Study Abroad in Cape Town
College Study Abroad
Explore Cape Town with CIEE
When you study abroad in Cape Town, South Africa, you'll discover a breathtaking city steeped in history and natural beauty. Experience the vibrant culture, diverse communities, and rich heritage as you explore landmarks like Robben Island and the District Six Museum. Immerse yourself in academic pursuits such as environmental science and social justice while embracing the city's multicultural atmosphere. With its picturesque coastline and access to world-class attractions, studying abroad in Cape Town on a CIEE program promises a life-changing experience. It's easy to see that Cape Town will create lasting memories!
While abroad, students may complete a full- or part-time internship in Cape Town, gaining real-world international work experience and developing valuable professional skills. Internships are available across diverse industries, including business, marketing, arts, sustainability, and more, providing a well-rounded perspective of today's global job market and enriching the overall study abroad experience.
Top Activities in Cape Town with CIEE
Every CIEE study abroad program has frequent cultural excursions and activities uniquely designed to complement the program’s academics and enhance students’ cultural immersion. In Cape Town, past tours and excursions have included:
- Visits to the vibrant Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, built on top of the historic docks at the Port of Cape Town, where you'll find world-class restaurants, street performances, and stunning harbor views
- Perfect the flavors of South Africa through hands-on cooking lessons for traditional foods from the Cape Malay, isiXhosa, and Afrikaans traditions
- Tours of iconic sites like Cape Peninsula, the Cape Flats, Robben Island, Table Mountain, and cultural hubs like Bo Kaap, and District Six
About CIEE Cape Town
Situated in the vibrant student-friendly suburb of Rondebosch near central Cape Town, CIEE Cape Town boasts two main classrooms, a small meeting room, a student lounge, a student life office, an academic advising office, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The study center is conveniently close to the University of Cape Town, giving CIEE students the chance to socialize with local South African students.
Students will find many exciting conveniences surrounding the CIEE study center. From close access to Table Mountain National Park (hikers, take note!) to plenty of restaurants, coffee shops, beaches (Camps Bay, Clifton, and Muizenberg), and nightlife a short Uber ride away, students will enjoy all the exciting amenities the area has to offer.
Where You'll Study in Cape Town
CIEE Cape Town
Our location in Cape Town is part of the CIEE Open Campus Block Network and is located in the Rondebosch district.
University of Cape Town (UCT)
Established as South African College in 1829, UCT is internationally recognized as Africa’s leading research university with beautiful grounds and attractive buildings. The UCT campus includes a range of commercial, medical, recreational, and sporting facilities.
Internships & Volunteering in Cape Town
Depending on their program of study and availability, students may be able to participate in an international internship or volunteer work abroad. For students looking to intern in Cape Town, they may be able to work in a non-paying position across a number of fields, including business, marketing, the restaurant industry, and more.
Students looking to volunteer abroad in Cape Town may tutor students and work on community development projects focusing on public health, youth development, arts and culture, entrepreneurship, and sustaining the environment.
Cape Town Study Abroad Programs
- 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.
Currency
South African Rand (ZAR)
Spoken Languages
English, Afrikaans, isiXhosa
Available Transportation
Ubers (preferred mode of transport), Metrorail, Golden Arrow Bus, Combi, feet
Famous Local
Lauren Beukes, author of Zoo City, which won the Arthur C. Clarke prize for Science Fiction in 2011
Climate
Warm, dry summers; wet winters
Places to Explore
Table Mountain – dramatic plateau that forms a backdrop to Cape Town
Airport
Cape Town International Airport (CPT)
Social Norms
When greeting someone, it is considered impolite not to ask how they are – and you need to wait for an answer
What to Pack
Backpack, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, mosquito repellent
Frequently Asked Questions
Cape Town is a good place to study abroad because it’s one of the most diverse cities with 11 official languages, a warm Mediterranean climate, and mountainous landscapes. With thriving creative industries, a rich history, and endless natural attractions, Cape Town is a one-of-a-kind study abroad destination for adventurous students.
Cape Town is generally regarded as a laid back city with a low cost of living compared to other cities. Living in Cape Town will give students the opportunity to experience a diverse city with a variety of natural landscapes and exciting nightlife.
Yes, Cape Town is safe for students to study abroad, but with any major city, students should take certain precautions to keep themselves and others safe. We advise students to travel in safe areas of the city, keep their personal belongings secure, and stay on trails when hiking.
In order to ensure our students feel welcomed, supported, and empowered while studying abroad, CIEE staff completes comprehensive diversity equity and inclusion (DEI) training. Staff provide students with advice, resources, and ongoing support both before and during their study abroad program in Cape Town.
For more detailed information on diversity in Cape Town, visit our Diversity in Cape Town page.
The cost of studying abroad in Cape Town varies depending on the specific program that you choose and how long you plan to study abroad for. For detailed cost information, we recommend researching each individual Cape Town study abroad program page.
For costs not included in your program’s outlined fees, it’s important to consider factors surrounding your individual journey while abroad.
Read more: How Much Does it Cost to Study Abroad?
Yes, you can absolutely complete an internship abroad in Cape Town 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 Abroad Scholarships & Grants
Apply in 1,2,3!
You may be wondering if there are any South African scholarships to study abroad in Cape Town. CIEE offers scholarships and grants for study abroad programs in Cape Town to students with demonstrated financial need, proven academic merit, and for specific CIEE programs. Students can apply for scholarships through 3 simple steps:
- Search for and apply to your dream program
- Review all available funding opportunities
- Complete the Scholarship & Grants portion of your application
Study Abroad Scholarships
NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS
Based on students' Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) from their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and enrolled institution. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible.
MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS
Based on academic achievement. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application, along with an essay, to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible.
OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS
Other scholarship awards are based on program or alumni status.
Talk to a Student Who's Lived it...
Reach out to one of our Student Ambassadors to learn what CIEE Study Abroad is really like from alums who've lived it! Address any questions you may have about Cape Town, from your academic interests and travel planning to housing and cultural differences.
Cape Town Study Abroad Blog
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
