cape-town-clock-tower-waterfront
Cape Town, South Africa

Engineering, Technology + Sciences

Study Program Part-Time Internship

Dates

-

18 weeks

Costs

Credit

12 - 18 semester hours

18 - 27 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

TBD

Costs

Credit

12 - 18 semester hours

18 - 27 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Tentative Dates

-

18 weeks

Costs

Credit

12 - 18 semester hours

18 - 27 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Tentative Dates

-

18 weeks

Credit

12 - 18 semester hours

18 - 27 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Overview

Your Engineering, Technology + Sciences program in Cape Town lasts a full semester and offers you an integrated global learning experience that connects your coursework with real-world applications. You will enroll in a combination of CIEE courses, host institution courses, and courses taught online through CIEE's global academic partner, ASU, that focus on science, technology, engineering, or math. Enhance your experience with co-curricular and extracurricular activities related to engineering, technology, and science. Live and learn in Cape Town!

Unique Experiences

Visit Robben Island

where Nelson Mandela and other leaders were imprisoned for fighting against apartheid

Hike Table Mountain

one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, and take in breathtaking views of Cape Town and the Atlantic Ocean

Explore the Cape Floral Region

a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its unique fynbos vegetation and incredible biodiversity

Experience
  • cape town students coast overlook

Your Destination

Cape Town is South Africa's vibrant, eco-conscious city, renowned for its leadership in environmental science, sustainability, and biodiversity conservation. The city is a global hub for marine biology, conservation research, and sustainable development, with pioneering projects like marine protected areas, wildlife conservation initiatives, and eco-friendly infrastructure. With its stunning natural beauty, vibrant cultural scene, scenic coastline, and commitment to sustainable living, Cape Town is the perfect place to study engineering, technology, and science abroad.

museum visit research cape town study abroad

Program Highlights

  • Academic Courses: Choose from CIEE courses, host institution courses, and online courses delivered by CIEE’s global partner, ASU, that align with your academic major.
  • Optional Internship Placements: Enhance your program with an optional for-credit internship that aligns with your career aspirations.
  • Immersive Experiences: Participate in activities, excursions, study tours, and more that showcase your host city's culture and commitment to engineering, technology, and science.
  • Academic Projects: Enroll in an optional for-credit independent research project or service-learning project for increased professional development opportunities. 
cape-town-souther-africa-large-telescope-sunset

Excursions & Activities

CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in Cape Town will open doors for you to explore South Africa's rich diversity, language, culture, history, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.  

Samples of past excursions and activities: 

  • Check out iThemba Labs, facilities committed to the development of scientific and technical competence in the field of accelerator-based science, with a special focus on women and designated communities
  • Visit the South African Astronomical Observatory’s Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) in Sutherland, the largest astronomy site in the Southern Hemisphere
  • Go on a day trip tour of Langa Community focusing on the history and sustainability of the community 

Please note: Activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.    

Program Blogs

From CIEE

Skeleton Gorge: A Beautiful, Grueling Adventure in Cape Town

By College Study Abroad Ambassador at CIEE

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

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

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

Housing
Academics

Academics

CIEE Cape Town: Study 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, and an academic advising office.

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.  

Arizona State University (ASU): Brought to you by CIEE in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar. 

GPA

3.0

Language Requirements

There are no specific language requirements for this program.

Immigration/Entry Requirements

Visa Required: Yes

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 Cape Town ETS students take 3 to 4 courses for a total of 12-18 semester credits. At least one course must be in a STEM field (it can be a CIEE, ASU online, or UCT course).  

For visa requirements, a minimum of two courses need to be taken in-person.  

Students choose from: 

  • CIEE courses
  • Minimum of 2 courses taught in English at the University of Cape Town (up to 13 credits)
  • Up to 2 ASU online courses (up to 8 credits total)
  • Spring Term: students can choose to enroll in session B only
  • Fall Term: students have the option to 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
  • UCT Courses: typically, 2.5-6.5 U.S. semester/3.75-9.75 quarter credits; typically, 120-300 notional hours per course.
  • ASU Online Courses: Typically, 3-4 U.S. semester/4.5-6 quarter credits 

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

CIEE courses are scheduled Monday through Thursday. Students should expect to have daily homework assignments and continuous assessment. Most courses combine lectures with local co-curricular excursions to help students gain a better understanding of the local culture. Class attendance is mandatory, and absences affect final grades.  

In general, UCT lecturing is more teacher-centered, seen as the instructor mainly leading the lectures and facilitating the course discussions. The presence of international students in local courses is normal as UCT universities have huge international representation and academic partnerships globally. Study abroad students are highly valued by lecturers as they see it as an opportunity to add foreign perspectives to the local audience. Classes at UCT are typically scheduled Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Students are expected to attend at least 75-80% of the course’s in-person sessions. Students usually have weekly tutorial assignments and readings informed by the instructor on an online platform (Vula and AmaThuba) for the course or via email. UCT lectures do not often include local field trips, but will have guest speakers to help students gain a better understanding of the subject matter and local culture relevance. Students are not required to buy books, most of the bibliographical materials are provided by the course facilitator on the online platform and it is usually available in the host institution library.  

Arizona State University: Most ASU online courses are asynchronous. You may find yourself in classes with students from ASU, other American universities, and students from around the world. You’ll receive direct and individualized support from faculty, 100% online.

Class Format

Courses taught at the CIEE Cape Town study center are typically for CIEE students only. Host Institution classes include both local and international students. A typical class schedule includes a combination of both CIEE and Host Institution-administered classes and will span from Monday to Friday. Classes at CIEE and the Host Institution meet 2-4 times per week, for anywhere from 1-3 hours per class session, depending on the course. Attendance in CIEE classes is strictly enforced, both for classes and required co-curricular excursions. Instruction is supported and augmented online by CIEE’s learning management system, Canvas. Instruction at the Host Institution is supported and augmented online by UCT’s learning management systems, Vula and AmaThuba. 

ASU online courses meet in “sessions” that are 7.5-weeks long in the semester, and all work must be completed within the session dates regardless of when your other CIEE courses begin or end.

Grading

CIEE reports all final course grades to students’ home institutions using a U.S. letter grade equivalent scale of A-F. For CIEE-administered courses, students’ grades are based on attendance, class engagement, homework, project work, presentations, and midterm and final examinations. Learning outcomes assessment is continuous through personal reflections, evaluation feedback, self-assessment, and requirements as set out in course syllabi. UCT courses are graded using a 20-point grading scale, and primary assessments may be held as either oral or written examinations, and final exams are typically worth 50-70% of the final grade for the course. Attendance is compulsory in UCT classes. Students must attend a minimum of 80% of all class sessions to be permitted to sit for the final exam. 

ASU grading follows the same format and standards as ASU courses taught in-person. “Pass/fail” or “Audit” is not allowed for CIEE students.

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

Course Information/Notes

  • University of Cape Town follows the South African Higher Education Qualifications Framework (HEQF) credit system:
  • 1 HEQF credit typically equals .222 U.S. semester credits and represents approximately 10 notional hours 
  • Most courses are worth 12-30 HEQF credits 
  • Courses may be taken in all University of Cape Town Departments, except Health Sciences and the Graduate School of Business. 
  • Students applying for the Directed Independent Research Project or Internship are required to submit additional materials during the course selection process.  

Academic Projects

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Biological and Physical Sciences

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Social Sciences

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Visual and Performing Arts

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Agriculture

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Engineering and Engineering Technologies

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment

Course
Language
Semester Credit

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

Engineering:  

  • Hydraulic Engineering
  • Engineering Hydrology
  • Geotechnical Engineering I & II
  • Fluid Mechanics
  • Structural Analysis I & II
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Energy Conservation I
  • Electromagnetic Engineering
  • Introduction to Power Engineering

Science:

  • Marine Ecology
  • Principles of Ecology and Evolution  
  • Plant Diversity and Functional Biology
  • Introduction to Astronomy
  • Data Science for Industry
  • Data Science for Astronomy
  • Big Data Management and Analysis
  • Game design
  • Design thinking

Commerce:  

  • Geosystems: An Introduction to Earth and Environmental Sciences
  • Environmental and Geographical Sciences: Climate systems
  • Sustainability and the Environment
  • Anthropocene and the Environment in perspective
  • Archaeology 

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 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.

A female intern works on a computer server

Information Technology

Explore diverse tech environments, cutting-edge innovation, and emerging technologies in South Korea, Spain, and more.

Two female interns work on an engineering project

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

Gain hands-on skills in sustainable technologies, research projects, and scientific studies in Costa Rica, Mexico, and more.

Browse Internship Opportunities

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

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
  • McDermott Health Sciences, Nursing, and Public Health Merit Scholarships
  • 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 18 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $20,950
Program Academic year 2025-2026 Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date * End Date TBD* Fees & Housing $40,850
Program Spring 2026 18 weeks Start Date * End Date * Fees & Housing $20,950
Program Fall 2026 18 weeks Start Date * End Date *

*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

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

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

*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

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 $32,356 **
Housing $8,000 ***
Insurance $194
Visa Fees $0
Total Fees $40,850

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

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

*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

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 $16,206 **
Housing $4,250 ***
Insurance $194
Visa Fees $0
Total Fees $20,950

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

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 $1,401
International Airfare $1,450 ††
Local Transportation $500
Books & Supplies $100
Visa Fees $135
Potential travel to consulate for visa $500 †††
Personal expenses $240 ††††
Total Costs $4,326

*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

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.

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

Estimated Costs

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

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

Thandeka Dladla

Student Life Manager

Thandeka holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Cape Town (UCT). She worked as a mentor and teacher at the Butterfly Project, an education-based NGO focused on...

Jacana Redcliffe

Program Coordinator

Jacana Joi is one of the program coordinators at CIEE Cape Town. They are passionate about curating programs that facilitate student experiential learning opportunities. They are a Queer Linguistics student...

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 internship abroad experience!

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 CIEE

We're here to help! Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.

4

Interested in an optional internship?

After being accepted to this program and submitting the required internship documents, work with CIEE staff on your internship goals and select which positions to interview for. CIEE will reach out to companies that would be a good fit for you, your interests, and your qualifications. Finalize your internship placement upon arrival!

Request Info