For parents
Sending a teenager to South Africa: guardianship, consent and supervision
What Gulf parents must arrange before an under-18 studies English in South Africa: notarised consent, unabridged birth certificate, guardianship letters and supervised accommodation.
The short answer
South Africa applies strict child-protection rules at the border: an under-18 travelling without both parents needs an unabridged birth certificate showing both parents' details, notarised parental consent, and contact details of the person receiving them. For a study visa the school must also issue a formal guardianship letter naming a responsible adult in South Africa. Arrange all four documents at least three months before departure.
Jump to a section
The four documents
One: an unabridged (full) birth certificate, translated into English and attested. Two: an affidavit of consent signed by both parents, notarised and attested by your foreign ministry and the South African mission. Three: the school's guardianship letter, which names the guardian, states their address and confirms they accept legal responsibility. Four: proof of accommodation booked for the full course. Border officials do check.
What good supervision looks like
For a 15 to 17-year-old, insist on: a homestay or supervised residence with a curfew, airport transfer both ways, a named staff member as first point of contact, a weekly progress email to parents, and a 24-hour emergency number that a human answers. Ask whether students are escorted to and from school in the first week, and whether the school restricts weekend travel.
Junior programmes vs adult classes
A 17-year-old in an adult class often thrives; a 14-year-old rarely does. Schools with a dedicated junior programme group teenagers together, run supervised afternoon activities, and keep evenings structured. If a school will place your 15-year-old in a class with 25-year-olds and no separate activity programme, keep looking.
Questions families ask
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum age?
Most Cape Town schools accept students from 16 in adult classes; junior programmes typically start at 12-14 and require supervised accommodation.
Can a relative in South Africa be the guardian?
Yes, if they provide proof of address and a signed acceptance of responsibility. Schools still usually require their own guardianship letter for the visa file.
How do parents stay in touch?
Local SIM data is cheap and WhatsApp calls work well. Ask the school for a weekly written update rather than relying on the student's own reporting.
From research to shortlist
Compare Cape Town schools next
See course prices, class sizes, accommodation and visa support using the same criteria across every school.
Avenue English Cape Town
De Waterkant, Cape Town
Quality English accredited school with published weekly rates that drop the longer you stay, and regular Saudi and Gulf groups.
“Dear Vivi, I am writing to express all my gratitude and love that I will feel forever for this school. I wanted you to know that Avenue English easily became my favorite place (even with so many beautiful places here) because the school always was full of the kindest, most caring and loving people I've ever met. Thank you so much for the opportunity to develop so much and broaden my worldview. I'll always remember this months with all my soul. With love (and "saudade")”Bea Valente · Brazil
Confirmed partner school · Prices verified 28 Aug 2026
From $2,990 / 3 months
View school
Good Hope Studies
Newlands & City Centre, Cape Town
EAQUALS and IALC accredited school with two Cape Town campuses and published weekly rates that fall sharply after 12 weeks.
Rates from the school's own published price list. Not yet a partner school.
From $3,861 / 3 months
View school
International House Cape Town
Cape Town
Part of the 160-school International House network, with 15-hour weeks and rates that step down to €230 for long stays.
Rates from the school's own published price list. Not yet a partner school.
From $3,536 / 3 months
View schoolKeep researching
Related guides
Country guide
Studying English in South Africa from Saudi Arabia (2026): costs, visa and schools
A complete guide for Saudi students and parents: flights from Riyadh and Jeddah, study visa steps, realistic 3-12 month budgets, and how to choose a school in Cape Town.
For parents
Female Gulf students in South Africa: accommodation, safety and daily routine
Practical advice for families sending a daughter to study English in Cape Town: female-only housing, transport rules, dress, and what to verify with the school.
Visa
South Africa study visa for GCC students: the complete 2026 guide
How Saudi, Emirati, Kuwaiti, Qatari, Bahraini and Omani students apply for a South African study visa for a 3-12 month English course.