CAO HANDBOOK ENTRY 2016
56
15. International Applicants
An international applicant is a person who is not a citizen or permanent
resident of South Africa or a refugee/asylum seeker with a permit
allowing study.
The higher education institutions of KwaZulu-Natal welcome
applications from international applicants for their formal degree,
diploma and certificate programmes. Some institutions also offer the
opportunity to study in South Africa for one semester or one year.
Durban University of Technology and the University of KwaZulu-Natal
do not accept international applicants into their access programmes.
Applications to study Medicine at the University of KwaZulu-Natal
are considered ONLY from citizens of Lesotho and Mauritius and
applicants must apply via their governments.
Where to send your application
If you are applying for short-term study, apply directly to the institution.
If you are applying to Mangosuthu University of Technology or the
University of KwaZulu-Natal only, apply directly to the institution. For
other institutions and for choices at more than one institution, apply
through the CAO. To send us a fax from outside South Africa, use
+27 31 268 4422.
Language skills necessary
The language of instruction at all these institutions is English and
students need to demonstrate proficiency in English.
Deadlines for applications
International applicants should apply as early as possible as
communication and processing can take a long time.
The University of KwaZulu-Natal will not consider international
applications received after 30 September.
Study permits
You will require a study permit if you wish to come to South Africa to
study. This does not apply to distance learning students who study in
their home countries. Once you have a letter offering you a place from
the further or higher education institution, you can apply to the South
African embassy, high commission, consulate or trade office for your
study permit. The permit application will take up to eight weeks to be
processed. Acceptance by an institution does not place any obligation
on the South African government to issue or renew study permits.
Do NOT leave home before your study permit is granted – you
will not be allowed to study on a visitor’s permit. You cannot apply
for your first permit after you arrive in South Africa. People who are
in South Africa for study purposes are not eligible to apply for South
African citizenship.
Refugee and asylum seeker applicants require documentation
from the Department of Home Affairs granting permission to study
in South Africa.
Costs
Institutions can advise on the fees charged to international students
and the cost of living. International students do not normally qualify
for financial assistance from South African institutions.
Foreign qualifications
The following are considered to be equivalent to the South African
degree entry requirements:
GCE
Five passes in GCE as well as two at ‘A’ level:
• ‘A’ level passes must be A, B, C, D or E
• ‘O’ level passes must be A, B or C
