If the expiry date of your permit has passed and you have not applied for a renewal in time, you are required to write a detailed letter explaining why you have not applied for a renewal in due time.This letter must be submitted to the Department of Home Affairs together with your application for renewal of your study permit.

Kindly note it is required of the student to request for an extention 3 months before the expiry date.  Should the student not renew his/her study permit in the stipulated period of time, the student is deemed as an illegal immigrant in South Africa and faces deportation.  It is requested of all registered student to ensure that his/her study permit is renewed on time.

All international students holding a study permit is required to renew their study permit at least 3 months before the expiry date.

Study permits are usually valid for one year to three years.  Three months before the expiry date in your passport you need to come to the IRD and do the following:

1.  Collect an application form (BI 159: G) for a study permit renewal.

2. Complete the form and return it to the IRD together with:Copies of proof of registration, student card, medical aid and passport or,If you are a postgraduate student doing research only, a letter from your supervisor commenting on the progress of your research, or, If you are a new student whose study permit will expire at the end of March, the IRD will write a letter confirming your registration.

3. The form will be signed at the IRD and you must collect it after three days with the letter from the IRD to Home Affairs confirming you continuation.

4. Completed application form must be sent to a regional Home Affairs branch where the study permit renewal should be issued within two weeks from the date of receipt of the application.