From our experience working with expatriates in South Africa we have been experiencing a lot of uncertainty regarding the Study Visa here. 
Some of our large corporates were not aware that proof of South African-based insurance is required when extending a Study Permit or when applying for a Study Permit in South Africa.
Corporates are reluctant in putting their assignees on a South African Medical Aid as they are already on an International Medical Aid. The proof of the International Medical Aid is no longer accepted by the South African Home Affairs office since the amendment to the Act in May 2014 for new or Extension of Study Permits submitted in South Africa.
Below is an extract from Section 12. (1) f) Study Visa of the South African Immigration Act for your ease of reference.
“…f) proof of medical cover renewed annually for the period of study with a medical scheme registered in terms of the Medical Schemes Act; …”
There are a number of South African Medical Aids offering a plan for a Study Visa which is minimal in cost and ranges between R330 – R500 per month. There is no need for the assignee to come off an International Medical Aid for this purpose.
We propose that the Corporates send their Assignees and children to South Africa on a School Search, where they can visit the school, meet the principal and ask as many questions as possible prior to signing up with the school. Once the assignee is happy with the school, they can then apply abroad for the Study Permit along with the Assignee’s Work Permit Application.
If you need further information from our immigration experts, please contact Sally Wardle – Tel : +27 (11) 3721700 or Email : swardle@crownww.com