◈ Advantages of studying English in South Africa

1. A multicultural country where English is widely used

ﾷ South Africa is one of the most linguistically diverse countries in the world, with 11 official languages.
ﾷ Among them, English is the primary language used in schools, government, media and business.
ﾷ In addition, people from diverse racial and cultural backgrounds (black, white, colored and Indian communities) live together, allowing students to experience a wide range of accents and expressions.
ﾷ This environment is highly effective for improving practical communication skills.
ﾷ At the same time, students can naturally develop a global mindset by understanding and respecting cultural differences.

2. Affordable costs

ﾷ Compared to major English-speaking countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada, South Africa offers programs at 30–50 percent lower costs on average.
ﾷ It is an especially attractive option for students planning long-term study or those with a limited budget, making it a cost-effective destination for studying abroad.

3. Use of British English

ﾷ Due to its historical ties with the UK, South Africa follows the British English system in both education and language use.
ﾷ Pronunciation, grammar, and spelling follow British standards.
ﾷ Suitable for IELTS preparation and admission to UK universities.
ﾷ The accent is relatively neutral, softer and easier to understand compared to stronger regional accents.

4. A unique blend of nature and adventure

ﾷ South Africa is home to world-renowned landscapes and tourist attractions allowing students to enjoy both studying and traveling.
ﾷ Table Mountain: An iconic landmark of Cape Town, ideal for hiking and sunset views.
ﾷ Safari experiences: Opportunity to see the "Big Five" (lion, elephant, leopard, rhino, buffalo).
ﾷ Garden Route: One of the world's most scenic driving routes.
ﾷ Surfing & diving: Popular in coastal cities such as Port Elizabeth and Durban.
ﾷ Offers a dynamic and experience-based study abroad program without any boredom.

5. A fusion of European and African cultures

ﾷ South Africa uniquely combines European-style urban infrastructure with traditional African culture.
ﾷ Modern restaurants, shopping malls, and museums.
ﾷ Traditional music, cuisine, art and fashion.
ﾷ (For example, in Cape Town, you can enjoy festivals where European-style wine culture blends with traditional African music.)

6. Relatively simple visa process

ﾷ Korean citizens can enter South Africa visa-free for up to 90 days, making it convenient for short-term study with travel.
ﾷ For long-term study, a study visa is required, typically with the following documents:
ﾷ Letter of acceptance, proof of financial means, passport, medical checkup and tuberculosis test results, insurance.

7. Availability of international English tests (IELTS, Cambridge)

ﾷ Major cities in South Africa host official test centers for IELTS and Cambridge English exams.
ﾷ Many language schools also offer exam preparation courses such as:
ﾷ Practical, exam-focused lessons.
ﾷ Mock tests.
ﾷ Assistance with test registration.
ﾷ Students can obtain internationally recognized English certifications during their stay, which can support further education or career opportunities.

◈ Estimated Living Costs by City in South Africa

City	Accommodation (Monthly)	Meals (Monthly)	Transportation (Monthly)	Total Estimated (Monthly)	Approx. Cost (KRW)	Total (ZAR)
Cape Town	R 5,500	R 2,500	R 800	R 8,800	approx. ₩680,000	8,800 ZAR
Johannesburg	R 5,000	R 2,300	R 900	R 8,200	approx. ₩635,000	8,200 ZAR
Pretoria	R 4,800	R 2,300	R 700	R 7,800	approx. ₩605,000	7,800 ZAR
Durban	R 4,500	R 2,000	R 700	R 7,200	approx. ₩560,000	7,200 ZAR
Stellenbosch	R 5,500	R 2,400	R 600	R 8,500	approx. ₩655,000	8,500 ZAR
Bloemfontein	R 4,200	R 2,000	R 500	R 6,700	approx. ₩520,000	6,700 ZAR
Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)	R 4,000	R 2,000	R 600	R 6,600	approx. ₩510,000	6,600 ZAR
Mahikeng	R 3,800	R 1,800	R 500	R 6,100	approx. ₩470,000	6,100 ZAR

◈ Notes

- The above figures are estimated living costs based on typical accommodation for language students or international students, such as dormitories or homestays.
- Actual expenses may vary depending on individual lifestyle and exchange rate fluctuations.

◈ Characteristics of Cities in South Africa

City	Key Features	Advantages for Students	Things to Do
Cape Town	One of the world’s most beautiful coastal cities, Table Mountain, harmony of nature and urban life	Stunning natural surroundings, safe and comfortable study environment, concentration of well-known language schools	Table Mountain, beaches, wine tours
Johannesburg	Largest city in South Africa, economic and cultural hub	International atmosphere, diverse nationalities, strong networking opportunities	Soweto tour, Apartheid Museum, large shopping malls
Pretoria	Administrative capital, known for jacaranda trees, calm residential city	Quiet and relatively safe environment, close to government institutions	Union Buildings, jacaranda blossom streets, museum tours
Durban	Port city on the Indian Ocean, warm subtropical climate	Mild weather year-round, ideal for marine activities and relaxed lifestyle	Golden Mile, surfing, Indian cuisine experiences
Stellenbosch	University town, heart of the wine valley	Academic atmosphere, peaceful and high-quality living environment	Winery tours, European-style streets, art galleries
Bloemfontein	Judicial capital, education-focused, quiet mid-sized city	Excellent for focused study, lower cost of living	Natural history museums, parks, historical sites
Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)	Coastal city with a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere	Stable and affordable living environment, easy access to safari regions	Summerstrand Beach, safaris, diving
Mahikeng	Capital of North West Province, small and quiet city	Low living costs, ideal for focused study, opportunity to experience local culture	Local museums, traditional markets, nature reserves

◈ Introduction to Major Language Schools in South Africa

School Name	City	Key Features	Website
EC English Cape Town	Cape Town	International reputation, close to Table Mountain, diverse student nationalities	Visit Website
Good Hope Studies	Cape Town	Spacious campus & city center location, volunteer program connections	Visit Website
Language Teaching Centre (LTC)	Cape Town	Affordable fees, IELTS preparation, small group classes	Visit Website
International House Cape Town	Cape Town	CELTA courses available, diverse course options and levels	Visit Website
Bay Language Institute	Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)	Near the beach, offers aviation English courses	Visit Website
Durban Language Centre	Durban	Focus on business English, located near the beach	Visit Website
Johannesburg English Language School (JELS)	Johannesburg	Family & professional courses, safe environment	Visit Website
Oxford English Academy	Cape Town	Global chain, 1:1 tutoring available	Visit Website
Stellenbosch English Academy	Stellenbosch	University town setting, wine region, homestay available	Local inquiry
Wits Language School	Johannesburg	Affiliated with Wits University, specializes in academic English	Visit Website

◈ Introduction to Visa Types in South Africa

Visa Type	Purpose	Eligible Applicants	Notes
Visitor Visa (up to 90 days)	Short-term stay, tourism, short courses	Tourists, short-term language students	Korean passport holders may enter visa-free for up to 30 days
Study Visa	Required for formal education enrollment (over 90 days)	Language students, primary/secondary school, university applicants	Requires admission letter, proof of funds, accommodation details, and medical check
Relative’s Visa	Stay with family in South Africa	Immediate family members of South African citizens or permanent residents	Requires proof of relationship
Work Visa	Employment purposes	Applicants with a valid job offer in South Africa	Includes General, Critical Skills, and Intra-company transfer categories
Business Visa	Business establishment and investment	Foreign investors and entrepreneurs	Minimum investment of approximately 500,000 ZAR required
Permanent Residence Permit	Permanent residency	Long-term residents (5+ years), family-sponsored applicants	Combination of points-based assessment and review system
Retirement Visa	Residence after retirement	Retirees with proof of stable income	Recommended monthly income: at least 30,000–37,000 ZAR
Exchange Visa	Educational and cultural exchange programs	Exchange students, working holiday participants	Limited to participants in officially recognized programs

⊙ Additional Reference Websites:
Department of Home Affairs (DHA), South Africa
VFS Global South Africa Visa Application Portal
Embassy of South Africa in Korea (Visa Information)