Direct Enrollment,
Experiential Learning,
Global Pillars Courses
•
Length:
Fall,
Spring,
Academic Year
Ashleigh M. • Sewanee: The University of the South
Ashleigh M. • Sewanee: The University of the South
Tom C. • University of Redlands
Tom C. • University of Redlands
Sarina L. • Grinnell College
Sarina L. • Grinnell College
Calder W.
Calder W.
At a Glance
Program Dates:
Spring 2026: February 02 - June 16
Fall 2026: July 06 - November 21
Credits:
15 to 19 per Semester
Estimated Cost:
$21,500
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.
Explore Your Academic Interests
Study anything, from African Studies to Engineering.
Participate in Community-Based Learning
Learn about social issues and help work toward a community-driven solution.
Join UCT’s Clubs & Societies
Gain deeper cultural immersion by connecting with local students.
Travel Throughout South Africa
Join optional field trips to Hermanus and Kruger National Park.
Program Dates:
Early February - Mid June
Application Deadline:
Program Advisor
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!
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.
Hey readers! In this blog I will be walking you through a week in my life in Cape Town while studying at UCT. Through this I hope you can get an idea of how fun...
Our mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences. That is why we partnered with the University of Cape Town.
You take 15–19 credit hours per semester as you enroll in University of Cape Town courses. You may also elect to take one of the IES Abroad courses.
Partner Institution
University of Cape Town
The top-ranked university in South Africa as well as the rest of Africa, the University of Cape Town (UCT) is also South Africa’s leading research institution. International students make up about 20% of the total enrollment at the University. UCT is located four miles from the Cape Town City Center. Your commute time to campus is between 15-30 minutes, which is common for local students.
Create your own academic experience by selecting from the following program components:
3-4 courses at the University of Cape Town
Enroll in a minimum of 12-19 IES Abroad credits at the University of Cape Town. We require that one of your courses be South Africa-focused. If you choose to take an IES Abroad course (3 credits), then you will take a minimum of 9 IES Abroad credits at UCT, in addition to the IES Abroad course. Students are encouraged to take mostly 2000-level or 3000-level courses, with a maximum of one 1000-level course.
Focused on either Health or Sociology in South Africa, the IES Abroad community-based learning project will include 60 hours of volunteer and research work over the semester at a local organization.
NOTE: This is a list of planned course offerings. After you are accepted, you will see a list of final course offerings in your MyIESabroad account. Additionally, IES Abroad reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond our control.
Most courses at UCT are lecture-based, some with very large classes, and they usually meet between two and five days per week. Lectures are often accompanied by tutorials, which are much smaller and allow discussion of topics and concepts covered during the lecture. Past students have found these tutorials to be extremely useful.
Choose from many courses in the following faculties at the University of Cape Town.
Commerce — Accounting, Business Law, Economics, Finance & Tax, Information Systems, Marketing, Mathematics, Statistics
Engineering & the Built Environment — Architecture, Civil Engineering, Chemical/Electrical/Mechanical Engineering
Humanities — Communication, Dance, Drama, English Literature and Language, Film & Media, Fine Art, Gender Studies, History, Languages and Literature, Linguistics, Music, Philosophy, Politics, Psychology, Religious Studies, Social Anthropology, Social Development, Social Work, Sociology
South Africa-focused courses are available in fields such as Cultural Studies, Dance, History, Language, Literature, Music, Photography, Political Science, Religion, and Sociology. You may not enroll in courses in the Health Sciences faculty.
Sophomore, Junior, or Senior standing when program begins. Undergraduate candidates only. Applicants need to have at least three semesters of course work when they enroll at UCT (first semester sophomores can apply). Some local university courses may not be available to students of Sophomore standing. Please contact your IES Abroad Representative for more details.
Submit Your Online Application
Applications may be considered after the published deadline on a space available basis. Please note that late applicants may be required to submit a non-refundable confirmation deposit upon acceptance in order to secure a place in the program. Please contact us with questions about applying after the deadline.
After your Online Application is processed, submit the following in your MyIESabroad account:
Home School Authorization — Your on-campus study abroad advisor can either complete the Home School Authorization electronically through IES Abroad’s PartnerPortal system, or by filling out the PDF form. Consult your study abroad advisor to determine how they would prefer to complete your Home School Authorization.
Official Transcript(s) - Students applying to the Cape Town - University of Cape Town program will be required to submit Official Transcript(s) directly to the University of Cape Town.
Transcript — Submit transcripts from each college/university you have attended since high school. If you have multiple transcripts, IES Abroad will average the GPAs for all colleges/universities you have attended and use that cumulative GPA when reviewing your application. (Students attending higher education institutions outside of the U.S. must obtain a professional course-by-course transcript equivalency report. You may choose any organization that provides professional international transcript equivalencies.)
UCT Online Application Form — Upload a screenshot of confirmation you've completed the Semester Study Abroad Application through the UCT website.
Passport Copy — Color scan of the signature and photo page only. Passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond the program end date at time of application.
(If Applicable) English Language Proficiency Exam — Students attending higher education institutions outside of the U.S. may need to submit English language proficiency exam results. Contact your IES Abroad Representative for more information.
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.
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 bathroom, 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 or by your residence and can serve as a great resource for tips on integrating into the local culture.
Field Trips
Even though your adventure starts in Cape Town, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. All trips are included in the program fee unless otherwise noted with ($).
NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.
Hermanus
3 Days
Semester, Summer
Spend time on South Africa’s beautiful southern coast, Hermanus, where whales migrate each year. Explore the southernmost tip of the African continent, a local penguin colony and take an ocean conservation boat trip, within the incredibly scenic area.
Johannesburg
3 Days ($)
Fall & Spring
Travel to Johannesburg, where you'll enjoy lunch in Soweto township and visit the Apartheid Museum, among other cultural activities.
Experiential Learning
Community-Based Learning
Participating in a community-based learning experience in Cape Town is one of the best ways to gain a deeper understanding of the city's culture and society. Working alongside local people towards a common goal, you experience first-hand some of the social issues that affect Cape Town while contributing your skills towards a community-driven solution.
A community-based learning placement consists of time spent with a local organization, accompanied by a weekly academic, for-credit community-based learning seminar. Through the seminar, you have structure time for reflection, discussion, and research on the issues of your host community. Many of the community organization connections are created through relationships with the IES Abroad faculty. IES Abroad will assist your efforts by facilitating introductions to organizations and through the coordination of group transportation to the location (for IES Abroad class-based community-service).
Mia W. • North Carolina A&T State University
“Study abroad in and of itself is already transformative, but that service learning initiative just adds icing on the cake.”
Ameer N. • Howard University • Cape Town - University of Cape Town
Each semester, our students work on different projects, depending on the needs of the community or organization where they are volunteering. You will visit the community weekly during the semester to work on projects that will contribute to the organization long after you return home.
Recent community engagement placements for IES Abroad students include:
Beth Uriel
The Sozo Foundation
WordWorks
The Rainbow Academy
Health-related NGOs such as Maitland Community Health Centre
Program Cost
Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your current college or university to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your school's policies, and other factors.
Base Housing (& Meals, if applicable) plus one of the following supplemental fees below:
$4,284
• Option 1: Residence Hall (no meals provided)
+$0
Health Insurance
$410
Total IES Abroad Program Fee (total dependent on housing option selected)
$21,369-$21,369
+
Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Cost
School of Record transcript (if required)
$475
Total Additional Fees
+
Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply; consulate fees may be subject to change)
Cost
Study Visa Fee
$35
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)
$1,100-1,600
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials
$100
Estimated Groceries for Duration of Program (varies by the number of meals included per week) Students in certain housing options may require less groceries based on personal preferences and number of meals included in meal plans
• Option 1: Residence Hall (no meals provided)
$1,030
Estimated Costs for Dining Out (based on one meal out per week) Students in certain housing options may require more meals out based on personal preferences and number of meals included in meal plans
$220
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)
$30-150
Local Transportation
$450
Optional IES Abroad Field Trips (not included in program fee)
$625
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)
$2,100
Total Other Estimated Expenses
= Total Estimated Budget:
The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars
Estimated expenses are based on calculations and exchange rates at the time of printing
These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee
Estimated meal and grocery expenses are accessed from numbeo.com/cost-of-living/; costs of meals and groceries may vary based on your own spending habits
Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: additional meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), taxis, social activities and entertainment, toiletries, and laundry
Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad
The IES Abroad program fee does not include financial aid
Visa / Consular / Residency Fees
Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ obtain their visa
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs
Cell Phone Usage
Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location
Base Housing (& Meals, if applicable) plus one of the following supplemental fees below:
$4,310
• Option 1: Student Residence (no meals provided)
+$0
Health Insurance
$450
Total IES Abroad Program Fee (total dependent on housing option selected)
$21,500-$21,500
+
Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Cost
Tuition
Additional credit (over the 19 maximum IES students can register for at UCT)
$877
School of Record transcript (if required)
$475
Total Additional Fees
+
Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply; consulate fees may be subject to change)
Cost
Visa Application
$55
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)
$1,700-2,000
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials
$150
Estimated Groceries for Duration of Program (varies by the number of meals included per week) Students in certain housing options may require less groceries based on personal preferences and number of meals included in meal plans
• Option 1: Student Residence (no meals provided)
$1,140
Estimated Costs for Dining Out (based on one meal out per week) Students in certain housing options may require more meals out based on personal preferences and number of meals included in meal plans
$230
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)
$30-150
Local Transportation
$450
Optional IES Abroad Field Trips (not included in program fee)
$250
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)
$2,100
Total Other Estimated Expenses
= Total Estimated Budget:
The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars
Estimated expenses are based on calculations and exchange rates at the time of printing
These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee
Estimated meal and grocery expenses are accessed from numbeo.com/cost-of-living/; costs of meals and groceries may vary based on your own spending habits
Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: additional meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), taxis, social activities and entertainment, toiletries, and laundry
Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad
The IES Abroad program fee does not include financial aid
Visa / Consular / Residency Fees
Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ obtain their visa
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs
Cell Phone Usage
Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location
Cape Town - University of Cape Town Academic Year Fees
Program Fee (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Cost
Tuition
$33,480
Base Housing (& Meals, if applicable) plus one of the following supplemental fees below:
$8,620
• Option 1: Student Residence (no meals provided)
+$0
Health Insurance
$850
Total IES Abroad Program Fee (total dependent on housing option selected)
$42,950-$42,950
+
Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Cost
Tuition
Additional credit (over the 19 maximum IES students can register for at UCT)
$877
School of Record transcript (if required)
$475
Total Additional Fees
+
Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply; consulate fees may be subject to change)
Cost
Visa Application
$55
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)
$1,800-2,300
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials
$300
Estimated Groceries for Duration of Program (varies by the number of meals included per week) Students in certain housing options may require less groceries based on personal preferences and number of meals included in meal plans
• Option 1: Student Residence (no meals provided)
+$2,280
Estimated Costs for Dining Out (based on one meal out per week) Students in certain housing options may require more meals out based on personal preferences and number of meals included in meal plans
$460
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)
$60-300
Local Transportation
$900
Optional IES Abroad Field Trips (not included in program fee)
$250-500
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)
$4,200
Total Other Estimated Expenses
= Total Estimated Budget:
The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars
Estimated expenses are based on calculations and exchange rates at the time of printing
These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee
Estimated meal and grocery expenses are accessed from numbeo.com/cost-of-living/; costs of meals and groceries may vary based on your own spending habits
Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: additional meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), taxis, social activities and entertainment, toiletries, and laundry
Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad
The IES Abroad program fee does not include financial aid
Visa / Consular / Residency Fees
Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ obtain their visa
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs
Cell Phone Usage
Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location
We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from studying abroad. This is why we commit millions of dollars to our study abroad scholarships and aid.
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.
Getting your passport is a crucial step for studying abroad. With processing times taking longer than usual, consider this a gentle reminder to not procrastinate on getting or renewing your passport.
Students who wish to participate in an IES Abroad program will typically apply to both their college/university, as well as to IES Abroad. Start by visiting your school’s study abroad office website to learn more about their application process and deadlines. Note that some university’s deadlines can be as early as one year before your desired term abroad. After you have reviewed the process at your home school, start your online application on the IES Abroad website—there's no application fee! Once we create an account for you, we’ll then ask you to submit the required admissions forms in your MyIESabroad account. After we have received all of your materials, we will review your application and send you an admission decision via email.
As soon as you know you are interested in going abroad, begin applying for your passport. In order to go abroad, you’ll need to have a passport that is valid until at least six months after your program’s end date. For most of our programs, you will need your passport in-hand in order to apply for the required student visa. Rest assured, our IES Abroad Program Advisors will be available to help you every step of the way, but it’s in your best interest to start this process as soon as possible!
You can find a list of the potential courses and/or internship opportunities available for students to pursue under the Academics tab of your program page. Syllabi for each course can typically be found by clicking on the hyperlinked course title, which you can review with your on-campus advisors to ensure that you can earn credit and stay on track for graduation. If a part-time internship opportunity is available on your program and something you want to pursue, discuss the possibility of earning credit for this with your study abroad office on-campus.
You can apply for our IES Abroad Scholarships at any point before the deadline—even if you haven’t yet been admitted into one of our programs! Our scholarship opportunities are competitive, so it’s in your best interest to apply for our scholarships as early as possible. If you’d like to use your existing scholarships/aid towards your program fees, this will depend on your school’s policies and how you’re billed for the program. Talk to your school’s study abroad and financial aid office to learn their policies.
IES Abroad works as a partner to campus study abroad offices around the world to provide high quality academic programs for undergraduate students. In order to participate in one of our programs, we require that you gain approval from your home school’s study abroad office. While IES Abroad is here to help with your predeparture needs, you’ll also want to stay connected with your study abroad advisor on-campus to ensure you’re staying on track with their deadlines and aware of their policies for your program abroad.
The location of your courses will depend on the type of IES Abroad program that you select. Most IES Abroad programs are based at the IES Abroad Center in the host city. Our Centers are physical spaces within the city where we have staff offices and classrooms and they serve as the student hub for many of our programs. On these programs, your classmates will be other IES Abroad students from U.S. campuses and are taught by local or international professors. In some cases, it may also be possible to take one or two courses at a local university and the rest at the IES Abroad Center. Alternatively, some IES Abroad programs are direct enrollment programs, which means that you will take all of your classes at the local university alongside other students enrolled at that university.
IES Abroad places student health & safety at the forefront of all that we do. All IES Abroad students are required to be insured under our mandatory CISI health insurance policy, and this cost is factored into your program fees. Students will be expected to complete a physical within the six months prior to your departure so that our student affairs staff on-site have up-to-date information and can offer support for any health or medical needs you may have while abroad. Mental health services may be available for students upon request. Please discuss any specific health and safety needs with our Dean of Students’ office as early as possible. You can also read more information about our Health & Safety protocols (including COVID-19).
Our experienced housing coordinators work hard to screen and place students in IES Abroad housing, so you won’t need to find your housing on your own. Options can include homestays (highly rated!), residence halls, or apartments depending on your location. You will be given an opportunity to indicate any preferences you may have for housing once you are admitted into the program, which our staff will take into consideration to the best of their ability as they are making arrangements for students. While it’s not recommended, it is possible for you to arrange your own housing abroad if your home school approves you to do so.
Students who wish to participate in an IES Abroad program will typically apply to both their college/university, as well as to IES Abroad. Start by visiting your school’s study abroad office website to learn more about their application process and deadlines. Note that some university’s deadlines can be as early as one year before your desired term abroad. After you have reviewed the process at your home school, start your online application on the IES Abroad website—there's no application fee! Once we create an account for you, we’ll then ask you to submit the required admissions forms in your MyIESabroad account. After we have received all of your materials, we will review your application and send you an admission decision via email.
IES Abroad works as a partner to campus study abroad offices around the world to provide high quality academic programs for undergraduate students. In order to participate in one of our programs, we require that you gain approval from your home school’s study abroad office. While IES Abroad is here to help with your predeparture needs, you’ll also want to stay connected with your study abroad advisor on-campus to ensure you’re staying on track with their deadlines and aware of their policies for your program abroad.
As soon as you know you are interested in going abroad, begin applying for your passport. In order to go abroad, you’ll need to have a passport that is valid until at least six months after your program’s end date. For most of our programs, you will need your passport in-hand in order to apply for the required student visa. Rest assured, our IES Abroad Program Advisors will be available to help you every step of the way, but it’s in your best interest to start this process as soon as possible!
The location of your courses will depend on the type of IES Abroad program that you select. Most IES Abroad programs are based at the IES Abroad Center in the host city. Our Centers are physical spaces within the city where we have staff offices and classrooms and they serve as the student hub for many of our programs. On these programs, your classmates will be other IES Abroad students from U.S. campuses and are taught by local or international professors. In some cases, it may also be possible to take one or two courses at a local university and the rest at the IES Abroad Center. Alternatively, some IES Abroad programs are direct enrollment programs, which means that you will take all of your classes at the local university alongside other students enrolled at that university.
You can find a list of the potential courses and/or internship opportunities available for students to pursue under the Academics tab of your program page. Syllabi for each course can typically be found by clicking on the hyperlinked course title, which you can review with your on-campus advisors to ensure that you can earn credit and stay on track for graduation. If a part-time internship opportunity is available on your program and something you want to pursue, discuss the possibility of earning credit for this with your study abroad office on-campus.
IES Abroad places student health & safety at the forefront of all that we do. All IES Abroad students are required to be insured under our mandatory CISI health insurance policy, and this cost is factored into your program fees. Students will be expected to complete a physical within the six months prior to your departure so that our student affairs staff on-site have up-to-date information and can offer support for any health or medical needs you may have while abroad. Mental health services may be available for students upon request. Please discuss any specific health and safety needs with our Dean of Students’ office as early as possible. You can also read more information about our Health & Safety protocols (including COVID-19).
You can apply for our IES Abroad Scholarships at any point before the deadline—even if you haven’t yet been admitted into one of our programs! Our scholarship opportunities are competitive, so it’s in your best interest to apply for our scholarships as early as possible. If you’d like to use your existing scholarships/aid towards your program fees, this will depend on your school’s policies and how you’re billed for the program. Talk to your school’s study abroad and financial aid office to learn their policies.
Our experienced housing coordinators work hard to screen and place students in IES Abroad housing, so you won’t need to find your housing on your own. Options can include homestays (highly rated!), residence halls, or apartments depending on your location. You will be given an opportunity to indicate any preferences you may have for housing once you are admitted into the program, which our staff will take into consideration to the best of their ability as they are making arrangements for students. While it’s not recommended, it is possible for you to arrange your own housing abroad if your home school approves you to do so.
No one knows the IES Abroad experience better than a student who has lived it! From budget tips to housing experiences, our volunteer Ambassadors are here to share it all.
“Study abroad in and of itself is already transformative, but that service learning initiative just adds icing on the cake.”
