Republic of Zimbabwe · study

Scholars Permit

By · Last reviewed:

Source check: all 4 official citations reconfirmed 13 September 2026

Permit for school pupils with local guardian, accommodation and Ministry of Education clearance evidence.

Requires sponsorshipDoes not lead to permanent residencyConfirm the permit validity on approval. Extensions require current permit and school continuity evidence.
Processing time
Apply through the Department permit route with authenticated copies and English translations where required.
Government fees
The scholar page and fee page list a statutory non-refundable fee of US$100. Confirm current tariff before filing.
Typical duration
Confirm the permit validity on approval. Extensions require current permit and school continuity evidence.
Sponsorship required
Yes
Leads to permanent residency
No

In short

As of 23 July 2026, the Scholars Permit for Republic of Zimbabwe is a sponsor-led Zimbabwe immigration route. Sources: official Republic of Zimbabwe government pages, reviewed 23 July 2026.

Cite this: https://visaatlas.org/visas/zimbabwe/scholars-permit#answer

What is the Scholars Permit in Republic of Zimbabwe?

Scholars Permit is a sponsor-led Zimbabwe route. Indicative government fees are The scholar page and fee page list a statutory non-refundable fee of US$100. Confirm current tariff before filing; indicative processing time is Apply through the Department permit route with authenticated copies and English translations where required; typical duration is Confirm the permit validity on approval. Extensions require current permit and school continuity evidence. This route does not lead to permanent residence.

Verified against Department of Immigration, Republic of Zimbabwe on 27 June 2026.

Overview

The Department lists Scholars Permit requirements including completed residence permit form I.F.5, application letter to the Chief Director of Immigration, letter of acceptance from school, Ministry of Education clearance, certified passport bio-data page, certified photos, proof of fees paid in foreign currency, accommodation proof, affidavit from a local guardian accepting custody of the child during the period of study, radiological certificate and statutory fee.

Additional sources

Eligibility

Typical criteria

Common blockers

Typical evidence

Application pathway

  1. Check the route fit

    Confirm the school place and Ministry of Education clearance.

  2. Build the evidence pack

    Arrange a local guardian affidavit accepting custody for the study period.

  3. Submit through the official channel

    Prepare authenticated passport, photo, accommodation, fee and radiological evidence.

  4. After approval

    Submit the Scholars Permit application through the Department permit route.

After approval: prepare for your next step

For Scholars Permit, use the actual decision and the issuing authority’s instructions to establish what has been granted. A successful application, permission to enter, permission to work and a residence document are not interchangeable.

  1. 1. Check the decision. Confirm the name, passport, status granted, start date and any next action. Resolve an error with the authority before relying on the document for travel or employment.
  2. 2. Establish the travel step. Read any entry window, activation, collection or in-country registration instruction. For an extension or change of status, do not assume leaving the country is required or safe while a further step remains pending.
  3. 3. Confirm what you may do. Coordinate enrolment and attendance with the institution. Check the actual work conditions before accepting a job or freelance work.
  4. 4. Organise the household. Check each accompanying person’s permission separately, then arrange healthcare, accommodation, access to money and the relevant local registrations. A tax number or bank account does not by itself prove a right to work.
  5. 5. Keep the ongoing conditions visible. Record the actual expiry, renewal process, permitted absences and any duty to report changes. An initial grant does not automatically establish permanent residence or citizenship.

Official application links

Where to actually go next

Government links only

These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.

  1. Official guidanceApplicant + sponsor
    Use official Scholars Permit route page ↗

    Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for Scholars Permit.

    Department of Immigration, Republic of Zimbabwe · verified

Matches these professions

Also explored by

Compare Republic of Zimbabwe with

Related routes

Frequently asked questions

What makes the Scholars Permit different from the Student Permit?+

The Scholars Permit page specifically requires a local guardian affidavit accepting custody of the child during the study period.

What is the statutory fee listed for a Scholars Permit?+

The Department lists a statutory non-refundable fee of US$100.

Need tailored advice?

We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.

Find a regulated advisor in Zimbabwe

How we verified this

We check every figure on this page against the primary government source, record the date it was last checked, and re-check it on a regular schedule. Rules change, so always confirm time-sensitive details with the official source before you rely on them. Visa Atlas is an information-only publication and does not give legal advice.

Primary source: Department of Immigration, Republic of Zimbabwe

Last checked: 27 June 2026

See the full evidence trail and methodology