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• Applications for registration
• Study permit & Medical Aid enquires
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South Africa is a nation of over 47-million people of diverse origins, cultures, languages and beliefs. Around 79% are black (or African), 9% white, 9% "colored" - the local label for people of mixed African, Asian and white descent - and 2.5% Indian or Asian. Just over half the population lives in the cities.

Geographically speaking, South Africa is an incredibly beautiful country. It boasts a varied climate - one that is mostly warm in summer and cool in winter. High mountains and sunny beaches with both cold and warm seas. These are just some of the amazing things to experience here. Semi-arid plateaus, heavily forested areas and great watery regions are all just part of the South African experience. The diversity makes for interesting variety when sight-seeing in the country.

The country also boasts seven major biomes which adds to plant and animal diversity and is very rare in such a concentrated area. On top of this, the majority of the country is a malaria-free zone which means that you will be able to enjoy the wonders of nature without the concerns of being infected by strange diseases. The following map will help you to better visualize how South Africa is organized and divided into its various regions

Provinces

South Africa has nine provinces:

1. Western Cape
2. Eastern Cape
3. Northern Cape
4. Free State
5. Kwazulu Natal
6. Gauteng (MGI is in Gauteng Province, Midrand, Johannesburg)
7. North West
8. Limpopo
9. Mpumalanga

Languages

South Africa has 11 official languages:

• English
• Afrikaans
• Sepedi
• Sesotho
• Setswana
• siSwati
• Tshivenda
• Xitsonga
• isiNdebele
• isiXhosa
• isiZulu

At MGI, the medium of instruction is ONLY English however, all eleven S.A. official languages as well as others from outside S.A. are represented on campus.

Religion

Two-thirds of South Africans are Christian, the largest church being the indigenous Zion Christian Church, followed by the Dutch Reformed and Catholic churches. Many churches combine Christian and traditional African beliefs, and many non-Christians espouse these traditional beliefs. Other significant religions - though with much smaller followings - are Islam, Hinduism and Judaism.

Time Difference

Standard time in South Africa is two hours (+2) ahead of Greenwich meantime. No zone or seasonal variations apply in South Africa.

Climate

S A Currency

The South African currency is the Rand denoted by the symbol R (R1.00 = 100 cents)

Foreign Currency

Foreign currency and traveler’s cheques (provided the currency is accepted in South Africa), may be converted into local currency. Local Banks and a few other institutions listed below will convert foreign currency:

• Travel Agencies
• Airlines
• Bureaus de Change
• American Express
• Rennies
• Thomas Cook, etc

Please take note that a commission fee is charged for every transaction.
Visit the website: http://www.xe.com or http://www.oanda.com

Banking facilities 

All the major banks are situated close to the campus at the Boulders Shopping Mall and we also have an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) on campus. This ATM operates during school working hours.
Banks are open from Mondays to Fridays 09h00 – 15h00 and on Saturdays from 08h30 – 11h00.
Banks at Boulders shopping mall are Standard Bank, FNB, ABSA, Capitac and NEDBANK
There is a FNB ATM on the MGI campus.

Credit Cards and Travelers Cheques

In South Africa most major credit cards are accepted. Examples are: Master Card, Visa Card, Diners Club and American Express.

Value Added Tax

In South Africa, Value Added Tax is levied on most goods and services. The current rate is 14%. Usually this is included in the marked prices. Non-RSA citizens/ residents may, however, claim back VAT on items taken out of the country when the total value exceeds a certain amount. Proof of items bought and documentation will be required at point of exit.

International Driving License 

For insurance purpose it is advisable to obtain an international driver's license in the country in which the holder's national license was issued. An international diver's license is valid for one year. Information about the renewal of such a license should be obtained in the country of origin before proceeding to South Africa. The holder's national driver's license is valid for a period of six months from date of entry in the RSA, provided it has been issued in English and that it contains a photograph of the holder and his/her signature; and the holder's nationality.

Electricity

City and town power systems operate at 220/250 volts, AC50Hz. Adapters for electric appliances can be purchased at airports and major shopping centers.

Weights and Measures

Metric system is used in South Africa

Tap Water

Water in South Africa in areas other than informal or shack settlements, is safe to drink straight from the tap. Water for public use is of high quality and treated to be free from harmful micro-organisms. Bottled mineral water is also readily available (still and sparkling).

Shopping

All South African cities and large towns boast excellent shopping facilities. Shopping in South Africa can be great as most big shopping malls have different restaurants, cinemas, franchises and shops pick and to choose from.

The closest shopping Mall to MGI is The Boulders Shopping Mall, which is 3km away from MGI. (See map)

Computer Access

Computer access is available to registered students free of charge on campus. We also have a wireless internet service that can be accessed at a fee.

Postal Services and Photocopying

Postal and printing services are available on campus.

Calling South Africa from other Countries

If you wish to give your South African telephone number to someone in another country, make sure you add the South African country code, which is always 27; the area code; your own number.

Example
Your number is 123 4567
The dialing code for South Africa is 27 and for Johannesburg is 011
The number you therefore give is +27 11 123 4567
The + sign represents the international access code for the calling country

Transport from the Airport

The Midrand Graduate Institute is located approximately 30 kilometers from the O R Thambo International Airport. Should you require transport from the airport to the campus or accommodation in Midrand, you can arrange for this with your student advisor.

Why MGI

• Small Classes
• Sporting facilities
• Individual attention
• On-campus residence
• Placement assistance
• Official UNISA tuition centre
• Internattionally acredited degrees
• Interships and practical programmes
• Qualified and experienced lecturing staff
• Secure parking and safe environment
• Assistance with all visas, medical aid and accomodation
• Official Cambridge International Fellowship Centre
• All degrees are recognised by the Council of Higher Education (CHE) and the Department of Education ( DOE)
• And loads of fun-loving, intelligent people!

Application for a VISA

Purpose of a VISA

A visa only enables the holder to proceed to a port of entry before or on the expiry date of the visa, where the holder must comply with the applicable law, regulations and the following requirements of the Republic of South Africa. No fixed travel arrangements must be made prior to the issuing of the visa and five (5) – ten (10) days must be allowed for its processing.

Entry Requirements

• An acceptable passport/travel document to be valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of the intended stay and containing at least one unused page when presenting it for endorsements.
• A valid visa, if required
• Sufficient funds
• A return/onward ticket
• Yellow fever certificates are required if the journey starts or entails passing through the yellow fever belt of Africa or South America.

Where to Apply for a Visa 

• At the South African diplomatic or consular representative in the applicant’s country of normal residence, which includes permanent residence and long-term temporary residence.
• At the South African diplomatic or consular representative in the country of which the applicant holds a valid passport.
• At the designated South African diplomatic or consular representative when a mission is not present in the applicant’s country of residence.

Please note: Applications lodged at a place other than the above may be referred by the consular officer to the above offices which will imply a longer processing time.

• Visas CANNOT be issued at South African ports of entry.

What to Submit

• Passports must accompany the visa applications when submitted at a South African diplomatic or consular representative.
• Proof of booking of airline ticket.
• 2 identity photographs.
• Prescribed visa fee, if not exempted.
• Supporting documentation confirming the purpose of the visit.
• Vaccination certificate, if required.

Fees

Nationals of certain countries are subject to visa fees. Fees are levied per application and are not refundable should the application be refused.

Persons applying for transit visas must submit proof that they will be admitted to their destinations and they must be in possession of onward/return tickets.

Duration and Purpose of Stay in South Africa

The period of residence in the Republic of South Africa will be determined from the applicant’s date of admission to the Republic in accordance with any conditions that may appear on the visa. On admission, the visa will be deemed to be a visitor’s permit. Applicants must ensure that they request the full duration of their intended visits as renewals are subject to additional fees.
Applicants must also ensure that they apply for the correct visa (transit or visitor’s) or temporary residence permit reflecting the true purpose of the visit, as any change in the purpose of stay will only be approved in the Republic of South Africa for good cause and if the requirements of the Act are complied with.

Warning

In terms of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002, Section 13 (Study Permits) and 10 1 (h) of the Regulations to the Immigration Act, one of the options stated below may apply to non-South African citizens wishing to register on Study Permits. In all cases students must submit proof of adequate medical cover for the full academic year (or period) and a copy thereof. (Written proof and membership card).
One of the options stated below will be acceptable for students registering on Study Permits:

1. Medical cover issued by a South African medical scheme registered in terms of the Medical Schemes Act.
2. Ingwe Medical Cover for Botswana government sponsored students.
3. Namibian Medical Cover accepted by the High Commission in Windhoek before issue of Study Permits for Namibian students.
4. Diplomatic students who are forced by their Embassies/High Commissions to have specific medical cover as endorsed by the Embassy/High Commission.
5. International medical cover obtained outside the borders of South Africa and accepted by South African Missions in order for students to obtain Study Permits.

Visitors or students who enter South Africa on any other permits, are strongly advised to ensure that they have ample medical cover for the duration of their stay.

Medical Aid companies in South Africa.

• Ingwe Health
• Getmed
• Discovery Health Medical Aid
• Fedhealth Medical Aid
• Resolution Health Medical Aid
• Momentum Health Medical Aid
• Genesis Medical Aid
• Medihelp Medical Aid
• Oxygen Medical Aid
• Profmed Medical Aid
• Bonitas Medical Aid
• Liberty Medical Aid
• Protea

Vaccinations

Yellow fever certificates are required if the journey starts or entails passing through the yellow fever belt of Africa or South America.

Fees

Fees are depending on the course chosen as well as the number of modules applied for - to find our full list of fees, please email a student advisor.
Fees are due on the 1st of each month.

Payment Options

There are 2 payment options to be chosen from:

Option 1        -        full payment upfront

Option 2        -       50% or more of total contract amount for the year paid before or on date of commencement in February. The balance is payable in 10 equal monthly installments from 01 February to 01 November.
NOTE: Under this option, for the month of February, both the 50% payment as well as the first installment for February should be paid no later than 2 weeks after commencement date.

 MGI Banking Details

Bank: Standard
Branch: Smal Street
Branch Code: 001805
Account Name: Midrand Graduate Institute
Account No.: 001337440
Reference No.: your MGI Student No. or your name
Swift Number/Code: SBZAZAJJ

Midrand Graduate Institute has its own on-campus residence.

Downloadable Documents

Click here for the registration forms.

Prospective students can send their applications via email to applications@mgi.ac.za or directly to your student advisor. It may take up to two working days for you to receive feedback. Please ensure that you send the following:

• Completed application form
• Copy of student’s passport
• Copy of sponsor’s passport (sponsored students can send a letter of responsibility)
• Certified copy of latest school results
• Letter of good conduct