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Education Abroad Office

University of Cape Town

Area: International Business Exchange
Location: Cape Town
Country: South Africa
Term: Spring

The program at the University of Cape Town (UCT) is designed to expose students to life and culture in South Africa and South African international business practices. UCT is South Africa's leading research university and 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. The program at UCT is facilitated by International Studies Abroad (ISA), an Affiliate Partner Program. 

Category: 1, no foreign language proficiency requirement, all courses taught in English

Cost: program fees payable to ISA

Requirements: junior standing; International Business major

ISA determines the program fee, which covers tuition, housing, and insurance. They also offer scholarship opportunities to help offset the cost of the program. 

Students will take 15-19 credit hours (3-5 courses) at the University of Cape Town. There are also options to take one of the IES Abroad courses. To see courses UofSC students have taken at this university, please reference the Registrar's Course Equivalency Table

Even though your adventure begins in Cape Town, ISA field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country.  The program believes in experiential learning and the field trips are aimed at helping you learn more about South African culture, geography, wildlife, history and people. In addition to trips and activities in and around Cape Town (such as a trip around Cape Peninsula, Aquila Private Game Reserve excursion, and a visit to Robben Island), these field trips open you up to a range of cultures and experiences.

Per university policy, all UofSC students will be charged emergency medical, evacuation and repatriation insurance for their time abroad. Contact the Education Abroad Office for more details.

ISA offers student residencies as accomodations. The residence halls in Cape Town are located off campus. The apartment-style accommodations have shared kitchens and bathroom facilities. Meals and laundry service are not included. You will pay a $300 refundable security deposit if living in this ISA housing option. ISA may retain some, or all, of this deposit in the event of damage to property, or if utility usage exceeds the allotted monthly amount. Meals are not included.

For the fall semester, students will arrive in June and take their exams in November. In the spring, students arrive in January and take their exams mid-June. IB students will attend UCT during the spring semester.  

 The Bridging Cultures Orientation will be delivered to you in the first few days of your time abroad. It is designed to prepare you for a successful, positive, and rewarding experience that will influence the rest of your life. This is accomplished through introducing you to your host city’s culture and infrastructure as well as through goal setting, intercultural awareness, diversity and professional development activities.

Detailed information about housing, public transportation, culture, health and safety, and other important topics are also covered.

US citizens will need to apply for a study visa (formerly known as a study permit) to study at UCT for the semester. Once you are officially accepted to the program, you will receive step-by-step instructions on how to apply. Applicants will need to obtain an FBI background clearance as part of their supporting documents and will need to travel to their nearest embassy to apply in-person. The current fee for the study visa is roughly $36. 

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