Study in Canada from South Africa

This article describes in detail the process of how to Study in Canada from South Africa. If you require any further help or information do take the Study in Canada visa assessment for South Africa Citizens available on this page.

The top reasons South African student study in Canada are:

• ability to work as a South African in Canada for the duration of the course
• Internationally recognized qualifications
• straightforward application process for South Africa Nationals
• pathway to Canadian permanent residence for South African Citizens

Of all the reasons, the pathway to permanent residency for South African Citizens is why the majority of South African students study in Canada as opposed to at home in South Africa or elsewhere. The opportunities for South African students studying in Canada cannot be matched globally.

International students from South Africa often ask whether the can study and work in Canada. The Canadian Government allows South African students on a Canadian study permit to undertake paid employment in Canada.

There are two ways a South African student can study and work in Canada

• SW-1 Visa for South African students studying in Canada. The SW-1 Visa is issued to South African Citizens who have to complete an internship as part of their course.
• S-1 Visa for South African students in general programs of Canadian higher education. This is the most popular Canadian Study and Work Visa for International students form South Africa. The S-1 Study permit allows South African students to work 20 hours a week during term time and full time during vacation periods

A student permit holder from South Africa is able to work part time during semesters and full time hours being during term breaks.

If you would rather immigrate to Canada from South Africa under another visa you can find out how in our guide on how to immigrate to Canada from South Africa

The average earning for South African students in Canada is:

• $37,050 per year
• $19 per hour
• Entry level positions start at $27,300 per year
• Experienced South African student workers make up to $62,985 per year

You can start your work hours only after your study course commences.  If you arrive in Canada from South Africa earlier than this, you cannot work during that time.

You may only work after your course has formally begun. If you are caught working beyond the allowed hours on your Canadian work and study visa your visa may be cancelled and you will have to return to South Africa.

South African citizens do not require a study permit for courses lasting less than six months. However, the course must be completed within the six-month timeframe. If a student from South Africa intends to stay for more than six months they must apply for the correct Student Visa and have it granted before they leave South Africa.

Documents required to apply for a Canada Student Visa from South Africa

• South Africa Passport. (make sure it is valid beyond the term of the visa you seek)
• Proof of Acceptance by a Designated Educational establishment in Canada
• Proof of Funds in South Africa
• Passport Size Photographs.
• An Immigration Medical Examination (IME)
• English Language Proficiency Exam Score where required
• Statement of Purpose for Travel from South Africa to Canada
• Credit Card

International students from South Africa do not require a sponsor for a Canadian Student Visa.

The only requirements to study in Canada from South Africa are

• be enrolled at a designated learning institution (DLI)
• prove you have enough money to pay for your tuition fees
• prove enough money for living expenses for yourself and any family members who come with you

South African students coming to Canada to study must be able to show funds available equal or greater than:

• CA$10,000 (~US$7,650) for every year of your study
• CA$11,000/~US$8,400 if you’re applying to study in Quebec
• These figures are in addition to tuition fees

What is the age limit for Canada student visa fromSouth Africa?

South African students must be between 18 years of age and 35 years of age.

The age is taken from the date of your birthday turning 18 and until the day before your 36th Birthday.

Is an interview required for a Canadian student visa application?

South African students are not required to have an interview as part of their Canada Student Visa application

Is the medical for South African Citizens applying for a Canada Study Visa?

The medical examination is compulsory for all South African students applying for a Canadian student visa.

When should I apply for my Study Permit?

South African applicants should apply as soon as the letter of acceptance (LOA) is received from the education provider

• The Canada Student Visa allows you to enter Canada a Citizen of South Africa
• The Study Permit gives you the permission to stay in the country
• As a Citizen of South Africa you will be issued with a student visa and a Canadian Study Permit

The Canadian Study Permit costs $150 Canadian per person for applicants from South Africa

As a Citizen of South Africa you are allowed to leave Canada during your studies. These can be trips to return to South Africa or elsewhere. Your student visa allows you to travel in and out of Canada. When arriving back in Canada from a trip to South Africa or anywhere else, you will need to prove you are currently enrolled in your institution.

If you are a Citizen of South Africa you will usually be able to bring your partner or spouse and dependent children with you. There are no restrictions on the number of hours your partner or spouse may work in Canada for the duration of the visa.

Many students from South Africa convert their Canada student visa to full Canadian Permanent residency via the Canadian Experience Class Visa. The CEC visa is the main reason why individuals study in Canada from South Africa.

The Canadian Experience Class is a direct path to Canadian Citizenship and dual nationality. The Canadian Government recognizes students from South Africa make great candidates to become long term Canadian residents and eventually citizens of Canada.

Students from South Africa who have studied at least for two years at an accredited college or university on a full-time basis are eligible to apply for permanent residency via the CEC Visa program. South African students are welcomed to Canada.

The best Canadian cities for South African students have been voted as

1. Toronto
2. Vancouver
3. Calgary

The Canada cities with the best nightlife for students from South Africa are

1. Toronto
2. Quebec
3. Vancouver

The processing time for Canadian student visa applications from South Africa is 15 days.

Usually 15 days are enough as there are no Interviews for the Canadian student visa and permit. Do not book flights from South Africa to Canada until the visa has been granted.

Canada Made Simple offer a number of merit based Scholarships to South African students studying in Canada.

Universities include:

University of Alberta

University of British Columbia

Lakehead University

University of Toronto