Global Engagement

In terms of the Immigration Amendment Act 19 of 2004, any foreign student coming to study in the Republic of South Africa must provide proof of medical cover registered under the Medical Schemes  Act, 1998 Act 131 of 1998.

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), however, recommends two Medical Aid products, namely, CompCare and Momentum Health.  You will be required to pay for the full calendar year, i.e. from 01 January to 31 December of that year or for 5 months if you will be spending one semester at UKZN. (Students are required to submit proof from their respective Schools)

Medical Health Cover is one of the requirements when applying for a study visa at the South African High Commission in your country.  It is thus advisable to make the necessary financial arrangements for the medical aid cover prior to applying for a study visa. Should you rely on sponsorship, please ensure that you advise your sponsor of this requirement as soon as you get sponsorship or acceptance. It is not sufficient for any student to produce a letter indicating medical cover sponsorship. The sponsor must organise payment for the required medical aid cover directly to the Medical Aid Company, separate to that of the tuition fees.

You cannot register without providing the International Student Office (ISO) with proof of medical aid registered under the above-mentioned Act.

The contact details for the medical schemes recommended by UKZN are as follows:

The above products have guaranteed that cancellation of coverage will not be refunded without written communication from the relevant International Student Office confirming the student’s deregistration status.

Please note that:  Purchase of other South African Medical Aid products will also have to be paid for the full calendar year, i.e. From 01 January to 31 December of that year and must be approved

You must be in possession of a passport which is valid for at least one year. You need obtain a study visa from a South African Embassy, Consulate or High Commission in your home country, study visas can take 4-8 weeks to process and it is advisable to apply for study visa well in advance.

You need the following documents to apply for a study visa:

First Time Application:

• A letter of acceptance from UKZN
• A letter from the university in support of your study visa
• The relevant application fee (this will depend on the Embassy in your country)
• Proof of financial means
• Proof of a South African medical health cover**
• Proof of residence in South Africa
• Yellow fever vaccination (if coming from / traveling through an endemic country)
• A police clearance certificate (Not more than 12 months old)
• Repatriation fee or a return ticket (Original proof of payment)

For more information, please consult the Embassy, High Commission or Consulate in your country.

Upon arrival at UKZN, you will need to produce the following documents to the International Student Office in order to obtain a Certificate of Clearance for purpose of academic registration:

• Passport
• Study Visa and
• Proof of a South African medical aid cover**(12 months)**

On Campus residences is made available to international students upon application.

Alternatively, students can be assisted to secure a private accomodation that is registered with the university.

For more details;

Tel:  +27 (0) 31 260 8070

Fax: +27 (0)31 260 7113

E-mail: Khumalos@ukzn.ac.za