Cape Town, South Africa

University Of Cape Town

Study Abroad
Program Options:
Direct Enrollment, Experiential Learning, Global Pillars Courses
Length:
Fall, Spring, Academic Year
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

Program Dates:

  • Academic Year 2024: Early July - Mid June
  • Spring 2025: February 03 - June 24
  • 2025 Fall: July 14 - November 22

Credits:

15 to 19 per Semester

Estimated Cost:

$20,950

Visa Required:

Yes

Housing:

Residence Hall

Language of Instruction:

English

Language Prerequisites:

None

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.

2025 Fall

Program Dates:

July 14 - November 22

Application Deadline:

Estimated Cost:

$
20,950

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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Explore the Unique Cape Floral Kingdom

Cape Town is biodiverse hotspot made up of mountains, wilderness, and more.

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Enjoy a Mix of Cultures

Immerse yourself in a multicultural landscape with 11 official languages.

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Experience a Society in Transition

30 years past apartheid, South Africa is a developing nation in transition.

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Learn More About Sustainability

Cape Town is home to innovative approaches to sustainability.

The Student Experience

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Program Dates

Spring 2025

Program Dates:

February 03 - June 24

Application Deadline:

2025 Fall

Program Dates:

July 14 - November 22

Application Deadline:

Academics