INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Applying at the University of Limpopo

Join us for an enriching journey of cultural exchange, academic excellence and personal growth, preparing you for success in a globalised world.

STUDY WITH US

Undergraduate Application Procedure

Applications should be submitted as early as possible during the application cycle which starts in March and closes in September annually.

NB: The Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) Programme is currently offered to South African students ONLY and late applications are NOT ACCEPTED for international students.

Application fees

The application fee is R750 (the fee should be deposited into the University account listed below and the ORIGINAL proof of payment MUST be attached to the application form upon submission).

University Banking Details

Bank name: Standard Bank
Branch name: Polokwane
Branch code: 052548
Account number: 330040006
Swift Code: SBZAZAJJ (International Deposit)
Reference: Passport Number & Country

The following documents should be attached to your application form:

Certified copy of valid passport /South African I.D book/card
Certified copy(s) of qualifications/ Matric certificate
Certified copy of Marriage certificate (if applicable)
Certified copies of Academic Transcript/School Results/report/ A & O level results
Proof of application fee payment slip (original)
HESA Certificate (this is for prospective students who did their secondary education outside South Africa-International Students who did their matric in South Africa attach their matric certificate/school report).

Application procedure

The following documents should be attached to the application form:

Certified copy of valid passport.
Certified copy(s) of qualifications/Matric certificate.
Certified copy of Marriage certificate (if applicable).
Certified copies of Academic Transcript/School Results/Report/A & O Level results.
Proof of payment of application fee (original).
HESA Certificate – this is for prospective students who did their secondary education outside South Africa. International Students who did their matric in South Africa should attach their matric certificate/school report.
SAQA Certificate – this is for prospective (postgraduate) students who did their undergraduate/postgraduate studies outside South Africa.
Postgraduate students CANNOT apply online.

The application form and prospectus can be accessed on these links: https://staging.ul.ac.za/application/downloads/2019%20Application%20Form.pdf & https://staging.ul.ac.za/application/downloads/2019_UL_Prospectus.pdf

NB: All certifications must be no more than three months old (ONLY certification from the commissioners of oaths or public notary will be accepted). Students from non-English speaking countries must provide proof of English proficiency (TOEFL Test Certificate).

Apply for a SAQA certificate

To apply for a SAQA certificate, visit/contact the South African Qualifications Authority (for postgraduate students).

South African Qualifications Authority Physical Address:
SAQA House
1067 Arcadia Street, Hatfield
Pretoria
0100

Tel: +27 (0) 12 431 5070 / 5000
Website: www.saqa.org.za/

Apply for a HESA certificate

To apply for a HESA certificate, visit or contact Universities South Africa.

Universities South Africa Physical Address
1st floor, Block D and E
Hatfield Office Park
1267 Pretorius Street
Hatfield, Pretoria
South Africa

Tel: +27 010 591 4401/2 / +27 (0) 12 030 0650
Website: https://www.usaf.ac.za

Postal address

YOU CAN POST IT TO THE UNIVERSITY USING THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS:

Central Enrolment
University of Limpopo
Private Bag X1106
Sovenga, 0727
South Africa

Or submit it in person at:
Central Enrolment
Old A block

Their contacts are: +27 (0) 15 268 3332/2812/2788/3276/3833/2435/3925/4692/4692

Office of International Affairs working hours: 07:30-16:00, Mon-Fri.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications

All applications can be submitted online

APPLY NOW

Handling Fee

Online application has a handling fee of R750 for International Applicants.

Banking Details

Account Name: University of Limpopo
Bank Name: Standard Bank
Branch Name: Polokwane Square
Branch Code: 051001
Account Number: 030131405
Reference Number: Applicant’s ID Number/Passport Number

Enquiries

All enquiries should be directed to our call Centre on the following contact details:

Call Centre Number:
+2715 268 3332
Email:
enrolment@ul.ac.za

Information

The undergraduate and Postgraduate prospectuses are available on our website for ease of reference.

Note:
*Note: make sure you meet or exceed the admission requirements on the prospectus. Only Bachelor Certificate holders are eligible to apply for admission.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Registrations are conducted solely online. Please do not visit the University of Limpopo to verify the status of your application or to submit your final results.

REGISTRATION

Applicants must have the correct endorsement (matriculation type) on their final Grade 12 results to register for a degree. All registration and enquiries are handled entirely online. For further assistance, contact our Call Centre at +2715 268 3332 or email enrolment@ul.ac.za.

FEES

For information on tuition and other fees, please click here.
If you have a funder, request that they send us a promissory note (letter) on or before registration, and also notify us of your funder by sending details to: privatebursaries@ul.ac.za or governmentbursaries@ul.ac.za
If you are self-funding, please send proof of payment four (4) working days before registration: studentfeesqueries@ul.ac.za.

RESIDENCE

Academic admission to the University of Limpopo does not guarantee residence admission. You will receive a separate letter if you applied for admission to a residence. Residence Administration shall communicate with the students on the outcomes and status of their residence admissions and registration. Only students who have received a residence admission letter will be required to pay an upfront residence fee. Please email us at accomodation@ul.ac.za

UL MERIT BURSARIES

Academic merit bursaries are awarded based on outstanding Grade 12 results. Please click here for more information.
NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) enquiries should be directed to info@nsfas.org.za or 0860 067 327.

AGREEMENT AND INDEMNITY

You must complete, sign, and submit a formal agreement with the University of Limpopo when you register.
The formal agreement contains provisions that exempt and indemnify the University from liability for any damages or losses you may suffer, as well as those actions and eventualities for which it is responsible.
If you are under the age of 18, a parent or guardian must sign the required form.
You will be registered on the strict condition that you agree to abide by the Student Code of Conduct, the Academic Rules and Regulations of the University of Limpopo, the Faculty’s rules and regulations, and the University’s policies and procedures as amended from time to time.
You agree to pay the prescribed fees and agree to be bound by the provisions of the formal agreement.

REMOTE ONLINE REGISTRATIONS

Registrations are conducted online. If your application is successful, the University will contact you with information on how to register from the comfort of your own home.
There will be NO registration on campus. The entire process is conducted remotely and online.

SADC PROTOCOL ON EDUCATION

The South African government has entered into an agreement with SADC countries to allow prospective students from those countries to enrol and study at South African universities. Students from the SADC region are treated the same as South African students under this protocol. Students from outside the SADC region must meet the admission requirements of each faculty.

Documents required from prospective international applicants in accordance with the Department of Home Affairs directive

Prospective international students should submit the following documentation:

Valid study permit – A study permit or visa should be applied for immediately after a letter of admission is received.
Certified copy of passport and visa.
Police clearance from the home country.
Medical Aid – All international students admitted by the University must produce proof of medical aid before registration. Only South African medical aid is accepted. Check the medical aid link for recommendedmedical aid providers.
Copy of an evaluation certificate from the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA) for postgraduate students or Universities South Africa (HESA) for undergraduates.

All non-South African/non-resident applicants must provide the above information in order to be considered for admission and statistics. Failure to provide this information as a non-South African may cause your application to be delayed.

The international office requires this information to:

Keep track of academic progress made or lack thereof.
Keep SA Missions abroad and the local Department of Home Affairs posted on progress,
Keep records of all those who graduated from the university.
Keep records of all international students..

All international qualifications must be evaluated prior to application. Universities South Africa is responsible for evaluating high school qualifications, while SAQA is in charge of evaluating tertiary qualifications.

STUDY VISA & APPLICATION RENEWAL

The prospective student must have a study visa before leaving their home country, as required by the South African Immigration Act.

However, current practice allows first-time international students to apply for a study visa while still in their home country. Returning students should renew their visas in advance as they will be required to provide one during pre-registration the coming year; without the visa one cannot register for that academic year.

Specific academic institutions are granted study visas. If you want to transfer to another institution, you must obtain a new study visa. It is important to note that study permits are only valid for a limited time and must be renewed during your studies.

Permanent residents do not need to apply for a study visa, but must instead provide proof of permanent residency.

Who To Visit/Contact

VISA Facilitation Centre in Polokwane
Physical Address
Shop 13
Thornhill Shopping Centre
C/O Veldspaat & Munnik Ave
Bendor

Further information on immigration issues can be obtained on the Department of Home Affairs website.

Home Affairs Office (Polokwane)
61 Hans Van Rensburg Street, Library Gardens Complex
Polokwane
Limpopo
0699
South Africa
Email: valdah.mathabatha@dha.gov.za
Tel: +27 (0) 15 290 4600

Postdoctoral Fellows

The above requirements for visa renewal also apply to postdoctoral fellows who wish to extend their visa. Postdoctoral fellows must obtain an official letter from their academic host at UL confirming the continuation of their research at UL, the terms of the fellowship, the amount of the fellowship award, and the length of time for which an extension is required. This letter must be submitted to the International Office, which will also write another letter to accompany the hosting department letter.

Students from visa-exempt countries who visit South Africa for 30/90 days or less are not required to apply for a study permit. In such cases, students are issued a temporary residence permit (trp) or a stamp upon arrival in South Africa. Please visit the Department of Home Affairs for more information on visas and a list of visa-exempt countries based on the length of stay (30 or 90 days). Students who are not from visa-exempt countries and will be in the country for 90 days or less must apply for a visa at their home country’s South African embassy. To enter the country, they will be given a visitor’s visa.

Students must renew their study permit three months before it expires. If you do not renew your study permit, you will be considered an illegal foreigner in the country and may face prosecution by the Department of Home Affairs.

Study Visa Application Requirements (First Time Application)

The following documents must be submitted with the BI-1738 application form:

A passport valid for a year or more.
Payment of the prescribed fee (currently R1 350 visa handling fee and R450 visa application fee).
A vaccination certificate (if applicable).
Proof of financial means – this can be in the form of a bank statement and a copy of the passport or ID of the parent or guardian responsible for the financial support and a supporting letter.
Admission letter from the University.
A letter from the institution in support of your study visa (obtainable from our Office of International Affairs).
Medical and radiology reports.
Proof of medical cover, renewed annually for the period of study with a South African medical scheme registered in terms of the Medical Schemes Act.
If you are 18 years and older, a police clearance certificate from each country in which you resided for 12 months or longer since the age of 18 years is required. This should be submitted with the application or within three months of submission.
Visa Information for Students Coming into South Africa for 90 days or less.

Students from countries exempt from South African Visas for visits to South Africa for 30/90 days, or less are not required to apply for a study permit. In those cases, students get issued a temporary residence permit (trp) or a stamp on arrival at the port of entry in South Africa. For a list of visa-exempt countries according to the intended duration of stay (30/90 days), please visit the Department of Home Affairs for more information regarding Visas. Students who are not from visa-exempt countries and will be in the country for 90 days or less must apply for a visa at the South African embassy in their home country. They will be issued a visitor’s visa to be in the country.

NB: Documents need to have been certified by the police or commissioner of oaths, and certification should not be over 3 months.

Kindly note that the University does not obtain a study permit for applicants. Students should renew their study permit 3 months before its expiration. Failure to renew the study permit will see both the student and the University fined by the State. It takes 4-8 weeks for a study permit to be available; therefore, it is advisable to make study Visa applications in advance. You are also advised to make an application for a multiple-entry visa. Please note that you might be expected to pay a fee for re-entry into South Africa. For Study Visa Renewal a proof of residence should be attached.

MEDICAL AID

The Office of International Affairs assists students with enquiries and communication with medical aid providers.

It is COMPULSORY for all International students to have medical aid cover during their study period.

NB: Permanent residents are advised to have medical aid cover, although it is not compulsory for them. Kindly note that only South African Medical Aid Schemes are accepted.

Information on recognised medical aid providers in South Africa is listed below:

• Ingwe Health Momentum
• Comp Care Wellness
• Discovery Health
• SA Medical Scheme Information

ANNUAL REGISTRATION CLEARANCE (PRE-REGISTRATION)

The Immigration Act of 2002 requires all institutions of higher learning in South Africa to report accurately and keep a record of all international students registered at their institutions.

must comply with government regulations and ensure that international students have all valid documents before registering.

To ensure smooth academic registration, the Office of International Affairs runs a pre-registration service to assist both faculties and international students. The pre-registration service is a process to ensure that a student has all the necessary requirements to register.

During this process, students will be checked if they meet the below requirements:

Valid Study Visa for UL.
Proof of medical aid certificate.
Has paid all the necessary fees.
Has any difficulties with registering and settling in?

When the above requirements are met, the student will be cleared for registration. All international students (undergraduate, postgraduate, full-time, part-time, etc.) are required to pre-register with the Office of International Affairs annually before registering with their respective Faculties; otherwise, students will remain blocked on the university registering system.

Students should submit the following original documents at the Office of International Affairs/operation station during the pre-registration process:

A passport with a valid visa for study at the University of Limpopo.
Medical aid confirmation letter (not card) for the study period.
Proof of financial means for that academic year.
Acceptance Letter (for first entering students).

NB: Students should regularly check their e-mails, the University website or notices around campus for information regarding pre-registration for the coming year.

DEPARTURE ARRANGEMENTS

Students should organise their own transportation from their home country to the university.

On arrival, they should first report to the Office of International Affairs, situated in the New Admin Building, 2nd Floor, Office number 2016, for assistance with their registration process.

Before students depart their respective homes, they should check if they have the following:
• Acceptance letter /Provisional acceptance letter from the school (for first entering students)
• Valid Passport
• Medical Aid letter
• Study Visa
• Proof of financial means for that academic year
• Proof of registration fee payment (your student number should be your reference)
• University of Limpopo Map

ACCOMMODATION

The University of Limpopo has its own campus accommodation for students, for which all students who require accommodation at UL must apply.

Every student’s application form for an academic place at UL includes a section where the student can apply for housing.

Unfortunately, because UL only has slightly more than 6500 student spaces, it cannot accommodate every student. Students who are not offered on-campus housing or who prefer to live off-campus are advised to seek a place at UL-accredited off-campus residences that are privately owned. There are house committees at UL that look after the needs of residence students. They plan all of the activities for residence students.

The UL SRC recently established a day house for students who do not live in UL residences. This committee is in charge of all off-campus students’ interests.

If space is available, the Office of International Affairs assists first-year international students in finding housing on campus. To avoid disappointment, international students should report to the office on the first day of registration. The University has accommodation specifically for postgraduate students, which will be allocated only if space is available.

NB: One should ensure they apply for on-campus accommodation as part of their application process because space is limited. Returning students should check their Keyaka Emails and look for notices around the campus for annual online accommodation for the coming academic year.