Get a global education at the institution of your choice

Our international universities and education partners are located across the world in countries such as Australia, Canada, the USA, the UK, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Cyprus, Mauritius, Ireland, Hungary, Sweden, Finland and the United Arab Emirates.

Meet the students we've helped

Mthikazi Shezi

Thank you to the organisation for assigning someone who respects and genuinely loves working with students. Her understanding of processes and competence made it all possible.

Tolu Babatope

Wow this company is the best. If you need help in schooling abroad, they helped me from beginning to end and the communication is excellent. They helped my family to fulfil our dreams of relocating and studying abroad.

Eunice Neidy

Such a great communication between the agent and the student. She made sure everything was in order and that things were well organised. Whenever possible she was able to help me, explaining doubts and was very patient, especially for not being in the same country. It was 100% great communication and interaction.

What Study Abroad can do for you

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The benefits of a global education

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Better employment opportunities

Whether you choose to stay abroad after your studies or return to your home country, studying abroad contributes significantly to having a more global mindset, which is highly favoured by employers.

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Education at top-tier institutions

Gain access to the best institutions for your chosen field of study across the globe. You don't have to limit yourself to your home country, you can choose and apply based on your long-term goals.

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A route to immigration

Some people choose to return home after studying abroad, but you can also decide to stay in your new country. Many countries have reduced immigration requirements if you have chosen to study there.

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Build international connections

Studying at an international institution is a fantastic opportunity make friends across the globe, not to mention encountering new cultures, languages and experiences.

Study Abroad university destinations map

Access over 500 top institutions across 24 countries

We work with over 500 international education partners, many of whom are top international universities throughout the world, offering foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. We have direct access to the university admissions teams, making it easy for you to apply and get your enrolment letter.

Speak to an expert to discuss your options.

Frequently asked questions about studying abroad

If you don't find the answer to your question below, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us. Our skilled study advisers are here to assist you in any way they can.

1. Can you help students from anywhere in the world?

Yes, our advisers can assist from any location. Counselling sessions are done via Skype, Zoom or a digital platform that works for you, as well as over the phone. All paperwork is received via a secure portal so advice and assistance can be offered to anyone without the need to come to our offices.

2. Do you have a special agreement with the institutions?

Yes, in most cases we will have a contract which allows us to represent the institution. This also means that the institution will have given specialised training to our study advisers and that we have direct access to the admissions teams.

3. Do I need to do a foundation/pre-university year or can I go direct to the first year?

This will depend on your grades. However, in most cases, you should be able to enter the first year if you have high grades and have studied for at least 12 years. It will also depend on your chosen country and institution so please discuss this with your study adviser.

4. How long will my visa last for?

Your visa will generally be valid for the duration of your course. However, this will depend on the type of visa you applied for. It may be possible to move to a post-study visa, depending on your course and which country you study in. Please speak to your study adviser for more details.

5. How long will my visa take once I have applied?

It will depend on the country and the type of visa you have applied for. There are also fast track visa application services for most countries. Speak to your study adviser to find out more.

6. Can you help with scholarships?

Most universities offer partial scholarships. However, these are normally academically based and take the form of a fee reduction once you’ve been accepted. You will still need to show proof that you can pay the fees before you will be accepted. Browse our list of recently announced partial scholarships to see if you might qualify.

7. Can I work while I study?

It will depend on your visa and country. In most cases, you will be able to work around 20 hours per week and full time during breaks.

8. Can I get my tuition deposit back if I decide not to go to the university I applied to or I get a visa rejection?

This will depend on the institution’s refund policy. In most cases you should be able to apply for a refund of your deposit if you receive a visa rejection.

9. When are the intake dates?

There are two intakes for most universities, one in January/February and the other in August/September. However, some universities offer a third intake in May/June.

10. Can I transfer my university credits to another university abroad ?

Yes, you can. Requirements will depend on the university where you're applying.

11. Can I do my honour's degree overseas?

Yes, you can. It would depend on the university and whether they have an honour's programme.

12. Can I remain abroad after I've completed my studies?

Your student visa will be valid only for the duration of your studies. However, many countries have immigration programmes for recent graduates. Your study abroad adviser will be able to provide more information about possible post study work visas.

13. Who can be my sponsor?

This is dependent on the visa restrictions of your destination country. Usually your sponsor needs to be someone in your direct family and you will need to provide proof of your relationship in your application.

14. Will I need to prove my English language ability?

This depends on the entry requirements of the university you apply to and what previous English qualifications you hold.

15. Do I pay tuition fees directly to the university and are there payment plans available?

Tuition fees are paid directly to the university through their chosen payment platform. Some universities will offer payment plans. Your study abroad adviser can help you discuss these options with your university of choice.

16. Can I take dependants with me?

This depends on which country you are studying in and your choice of programme. Most countries will allow you to bring dependants if you are studying a post-graduate research programme. Ask your adviser for more information on the different country requirements.

17. Can I apply for a short course abroad?

Unfortunately we are only able to assist students studying courses that are longer than nine months.

18. How long does it take to get an offer/response to an application?

Times can vary depending on the university and programme you are applying to, as well as the time of year the application is made. We cannot guarantee responses from univeresities within a certain timeframe. However, our advisers make sure to follow up regularly if no feedback is given after two weeks.

Meet the study abroad team

Our latest news and articles

7 reasons to study abroad in Ireland

With its excellent standard of education, immigration opportunities and high quality of life, Ireland is quickly climbing up the ranks of the best countries for international students. We take a look at reasons why you should consider the Emerald Isle for your tertiary education.

While Ireland might not be one of the first countries you think of when exploring your study abroad options, the small European nation is becoming increasingly popular among the international student community. With its historic universities and beautiful landscapes, we take a look at the other reasons why so many students are choosing Ireland to further their studies.

1. Ireland’s universities offer high quality education

According to the OECD 2021 education report, Ireland has the fourth highest standard of education in the world. Added to this, there are also eight Irish universities featured in the QS World University Rankings 2022, with its number one ranking university, Trinity College Dublin, ranking 101st in the world.

See also: What is a foundation programme and how can it help you study abroad?

2. Ireland is home to a large academic heritage 

Trinity College Dublin

Ireland is steeped in a rich history and some of the best universities in Ireland are also among the oldest. In fact, Trinity College Dublin (est. 1592) is considered one of Britain and Ireland’s seven ancient universities. Other notable institutions include the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (est. 1784), the National University of Ireland, Maynooth (est. 1795), University College Cork (est. 1849) and University College Dublin (est. 1854).

3. Some international students don’t require a student visa for Ireland

Some nationalities, like South Africans for example, are able to enter Ireland without a visa, and don’t require a student visa to study in Ireland. However, all non-EEA nationals, including those with visas, must obtain permission to enter the State by reporting to an Immigration Officer at the port of entry. You will need to obtain an Irish Residence Permit (IRP) if you are studying for longer than three months.

Students who need a visa to enter the country are required to demonstrate that they have access to €7,000 before they may be issued with a visa. This makes Ireland a more affordable option for South Africans or anyone from a country on the non-visa required countries list.

After successfully registering with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), you will be given a certificate of registration indicating that you have been given an immigration permission allowing you to study in Ireland. 

This also grants students the opportunity to be employed in a casual capacity. During term time, non-EEA students can work up to 20 hours per week and, during normal college holiday periods, they can work on a full-time basis for up to 40 hours per week.

Documents required to register for a student visa on arrival

On arrival, you must be able to present the Immigration Officer with any documents necessary to explain the purpose of your visit. So, as a student, you will need to provide the following:

  • Your passport.
  • An original letter of acceptance from the academic institution confirming you have been  enrolled in a full-time course of study. Your letter must show you are enrolled on a privately funded course at level 7, 8, 9, (or above) of the National Framework of Qualifications.
  • Proof that at least €6,000 in fees has been paid to the college. If your tuition fees are below €6,000, the full amount needs to be paid up.
  • Proof of private medical insurance at time of registration.
  • Proof of financial support – if you did not need a visa to enter Ireland, you will need to show that you have access to €3,000 to support yourself while in Ireland.

It should be noted that a condition of getting permission to study in Ireland is that you intend to return to your home country when your studies are completed.

4. Ireland has a post-study work visa

Ireland has a post-graduate visa option, the Third Level Graduate Programme (Stamp 1G), that allows non-EU/EEA students to remain in Ireland in order to find work for up to two years. Employers are permitted to hire graduates, who have obtained the Stamp 1G, for up to 40 hours per week.

If you obtain your honour’s degree (a Level 8 award) in Ireland, you will be granted permission to stay for 12 months. Gaining your master’s in Ireland (a Level 9 award) will grant you a further 24 months in the country. While this visa isn’t renewable, if you’re able to secure work on this visa you will be able to apply for a General Employment Permit or, if you’re a highly skilled professional, you can apply for a Critical Skills Employment Permit. With both these permits, after five years, you may be eligible to apply for long-term residency.

See also: How studying abroad can be a springboard to immigration.

5. Studying abroad in Ireland can lead to unique career opportunities

There are amazing career opportunities for international graduates in Ireland as many multinational businesses have their European headquarters based in Ireland. In fact, Ireland is home to five of Forbes top 10 companies: Apple, Google, Alphabet, Amazon and Samsung.

In addition to this, most universities offer internship opportunities, which is a great way to gain real experience in the workplace that can be invaluable when you eventually look for a job. 

6. Ireland is culturally unique and beautiful

Ireland is a small but beautiful country that you can easily traverse in around five hours. This makes it easy to explore over the weekend or by taking a day trip. You can discover the world-famous Guinness Storehouse in Dublin or take in the Cliffs of Moher on the west coast.

Cliffs of Moher

Outside of university life, Ireland is a culturally unique and ancient country well known for its hospitable people and you will quickly be entrenched in Irish culture and traditions. Experience the feast day of Ireland’s patron saint with Saint Patrick’s Day, listen to traditional Irish music, watch Irish dancing, take part in Irish sports such as Gaelic football and get lost in Irish myths and legends.

See also: Sending your kids to study abroad? Here’s what you need to know.

7. Ireland is a safe and friendly country

Ireland is one of the safest countries in the world, ranking eighth in the 2021 Global Peace Index and 13th in the 2021 World Happiness Report. The capital city of Dublin was voted by Lonely Planet as the seventh best city in the world in 2022. The Irish people’s welcoming nature coupled with an unrivalled sense of fun, ensures that studying in Ireland will be an unforgettable experience.

How we can help with your study abroad plans

Sable International’s study abroad consultants help students from the discovery stage of their study abroad journey to settling in at their new university. We have direct access to our partner universities’ admissions departments, making for a more streamlined application process. We also assist with any visa applications and advice that may be required. We take the anxiety out of the whole process by being with you every step of the way.

Our Edusessions are international study abroad fairs that provide you with an opportunity to meet face-to-face with top international universities. You will be able to find out more about their institutions and explore your options for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies.

When exploring your options to study abroad it is useful to have someone guiding you through the process of your application. Our study advisers are qualified to help you with applying for foundation programmes and will assist you at every step of your journey.

We have direct access to the university admissions teams making it easy for you to apply and get your enrolment letter. Get in touch with us at sastudy@sableinternational.com or call us on +27 21 657 1543.

Our vision and mission

We believe in helping students explore all the options available for furthering their studies and acquiring a top-tier education.

We are proudly African and believe the best way to build local communities is through ensuring local students have access to the best education the world has to offer, so that they can bring those skills home.

  • We provide unbiased information to our students about our institution partners.
  • We value our partner institutions and see them as independent to our own mission.
  • We see our students and institutions as part of our team and all strive for success together.
  • We are disruptors in the market and do not follow trends.
  • Our outlook is international, our empathy is local.
  • We see education as the future.
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Accredited members of ICEF

As the official, direct, in-country representative for our university partners, we continually train to ensure we are up to date with the correct procedures for each country and educational institute. We're proud to be accredited members of the ICEF, and confident in the exceptional service offered by all our study advisers.

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