Cape Town, South Africa

Engineering & Mining in Stellenbosch (No Visa)

Customizable Global Pathways

Length:

Fall, Spring

Disciplines:

Engineering, Computer Science, Environmental Studies & Sustainability

About the Program

Length: Fall or Spring Semester

Study engineering in Stellenbosch, South Africa, while exploring the country’s globally significant mining and natural-resources industries. The program combines engineering coursework with field-based learning focused on mining operations, resource management, sustainability, and the technologies used to address complex challenges in the mining sector. Stellenbosch’s engineering faculty emphasizes industry connections, innovation, and real-world problem solving.

This experience will give students more than technical knowledge—it will help them develop international experience, cross-cultural communication, problem-solving, and an understanding of how engineering operates in a global industry. Exposure to mining in South Africa, a major mining economy, can also help students explore career opportunities in engineering, energy, natural resources, sustainability, consulting, and project management. And with no student visa required, getting there is easier than you might think.

PLEASE NOTE: We cannot guarantee the availability of all housing, excursions, cultural events, guest lecturers or tours.

Academics

Academic Program includes:

One School Faculty taught course (content TBD by the University, not transcripted through IES Abroad Registrar)
Enrollment in three Customized Engineering courses through Stellenbosch University, designed/selected in advance by the partner institution - 3 credits with Stellenbosch-sourced faculty.

Program Components

Classroom Space - Stellenbosch University Campus:

Stellenbosch University's main campus blends historic Cape Dutch architecture and oak-lined streets with modern, green-certified facilities across a scenic winelands setting. It features central hubs like the Rooiplein, the Neelsie Student Centre, and advanced academic and athletic venues.

Guest Lectures:

Program includes three guest lectures focused on the following academic areas: Chemical, Civil, Mechanical, Industrial, Electrical/Electronic, Mechatronic Engineering. Distinguished lecturers affiliated with Stellenbosch University, with backgrounds in these fields and/or industry, offer additional academic enrichment.

Local Engagement:

Numerous opportunities for social and academic engagement with local students throug h the MAATI buddy system, student organizations and student clubs. There is also the ability for customized students to engage with local students via optional field trips. Students will have access to campus facilities, the campus library, etc.

Support & Administration

U.S.-Based Customized Program Manager (CPM) and Coordinator (CPC):

Will assist your students in planning and preparing for your program.

Chicago-Based Dean of Students Office and Crisis Management Team:

Available 24/7 in case of serious student emergencies.

Center-Based Staff (Program Manager/Coordinators):

Available 24/7 in case of emergencies. Will be your Center contact for the program and work closely with you to prepare and implement the program. Will accompany students on all IES Abroad-sponsored events.

Enhanced Health & Safety:

Additional predeparture orientations for the cohort prior to arrival on-site. Student Success Coordinator on-site and available to the group. Additional reflection time built into coursework and pre-/post-excursions.

CISI Insurance (Required):

This insurance covers IES Abroad students, faculty, and guests anywhere in the world during the specified program dates. Coverage includes doctor’s appointments, hospital stays, mental health treatment, and prescription drugs.

Orientation & Farewell

Orientation (Required):

Virtual and on-site orientations, including overview of the campus and the city, and comprehensive health and safety.

City Tour:

Visit the most popular destinations in Stellenbosch's historic town center, including Dorp Street and the Village Musuem.

Meals:

Enjoy two delicious meals (Welcome Dinner and Farewell Dinner) at Stellenbosch's most loved restaurants to build sense of community and cohesion within the cohort.

Transportation

Housing

Student Housing:

Option A: University of Stellenbosch residence hall housing. Live with IES Abroad, South African and other international students in a furnished single room with a private kitchenette, private bathroom, and digital safe. Living spaces are shared, and there is a gym on-site. Internet access is available, but not guaranteed. Meals are not included.
Option B: Off-campus, communal residence hall housing near Stellenbosch University. Residences consist of single rooms with an en-suite bathroom and kitchenette. Facilities include a gym, cooking facilities, and outdoor areas. Housing includes towels, linen, duvet/comforter and pillows, cutlery and crockery, pots and pans and a toilet brush. Rooms will be cleaned weekly. Internet access is available, but not guaranteed. Meals are not included.

Program Leader (Faculty/Staff) Housing:

Program leaders are typically housed in self-catering apartments, each with a fully-equipped kitchen. Internet access is available, but not guaranteed. Meals are not included.

Excursions

Site Visits Within City:

Program includes four integrated site visits that bring together academic focus with tourist interests. Examples include: Koeberg Nuclear Facility, Steenbras Pumped Hydro Storage Facility, Oom Samie se Winkel, Moederkerk, Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden, Spier Wine Farm, etc.

Day Trips Outside of City:

Program includes three day trips out of the city that highlight the context of the immediate region and program theme. Examples include: Waterford Estate, the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, Delaire Graff Estate, the Cape Floral Region (Kogelberg Biosphere, Cape Winelands & West Coast Biospheres, The Fynbos Biome), various nuclear and water facilities associated with STEM disciplines, like Civil (Concrete) Engineering, etc.

Field Trips Outside of City:

Program includes one overnight excursion that will be built into the program that may be linked to the program theme. Accommodations, meals, and activities included. Examples include: Cape Agulhas, Johannesburg, Langa, Cape Town, Secunda (to visit the world's largest coal-to-liquids (CtL) facility, Sasol), etc.

Cultural Events:

Program includes three cultural events such as a cooking class, theatre performances, wine estate visits, local hikes, athletic events, concerts and film screenings.