How to apply to retain my South African citizenship?

The simple answer to this question of “How to apply to retain my South African citizenship?” is you must get a letter of retention, which is issued by the department of Home Affairs. To get this letter, you must complete the BI-529 and DHA BI-1664 forms and provide a copy of your current South African passport. Let’s explore:

To apply to retain your South African citizenship, you must submit an application to the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) before acquiring foreign citizenship. The application process involves completing forms, providing supporting documentation, and paying a fee.

Eligibility

To be eligible to retain your South African citizenship, you must be:

  • A South African citizen aged 18 years or older
  • Not have acquired foreign citizenship yet

Application Process

  1. Complete the Application Form: Download and complete the BI-1664 form, which is the Application for Retention of South African Citizenship.
  2. Gather Supporting Documents: Collect the following supporting documents:
    • Completed form BI-529 (Retention of South African Citizenship)
    • Certified copy of your South African passport
    • Proof of your permanent residency in the country where you intend to acquire foreign citizenship (if applicable)
    • Sworn affidavit stating that you have not yet acquired foreign citizenship
  3. Pay the Application Fee: Pay the prescribed application fee at a designated DHA office or through an authorized payment channel.
  4. Submit the Application: Submit the completed application form, supporting documents, and proof of payment to a DHA office in person or by courier.

Processing Time

The processing time for applications to retain South African citizenship can vary depending on the workload of the DHA. However, it is generally between 6 to 12 months.

Additional Considerations

  • Dual citizenship is not automatically granted. The DHA will assess your application and determine whether you meet the requirements for retaining your South African citizenship.
  • If your application is approved, you will be issued with a letter of retention, which confirms your right to retain your South African citizenship.
  • It is advisable to apply to retain your South African citizenship before acquiring foreign citizenship to avoid any complications.

Overview of Public Universities in South Africa

Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.

University of Pretoria

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
  • Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.

University of Cape Town

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
  • Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.

Stellenbosch University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.

University of the Witwatersrand

  • Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
  • Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.

University of Johannesburg

  • Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
  • Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.

University of the Free State

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.

University of Venda

  • Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
  • Application Period: Usually from May to September.

University of Fort Hare

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
  • Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.

University of the Western Cape

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Generally from May to September.

North-West University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.

Rhodes University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
  • Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.

Nelson Mandela University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
  • Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.

University of Limpopo

  • Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

University of Zululand

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
  • Application Period: Usually between April and November.

Central University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.

Vaal University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
  • Application Period: Typically from May to September.

Walter Sisulu University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

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