Study Abroad in Cape Town

students going for a walk on the palm tree-lined sidewalk in Cape Town
Students drive through Kruger National Park in South Africa.
a student poses for a fun photo while kayaking in South Africa
two students sit on the edge of a mountain above Cape Town's city and coast line

What to Expect in Cape Town

Don’t miss the once-in-a-lifetime chance to study abroad in Cape Town, one of the most beautiful cities on Earth—recently named the #1 place to go by The New York Times. 

But there’s more to Cape Town than its beauty—its dynamic society is ever-changing and growing, and you can witness it first-hand. We know you’ll agree that your Cape Town study abroad experience will make you feel like you’re on top of the world and we can help you get there, whether that means interning full-time, studying health, or immersing yourself through direct enrollment at the University of Cape Town. 

Immerse yourself in South African culture and explore one of the most diverse environments in the world with one of our Cape Town study abroad programs! 

Picture Yourself in Cape Town

Languages Spoken: 
Afrikaans, English, Xhosa
Climate: 
Mediterranean
Currency: 
Rand (ZAR)
Time Zone: 
GMT+2

Our Programs

View All
Study Abroad
Two Internship students standing in front of Table Mountain in Cape Town
Cape Town, South Africa

Engineering & Science

Fall/ Spring/ Academic Year
None
Direct Enrollment
$
19,550
Program Details
Study Abroad
Group of Students in front of Nelson Mandela Statue in Cape Town
Cape Town, South Africa

Health, Culture & Development

Fall/ Spring
None
Experiential Learning
$
20,307
Program Details
Study Abroad
University of Cape Town's campus
Cape Town, South Africa

University Of Cape Town

Fall/ Spring/ Academic Year
None
Direct Enrollment, Experiential Learning
$
20,307
Program Details
Study Abroad
two clinical observation health studies students
Cape Town, South Africa

Summer - Health Studies

Summer
None
$
7,548
Program Details
Full-Time Internship
a student intern checks in with the penguins at her internship
Cape Town, South Africa

Summer - Internship

Summer
None
$
6,350
Program Details
Looking for something else?
View All Programs

Top 5 Things to Do in Cape Town

Hit the Beach(es)!
Cape Town has miles of coastline and beautiful white sand beaches with local wildlife (including penguins!). Clifton and Camps Bay beaches are some of our favorites!
See the Waves Crash Against Cape Point
Stand on the most southwesterly point in Africa and enjoy the spectacular clifftop views. If you're lucky, you may see an ostrich or baboon!
Meet the Penguins
Named for its beach made up of inlets between granite boulders, Boulder Beach is also home to African penguins, which can only be found on the coastline of South Africa.
Relax in Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden
Nestled at the foot of Table Mountain, this spectacular garden is the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic, catch an outdoor concert, or just take a contemplative walk.
Climb Table Mountain
No stay in Cape town is complete without taking in the views from the top of this iconic mountain. If the hike up sounds too daunting, ride to the top of the cableway.

About the IES Abroad Center

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.  

 

IES Abroad Cape Town Staff

Devonne Bobbert Headshot

Devonne Bobbert

Short Programmes Manager

Ashleigh Brown Headshot

Ashleigh Brown

Program Coordinator

Jody Felton headshot

Jody Felton

Operations Manager

Health & Safety

With 70 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 the cost of your program to highly-trained local staff who can connect you to English-speaking healthcare providers, we are working around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.

Support You Can Expect to Receive on Our Programs

Background Image Mask
CISI International Health Insurance

In the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional.

Background Image Mask
24/7 Emergency Support

Whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city.

Background Image Mask
Mandatory Cell Phone Policy

Receive any emergency updates from IES Abroad staff via call or text.

Background Image Mask
Location-Specific Information

Health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff.

Background Image Mask
TripTracker System

Allowing you to share independent travel plans.

Background Image Mask
Crisis Drills

So that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise.

Helpful Links

Blogs on Mental Health
Study Abroad Safety Tips for Traveling
Blogs on Safety
Learn More About Health & Safety
PRO-TIP

Apply for your passport today!

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.

Learn More
passport stamps and stickers inside of passport books

The Student Experience

View All
View All Blogs
Grace posign in front of a Chateau in the Loire Valley
Grace Heaton ,

Do It Scared!

Delve into the world of life in Nantes, France with me as I discuss all that the adjustment period of study abroad brings!

Daily Life
beach sign
Lily Nannini,

Surf Camp

I fell in love with surfing after the very first lesson. In this blog, I share my experience from three days at Surf Camp Australia :)

Field Trip/Travel
Contact a Previous Student

Student Ambassadors

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.

Contact an Ambassador
three students standing in front of fair table with IES Abroad catalogs

Latest from Cape Town

Follow @IESabroad on all your favorite social media platforms for the latest videos, photos, blog posts, and updates from our students and staff around the world.

IES Abroad News

View All

Want to study abroad in Cape Town?

How will studying abroad in Cape Town redefine your world? We can’t wait to find out. 

Apply Now