Cape Town, South Africa

University Of Cape Town

Study Abroad
Program Options:
Direct Enrollment, Experiential Learning
Length:
Calendar Year, Spring, Academic Year, Fall
two students look over Cape Town's city and coastline from the mountaintops
a group of students go for a hike in the mountains of South Africa
the colorful houses of Cape Town beneath their mountain range
University of Cape Town's campus

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

When you study with us in South Africa, you will register for three to five 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. 

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Explore Your Academic Interests

Study anything, from African Studies to Engineering.

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Participate in Community-Based Learning

Learn about social issues and help work toward a community-driven solution.

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Join UCT’s Volunteer Program

Get a first-hand-look at the city's social and economic issues.

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Travel Throughout South Africa

Join optional field trips to the Garden Route and Kruger National Park.

Spring 2024

Program dates:

Late January - Mid June

Application Deadline:

Program Advisor

Headshot of Zhane Croft.

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-there's even a beach with penguins!-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. 

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

fallback blogs
Tracy Lin,

My Bucket List for Cape Town

In preparation for my study abroad trip to Cape Town, I created a bucket list back in February to prepare myself for the journey that I was about to embark on...

Predeparture
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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