Everything SA students need to prepare for an internship abroad
Visa requirements for your passport, funding options, insurance, accommodation, and what to pack. Honest, SA-specific, and up to date for 2026.
Visa guide for SA passport holders
The South African passport ranks around 53rd globally. You need a visa for most internship destinations. Here's the honest breakdown.
✅ Dubai, UAE
UAE tourist visa - SA citizens can obtain a short-stay UAE visa quickly via airlines like Emirates or online e-visa portals (typically 2-7 days, low cost). For internships, your employer sponsors an employment visa. One of the most accessible destinations for SA students. Confirm latest entry requirements with the UAE Embassy.
✅ Bali, Indonesia
B211A Social-Cultural Visa - Available on arrival or via online application. Up to 180 days with extensions. Approx. R1,000-R2,500 total. Our team handles the sponsor letter.
✅ Bangkok, Thailand
Tourist visa on arrival for stays up to 30 days. For longer internships, a Non-Immigrant B visa (applied for in SA) is required. Relatively straightforward.
✅ Australia
Work and Holiday Visa (subclass 462) for eligible SA citizens aged 18-30. Apply online. Check current eligibility with the Australian Department of Home Affairs as country lists are reviewed annually. Allows 6 months with one employer. One of the best routes for SA students when available.
✅ Canada
IEC Working Holiday for SA citizens aged 18-35. Annual draw, typically opens Jan-Feb. Up to 12 months. Apply online but not guaranteed - enter the pool early.
✅ Kenya/Ghana
eVisa on arrival for both. Kenya: ~R750, processed online within 3 days. Ghana: ~R800, 2-3 weeks. Both easily achievable for SA students.
EU / Schengen (Spain, Germany, etc.)
Schengen C-visa required. Apply at the embassy of your primary destination country in SA. Fee: EUR 90 (~R1,800). Processing: 4-8 weeks. For stays over 90 days, a national D-visa is required. Fully achievable with our guidance.
United Kingdom
Standard Visitor visa for short stays - but this does NOT permit paid work. For internships, you need a Skilled Worker or Youth Mobility visa (the latter not available to SA citizens). University exchange programmes sometimes have different arrangements.
USA (New York)
J-1 Exchange Visitor visa required for internships. Requires a sponsor organisation. Apply at the US Embassy in Pretoria or Cape Town. Fee: ~R3,500. Processing: 6-12 weeks. We work with J-1 sponsors.
Full Service students get complete visa guidance. We walk you through every document, help you prepare your application, and support you through the embassy process. Start early - some visas take 2 months.
Funding options for SA students
Erasmus+ ICM Stipends
If your SA university has an Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility agreement, you can receive approximately EUR 800/month (R15,000/month) for an internship at a qualifying European partner. UCT, Wits, Stellenbosch, and UP have these agreements. Apply through your International Office.
University Bursaries
Most top SA universities have limited funds for international internship experiences. Apply early through your Faculty International Coordinator or the International Academic Programmes Office. Competition is high but the funds exist.
Private Foundations
Oppenheimer Memorial Trust, Mandela Rhodes Foundation, and Allan Gray Orbis Foundation all support international experience. Long application timelines (6-12 months before travel). Research eligibility early.
Where you'll live abroad
All Full Service placements include vetted accommodation arranged by our local team. Here's what to expect across our main destinations:
Shared apartments
Most common option. You share with other interns from around the world. Cost varies from R4,000/month in Bangkok to R18,000/month in London. Vetted for safety, internet, and proximity to your workplace.
Co-living spaces
Available in Bali (Outpost, Dojo), Barcelona, and Lisbon. Includes co-working, community events, and support. Slightly more expensive but great for networking.
Homestays
Available in some destinations, especially Africa and Southeast Asia. Live with a local family - excellent for cultural immersion and typically the most affordable option.
Insurance for SA students abroad
Important for SA students: Most SA medical aid schemes (Discovery, Momentum, Bestmed) do not cover you abroad beyond emergency evacuation. You need international travel and health insurance for any internship abroad.
We recommend policies that include: emergency medical (minimum R2M cover), emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, and personal liability. For Schengen visas, you are required to have minimum EUR 30,000 medical cover as part of your visa application.
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