The simple answer to “Can I get a South African passport if I was not born in South Africa?” is YES but it comes requirements and conditions with which this article covers. Let’s get going:
Whether you can get a South African passport if you weren’t born there depends on a few factors:
Citizenship:
- Descent: If one of your parents was a South African citizen at the time of your birth and your birth is registered, you might be considered a South African citizen by descent.
- Naturalization: If you’ve lived in South Africa for a certain period and met specific requirements, you could potentially be naturalized as a citizen.
- Adoption: If you were adopted by a South African citizen and your birth is registered, you might be eligible for citizenship.
Other factors:
- Residency: You might need to be a permanent resident of South Africa to apply for a passport.
- Documents: You’ll need to provide various documents, like your birth certificate, parental information, and proof of residency.
Persons born outside South Africa can claim citizenship by descent if one of their parents was a South African citizen at the time of their registered birth. Individuals born outside South Africa and adopted by a South African citizen can also claim citizenship by descent if their birth was registered.
South Africa Citizenship by Descent: Requirements
Required Documents
- A completed application form (BI-24)
- An unabridged birth certificate
- Original and valid passports of the applicant and their parent(s)
- South African parent’s original birth certificate, identity document, or passport
- Marriage certificate of parents, if applicable
- Proof of payment of the application fee
Costs and Fees
- The application fee for South African citizenship by descent is currently ZAR 1,330 (subject to change)
- Additional fees may apply for services such as DNA testing or legal advice.
The above requirements may be subject to change. Hence, it is advised to check the official website of the Department of Home Affairs for the most up-to-date information.
Waiting Time
- The processing time for citizenship by descent applications can vary and may take several months to a year.
Overview of Public Universities in South Africa
Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.
University of Pretoria
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
- Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.
University of Cape Town
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
- Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.
Stellenbosch University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
- Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.
University of the Witwatersrand
- Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
- Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.
University of Johannesburg
- Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
- Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.
University of the Free State
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.
University of Venda
- Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
- Application Period: Usually from May to September.
University of Fort Hare
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
- Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.
University of the Western Cape
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
- Application Period: Generally from May to September.
North-West University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
- Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.
Rhodes University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
- Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.
Nelson Mandela University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
- Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.
University of Limpopo
- Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
- Application Period: From April to September.
University of Zululand
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
- Application Period: Usually between April and November.
Central University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
- Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.
Vaal University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
- Application Period: Typically from May to September.
Walter Sisulu University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
- Application Period: From April to September.
This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.