Study Abroad in South Africa
Explore South Africa with CIEE
Located in the southernmost tip of Africa, South Africa is a unique study abroad destination with a diverse landscape, rich culture, and relaxed lifestyle. Choose one of CIEE’s study abroad programs in South Africa and explore the country’s notable landmarks, stunning wildlife, hiking trails, history museums, and more.
When you study in South Africa, you’ll be in one of the country’s largest cities, Cape Town, where you can attend local theater, music, and dance productions; enjoy museum tours and visits to rural cooperatives; cheer for teams at a cricket or rugby match. Come for a semester of service learning, a year of arts and sciences study, or a summer exploring community development and social justice!
While abroad, students may enhance their academic experience by completing a full- or part-time internship in South Africa. This unique opportunity allows students to gain real-world international work experience, expand their professional networks, and develop valuable skills that complement their studies. Internships are available across diverse industries, including business, marketing, manufacturing, sustainability, and more, providing a well-rounded perspective of today's global job market and enriching the overall study abroad experience.
With homestays, cultural clubs, excursions and volunteering opportunities, CIEE study abroad in South Africa is a uniquely immersive international experience. If you’re looking to explore beyond South Africa, join our Open Campus Block Network and create a custom program that includes Cape Town, plus up to two other study abroad destinations.
Study Abroad Programs in South Africa
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Study Program
Beaches, mountains, and vineyards are calling your name – and calling you to Cape Town, where you can spend three weeks studying and experiencing the city.
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Study Program
Summer in Cape Town, where you'll take classes, explore South Africa, and participate in service projects that give you experience of post-Apartheid life.
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Study Program
- Full-Time Internship
Intern in the most entrepreneurial city in South Africa – Cape Town – next summer, gaining experience in areas like arts, health science, law, and more.
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Study Program
Take two credit-bearing courses over six summer weeks in Cape Town, where you'll get to see many natural attractions, visit beaches, and go on hikes.
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
...for 1, 2, or 3 term blocks!
Spend at least one of your six-week study-abroad blocks in Cape Town, where you can enjoy the beaches, participate in water sports, and taste the barbecue.
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Full-Time Internship
Spend 12 weeks interning abroad FT (30-40 hours/week) and earning academic credit while experiencing outdoor adventures in Cape Town, South Africa.
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
Spend 12 weeks interning abroad PT (20 hours/week) and earning academic credit while immersing yourself in the cultural and dining capital of Cape Town.
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
Spend 6 weeks of your summer interning abroad PT (15-20 hours/week) and earning academic credit while taking in the views of the mountains of Cape Town.
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
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.
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
Explore Cape Town through a local lens as you tackle some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges during your semester abroad.
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
Spend a semester in Cape Town and explore how South Africa's capital is shaping the future with cutting-edge innovation and smart city planning.
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
See how Cape Town explores and implements renewable energy, sustainable design, and public health plans during your 18-week semester in South Africa.
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Study Program
Spend 18 weeks at a university in Cape Town, taking all your courses in English and studying through any one of Africa's top-ranked disciplines.
South Africa Blog Posts
Skeleton Gorge: A Beautiful, Grueling Adventure in Cape Town
By: Jeanne d'Arc Koffi Hiking Skeleton Gorge in Cape Town was an experience I’ll never forget. The guidebooks warned it would be challenging, but as someone with hiking experience, I... keep reading
Reflecting on South Africa as a Frederick Douglass Global Fellow
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
South Africa Study Abroad: The Ultimate Guide
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
Frequently Asked Questions
There are several reasons why you should study abroad in South Africa, from the country’s great climate and natural attractions to its stunning landscape and multicultural cities. In Cape Town, you’ll experience a vibrant, diverse city with an exciting nightlife, cultural attractions, restaurants, and more!
If you’re wondering how to study abroad in South Africa, you can complete a few simple steps – search our study abroad programs in South Africa, connect with your campus study abroad office, and start your application.
While the cost of studying abroad in South Africa varies depending on your program, duration of your program, and location, there are several scholarship opportunities to study abroad in South Africa. Students can find more information on CIEE's scholarship offerings on our Study Abroad Scholarships and Grants page.
South Africa is a good place to study abroad for students interested in studying at a top university, University of Cape Town, where they can complete courses including African ecology and conservation, business, anthropology, public health, engineering, and more. In a destination grappling with vast socioeconomic inequalities and a global economy, students are sure to learn a lot about South Africa’s past, present, and future.
Yes! CIEE offers scholarships and grants for study abroad South Africa programs, including the GAIN Travel Grant, Douglass O'Connell Scholars Grants, MSI Grant, and more Need-Based and Merit-Based funding opportunities.
Read more: How to Apply to a Study Abroad Scholarship at CIEE: 4 Steps
Yes, you can absolutely complete an internship abroad in South Africa with CIEE. Our international internship programs allow college students to choose from a variety of full- and part-time internships abroad in a variety of fields, including manufacturing, finance, hospitality, healthcare, public policy, and more!
Search our internship opportunities to get started!
Study in up to 3 Cities this Semester
With CIEE’s Open Campus Block programs, you’re in charge! You can design your semester abroad to include up to three dynamic locations - plus, select your academic focus and length of stay.
