Study Abroad in South Africa

Region:

Africa

Country:

South Africa

What to Expect in South Africa

Pack your bag for endless adventures studying abroad in South Africa! Imagine swimming with penguins at Boulders Beach, learning about the country’s history at the Robben Island Museum, or hiking Table Mountain. When you study abroad, South Africa becomes the adventure-filled location of your dreams.

Whether you choose to study in South Africa for a semester, summer, or full-year, IES Abroad and partner university courses, field trips, and course-related excursions will guide and enhance your academic and personal pursuits.

Get ready to experience a country with beautiful, diverse terrain and a dynamic cultural identity through one of our South Africa study abroad or internship programs and apply now!

Languages Spoken:

Afrikaans, English, Xhosa, Zulu

Climate:

Dry, Temperate

Currency:

Rand (ZAR)

Time Zone:

GMT+2

Cape Town

Our Programs

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Study Abroad

Two Internship students standing in front of Table Mountain in Cape Town

Cape Town, South Africa

Engineering & Science

Length: Fall/ Spring/ Academic Year

Language Prerequisites: None

Program Options: Direct Enrollment, Global Pillars Courses

Estimated Cost:

21,369

Study Abroad

Cape Town, South Africa

Engineering & Science

Length: Fall/ Spring/ Academic Year

Language Prerequisites: None

Program Options: Direct Enrollment, Global Pillars Courses

Study Abroad

Group of Students in front of Nelson Mandela Statue in Cape Town

Cape Town, South Africa

Health, Culture & Development

Length: Fall/ Spring/ Academic Year

Language Prerequisites: None

Program Options: Experiential Learning, Global Pillars Courses

Estimated Cost:

21,369

Study Abroad

Cape Town, South Africa

Health, Culture & Development

Length: Fall/ Spring/ Academic Year

Language Prerequisites: None

Program Options: Experiential Learning, Global Pillars Courses

Study Abroad

Cape Town, South Africa

University Of Cape Town

Length: Fall/ Spring/ Academic Year

Language Prerequisites: None

Program Options: Direct Enrollment, Experiential Learning, Global Pillars Courses

Estimated Cost:

21,369

Study Abroad

Cape Town, South Africa

University Of Cape Town

Length: Fall/ Spring/ Academic Year

Language Prerequisites: None

Program Options: Direct Enrollment, Experiential Learning, Global Pillars Courses

Study Abroad

two clinical observation health studies students

Cape Town, South Africa

Summer - Health Studies

Length: Summer

Language Prerequisites: None

Estimated Cost:

7,774

Study Abroad

Cape Town, South Africa

Summer - Health Studies

Length: Summer

Language Prerequisites: None

Full-Time Internship

a student intern checks in with the penguins at her internship

Cape Town, South Africa

Summer - Internship

Length: Summer

Language Prerequisites: None

Estimated Cost:

6,541

Full-Time Internship

Cape Town, South Africa

Summer - Internship

Length: Summer

Language Prerequisites: None

About the IES Abroad Center

Cape Town

The Center is where our highly trained local staff provide on-the-ground support throughout your time abroad.

The IES Abroad Cape Town Center is conveniently located near the University of Cape Town on the slope of the well-hiked Devil’s Peak. Whether you’re attending a guest lecture or studying in the student lounge, the Center is your study abroad hub.

Health & Safety

With 75 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter which time zone you’re in. We plan for "what ifs" so that you don’t have to. From international health insurance included in your program cost to highly trained local staff who can connect you with English-speaking healthcare providers, we work around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.

Support You Can Expect to Receive on Our Programs

CISI International Health Insurance

In the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional.

24/7 Emergency Support

Whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city.

Mandatory Cell Phone Policy

Receive any emergency updates from IES Abroad staff via call or text.

Location-Specific Information

Health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff.

TripTracker System

Allowing you to share independent travel plans.

Crisis Drills

So that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise.

Helpful Links

Blogs on Mental Health

Study Abroad Safety Tips for Traveling

Blogs on Safety

Learn More About Health & Safety

The South Africa Student Experience

View All View All Blogs

Welcome to Jozi on wall in O.R. Tambo International Airport

Cynthia Njenga

Cynthia Njenga, Jul 9, 2025

Cape Town Chronicles: Trip to Johannesburg/ 5 Things to Do in Jozi

In this blog, I compare my time in Johannesburg to Cape Town, and give 5 activities you can do there.

Field Trip/Travel

A view of the UCT Upper Campus from the Rugby Field

Cynthia Njenga

Cynthia Njenga, Jul 8, 2025

Cape Town Chronicles: UCT Guide

In this blog, I will give tips and share my experience as a direct exchange student at University of Cape Town.

Academics Cultural Immersion Daily Life Inclusion/Belonging

A Sunset on the boardwalk in Seapoint area

Cynthia Njenga

Cynthia Njenga, Jul 8, 2025

Cape Town Chronicle: 10 Things to do in Cape Town!

In this blog, I will share 10 activities you can do in Cape Town that are not going to the beach or a wine farm.

Daily Life Field Trip/Travel Finances Inclusion/Belonging

Latest from South Africa

Follow @IESabroad on all your favorite social media platforms for the latest videos, photos, blog posts, and updates from our students and staff around the world.