
Semester in Cape Town
Unique Experiences
Experience the Natural Beauty of Cape Town
where stunning nature reserves, pristine beaches, and vibrant botanical gardens blend seamlessly into the city's landscape
Immerse Yourself in the Multicultural Heritage
by sampling the city's diverse cuisine, joining cooking classes, and experiencing the rhythms of African dance and music
Visit Renowned Wine Farms In and Around Cape Town
indulging in tastings and learning about the region's wine-making traditions, while taking in the scenery of the Cape Winelands
Your Destination
Cape Town is South Africa's vibrant city, offering an inspiring environment for students of all disciplines. The city's unique blend of African, European, and Asian cultures, iconic natural landmarks like Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean, bustling markets, and lively arts scene create an enriching backdrop for studying abroad. Whether you're studying business, science, engineering, technology, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, language, or fine arts, Cape Town is the perfect place to 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 activites, excursions, study tours, and more that showcase your host city's culture, values, and local art, film, music, cuisine, and sports scenes.
- Academic Projects: Enroll in an optional for-credit independent research project or service-learning project for increased professional development opportunities.

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:
- Explore Cape Town's museums like the Iziko Slave Lodge, Robben Island, and District Six Museum, each offering a unique perspective on the country's journey
- Take a tour of Bo-Kaap or participate in a cooking course at Eziko, where you'll learn about the vibrant traditions and cultural significance of its diverse cuisine
- Get creative and active by testing your skills in surfing, learning traditional beadwork techniques, or moving to the rhythms of African dance
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
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
Housing & Meals
Housing
CIEE Cape Town offers comfortable apartments conveniently accessible to the CIEE study center, public transportation, shops, and other amenities. All rooms are fully furnished, offer a full kitchen, and feature Wi-Fi access. CIEE supplies cutlery, crockery, and bed linens but students must bring their own towels. Students can enjoy social interaction with their peers and local South African students in a variety of communal areas. They can also appreciate the quiet spaces that allow them to study on their own, or work on tasks in a group.
Standard Housing: Includes double occupancy or single occupancy. Residence Halls will have shared living spaces, including a kitchen and bathroom. The accommodation is within a 25-minute walk to CIEE Cape Town.
Meals
Residence Hall: Students are responsible for all meals. They can cook in their residence hall or eat on or off campus.
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.
Course Information
Academic Projects
Visual and Performing Arts
Agriculture
Social Sciences
Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment
Academic Projects
Biological and Physical Sciences
Social Sciences
Visual and Performing Arts
Agriculture
Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing
Engineering and Engineering Technologies
Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment
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


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.
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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.
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 & 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.
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 17 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Our Staff
Caleb Kay
Student Life Coordinator
Caleb has a degree in Political Science, Governance, and Sociology from the University of Cape Town.
Get Started
1
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.