A valid passport. A letter formally offering you a place of study at the relevant institution. Proof that you are financially able to pay your tuition fees and have adequate means of support. A medical certificate and proof medical insurance cover usable in South Africa. A repatriation guarantee. Unless a South African sponsoring body, citizen or permanent resident provides a written undertaking as specified in the application form, you will be required to lodge a cash deposit or bank guarantee equivalent to the costs of transportation to your home country in case you fail to comply with your permit conditions. However, if your course is not longer than a year, or you will be attending a religious institution, you will be exempt from this requirement, and need only possess a valid return/onward ticket. A written undertaking that you will return to your country of residence/origin after completing your studies. The relevant permit fee - see the relevant Home Affairs web page. Permit application forms online Access/download all the relevant application forms online (PDF files requiring Adobe Acrobat Reader, free download available) How long will it take for my application to be processed? It normally takes about six weeks for a study permit to be processed. You are advised, however, to make your application as early as possible. When should I renew my study permit? Study permits are granted for periods of a year at a time only, and for specific fields of study. You should therefore renew your permit annually at your nearest Home Affairs office in South Africa. You should also, depending on what your original visa stipulates, apply for a new permit if you plan to change your course of study or institution. If you are in South Africa on a valid study permit, and you leave the country temporarily, you will NOT need a re-entry visa, provided your permit does not expire while you are out of the country. This holds even though your permit may have "single entry" endorsed on it.