A Student visa is required by a non Botswana national in order to study in one of Botswana’s learning institutions.
Botswana offers a number of international educational institutions and the expat community, as well as some international students, make use of these local facilities.
Process for a student visa
Applications for a residency permit will only be processed after the student has completed on-campus registration, and
normally the university in question will provide the student with a ‘package’ for them to present to airlines and passport control explaining their situation.
Entering Botswana
Their are a number of citizens from various countries that do not require a visa to enter Botswana. These include Commonwealth countries and Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries.
You can see a full list of citizens who do require a travel visa here
You can see a full list of those citizens who do not require a travel visa here
Student visa and waiver requirements
Whether you apply for a student visa or waiver will depend upon the duration of your stay in Botswana.
For those students staying less than six months and application for a waiver will be required:
Requirements for a waiver application:
- Copy of the admission letter from the learning institution;
- Copy of sponsorship letter;
- A certified copy of the information page of the student’s passport that contains the passport details;
- Letter from the Office of International Education & Partnerships.
Where the student is staying over 6 months a student visa / residence permit must be applied for:
Requirements for residence permit application:
- Copy of admission letter from the learning institution;
- Copy of sponsorship letter;
- Two passport size photos.
- A certified copy of the information page of the student’s passport;
- A certified copy of the student’s birth certificate;
- Payment of immigration fees;
- Letter from the Office of International Education and Partnerships.
Learning institutions
Schools
Botswana has improved its offering to students and now provides a number of international schools as well as two universities:
-
In Gabarone
An International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) World School offering primary through to high school.
Renowned for its sport, and the educational program is devised by UNESCO as its source material.
Examinations offered are the Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and the G.C.E. Advanced Level University Entrance exams (A Level).
Internationally certified as an approved Oxford, Cambridge, and Royal Society of the Arts (OCR) examinations centre.
A private, international English school. The curriculum is driven by the International Baccalaureate Organization curriculum.
Delta Waters International School
Facilities include day scholars and boarding students. This is a University of Cambridge International Centre, offering curricula leading to the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) at the end of Form 4 (year 4), the Advanced Subsidiary Level (AS) at the end of year 5 and Advanced level at the end of year 6.
Classes are available from Reception to Standard 7 in English language. Curriculum is based on UK National Curriculum.
Botlhale English Medium Primary School
This English language independent school offers classes for young students.
The Learning Centre School (TLCS)
Offers a complete curriculum with extracurriculars and is affiliated with several private school associations including the Association of Christian Schools International and the AISA.
Rainbow School
Offering IGCSE or A Levels. The school uses English language curriculum for students aged 13-20.
- In Palapye
This school opened to serve the needs of expatriate employees’ children. Schooling is in the English language and the school offers the Cambridge International Examinations.
- Universities
Limkokwing University of Creative Technology
Getting help wth your student visa for Botswana
Intergate Immigration is one of Africa’s premier permit, visa and immigration companies. We have been successfully assiting clients since 2006 and welcome your enquiry about student visas for Botswana.
To ascertain your eligibility and learn more about a student visa either call + 287 (0) 21 424 2460 or select from your preferred method of communication below:
E-mail us your student visa enquiry
Take our free student visa assessment