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Program Overview
Program Overview
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Popular Subject Areas
Business, STEM, Social Sciences & Liberal Arts
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Location
Cape Town
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Host University
University of Cape Town
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Term
Fall 1 2025
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Program Dates
Early Jul, 2025 - Late Nov, 2025
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Program Length
Semester
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Application Deadline
Apr 01, 2025
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Forms and Payment Deadline
Apr 15, 2025
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Credit
72 - 90 Host University Units
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Eligibility
3.00 Minimum GPA*
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Cost
$20,850
- Apply Now
Study Abroad Program Description
Known as the "Harvard of Africa," the University of Cape Town (UCT) is South Africa's oldest university and one of the continent's leading teaching and research institutions. You can study in several fields, including Humanities, Social Sciences, Engineering, Law, Business, and Natural Sciences.
Semester + Semester Programs Available: You can combine the Spring + Fall OR Fall + Spring sessions at a discounted price. For more information about this option, please contact your ISA South Africa Program Manager.
Enjoy Flexibility with ISA Flex
We’ve partnered with Arizona State University (ASU) to help you overcome common study abroad challenges by adding an ASU Online course to your ISA program. With more than 2,100 courses to choose from, ISA Flex minimizes academic challenges, like major requirements and limited course options, so you can make the most of your experience abroad. Once you’ve applied, access the Flex form in your ISA Student Portal for more information on how to add this to your program and enroll in the course you need.
*Eligibility
MINIMUM GPA
Students must have a minimum grade point average of 3.00.
You must have second semester sophomore standing at the time of participation in the program.
What's Included
Comprehensive Advising and Support
Comprehensive Advising and Support
A team of helpful ISA staff members is here to support you through the entire study abroad process, from finding the perfect program through re-entry. The Program Advisors will help you choose your program based on your unique objectives. Once you’ve selected your program, you will work with your Program Manager on the application process as well as pre-departure forms and finances. Your Program Manager will also assist with academics, housing, visas, and city-living/cultural guidance.
In addition to individual advising, you will receive virtual resources to help prepare you for your time abroad. This includes the ISA Student Portal, which houses your program application, pre-departure forms/resources, and the online orientation. The online orientation is a pre-cursor to the on-site orientations and offers city-specific resources about living in your host city, communication, packing, diversity abroad, how to be academically successful, and more.
24-Hour Emergency
24-Hour Emergency
The ISA Health, Safety, and Security team facilitates an in-house on-call system with a U.S.-based employee and manager who are on-call and available in case of emergency 24-7. ISA regular office hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:00am - 7:00pm and Friday, 7:00am - 5:00pm Central Time.
If you are a parent or student needing assistance in an emergency situation outside of the regular office hours, please call the ISA office at 512-480-8522 to access the ISA emergency contact information for that particular week. Students who experience an emergency while abroad will also have access to on-site staff 24-hour emergency assistance.
Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support
Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support
Health, Safety, and Security (HSS) for ISA students is jointly managed by our resident staff and HSS team. This team works to monitor risk at program locations, respond to any crises that may arise, and develop policies to further ensure the health, safety, and security of students abroad with ISA.
Airport Reception*
Airport Reception*
Ground transportation is provided from the airport as long as you arrive during the ISA designated arrival date and time and at the appropriate airport. Upon acceptance into your program, you will receive the “How to Book Your Flight” form which outlines the specific details for airport reception.
*Airport reception is not provided for most Intensive Month or J-Term programs, as well as programs that combine 2 intensive months, such as Quarter programs.
Visa Support
Visa Support
Your ISA Program Manager will be available to help you with the visa process for your program country, if applicable. They will provide resources, guidance on necessary steps to obtain your visa, and deliver supporting visa application materials to you as needed.
Tuition at the Host University
Tuition at the Host University
Tuition and administrative fees at the host university are included in the program price. Classes are held at the host university and are taught by local and/or visiting faculty. Some classes will have additional fees that are not included in the program price.
Housing
Housing
Housing is guaranteed and included in the price of all ISA programs, with the exception of Pacific programs, in which housing is offered at an additional cost. Accommodation options will vary according to program site and session. For more details about ISA's housing options and applicable security deposits, please refer to the housing tab for your program of interest.
Bridging Cultures Orientation
Bridging Cultures Orientation
The Bridging Cultures Orientation will be delivered to you in the first few days of your time abroad. It is designed to prepare you for a successful, positive, and rewarding experience that will influence the rest of your life. This is accomplished through introducing you to your host city’s culture and infrastructure as well as through goal setting, intercultural awareness, diversity and professional development activities.
Full-Time Resident Staff
Full-Time Resident Staff
The full-time resident staff is available to assist you with all aspects of your experience abroad. The resident staff provides support during official course registration and arranges the Bridging Cultures Program orientation, excursions, weekly meetings, cultural activities, and much more. Staff members are trained to ensure the well-being of each program participant and are dedicated to facilitating a positive and meaningful study abroad experience.
On-Site ISA Offices
On-Site ISA Offices
Most program locations have an on-site ISA office within the program city. The on-site offices provide you with an additional comfortable space in the city and serve as a common meeting place and resource center.
Internet Access
Internet Access
As an ISA student, you will enjoy free internet access at ISA on-site offices, computer labs at the host university, and/or your ISA housing.
ISA Discovery Model
ISA Discovery Model
ISA programs facilitate learning and development through co-curricular activities. We rely on host universities to provide quality instruction in the classroom, but ISA is the main facilitator of learning outside of the classroom. Efforts to promote student learning are shaped by a teaching and learning framework we call the ISA Discovery Model.
According to this model, student learning and development is organized into five areas of discovery: 1. Intercultural, 2. Historical, 3. Sociopolitical, 4. Professional and 5. Environmental
Throughout the duration of your ISA program, we provide you with the opportunity to pursue these five areas of discovery through the Bridging Cultures Orientation, excursions, cultural activities, and references to non-ISA sponsored events and opportunities.
Excursions*
Excursions*
Organized excursions are included with each program to complement the academic component of your abroad experience. These complementary experiences are designed to engage student learning outside of the classroom in the five areas of the Discovery Model. Transportation and guided tours are included, as well as hotel accommodations and breakfast during multi-day excursions. Additional optional excursions may be offered during each program that are not included in the program cost.
*Excursions are not included for Intensive Month, J-Term, some summer sessions, as well as some programs that combine 2 intensive months, such as Quarter programs.
Cultural Activities
Cultural Activities
The ISA program staff develops unique cultural activities custom-designed to invite you to experience the local color of your host city, while learning about the history and culture of your new surroundings. Speaking the native language with locals, tasting the regional cuisine, and partaking in the native traditions are only a few of the ways these cultural activities lead to full appreciation of the program city.
Insurance
Insurance
A Blanket Accident and Sickness Policy is included in the program and covers you during the official on-site period of the program. This is not an optional benefit; every ISA participant will be covered by this policy. A full description of coverage can be found on the ISA website.
We recommend that you maintain comprehensive health insurance while abroad. This is particularly important if you have any pre-existing conditions but is also beneficial if you have an injury or illness while abroad and require further treatment upon your return home. Please be sure to consult with your current insurance provider to confirm coverage policies while traveling abroad.
Official Transcript from the Host University
Official Transcript from the Host University
Upon completion of the ISA program, your host university will issue an official transcript with all coursework taken abroad. ISA's Academic Records Department will process and forward the official transcript to the appropriate office at your home university, and a photocopy will be sent to your permanent home address for your records. ISA will provide a cover letter to accompany the transcript with important academic information, including the host university's grading system and recommended U.S. letter grade equivalencies, translated course titles, and credit conversion recommendations.
Professional Development Toolbox
Professional Development Toolbox
The Professional Development Toolbox, available in the online orientation section of the student portal, will help you identify the skills and key competencies you have developed through your personal, academic, and cultural experiences. This toolbox helps you to articulate the transferable skills developed through study abroad in a way that shows potential employers or post-graduate universities the benefits our you will provide them as a direct result of your experience abroad.
Scholarship Opportunities
Scholarship Opportunities
As an ISA participant, you will have the opportunity to apply for scholarships or grants that can be applied directly to assist with your study abroad program. ISA offers over $1,000,000 in scholarships and grants each year. To see what opportunities are available, please visit the Support & Funding page.
Academics
Credits
Host University Units
72 - 90
Recommended U.S. Semester Credits
12 - 18
Recommended U.S. Quarter Units
18 - 25
Academic Information
Course Credit
Students enroll in a total of 72-90 NQF credits per semester, which equates to 3-5 courses.
Each course is typically worth 18-24 NQF credits. Per the University of Cape Town, 6 NQF credits = 1 U.S. semester credit/1.5 U.S. quarter units.
ISA recommends the following credit conversion:
18 NQF credits = 3 US semester credits/4.5 US quarter units
24 NQF credits = 4 US semester credits/6 US quarter units
36 NQF credits = 6 US semester credits/9 US quarter units
Again, please note this is only a recommendation. The transcript from the University of Cape Town will reflect NQF credits for each course. Please be in touch with your U.S. university regarding credit transfer. It is your responsibility to confirm how your home university will transfer NQF credits and ensure that you are enrolled as a full-time student.
According to ISA policy and visa requirements, students must maintain full-time enrollment status, as determined by the host university, for the duration of the program.
Course Selection
IMPORTANT: The courses listed below are just a sampling of all the courses UCT offers. Please use the course handbooks listed under the section title "Go to Host University Course Search" to make final course selections.
To navigate the UCT course catalog,
STEP 1: For the most updated course information for UCT, please click on this link here: University of Cape Town Course Catalog
STEP 2: Choose the discipline that aligns best with what you would like to study and click the link for “Undergraduate”. Please note that study abroad students are not eligible to select courses from the Health Sciences handbook. The course catalog will be loading at this point, so it’s normal if it takes a minute or two!
STEP 3: Use the table of contents to help you find a bachelor’s degree that aligns with your major. Go to the corresponding page in the course catalog.
STEP 4: Now, you can look through the courses offered as part of that degree plan.
If you are studying abroad in the North American fall semester, look for courses that have an “S” at the end (this stands for "second semester").
If you are studying abroad in the North American spring semester, look for courses that have an “F” at the end (this stands for "first semester").
In South Africa, the first semester runs from January to June, and the second semester runs from July-December, so this is important to keep in mind!
Eligibility for courses may be subject to a placement exam and/or prerequisites.
Restrictions for International Students
- ISA students are not eligible for 4000-level courses as these are reserved for graduate students.
- Students are not permitted to take courses that end in W (whole-year), H (half-year), or Z (specialized courses).
- ISA students are not permitted to take courses from the Health Sciences catalog. There are limited medical training universities in South Africa, so international students cannot take the places reserved for local students.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Students who enroll in courses in 2000 or 3000 level courses outside of their major or minor academic discipline MUST contact their ISA Program Manager before submitting their pre-registration form. Taking advanced levels courses at the University of Cape Town can be exceptionally rigorous. We recommend students only register for advanced courses within their major or minor and can demonstrate their ability to be successful in the course (i.e. prerequisites, provide an unofficial transcript during registration on site.)
Course Level
ISA recommends that students with no prior experience in the subject area take courses in the 1000 level. Students should select courses in the 2000 or 3000 level if the preferred course is within their major or minor. Please discuss this with your ISA Program Manager if you believe a level is appropriate outside of what is represented on your transcript.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
Keep in mind that when choosing courses, even lower-level courses at the University of Cape Town can be quite challenging and academically rigorous.
Please note that students may only select 3000 level courses if they meet all pre-requisite qualifications. Additionally, 3000 level courses take longer for UCT to process. This will prolong the issuing of the University of Cape Town Official Acceptance Letter which is required for your visa application.
Course Recommendation
ISA offers course level recommendations for the courses offered by the University of Cape Town (UCT). Please note that the course level recommendations are based on unique course codes provided by the UCT.
Courses offered at UCT are coded according to the area of study, the level of the course contents (which is related to the year of studies), and the semester in which the course is offered.
The first 3 letters of the code indicate the area of study, the first number in the following 4-digit numeral indicates the year of studies, and the final letter (F, S or W) indicates the semester in which the course is offered (F = First=Spring, S = Second=Fall, W = Whole year).
Courses taken in the 1st and 2nd year of studies are recommended as lower division, while courses taken in the 3rd and 4th year of studies are recommended as upper division and may have certain prerequisite requirements.
These ISA recommendations are intended to facilitate the determination of course equivalencies by advisers and credential evaluators at participants' U.S. home institutions. If you have questions about course codes at UCT, please contact the ISA Cape Town Program Manager.
Sample Courses and Syllabi
The courses listed below are only a sampling of courses available. As such, certain courses listed below may not be available during every semester. Please click the "Complete University Course Catalog Listing" link for full Course Handbooks. Requests for syllabi can be made to the ISA Cape Town Program Manager.
Duly Performed/Duly Performed Refusal
Duly Performed (DP) is a grade qualifier used at UCT that will determine a student's eligibility to take their final examination. If a student has received DP for a course, it means that they have met the requirements for continuous assessment (i.e. mid-terms, quizzes, assignments) to take their final exam. At UCT, grades are heavily contingent on the final exam. The largest percentage of a student's grade in a course is determined by the final exam grade. Opting to not take the final exam will likely lead to a failing grade in the course.
Transcript Information
The transcript from the University of Cape Town will reflect NQF credits for each course listed below. Please be in touch with your U.S. University regarding credit transfer for this program.
To access the fullest and most up-to-date course catalog for the host university, click the "Go To Course Search" button below and select the Undergraduate Handbook for your areas of interest.
Go to Host University Course Search Here
Go to Course SearchCourses
select allclear all
Course Disclaimer
- Credits earned vary according to the policies of the students' home institutions. According to ISA policy and possible visa requirements, students must maintain full-time enrollment status, as determined by their home institutions, for the duration of the program.
Support & Funding
ISA is here to support you when it comes to navigating identity questions related to traveling abroad, providing resources and information for your accessibility needs, and identifying funding for your program abroad.
SUPPORT TEAM
Our U.S. staff is available to support you though every stage of your study abroad journey. Please reach out with any questions about ISA programs or life on-site to your country-specific Program Manager.
Our on-site staff are there for you as soon as you arrive in country and will support you throughout your time abroad.
U.S. Team
Kiri Johnson
Program Manager, France, South Africa & EuroScholars
Born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, Kiri graduated from Texas A&M University with a B.A. in International Studies and a minor in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Science. She studied abroad in Paris with ISA, where she fell in love with the culture, food, and the fashion. Having experienced firsthand how impactful studying abroad is to an individual’s growth, she is enthusiastic to help students plan their study and ease any stress or nerves that may come up. Happy to be back with ISA as a Program Manager this time around, Kiri aims to ensure everyone’s study abroad has the same impact as hers. In her spare time, she loves to sew and craft and be with her cat, Beignet.
CAPE TOWN TEAM
Ouma Mpela
Resident Director, South Africa
Ouma Mpela
Resident Director
Hi there. My name is Ouma Mpela. I have been living in Cape Town for over 25yrs and I don’t think I want to stay anywhere else in South Africa I started traveling overseas only in 2001 and this was the beginning of my love for a career within International Higher Education. My first trip was a 4 months staff exchange in Germany and later travelled to the US every May for Nafsa conference. To date I have been to 8 different States in the US. I did my undergraduate degree in Languages and Psychology at the University of the North West and later moved to Cape Town where I pursued my Postgraduate studies in Human Resources Management. I worked for the University of Cape Town, managing their Semester Study Abroad for 4yrs and later moved to ISA in 2004. I believe in immersing the students in the culture of each place. My Intercultural Training helped me to guide the best way to stimulate students adapt in a different background compared to what they are used too. I am a mother of 4 children, Twin Daughter, 10 years old; Teenage Son and an older daughter who just started college.
Identity Resources
Accessibility & Accommodations
With our wide portfolio of program types and locations, we’re confident there is a suitable, accessible program for each student.
Securing accommodations abroad can take time, so we ask that those with requests inform ISA early in the advising process. We recommend reaching out to your Program Manager or our Accessibility Team (accessibilityteam@worldstrides.com) to discuss your accessibility needs or accommodations abroad.
Destination Information
Our diversity pages for each ISA destination include information on Indigenous communities, languages, race and ethnicity, religion, LGBTQIA+, and disability access. We hope it will help when reflecting upon and contextualizing intersectionality in your host community.
Identity Blog
ISA offers students the opportunity to blog about their experiences abroad from their own diverse perspectives. These posts can be found on the ISA Student Blog, and interested students should email diversity@studiesabroad.com for more information.
Funding
All students should have the opportunity to study abroad. To help make this a reality, ISA offers a variety of scholarships to help cover your study abroad costs. To learn more about our scholarship opportunities, check out our scholarships & grants page!
If you receive financial aid from your home university, you can likely use those funds for study abroad, as well. Speak with your home university’s financial aid office to learn about your options. Check out steps for using financial aid.
Questions about scholarships and funding? Email us at higheredfinaid@worldstrides.org
Housing
Living in ISA housing will give you the opportunity to experience aspects of the South African lifestyle that are inaccessible to the average visitor. Uncovering the uniqueness of your surroundings will help you to feel right at home. As a student at the University of Cape Town, you will commute 15 minutes via the UCT bus to class. With an open and adaptable mind, the experience of living in another culture can be highly rewarding.
Student Residence
The residence halls in Cape Town are located off campus. The apartment-style accommodations have shared kitchens and bathroom facilities. Meals and laundry service are not included. You will pay a $300 refundable security deposit if living in this ISA housing option. ISA may retain some, or all, of this deposit in the event of damage to property, or if utility usage exceeds the allotted monthly amount.
Excursions
THERE’S MORE TO DISCOVER WITH ISA
Cape Peninsula Tour
Begin with a scenic drive along the Atlantic coast, passing through the cosmopolitan suburbs of Sea Point and Camps Bay to Hout Bay, one of Cape Town’s best-kept secrets. Here, you can take a short boat trip to Duiker Island to view the Cape Fur Seals which inhabit the island. From there the tour takes you to the breathtaking rocky promontory. The tour returns to Cape Town by way of Simon’s Town where you'll visit the Penguin colony at Boulders Beach and Fish Hoek fishing village. Lunch is normally arranged at one of the seaside restaurants.
Cape Peninsula Tour
Begin with a scenic drive along the Atlantic coast, passing through the cosmopolitan suburbs of Sea Point and Camps Bay to Hout Bay, one of Cape Town’s best-kept secrets. Here, you can take a short boat trip to Duiker Island to view the Cape Fur Seals which inhabit the island. From there the tour takes you to the breathtaking rocky promontory. The tour returns to Cape Town by way of Simon’s Town where you'll visit the Penguin colony at Boulders Beach and Fish Hoek fishing village. Lunch is normally arranged at one of the seaside restaurants.
Aquila Private Game Reserve
The Aquila Game Reserve is a game reserve where you will keep your eye out for the Big 5: the elephant, rhinoceros, leopard, lion, and African buffalo. Gain a sense of the impact of climate change on the ecosystem of the Aquila Game Reserve and enter consider how policy makers can do more to mitigate further damage.
Aquila Private Game Reserve
The Aquila Game Reserve is a game reserve where you will keep your eye out for the Big 5: the elephant, rhinoceros, leopard, lion, and African buffalo. Gain a sense of the impact of climate change on the ecosystem of the Aquila Game Reserve and enter consider how policy makers can do more to mitigate further damage.
Robben Island
Visit the infamous Apartheid-era political prison where former South African president and Nobel Peace Prize recipient Nelson Mandela was held for 18 years. On the way, we will also visit the District Six Museum, commemorating the Coloured population of Cape Town. We will also take a tour of the Langa Township, an area designated as a zone for Black Africans prior to apartheid, where will see first-hand some typical living conditions within the townships of South Africa and meet some of the locals.
Robben Island
Visit the infamous Apartheid-era political prison where former South African president and Nobel Peace Prize recipient Nelson Mandela was held for 18 years. On the way, we will also visit the District Six Museum, commemorating the Coloured population of Cape Town. We will also take a tour of the Langa Township, an area designated as a zone for Black Africans prior to apartheid, where will see first-hand some typical living conditions within the townships of South Africa and meet some of the locals.
Cultural Activities in Cape Town
The ISA on-site team encourages you to explore the city and culture of Cape Town. The team facilitates this by offering a robust calendar of events that showcases what makes Cape Town special.
These activities vary each term, and previous offerings have included a community service day, city walking tour, First Thursdays (visit galleries and attend cultural events around Cape Town), The Castle of Good Hope Museum, and visiting the Old Biscuit Mill for African Cuisine.
Cultural Activities in Cape Town
The ISA on-site team encourages you to explore the city and culture of Cape Town. The team facilitates this by offering a robust calendar of events that showcases what makes Cape Town special.
These activities vary each term, and previous offerings have included a community service day, city walking tour, First Thursdays (visit galleries and attend cultural events around Cape Town), The Castle of Good Hope Museum, and visiting the Old Biscuit Mill for African Cuisine.