular profession in South Africa. This could include, but is not limited to, obtaining a valid and specific work permit.

For the Bachelor of Psychology:

As this is a South African registered professional programme, preference will be given to South African citizens wishing to apply for this programme.

Foreign nationals wishing to apply for this programme will need a valid and specific study visa for the full duration of the programme, and will be required to liaise with the HPCSA in order to learn of any particular requirements, including obtaining a valid working visa, in order to register and practice as a Registered Counsellor in South Africa.

For the Bachelor of Social Work:

As this is a South African registered professional programme, preference will be given to South African citizens wishing to apply for this programme.

Foreign nationals wishing to apply for this programme will be required to liaise with the SACSSP in order to learn of any particular requirements, including obtaining a valid working visa, in order to register and practice as a registered Social Worker in South Africa.