Cape Town, South Africa

Engineering & Science

Study Abroad
Program Options:
Direct Enrollment
Length:
Spring, Calendar Year, Fall, Academic Year
students going for a walk on the palm tree-lined sidewalk in Cape Town
Students walk past buildings covered in lush vegetation on a sunny day at the University of Cape Town.
a group of students go for a hike in the mountains of South Africa
Two Internship students standing in front of Table Mountain in Cape Town

At a glance

Housing:

Residence Hall

Credits:

15 to 19 per Semester

Language of Instruction:

English

Language Prerequisites:

None

Visa Required:

Yes

About the Program

Designed for STEM students (with particular focus on Mechanical, Chemical, and Electrical Engineering) and with the expertise of our Engineering Consortium, the curriculum of this program enables you to continue the specific course progression you need for a timely graduation. While completing your engineering coursework, you will also experience all that Cape Town has to offer by exploring the city and its surrounds, and diving into the rich South African culture and history.

In this program, you’ll register for two to four courses at South Africa's leading research university, the University of Cape Town (UCT), which is located in a pleasant suburban area five miles from the city center. UCT is South Africa's oldest university and has undergone incredible change since its opening, particularly since the end of Apartheid, working to make quality higher education available to students regardless of socioeconomic background.

In addition to your engineering-related courses, you will participate in a hands-on IES Abroad course entitled Designing the Sustainable City, a unique project-based course that examines and proposes solutions for issues affecting the local community.

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Study Electrical Engineering

Take engineering courses in an international context.

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Complete Graduation Requirements

Check off important requirements for your degree.

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Enroll at the University of Cape Town

Become part of a large research community.

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Support the Global Good

Participate in an environmental sustainability course.

Spring 2024

Program dates:

January 31 - June 13

Application Deadline:

Estimated Cost:

$
19,550

Program Advisor

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Zhanè Vanderbilt

Once you’ve applied for a program, I’ll be your direct point of contact. From housing to course registration and everything in between, I’m here to help you prepare to study abroad. Once you’re accepted to your program, you’ll find even more detailed information about what you need to know before you depart in your Predeparture Guide. Let’s get started!

📱 800.995.2300 ✉️ study@IESabroad.org

About the Destination

a nighttime aerial view of Cape Town and its mountains

Why Cape Town?

In Cape Town, every day will be like a choose-your-own-adventure book: imagine hiking Lion's Head at sunset, strolling through the African market at Greenmarket Square, attempting to finish a Gatsby sandwich, visiting beaches, and more.  We want you to feel at home in South Africa, so we do everything we can to help you integrate into life in the city. From housing to cultural events, our job is to make sure you have the most authentic study abroad experience possible.

In this program you'll enroll in classes at the top-ranked university in South Africa, the University of Cape Town (UCT), which is also South Africa’s leading research institution. Here, you'll have the chance to hone in on Chemical, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering courses, making UCT the perfect place to check off requirements for your STEM major.

Learn More About Cape Town

Get to Know Your New City

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Hit the Beach(es)!

Clifton and Camps Bay beaches are some of our favorites!

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Meet the Penguins

You'll come face to face with adorable residents of Boulders Beach!

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Relax in Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden

This spectacular garden is the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic.

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Climb Table Mountain

Or ride to the top of the cableway.

The Student Experience

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Housing

A clean bedroom featuring a twin-sized bed, a desk, and shelving with bright blue backings.
  • Residence Hall

Residence Hall

Live in a private residence hall with IES Abroad, South African, and other international students. Students live in a furnished single room with a kitchenette, private bathrom, and a digital safe is provided. Living spaces are shared, and there is a gym on site. Internet access is available.  Meals are not included. 

An IES Abroad Resident Assistant lives in the residence hall and can serve as a great resource for tips on integrating into the local culture. 

Academics