South Africa is a culturally diverse country, one nation made up of many peoples. As a people, we are known for our humanity - we may have come from a past filled with separation and struggle but our future is one of unity and possibility. In true African spirit, we understand the value of a warm South African welcome, and we can't wait to welcome you to our Rainbow Nation - in 11 official languages. There is nowhere like Cape Town. Perched between the ocean and the mountain, with a national park as its heart, it’s a place to renew and reconnect. Cape Town, the "Mother City", is the oldest city in our country and has a cultural heritage spanning more than 300 years.
Programme information
The High School SA Programme is a 3, 5 or 10 month programme open to International High School students between the ages of 15-18 years. Students need to be between Grade 10 – Grade 12 and MUST be able to converse in English. Students will be collected from the airport by their South African host families and SASTS will conduct an arrival orientation (covering all aspects of living in South Africa) at the SASTS Office after the first few days. SASTS will contribute towards transport, accommodation and food which will be arranged to and from school by the family. School fees will be paid to the school as per the arrangement agreed between the school and SASTS (Flights, Visa, Insurance, school uniform, books and school stationery are not included in the programme).
Application deadline and process
Applications must be submitted no later than 4 months prior to students’ arrival in South Africa. The following documents must be submitted, together with an application form for each participant.
- Student Letter to Host Family
- Academic and Educational Information
- Teacher´s or Counsellor’s Recommendation
- Academic Transcripts
- Medical Information (including immunization history)
- Standards of Conduct
- Medical Care Release / Liability Release /Agreement Release
- Medical Report
- Original transcripts for previous three years at home country high school
- Six passport-size photos and at least six album photos
- Copy of passport and Visa
- Copy of Travel Insurance
Programme placement
Students are placed at public schools and middle class residential areas around Cape Town that offer extracurricular activities such as sports, music etc. Schools where our students are placed are equipped with various extracurricular activities. SASTS will secure placement at a High School prior to students arriving in the country. All Students will be placed with pre approved host families close to their High School. Information will be sent 6-8 weeks prior participants’ arrival in South Africa
