General Requirements For Nigerians Seeking Admission Into Top South African Universities

Some of the top universities in Africa can be found in South Africa and they are known for their standards, commitment to developing the students and ensuring that maximum potentials are reached- these qualities have attracted students from around the world. International students seeking to study in any top South African Universities are required to successfully meet certain requirements which would aid their smooth admission into their school of choice.

Documents required for Admission into Top South African Universities

• A complete BI-84 application form filled in black ink.
• An International passport valid for a minimum of three months after the completion of your course.
• Supporting visa application documents.
• As a Nigerian without a South African leaving school certificate, you would be required to apply for matriculation exemption to the South African Matriculation Board which is governed by Universities South Africa (USAf). 
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The score requirements for these tests vary based on the institution.
• University of Cape Town, for instance, requires a valid (no more than 2 years old) TOEFL iBT Score Report with an overall score of 88 or above, with at least 19 in Listening, 19 in Writing, 20 in Reading and 22 in Speaking or a valid (no more than 2 years old) IELTS Academic Test Report Form with an overall score of band 6.5 or above, with at least 6.0 in each component.
• Other schools such as Stellenbosch University require a minimum TOEFL score of 550 for the paper-based assessment, or 213 for the computer-based assessment, or an IELTS score of 6.5.
• If you are planning to study in University of Johannesburg, IELTS at an overall score of 6 or TOEFL at an average score of 80?104 is required for Undergraduate programmes while Postgraduate applicants are to have valid IELTS at an overall score of 7 or TOEFL at an average score of 105?120. Alternatively, you may elect to write the University of Johannesburg English Language Programme Test (UJELP). 
• Valid passport, Identity Document or Birth Certificate.
• Most South African universities require The National Benchmark Test (NBT) which measures your academic readiness for University. It should be a valid (no more than 3 years old) NBT Academi Literacy Plus score report with an overall score in the Intermediate Upper range or above.

Other documents that could be required are:

• Pearson PTE Academic test report which must be valid and not more than 2 years old with an overall score of 67 or above, with at least 59 in each communicative skills component.
• Proof of paid 75% of the annual tuition fee which should be paid during or before registration, and receipt of paid 75% of the on-campus accommodation fee. 
• A non-refundable application fee receipt.
• Sworn English Translation of documents for documents issued in any language other than English.
• Medical insurance.

Before you would be allowed to travel to South Africa, you would have to first obtain a student visa regardless of if you have already been admitted into the South African University.

VFS has been appointed as an outsourced partner by the South Africa Department of Home Affairs to process visa applications for individuals who require a visa to enter South Africa and resides in Nigeria. It currently takes about 8 weeks for the visa to be processed.

The visa fee is currently at the rate of N8,600 (Eight thousand, six hundred Naira) and it excludes service and courier fees.

VFS application centre in Nigeria

• Address: 38, Lobito Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja.
• Telephone: 01 46 28 098
• Opening hours: 08:00 am to 3:00 pm, Mondays to Fridays.
  

Do you have all the documents required to study in your dream institution and need help with your visa processing? Talk with our agent here!