Schools in South Africa
Schools in South Africa
English is one of the country’s official languages and widely spoken in daily life, making it a practical and immersive setting for language learners. At the same time, the lower cost of living compared to many other English-speaking destinations makes it an accessible option for a wide range of students.
Johannesburg combines natural beauty with a strong cultural scene. Whether you’re exploring the coastline, learning in the classroom, or connecting with local communities, studying in South Africa gives you the chance to improve your English in a warm and inspiring environment.
Language schools in South Africa
Avenue English Cape Town
Avenue English Johannesbourgh
Types of visas
Types of Visas in South Africa for All International Students
The South Africa student visa you need depends entirely on the length of your course.
Table: Types of Visas in South Africa for International Students
Visa Pathway | Length | Work Rights? | Application |
Visitor’s Visa | < 90 Days | NO | Visa-free entry for Japan, Italy, Korea (30 days).* |
Study Visa | > 90 Days | YES (20 hrs/wk) | Must apply before travel. |
Short-Term Study (<90 Days): Visitor's Visa
For short courses, citizens from visa-exempt countries (like Japan, South Korea, and Italy) can enter without applying for a visa in advance. This is the simplest route for a short language course. Japanese and Italian citizens can typically stay for up to 90 days, and South Korean citizens for up to 30 days.
List of visa-exempt countries in South Africa.
Long-Term Study (>90 Days): Study Visa
For any course longer than 90 days, you must apply for a formal Study Visa from your home country before you travel. You must explain that this is a document-intensive process that can take several weeks. Key required documents include:
- A Letter of Acceptance from your school
- Proof of Financial Means
- Proof of Medical Insurance (from a South African-registered provider)
- A Medical & Radiology Report
- A Police Clearance Certificate (from every country you've lived in for 12+ months since age 18)
Always check the official rules at your local South African Embassy or Department of Home Affairs.
Cost of living
Cost of Studying and Living in South Africa for International Students
The cost of studying in South Africa is a major advantage, as the cost of living in South Africa is very low compared to other English-speaking countries.
Estimated Tuition Fees
Tuition fees for Language schools in South Africa are very affordable and offer excellent value. Below are estimated annual fees for international students. English language schools are typically billed weekly.
| Type of School | Estimated Tuition Fee (ZAR) | Estimated Tuition Fee (JPY) |
| English Language Schools | R2,500 – R4,500 per week | |
| Elementary Schools | R100,000 – R180,000 per year | |
| High Schools | R120,000 – R220,000 per year | |
| Universities | R70,000 – R150,000 per year | |
| Vocational Schools (College) | R60,000 – R100,000 per year |
Note:
Fees are estimates and vary by institution and program.
Estimated Cost of Living
You can live comfortably in cities like Cape Town or Johannesburg for a fraction of the cost of living in Europe or North America. Below is an estimated monthly budget for a single international student.
|
Expense Category |
Estimated Monthly Cost (ZAR) |
Estimated Monthly Cost (JPY) |
|
Accommodation (Shared) |
R 5,000 – R 9,500 |
|
|
Food & Groceries |
R 3,000 – R 5,000 |
|
|
Transport (Public) |
R 1,500 – R 3,000 |
|
|
Utilities & Phone |
R 800 – R 1,500 |
|
|
Total Estimated Monthly |
R 11,300 – R 19,000 |
Work rights
Working While Studying in South Africa for International Students
The rules for work while studying South Africa are clear and allow part-time work on a long-term study visa. This can help offset your low living costs and give you local work experience.
Visa / Student Type | Work Rights? |
Short-Term Visitor (<90 days) | No. Not permitted. |
Long-Term Study Visa (>90 days) | Yes, up to 20 hours per week. |
Youth Mobility Scheme | YES |
The Post-Study Work Availability in South Africa
Studying in South Africa as a language student does not lead to a post-study work visa. To work after graduation, you must apply for a formal General Work Visa or a Critical Skills Visa. These are difficult to get and require employer sponsorship and proof that no South African citizen is available to do the job.
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Go! Go! English Live and Study Abroad!
Go! Go! English was launched to help people from all over the world fulfill their dreams of living abroad. We do this by helping them choose and enroll in the right school, apply for their student visa, find accommodation, and any other services needed to settle into their lives abroad. We partner with different types of schools; English language schools, universities, Vocational Colleges and high schools.
