International Students

Ms T Malaza

Bellville Campus
+27 21 959 6082
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Ms Z Matthews

District Six/Granger Bay Campus
+27 21 680 1505
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Before you arrive in South Africa, it is advisable to arrange transport to your place of residence. If you are entering South Africa via Johannesburg, you will have to go through customs before boarding your domestic flight to Cape Town. Please take full advantage of all the services and information sessions available to you.

Before leaving home, you must make sure that you have a valid CPUT study permit for entry into South Africa. Study permits are issued for specific academic institutions. If you would like to change institutions, you must obtain a new study permit. Also note that permits are limited to a specific period, and you may have to renew your permit during your period of study.

Please make sure that you renew your permit two months before the expiry date to avoid penalties from the Department of Home Affairs.

Also, take note of the following requirements for international and financial clearance:

First-time international CPUT students

• Download the Registration Checklist here
• Complete and sign the Registration Checklist
• Original Passport/ Refugee Permit/ Asylum Seeker permit
• Original CPUT Study permit
• Visitors’ visa, Special Skills permit, Work permit or Diplomatic permit (applicable to Passport users only)
• Original South African medical aid certificate valid for 12 months (applicable to Passport users only)
• Original CPUT acceptance letter for the qualification that you will be studying.
• Original school leaving certificate/results and original academic records for postgraduate students.
• Original SAQA certificate
• Original proof of upfront payments made to CPUT, including proof of payment of:
  R1,500.00 Admin Levy (this is a once-off payment by a student registering for the first time at CPUT)
• No student using a spouse’s ID will be registered.

First-time and Returning CPUT part-time international students.

• Part-time international students with work permits MUST also submit a South African medical aid cover (valid for 12 months) to be registered.
• International students with work permits can only study part-time

Students following the Cambridge system should take note of the following requirements:

• Passes at least five different subjects of the IGCSE and HIGCSE study levels, of which at least two are HIGCSE level subjects.
• A pass in the language which is the medium of instruction at the University (English or Afrikaans).
• Specific pass grades: IGCSE: A, B or C; HIGCSE: 1, 2 or 3.

Other senior school qualifications will be reviewed on merit.

Evaluation of foreign qualifications

Admission for all applicants is subject to the faculty qualifications admission point score requirements, subject combination, and the University admissions policy.

Registration of admitted international applicants is subject to compliance requirements as stipulated by the Immigration Act No.13 of 2002, the regulations made thereunder and the University’s policy.

Undergraduate Applications:

To enrol for a degree programme in South Africa, applicants with international school leaving results are required to qualify for any type of Matriculation Exemption from the Matriculation Board (USAF) for admission into undergraduate degree studies. For further information, click the link below:

Advanced Diploma and Postgraduate Applications:

SAQA Certificate is compulsory for all other first-year undergraduate programmes (Higher Certificate, Diploma, etc.). For further information, click the link below:

From 1 August 2014, SAQA will only accept online applications for the evaluation of foreign applications. Please click here

You should include the following with your application:

• All qualification documents, i.e. the highest school certificate issued by the official examining body.
• Complete and legible transcripts of academic records in respect of all degrees or other higher education qualifications, together with the final certificates, preceding qualifications leading to any post-graduate or other advanced qualification when the latter is submitted.
• Certificates in foreign languages should be submitted with sworn translations into English by an accredited translator.

English language proficiency

To be successful in your studies, you need a certain level of proficiency in English. This includes a pass in English at A-level or O-level; a Test in English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of at least 550; or a 6.5 on the International Testing System (IELTS). Other post-school English language qualifications will be evaluated on merit.

The Fundani Centre for Higher Educational Development supports students through a mentorship programme to develop their English Proficiency within their discipline of study.

How to apply online

Online application submission via the self-service portal:

Before leaving home you must make sure that you have a valid CPUT study permit for entry into South Africa. Study permits are issued for specific academic institutions. If you would like to change institutions, you must obtain a new study permit. Also note that permits are limited to a specific period of time and you may have to renew your permit during your period of study.

Please make sure that you renew your permit one month before the expiry date to avoid penalties from the department of Home Affairs.

Applying for a Study Permit

You must apply for your study permit at the South African High Commission, Embassy, Consulate or Trade Mission in your country of origin. If there is no South African representative in your country, your application should be directed to the Commission, Embassy, Consulate or Trade Mission in the country nearest to your home country

You will need:

• an application form
• a valid passport
• a letter of provisional admission and a letter of undertaking from CPUT
• a medical certificate
• proof of medical cover that will be valid in South Africa or details of arrangements made with regard to medical cover or insurance to be obtained on arrival
• a repatriation guarantee
• a study permit fee
• medical aid cover or insurance
• confirmation letter from your medical aid that you will be covered while in SA.

You are also advised to submit an application for a multiple-entry visa. Please note that you might be required to pay a fee for a re-entry.

This form is to be filled in only by International Students who need to apply for a Study Permit.

Renewing of Study Permit

It is your responsibility to renew your study permit in good time and at least 60 days prior to the expiry date.

Procedure for the requesting of the renewal of your study permit:

1) Download the Renewal of Study Visa form here

2) Complete the first section of the form with your student-related credentials.

3) Submit the completed form to your Faculty Officer who will in return complete and sign the second section of the form.

1. Please access the CPUT website online assistance for faculty-specific contact details. The link is https://www.cput.ac.za/enquiries/enquiries-contact-details

4) Attach certified copies (certification stamp must not be older than 3 months) of the following documents:

1. passport and
2. expiring study visa issued to you by the Department of Home Affairs

5) The duly signed Study Visa Renewal form (by yourself and the Faculty) together with above-certified documents must be submitted via e-mail to:

Ms T Malaza (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or Ms Z Matthews (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

Tuition fees

R1,500 International administration levy (non-refundable once-off payment for all students registering for the first time – except refugees and students with permanent residence in South Africa).

• International students outside the African Continent, pay double the official university tuition fees.
• All international students must pay the upfront payment of R3500, and 50% upfront payment of the tuition fees. The remaining outstanding balance must be paid by May.

Please note:

• The fees are determined by the Council of the CPUT and are subject to revision from time to time.
• The fees are normally increased annually by the same amount as the prevailing CPI inflation rate (which has constantly remained at approximately 5 - 6%).
• Examination fees are included in the class fees. International students, except those from African countries, are required to pay two times the South African fee.

Sponsored students

Sponsored students must produce an official letter of sponsorship for each academic year.

Other costs

International students who wish to apply to a South African institution must consider the following financial issues, over and above their tuition costs:

• transport to and from South Africa
• study permit application costs, as well as the cost of annual renewal
• accommodation costs – private or university residence
• books, stationery, etc.
• medical cover costs.

Financial aid

Regrettably, financial aid is not made available to international students. However, postgraduate merit bursaries may be awarded to current students.

Visa Regulations to study in South Africa

All international students need to comply with the visa regulations as determined by the Immigration Act, Act 13 0f 2002.

Regulation 10(1) (i) determines the following:

** An applicant for a study permit is required to provide:

(i)*proof of medical cover with a medical scheme registered in terms of the Medical Schemes Act, 1998, recognized in the Republic*

Our institution’s interpretation of the requirements in this regard is that appropriate medical cover via a registered South African medical scheme is required.  This minimum basic cover as prescribed in the Medical Schemes Act, which can be obtained through very affordable medical scheme products, specifically suited to the needs of international students, is the best way to minimise the risk for the university or students to be liable for general medical costs.

Medical aid Registration requirements to study at CPUT

Although you may, with some other foreign medical insurance products, secure a study visa from a South African diplomatic mission, CPUT in accordance with the spirit of the Immigration Act will only accept South African registered medical schemes for registration purposes. It is therefore recommended that you study the comparison of the proposed products below. You can also obtain further information by following the link provided and complete your application electronically once you have made your decision in this regard. Electronic payment facilities directly to the schemes are provided for your convenience.

Should you require assistance in this regard, you can contact the official specialist intermediaries, appointed by CPUT to assist students, Absa Healthcare Consultants on:

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
+27 860 100 380
Fax: +27 11 467 8486

You may also submit your application via Absa Healthcare Consultants to the above email and fax, together with proof of payment (copy of deposit slip). They will then forward it to the relevant scheme.

What evidence to provide for registration purposes

For registration purposes, CPUT requires proof of full Medical Aid Cover with a South African registered medical aid scheme (no insurance products, from SA or abroad, will be accepted) for each full academic calendar year (being from the first day of the month of registration until the last day of November). Study Abroad and Exchange Students must secure medical cover for the full duration of their stay. A minimum of six (6) months of cover is provided by medical aid companies, no less. English Skills Students are required to purchase cover for a duration of six (6) months. Note that a medical scheme membership certificate which is required for a study permit will be provided to you within days after you have submitted the electronic application.

Payment of medical cover

It is advisable that international students make the necessary financial arrangements for the medical aid cover before entry into South Africa. Should the student rely on sponsorship he/ she should ensure that the sponsor is advised of this requirement at the onset of the sponsorship and this requirement is applicable to (for example Post Graduate Research Scholarships) related bursaries as well.

Payment for the required medical aid cover fee is made directly to the Medical Aid Company, separately from the tuition fees.

Consultation

Please note that ABSA Healthcare Consultants have been appointed as product specialists for CPUT. They will operate nationally as Healthcare Consultants to most Higher Education Institutions from 2011 onwards.

Absa HCC will also be on campus during scheduled times to assist students with any medical aid-related queries – please confirm the consultation times with your international office.

All membership cards can be collected during these consultation times.  Any questions students might have concerning their medical cover whilst in SA can also be dealt with during these visits.

Factors to take into consideration when considering  medical schemes/ options

• Specific medical needs you might have (e.g. spectacles, chronic medication etc). Please consider the benefits in this regard at the different schemes.
• Benefits offered.
• Proximity of network of providers (e.g. if the student will not have transport – is the provider within walking distance from residence). The products offered generally offer network doctors in close proximity. You can change your selected doctor when you arrive on campus.
• Cost of the option. The cost will be payable upfront for the duration of study, eg cost x 10 months.
• Service provided by the Scheme on campus.

Please note that no cash payments for the medical scheme will be accepted at the campus.

Apply for your membership online

Two options exist for medical aid cover. Please use the links below to find out more about each plan.

Residence accommodation

The Cape Peninsula University of Technology has more than 25 different residences. However, not all of these are at the Main Campus nor do they all offer the same facilities.

As an international student, it is important for you to take note of the following:

• You must indicate on your application form if you wish to make use of Cape Peninsula University of Technology accommodation.
• The allocation of places is subject to availability.
• As an undergraduate you will most likely be placed in a double room that you will share with another student.
• Once you have committed to accepting a place (in your confirmation of acceptance letter), you will be held liable for the entire year or semester.
• Most residences are self-catering and do not, therefore, provide any meals. There are however catering ones and mainly for undergraduate students.
• The residences have communal bathrooms and toilet facilities, coin-operated automatic washing machines, tumble dryers, irons, public telephones and TV rooms.
• You must supply your own pillows, fitted sheets, duvet and duvet covers or sheets and blankets. In some instances arrangements may be made to supply you bedding at a nominal fee for the first three days of your stay at the residence. During this time you are expected to organise your own bedding.
• Also note that you will have to purchase your own cutlery and crockery, kettle, microwave, etc. for preparing your meals.
• While you can remain in residence during the April and September break, you will have to make special arrangements with the residence authorities should you wish to be in residence during the June/ July and December/ January breaks. Such arrangements will be at an additional cost.

Private accommodation

To research private (non-CPUT), accommodation options, use the following links:

Please note: Irrespective of whether you live in a Cape Peninsula University of Technology residence or in private accommodation, it is your responsibility to inform the International Office of any change of address during your period of study.

On arrival you will be briefed regarding general security issues. It is recommended that you do not travel alone in the city, especially at night.

Certain areas of the city are not safe and you will be informed of these during your orientation. If you are ever uncertain, be sure to contact your coordinator or peer helper before venturing off on your own.

Some suggestions: keep your valuables locked away; do not carry large sums of money; do not display valuable items such as cameras, expensive jewellery etc. when you walk in the street.