Frequently Asked Questions

VISA REQUIREMENTS - Please note that you need a full valid passport. Since you will be staying in South Africa for one year, you will need to get a year long study permit. Bushwise will provide you with a letter which you will need in order to get this visa. This visa will take 30 working days to be processed at the consulate, so please begin the application process as soon as you have booked your place. We advise you to not leave your country if you do not have the necessary study visa in hand, you are not allowed to study on a tourist visa .

 You are likely to need to provide:

1. A full birth certificate (must include parents details)

2. Passport (valid for no less than 30 days after expiry of intended visit and with 2 facing blank pages)

3. Police Clearance Certificate (Should be no older than six months at time of application).

4. Letter from Bushwise to include details on your accommodation, information that you have complied with their fees, and agreement that they will advise the authorities if you leave the course.

5. Proof of financial stability (bank balance)

6. Proof of Medical cover (Medical Insurance policy)

7. Medical Report (Letter from GP or Hospital stating that you are fit to carry out your duties in SA)

8. Radiological Report (Report from Radiologist confirming that you have been examined and have shown no signs of TB, should be no older than six months at time of application)

9. Flight details & evidence of onward travel out of South Africa.

10. 2 passport size photographs

11. A deposit of £600 (amount subject to change) or equivalent in your country. To be refunded once you return to UK or gain permanent residence in SA.

Please also note that for all monies to be paid they will need to either be in the form of a postal order or banker’s draft.

Airlines will usually only let you book your flights 11 months in advance so you need to buy a ticket with a changeable return date. Once you are in South Africa you can change the date. Please be aware that with most return airlines tickets are only valid for up to one year.

All the vehicles that Bushwise and the other game lodges use are manual. We cannot allow students to learn to drive manual vehicles at Bushwise as other students will be in the vehicles on the training game drives. All students must already hold a manual license before their application can be considered. This license must have been held for at least 12 months before the course start date.

Participants typically spend approximately GBP 250 per month for day-to-day expenditure such as calling cards, internet, and snacks from the tuck shop, and for time off costs. We recommend that you travel with a credit/debit card as your main source of funds, although having cash as a backup is wise. ATMs are commonplace throughout. Traveller's cheques can also be exchanged in major towns, but this can take some time.

Books : The price for the compulsory books adds up to around R1550.

PDP license: The price for getting your PDP license would be approximately R3500 if you do not do it through a driving school (which is the recommended route). This amount includes the booking and writing of learners and practical drivers licenses. The cost for the whole drivers licence procedure is the student’s responsibility.

Uniforms : Each student needs at least two sets of uniform from Khaki Fever. The estimated price for a full uniform set (described in the kit list) is R1200, this could vary according to size. A special trip into town will be made for this within the first week of the course.

Coach Transfer : A one way transfer from Johannesburg airport to the Bushwise base is £50.

(Note: As of 2012, internet, compulsory books, and uniforms will be included in the course)

Yes it is a good idea to bring your laptop to keep notes and your photos on. There is currently no Wi-Fi access on either base but internet is available for R25 an hour.

You must be at least 18 to do the 23 week training course. Between 21 and 39 to do the full year program.

Work permits for South Africa are very difficult to get. A company must prove that there isn't a South African applicant suitable for the job you are being offered before they can consider employing a foreigner and it can be a long and difficult process. It's not impossible though and a number of our students are still in Africa following the completion of the course. On average about 25% of international students go on to stay on beyond the course.

No, you can only get a PDP with a South African driving license. You will need to go through the South African driving school system and once you have your license, then apply for your PDP.

International PDP's will be accepted and we encourage all international students to obtain this from their local licensing department and the AA before joining the course. Local students are also encouraged to obtain their PDP licenses before the starting date of the course.