International’s Applying to Cornerstone
It is
vital to read the following information before proceeding to the section
Applying to Cornerstone.
Cornerstone Admission Information:
-
Once you have
received a provisional acceptance letter from Cornerstone, 60% of the
annual tuition and residence fee must be paid to the College by the end of September in
order for the registrar to issue you with a visa letter to apply for a
study permit. (Many of our foreign students struggle to get their visa in
time and end up arriving later for the start of lectures.) See below for
study permit requirements.
-
In adherence to
South African Government rules and regulations, your final registration is
subject to producing a valid study permit that can be applied for at the
nearest South African representative, normally in your home country. For
this purpose you will use the official
visa letter issued by the Registrar. This letter must be
presented to a South African diplomatic mission abroad, which has the
authority to process applications for study permits. The South African
Department of Home Affairs and South African diplomatic offices abroad are
responsible for the regulations and procedures. Do not proceed to
Cornerstone without the study permit/visa.
-
Should you
require financial aid,
application needs to made by the end of September. The earlier it is
submitted the better chance you have of being successful. Financial aid
cannot be guaranteed and will not be more than 40% of the annual tuition
fee. The College does not receive a government subsidy for providing
tertiary education, so bursaries are very limited.
-
Should you
require accommodation in student
residence, application needs to be made by the end of
September. We work on a first come, first serve basis. Do note that
financial aid does not cover accommodation (approximately R900 per month)
and living expenses (approximately R1000 per month).
Study permit requirements:
-
Letter of
Admission from Cornerstone Institute
-
Proof that
sufficient funds are available for the proposed stay in South Africa to
cover tuition fees, maintenance and incidental costs.
-
Repatriation guarantee:
-
You should
provide a medical certificate as provided for on the study permit
application form and particulars of, or arrangements made with regard
to, medical insurance/cover in South Africa . You will also need to
submit medical and radiological reports, which should be less than six
months old and relevant certificates if you are married, widowed,
divorced or separated.
-
If the
duration of your studies is longer than one year, you will have to lodge
a cash deposit or bank guarantee equivalent to the airfare or
transportation costs to your country of origin for repatriation
purposes. Please keep the receipt issued for the guarantee for a
possible extension of your study permit in South Africa . The cash
deposit will only be reimbursed once you are back in your home country.
-
Details
regarding arranged accommodation.
-
A police
clearance certificate.
-
The expiry date
of your study permit is very important. It is your own responsibility to
apply for an extension 30 days before it expires.
Please note the following with regard to Immigration matters:
-
Formal
admission to Cornerstone does not guarantee the issuing of a study permit.
-
Students
without valid study permits cannot be registered at Cornerstone.
-
Permit
Applications should be made at least 30 days prior to the date of
departure.
-
All documents
required when you apply for a study permit or visitor's visa, must be
originals or certified copies. (A certified copy is a photocopy of the
original document with an original certified stamp that the authorised
person [Commissioner of Oaths] has seen the original document. An
uncertified photocopy of the original or a photocopy of a certified copy
is not sufficient.)
Working while studying in South Africa:
-
The holder of a
study permit may conduct part-time work as long as the period does not
exceed 20 hours per week and may also work full-time during academic
vacations.
-
A holder of a
study permit may also be granted permission to conduct work in the form of
practical training in a field related to his/her studies, on submission of
the following documentation:
A letter from the
prospective employer offering practical training
Applying to
Cornerstone
All students go to step 1 and 2. If you need financial aid go to
3. If
you need residence go to
4.
STEP 1
What are your dreams and aspirations? Where do you see yourself in the
future? What are your gifts and skills? Will the programme of your choice
equip you for your future?
Choose the programme you want to apply for:
1.
Bachelor of Theology (BTh) in Community Leadership
2.
Certificate in Christian Ministry
3.
Certificate in Community Development (GAP year)
4.
Higher Certificate in Business Leadership
STEP 2
Carefully read the form “YOUR APPLICATION FOR ADMISSIONS” in the application
package noting particularly section 5 “Supporting documents.”
Complete the application form and ensure you have all supporting documents.
STEP
3
Do you have the finances to study? Can your family/friends/church assist you
financially? Are you able to pay 60% of the annual tuition and residence fee upfront? i.e.
4 months before your studies at Cornerstone commence?
See
Bursary Criteria and Financial Aid Policy to determine whether you are
eligible to apply for financial aid from Cornerstone. Only a minimum amount
of bursaries are available to very needy students.
Complete the Financial Aid form and include with application form.
STEP
4
Do you need residence accommodation?
Residence accommodation on campus is available for 20 students, 2 per room.
Complete the Residence Application form and include with application form.
STEP 5
Send the application form with supporting documents to:
THE REGISTRAR
Cornerstone Institute
P. O. BOX 430
PLUMSTEAD
7801
CAPE TOWN
SOUTH AFRICA
If you post the application package please inform us via email at
cornerstone@cornerstone.org.za.
You
will be contacted via email or phone as soon as your forms have been
processed
Download the 2010 Application Form (PDF)
Applying for Financial
Aid
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