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    Visa Guide · 🇿🇦 South Africa

    South Africa Study Visa from Bangladesh

    Long Stay D visa for eligible full-time study in Ireland for more than 90 days.

    Last Updated: 30 August 2026

    The South Africa Study Visa is a Long Term Visa for Bangladeshi nationals and eligible residents who have been accepted by a qualifying South African learning institution for studies extending beyond a short visit. The visa is generally issued in line with the approved course or study period, subject to the applicable statutory limits and conditions.

    Applications from Bangladesh are handled by the South African High Commission in New Delhi and must be submitted through VFS Global New Delhi. Study Visa applicants should allow substantially more processing time than for short-term visitor categories. 

    Document Checklist

    1. Passport (Original): Original passport valid for at least 30 days after the intended date of departure from South Africa, with at least two unused/blank visa pages. Submit the current passport together with the required copies.
    2. Previous Passport(s) & Travel History: Full clear copies of previous passports, including relevant visa and immigration pages, where available. Travel history should be disclosed consistently with the application and supporting records.
    3. Photograph (South Africa Visa Format): Provide 2 recent colour passport photographs, 35mm x 45mm, taken within the last 30 days against a plain white background and meeting the current South Africa VFS photo specifications.
    4. DHA-1738 Study Visa Application Form: Fully complete Form DHA-1738 (BI-1738) in black ink and block letters and sign it consistently with the passport. For minor applicants, the required parent or guardian signature should be provided.
    5. Cover Letter: Applicant’s signed letter explaining the study purpose, chosen institution and programme, intended study period, funding arrangements and relevant home address and contact details. Information should remain consistent with the admission and financial records.
    6. Acceptance Letter from the Learning Institution: Official confirmation of provisional acceptance or acceptance from the South African learning institution, clearly stating the course or programme and its duration.
    7. Institution Undertaking / Registration Confirmation: Where required, provide the undertaking from the Registrar or Principal covering registration confirmation and the institution’s notification responsibilities under the applicable immigration requirements.
    8. Tuition Fee Payment Evidence: Proof of the required tuition or total fee payment made to the South African learning institution, supported by the institution’s official receipt or payment confirmation.
    9. Educational Qualification Certificates: Relevant academic or educational qualification certificates supporting the proposed level of study. Provide notarised copies of all the academic documents.
    10. Personal Bank Statements & Solvency Certificate: Original bank statements (personal and/or salary account) for the last 6 months, issued by the bank and showing the bank name and contact details. Statements must be stamped and signed by an authorized bank officer (e-statements not accepted), and accompanied by a bank solvency/financial standing certificate where required.
    11. Sponsorship / Funding Evidence: Where study costs are funded by a parent, guardian, sponsor or other permitted source, provide appropriate sponsorship evidence and supporting financial records clearly identifying the funding responsibility.
    12. Medical & Radiological Reports: Submit the prescribed medical report and the required radiological report in original. The medical report should reflect the applicant’s general state of health and meet the current validity requirements.
    13. Police Clearance Certificate: Applicants aged 18 or over should provide police clearance certificates for each country where they have resided for 12 months or longer since turning 18, in line with the current Study Visa requirements.
    14. South African Medical Cover: Proof of medical cover for the study period with a medical scheme registered under South Africa’s Medical Schemes Act, renewable annually where applicable.
    15. Proof of Legal Residence in Bangladesh (where applicable): Applicants who are not Bangladeshi nationals should provide evidence of lawful residence in Bangladesh.
    16. Minor Applicant Documents (where applicable): For applicants under 18, provide the required birth, parental consent form, parent/legal guardian identification, custody or guardianship documents, and other supporting records required under the current minor-travel rules. 

    Process Roadmap

    Step 1

    Confirm Admission & Study Eligibility

    Confirm that the South African learning institution has issued the required acceptance and that the programme, study level and intended duration are suitable for a Study Visa application.

    Step 2

    Complete DHA-1738 Accurately

    Complete DHA-1738 in black ink and align the personal details, course information, study dates, address and funding information with the supporting documents.

    Step 3

    Secure Institution Compliance Records

    Collect the acceptance letter and any Registrar or Principal undertaking required to support registration and the institution’s immigration-reporting obligations.

    Step 4

    Prepare Funds, Medical & Clearance Evidence

    Arrange the required financial records, tuition payment, medical cover, medical and radiological reports, police clearance, academic documents and other supporting documents relevant to the case.

    Step 5

    Prepare the New Delhi Submission File

    Organise the original and supporting documents for submission through VFS Global New Delhi under the jurisdiction of the South African High Commission.

    Step 6

    Lodge the Application & Pay Charges

    Submit the complete Study Visa file at VFS New Delhi and pay the applicable visa and VFS charges through the prescribed payment process.

    Step 7

    Track the Case & Plan Enrolment

    Follow available VFS updates. After passport return, check the visa conditions before travel and enrolment.

    Common Rejection Pitfalls

    Admission evidence is incomplete

    How UnivEase helps

    We help identify the acceptance and institution records needed to present the programme, study period and enrolment basis clearly.

    Funding does not support the study plan

    How UnivEase helps

    We help organise financial and sponsorship evidence so tuition, living costs and funding responsibility are presented consistently.

    Medical or clearance records are missing

    How UnivEase helps

    We help clarify the current medical cover, medical/radiological report and police-clearance requirements relevant to the applicant.

    Study documents are inconsistent

    How UnivEase helps

    We provide checklist-based guidance to align DHA-1738, academic records, fee evidence and supporting documents before New Delhi submission.

    VFS & Embassy

    Embassy

    South African High Commission, New Delhi
    Address: B-18 Vasant Marg, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi 110057, India.
    Telephone: +91-11-2614 9411-14
    Immigration Queries: Infoza.india@vfshelpline.com
    Website: Click Here
    Working Hours: Monday to Thursday, 08:30-17:00; Friday, 08:30-14:15.
    Consular & Immigration Section: Monday to Friday, 08:30-12:30. 

    Visa Application Centre

    South Africa Visa Application Centre, New Delhi
    Address: Shivaji Stadium Metro Station, Mezzanine Level, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Connaught Place, New Delhi 110001, India.
    Helpline: 02267866066 (Monday to Friday, 08:00-17:00)
    Website: Click Here
    Submission Hours: Monday to Friday, 09:00-16:00. 

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Prepare your South Africa Study Visa application with the right academic and immigration evidence.

    Get clear guidance on DHA-1738, admission documents, study funds, medical requirements, fees, VFS New Delhi submission and passport-return steps before you apply.

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