Application Flow

Step 1 : Gather key information

- Familiarize yourself with info available on the Varekai website

  * (Pages "Europe in a Nutshell " and this page "How to Apply")
- Send your questions to info@varekai.eu

  * please put "Europe in a Nutshell - SAFR Cohort" in the header of your e-mail
- Participate to a webinar where all details will be explained

  * First one held on Friday February 13th at 15.00 Hrs. - others will follow

The subsequent steps are explained further down the screen.

Step 2 : Complete an online application form

Step 3 : Review by the Programme Team

Step 4 : Upload supporting documents

Step 5 : Payment and confirmation

Step 6 : Certificate upload

Application timeline

Before having a look at the subsequent steps, please take into account that your on-line application will need to be completed before February 28th.

We will have multiple webinar information sessions . After Step 2, there are additional steps where you need to take action before your application is officialised (if all conditions are met). Please read carefully what the time constraints are underneath !!

Step 2: Complete an online application form

Complete the online application via this Application Page and submit information including academic grades and English language ability. Please apply with an email address that you will have access to during the programme. Please provide a reference from your Unisa Int'l Collaboration Officer.

School and Education

School details & Qualifications

Complete the fields with information about your current school or college and your qualifications.

Programme Information

Confirm the default entries:

  • Programme = "Europe in a Nutshell"
  • Date of the programme = 26th of April to 10th of May 2026

Personal Statement

Personal Statement

Your personal statement should demonstrate:  

  • your motivation for applying to the programme
  • why you are a suitable candidate for a place on the programme  

The personal statement is your opportunity to put your grades, other relevant achievements and the skills you’ve gained from educational and/or extra-curricular experiences in the spotlight.

The word limit for the personal statement is 500 words. Any additional words included will not be assessed as part of the application.  

Data Policy & Marketing

Please provide the information requested and consent to your information being processed as described.

Review and Submit

Carefully review and submit the application, ensuring all information provided is accurate and complete. 

Step 3 : Review by the Summer School Team

Your application will be reviewed by the Programme team within 2 working days after having received a reference from our Liaison Officer at your University. Please note, there is no need to contact us regarding the outcome of your application before this time, as this may result in unnecessary delays. The 2 days will commence from the first working day after your application has been submitted.

If your application is successful, you will receive a conditional offer. 

Step 4 : Upload supporting documents

To proceed, you are required to upload supporting documents to the application portal within 2 days. You will receive instructions on how to do this. The Programme team will check your uploaded documents within 2 working days.  

Passport

Please upload the copy of your passport details page, ensuring all text is legible. 

We use this information to verify your age and nationality against the information on your application. For our verification process it does not matter if the passport is due to expire before the start of your cohort, but we will need you to email us a copy of any new passports before you attend the programme. 

Academic Records

You are required to submit official documents to verify the grades and subjects you have listed on your application. All the official documents need to be in English, or an English translation signed and stamped by your school. Please ensure you read the following information carefully and submit the correct documents:  

  • Predicted grades: If you have listed predicted grades on your application form, these have been verified or updated by your teacher. 
  • Achieved grades: If you listed achieved grades achieved on your application, you should upload exam certificates for all the subjects you submitted.  
  • Class grades: If you indicated class grades on your application, please upload your class transcripts for the previous two years, for all the subjects you submitted.  

Please note: The application system only supports 1 academic document. Therefore, please ensure you combine documents into one file if you are submitting more than one.  

Language classification

If you indicated that you need to submit an English language qualification, you should upload a scan of the official certificate which should include your name, candidate reference, exam board and grade achieved.  

The certificate must match that stated on your application form. Screen shots from online portals or mobile phones showing a list of grades will not be accepted. The proof should be a scan of an official document containing at least your name and candidate reference with the exam board and grade. 

Step 5 : Payment and confirmation

If you meet all necessary criteria, you will be awarded an unconditional offer. After you confirm your place (includes signing the documents Code of Conduct and Mentoring & Supervision), Unisa will pay for your seat to Varekai. 

Step 6 : Certificate upload (back home)

Once you are back home, you can upload your certificate of participation in your university portal