Hundreds of young South Africans looking to do a gap year in the UK were devastated when the British government withdrew the two-year working holiday visa in 2008.
"Good news is that 18 to 45-year-olds are now eligible for a new UK study programme which enables them to study in the UK while working at the same time," says Liezl Gericke, general manager of youth travel specialists, STA Travel.
The UK study visa requires that applicants study for a minimum of 15 hours per week. In addition they are allowed to work for up to 20 hours per week and can work as much as they like during their holidays.
"With over four months of holiday given to UK students you can either use them to work hard and earn British pounds or to travel through Europe - an affordable hop and skip away. You could even fly to the US and work at a summer camp - and be back in time for the new term," explains Gericke.
Course fees in the UK are not as expensive as many people think, and since this visa allows you to work alongside your studies it can be surprisingly affordable.
"Once graduates have finished their course they may also qualify for the International Graduate Scheme, where they can work in the UK for up to two years."
South Africans can qualify for a UK study visa if:
- They are aged 18 to 45.
- Their objective is to study in the UK and they are prepared to study for a minimum of 15 hours per week.
- They have sufficient funds to pay their academic course fees for one year.
- Course enrolment is in line with prior studies or career path.
- They are able to fulfil the British High Commission's maintenance requirement for the study visa. This means proving they have access to about £7 200 (R86 400) to cover associated costs in the UK. (This needs to be in the applicant's account for a minimum of 28 days before your application for a study visa, but does not necessarily need to be taken to the UK with them.)
Chilli Adventures, which has partnerships with several top UK colleges, has teamed up with STA Travel to offer graduates an easy way to apply for the UK study visa. It is launching its UK study programme at an introductory fee of R999, for which you will receive:
- Full visa assistance and processing.
- Registration with the college and course of your choice.
- Bank account set-up assistance.
- Pre-departure orientation.
- Tax-back service.
- For more information call 0861 782 782 or go to www.statravel. co.za.