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cape-town-signal-hill-overview
Cape Town, South Africa

Semester in Cape Town

New for Fall 2025!

Study Program Part-Time Internship

Tentative Dates

-

17 weeks

Costs

$20,950 See Full Breakdown

Credit

12 - 18 semester hours

18 - 27 quarter hours

Eligibility

3.0 Overall GPA

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Overview

Spend your Semester in Cape Town and experience a one-of-a-kind study abroad adventure! This program is designed for students of all majors who want to immerse themselves in a different culture while making real-world connections and pursuing their undergraduate degree. With a diverse range of courses, including local topics like social justice and advocacy, you can customize your academic journey to match your degree requirements while embracing the spirit of South Africa.

When class is in session, you’ll choose from local university courses at the University of Cape Town, CIEE courses offered at CIEE Cape Town, and ASU online courses. You’ll have the opportunity to take your learning beyond the classroom with credit-bearing internships, language programs, and exciting co-curricular and extracurricular activities. Get ready for off-the-beaten-path cultural trips to discover the hidden gems of the city!

Unique Experiences

Experience the natural beauty of Cape Town

with its interwoven nature reserves, beaches, and botanical havens

Immerse yourself in Cape Town's multi-cultural heritage

by trying various foods, joining cooking classes, African dance and music, and exploring the city's architecture

Visit various wine farms

and experience wine tasting in and around the city

10

BEACHES CERTIFIED AS BLUE FLAG IN 2016 FOR THEIR PERFECT STANDARDS OF CLEANLINESS, WATER QUALITY, FACILITIES, AND SAFETY

114

CURVES ON THE BREATHTAKING CHAPMAN’S PEAK DRIVE

850 KM

IS HOW LONG CAPE TOWN’S ROUTE 62 IS – THE WORLD’S LONGEST WINE ROUTE

Experience
  • cape-town-clock-tower-waterfront
  • summer study abroad students cape town
  • Penguins on the beach in Cape Town

Your Destination

Cape Town, often hailed as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, captivates visitors with its stunning natural scenery, vibrant culture, and rich history. Nestled between the iconic Table Mountain and the azure Atlantic Ocean, Cape Town offers a unique blend of cosmopolitan flair and breathtaking landscapes. Its mild Mediterranean climate makes it a year-round destination, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and urban explorers alike.

One of Cape Town's most famous landmarks is Table Mountain, providing sweeping views of the city and coastline. Taking a cable car or hiking to the summit is a must-do experience for visitors. Nearby, the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront buzzes with activity, offering a mix of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options set against the backdrop of a working harbor. Robben Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is another poignant landmark, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years.

For those interested in history and culture, the Bo-Kaap neighborhood with its brightly colored houses and Cape Malay heritage provides a charming glimpse into the city's multicultural past. The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is a paradise for nature lovers, showcasing indigenous flora against the slopes of Table Mountain. Cape Town also boasts world-class beaches like Clifton and Camps Bay, perfect for sun-seekers and surfers.

In essence, Cape Town's allure lies in its ability to cater to a wide range of interests – from outdoor adventures and cultural experiences to relaxation and gourmet dining – all set against the backdrop of one of the world's most striking natural landscapes.

CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Cape Town. 

The Culture

cape town surfing

Excursions & Activities

Each CIEE program has frequent cultural excursions and study tours uniquely designed to complement the program’s academics and enhance cultural immersion. In Cape Town, students might: 

  • Visit wine farms to understand the marketing strategy, and learn the financial process around wine making 
  • Explore various museums, which are an integral part of the Memorial Project at the end of Apartheid i.e. The Iziko Slave Lodge, Robben Island, Lwandle Migrant Museum, District Six Museum 
  • Tour Bo-Kaap or Eziko and participate in a cooking course 
  • Enjoy a family lunch in Gugulethu Township 
  • Test your skills in surfing, beadwork, and African Dance 

At CIEE Cape Town, we organize carefully planned day trips and a multi-day study tour (one per term) to help you explore and enhance your understanding of Cape Town’s diverse location. 

  • Past excursions have included site visits to Langa 
  • Excursions or study tours are designed to help you explore an area of our country in greater depth; previous excursions have taken place in !Khwa Ttu San Village (Home of South Africa’s First Peoples) and Buffelsfontein Private Game Reserve or Aquila Safari 
cape-town-students-planting-trees

Other Activities

Each CIEE program has frequent cultural excursions and tours uniquely designed to complement the program’s academics and enhance cultural immersion. In Cape Town, students might visit the: 

  • 18 Gangster Museum, i.e. have talks from former gang members 
  • Diamond Museum 
  • Bridges for Music for Sound Engineering 
  • Go plant trees in a previously disadvantaged area with Green Pop or Seed (both community organizations, climate change oriented) 
  • Forest foraging 
cape-town-chef-intern

Academic Projects

For-credit Directed Independent Research is for qualified students who have demonstrated academic rigor and curiosity towards a particular research topic. Independent research topics will be approved by CIEE Cape Town Director and home institution and must reflect a topic that is relevant to South Africa. To be accepted into this course, students must submit a structured proposal with topic of exploration, significance of research topic as it relates to South Africa, methodology, a literature review, and a schedule of research milestones. Upon research completion, students will present their findings to a panel of academics. 

Internships: A for-credit internship in English allows students the opportunity to have practical work experience in a company within a variety of industry sectors. In addition to the on-site business experience, students participating in an internship program have a weekly classroom component, which provides academic support to their practical experience. 

Program Blogs

study abroad cape town fdgf
From CIEE

Reflecting on South Africa as a Frederick Douglass Global Fellow

By College Study Abroad Ambassador at CIEE

By: Sam Li Stepping off the plane in Cape Town felt like stepping into a whirlwind of vibrant energy, complex history, and breathtaking landscapes. This wasn't just any summer adventure... keep reading

ultimate guide to studying abroad in south africa
From CIEE

South Africa Study Abroad: The Ultimate Guide

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

South Africa is simply astonishing. From its varied topography and rich culture to its complex history and diverse wildlife, a South Africa study abroad program promises the adventure of a... keep reading

Kai snorkelling, having a seal of a time in the water!
From CIEE

The Cape Seal of Approval

By Cape Town Centre at CIEE

Authored by Kai Edem (she/her) (Kai is a second-year undergraduate student at Agnes Scott College, majoring in Neuroscience. She is excited to discover more about research opportunities available during her... keep reading

Housing

Housing & Meals

Housing

CIEE Cape Town offers exceptional housing options to ensure you are comfortable in your home away from home. We tend to house our students in residence halls close to the CIEE Cape Town study center and to the host institution. All housing is located in areas with good walking accessibility to several amenities including supermarkets, pharmacies, doctors and hospitals, banking services, as well as public transportation. 

  • Standard Housing: Includes a shared room in a residence hall or shared apartment, which are located 10 to 15 minutes from the CIEE study center/host Institution. 

Meals

Students are responsible for their meals, either preparing them at home or eating out in one of many restaurants and cafés in the city.

cape town housing apartment bedroom

Apartment

Bedroom

Cape Town housing apartment kitchen

Apartment

Kitchen

cape-town-meals-bobotie

Meals

Bobotie, a classic South African dish

Academics

Academics

The Semester in Cape Town program allows students to continue their studies while they explore contemporary South African society. Students participate in a variety of cultural activities and are strongly encouraged to participate in opportunities offered by UCT and CIEE.  

University of Cape Town (UCT): Established as South African College in 1829, UCT is internationally recognized as the top-ranked African research university. In 2022, UCT ranked 160th in the world (QS rankings). The UCT campus has beautiful grounds and attractive facilities which include a range of commercial, medical, recreational, and sporting facilities.  

CIEE students will have access to AACSB courses offered by UCT's Faculty of Commerce. 

Arizona State University: Enhance your international academic coursework with optional online courses that best align with your degree requirements and interests. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions during the semester and 6-week sessions in the summer that fit within the CIEE academic calendar, so you can study abroad with CIEE while continuing to meet all your academic goals.

GPA

3.0

Language Requirements

There are no specific language requirements for this program.

Additional Requirements

Please refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.  

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Requirements

All Semester in Cape Town students take 3 to 4 courses for a total of 12-18 semester credits choosing from: 

  • 0-2 CIEE courses  
  • 2-3 courses taught in English at the University of Cape Town  
  • Up to 2 ASU online courses (up to 6 total credits), only after 12 in-person credits have been met  
    • Spring Term: Students can enroll in session B only  
    • Fall Term: Students can enroll in session A and/or B  

Program Credit

Total credit: 12-18 U.S. semester/18-27 quarter credits

Course Credit

  • CIEE Courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours  
  • University of Cape Town (UCT) Courses: Typically, 4-6.5 U.S. semester/3.75-9.75 quarter credits; 120-300 notional hours pre course 
  • ASU Online Courses: Typically, 3-4 U.S. semester/4.5-6 quarter credits; 45-60 contact hours 

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Academic Culture

Students typically find that UCT courses require greater responsibility and initiative in a less structured environment than they are accustomed to. It is important to be motivated, self-sufficient, and deeply interested in the subject matter. Teaching methods at UCT include a mixture of lectures, tutorials, seminars, and, in the sciences, laboratory classes. CIEE courses are designed to follow U.S. academic culture and standards. The class environment typically features a combination of traditional lecture and discussion with co-curricular excursions and activities. Heavy emphasis is placed on student participation. To avoid falling behind, students should not plan personal travel out of the city when classes are in session.  

ASU Courses: You may find yourself in classes with students from ASU, other American universities, and students from around the world. Some are earning their degrees entirely online, while others, like you, are supplementing their education with an online course. You’ll receive direct and individualized support from faculty, 100% online. Most ASU online courses are asynchronous, meaning there are no set log-in times, but make sure to verify this before the add/drop deadline in case you want to make a change.

Class Format

Classes are scheduled Monday to Friday and typically meet two to three times per week. Attendance is strictly enforced. Students should expect an average of two hours of preparation required for each hour in class. UCT courses include UCT undergraduates and CIEE courses are for CIEE students only. Class sizes at UCT range from 100 to 300 with larger lectures and smaller tutorials (sections) of 20 to 40 students.  

ASU online courses meet in “sessions” that are 7.5 weeks long in semesters and 6 weeks long in the summer, and all work must be completed within the session dates regardless of when your other CIEE courses begin or end. You’ll need a standard PC or Mac desktop or laptop computer with a download speed higher than 25 Mbps, as well as access to email, productivity software like Microsoft Office and other applications needed to perform a variety of educational functions. Most course materials you will need are available online. Since you are working mostly or entirely asynchronously, you’re given deadlines for your assignments by your instructor or in your syllabus, but you can work at your own pace within these due dates. Most instructors suggest a recommended pace to optimize your learning, but you have the flexibility to complete your ASU courses while pursuing your studies at your CIEE location.

Grading

UCT courses all include continuous assessment, often (but not necessarily always), with 50% of the final grade based on the final exam, which is moderated by external examiners. Grades are based on a South African scale of 100 and later converted to the U.S. system of A-F. For CIEE courses, the U.S. grading scale of A-F is used. Students are graded based on their attendance, class participation, homework, project work, presentations, and midterm and final examinations. The assessment of learning outcomes is continuous through these methods of evaluation as set out in course syllabi.  

ASU grading: As a U.S. institution of higher education, the grading practices should be familiar to any CIEE student. “Pass/fail” or “Audit” grading options are not allowed for CIEE students. Please see the CIEE Academic Manual for Students for more information about your grades.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Language of Instruction

English

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Courses

Course Information

UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN

 

Below is a list of the subjects available at the University of Cape Town. For specific course listings, please refer to the UCT Handbook. Please note that not all courses within UCT subject areas or departments are suitable for program participants, and many have prerequisites.  

Faculty of Commerce  

  • Accounting  
  • Finance and Tax  
  • Management  
  • Actuarial Science  
  • Economics  
  • Commerce IT (Information Systems)  

Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance

  • Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment  
  • Mechanical, Chemical, Civil, and Electrical Engineering  
  • Geomatics    
  • Architecture and Planning  

Faculty of Humanities  

  • African Languages and Literature  
  • African Studies  
  • Afrikaans and Netherlandic Studies  
  • Classics  
  • Drama  
  • English Literature  
  • Film and Media Studies  
  • Fine Art  
  • Hebrew and Jewish Studies  
  • History  
  • History of Art  
  • Independent Research  
  • Linguistics  
  • Music  
  • Philosophy  
  • Political Studies  
  • Psychology  
  • Religious Studies  
  • Social Anthropology  
  • Sociology  
  • Theory of Literature  

Faculty of Science  

  • Archaeology  
  • Astronomy  
  • Botany  
  • Chemistry  
  • Computer Science  
  • Environmental and Geographical Science  
  • Geological Sciences  
  • Mathematics  
  • Oceanography  
  • Physics  
  • Statistical Sciences  
  • Zoology  

Faculty of Law  

  • Criminology  

 

CIEE proudly partners with ASU to deliver asynchronous, 100% online coursework that aligns with your degree requirements from anywhere you study abroad.

CIEE and ASU offer courses online per program eligibility, at no additional charge. Be sure to review online courses with your home school advisor.

Check the CIEE Program Dates and ASU start dates below to maximize course options within your program! 

Search ASU Online Courses BROWSE FAQs for more INFO

 

Program Options
Program Options

Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.

Internships

Discover Internship Opportunities

We're excited you're considering this program! Next, explore the types of internships you can choose from for an epic internship abroad with CIEE Study Abroad.

Explore Industry Options

The work culture in Cape Town is laid-back yet professional, emphasizing work-life balance, creativity, and innovation. Interns can expect to work with local NGOs, startups, or established businesses. There’s a strong sense of community, and colleagues often socialize after work in a friendly, multicultural environment. 

A female intern picks crops from a field

Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources

Gain experience in agricultural markets, agribusiness companies, and NGOs to study food production and global processes.

A female intern sits in front of a studio A/V board while recording

Arts, Audio/Video Technology and Communications

Immerse yourself in today's cutting-edge global media by working in film studios, media companies, the theater, and more.

A intern teacher works with her students in the classroom

Education and Training

Experience international teaching methodologies and curriculum development in classrooms around Jordan, Spain, and more.

A student intern sitting at a microscope in a lab

Health Science

Immerse yourself in global healthcare systems to study cross-border medical practices and address public health challenges.

Interns wearing hardhats at a community development site

Human Services

Deepen your knowledge of human services through social welfare work, community development, and international advocacy.

A lawyer and an intern reviewing documents in an office

Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security

Experience international legal systems, global justice issues, and law enforcement challenges in courts, firms, and agencies.

Browse Internship Opportunities

Explore internship placements available through this program to find the right fit for your academic and professional goals.

Find Internship Options

Disclaimer: Internship placements are subject to availability and host employer hiring discretion. Application and payment of CIEE fees does not guarantee specific placement. This internship listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party.

Scholarships

Scholarships & Grants

CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.

Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:

  • Wollitzer Merit Scholarships in Area or Comparative Studies
  • Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
  • CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
  • MSI Grant
  • Trailblazer Grant

To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.

Learn more about scholarships

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Fees & Housing
Program Fall 2025 17 weeks Start Date * End Date * Fees & Housing $20,950

*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.

To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300*

Educational Costs = $16,706**

Housing = $3,750***

Insurance = $194

Visa Fees = $0

Total Fees = $20,950

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $1,328†

International Airfare = $1,450††

Local Transportation = $500

Books & Supplies = $100

Visa Fees = $135

Potential travel to consulate for visa = $500†††

Personal expenses = $235††††

Total Costs = $4,248

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable fee

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.

†For groceries if you plan on making your own meals, budget more money if you plan on eating out regularly.

††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†††If no consulate in your home area

††††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

What's Included

Tuition

Housing

Pre-departure Advising

Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions

Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet

Orientation

Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city

On-site Staff

Full-time program leadership and support in your city

Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities

Excursions and/or Study Tours

Travel Protection

CIEE iNext travel protection

24/7 emergency on-site support

Staff

Our Staff

Nompila Ndlovu

Nompilo Ndlovu

Center Director

Dr. Nompilo Ndlovu has over a decade of experience working within the academic, policy and non-profit sectors, focused on the African continent.

Caleb Kay

Caleb Kay

Student Life Coordinator

Caleb has a degree in Political Science, Governance, and Sociology from the University of Cape Town.

Get Started Steps

Get Started

Here’s what you need to do to take the next steps:

1

Start an Application

You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience!

Apply Now

2

Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office

Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.

3

Contact Us

Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.

Contact Us

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