How much is a study permit in South Africa? Explained

South Africa continues to attract students from across the world. The country provides quality education, recognised qualifications, and a diverse academic environment. Before planning your studies, it is important to understand the legal process involved in studying in the country.

One of the first questions international students ask is how much is a study permit in South Africa. The cost is not limited to a single fee. There are official charges, supporting documents, and related expenses that must be planned for in advance.

In this article, we will explain what a study permit is, who needs it and how much it costs. We will also look at the factors that can affect the final amount you pay.

Table of Contents

What Is a Study Permit?

A study permit is an official document issued by the South African Department of Home Affairs. It allows a foreign national to reside in South Africa to study at a registered institution. The permit is linked to the duration of the academic programme and the institution offering it.

The permit also outlines specific conditions. These include limits on part-time work, renewal timelines, and the requirement to remain enrolled at the same institution. Without a valid study permit, international students cannot register for classes in South Africa.

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Who Needs a Study Permit in South Africa?

Any international student planning to study in South Africa for more than 90 days needs to apply for a study permit. This applies to different academic levels and modes of study. The permit ensures that students comply with immigration and education regulations. Here are the main groups required to apply for a study permit:

International students enrolling in registered programmes: This includes degree or diploma programmes at accredited institutions.
Students accepted by private higher education providers: Institutions such as Regenesys Education issue official acceptance letters for visa purposes.
Full-time academic programme applicants: Short-term visits do not qualify under a study permit.
Students attending contact or blended learning programmes: Physical presence in South Africa requires a valid permit.

Study Permit Fees: How Much Does It Cost?

Understanding how much is a study permit in South Africa starts with the official application fee. These fees are set by the Department of Home Affairs and VFS Global.

The government fee stays the same, but the final cost can change based on where you submit your application. It’s a good idea to factor in all related charges when setting your study budget.

Below is a simple breakdown of the current study permit costs.

Department of Home Affairs fee: The standard government fee for a study permit is R425, which applies to most applications.
VFS Global service fee: This fee varies by location. It ranges from R650–R700 to R1,550, with higher rates for renewals submitted in South Africa.
Applications outside South Africa: In some countries, VFS service fees may be approximately R1,500, depending on the local processing centre.
Estimated total cost: When both fees are combined, applicants should expect to pay between R2,000 and R3,000 or more per application.
Permit validity: The study permit is usually issued for the full duration of the registered study programme, provided all conditions are met.

Fees are subject to change due to exchange rates and adjustments by the Department of Home Affairs.

Additional Costs Associated with Study Permits

The application fee is not the only expense. Items such as documents and checks can also incur costs. Students often forget to include these in the early stages of the process. It is important to plan properly to avoid delays later. Below are some extra costs worth budgeting for:

Medical and radiology reports: Required from registered practitioners.
Medical aid cover: Must be valid for the full study period in South Africa.
Police clearance certificate: Needed from countries where the student lived previously.
Document translations and certification: Required if documents are not in English.

These costs vary by country and service provider.

Factors That Can Affect Your Study Permit Costs

What you end up paying for a study permit can vary from one student to another. The base fee remains the same, but other factors may affect the final amount. This often comes down to paperwork, the programme duration, and where the application is lodged. Some common reasons costs may change include:

Where you apply from:Service charges are not the same everywhere, and they depend on the country or centre handling your application.
How long you plan to study: Longer programmes usually require extended medical cover, which adds to the cost.
Permit extensions: If you need to renew your permit, expect extra fees along the way.
Incomplete documents: Missing or incorrect paperwork can force you to apply again, which quickly increases expenses.

Getting these details sorted early can save you both time and unnecessary stress later.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Paying Your Study Permit Fee

Paying the study permit fee follows a clear process set by the Department of Home Affairs. Most applications are submitted through VFS Global centres. Every step must be completed correctly to avoid processing delays or repeat payments. A small mistake can increase both time and cost.

Here is a simple step-by-step overview:

Receive an acceptance letter from a registered institution.
Start by completing the application on the VFS Global website.
Pay the required application and service fees based on your location.
Visit the application centre to submit your documents and biometrics in person.
Check your email or the online portal for updates on your application status.

Following the official steps carefully helps avoid delays.

Tips to Minimise Study Permit Costs

Some costs are set, but others are easier to control with a bit of planning. Students who start early usually avoid repeat applications or paying again for documents. A quick check before submitting can save both time and money. It also makes the process feel far less stressful.

A few practical tips include:

Sort out your documents well in advance so you’re not forced into paying extra for urgent processing.
Always check expiry dates, as old medicals or reports usually need to be repeated.
Make sure the institution you choose is officially recognised; otherwise, your application may be rejected.
Keep track of renewal deadlines, because late applications almost always come with higher fees.

Doing these small things early can save money and a lot of stress later on.

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Conclusion

If you know how much is a study permit in South Africa, planning feels a lot less hectic. The fee itself is fixed, but smaller extras and personal details can still change what you end up paying. Knowing these details at an early stage is important to prevent surprises later.

Regenesys Education supports international students through clear admission processes and recognised programmes.

If you are planning to study in South Africa, visit the Regenesys Education website to explore programme options and understand the next steps in your application journey.

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