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Political and Social Sciences, African Studies & Health
University of the Western CapeCape Town, South Africa
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Program Overview
Program Overview
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Popular Subject Areas
Political and Social Sciences, African Studies & Health
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Location
Cape Town
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Host University
University of the Western Cape
The University of the Western Cape (UWC) is committed to excellence in teaching, learning, and research; to nurturing the cultural diversity of South Africa; and to responding in critical and creative ways to the needs of a society in transition. You can take classes in subjects such as social development studies, politics & African studies, performing arts, health studies, and environmental studies. Its attractive campus includes an important nature reserve, and the mountains of the Cape Peninsula and Stellenbosch provide beautiful landmarks to the east and west. UWC's rich history began with its establishment in 1959 for non-white students during the Apartheid era and was originally intended by the South African Parliament for people classified as "Colored." Among academic institutions it has been a leader of South Africa's historic change, playing a distinctive academic role in helping to build an equitable and dynamic nation.
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Term
Fall 2 2025
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Program Dates
Jul 15, 2025 - Nov 12, 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
50 - 60 Host University Units
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Eligibility
2.50 Minimum GPA*
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Cost
$16,995
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Study Abroad Program Description
Located in the local Belleville neighborhood, the University of the Western Cape is still a beacon of freedom and societal change to South Africans, due to its role in the anti-Apartheid movement. The University houses the UWC-Robben Island Mayibuye Archives, which includes a collection of artifacts, historical documents, photographs, artworks, and audio-visual materials of the apartheid era in South Africa. You can take courses in several popular UWC academic disciplines, including African history, Development Studies, Education, Conflict Studies, and Political Science.
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.
*Eligibility
MINIMUM GPA
Students must have a minimum grade point average of 2.50.
MINIMUM ADMISSIONS PREREQUISITES
There is no language prerequisite for this program.
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
50 - 60
Recommended U.S. Semester Credits
12 - 15
Recommended U.S. Quarter Units
18 - 25
Academic Information
Course Credit:
Credit weighting varies by course/module.
Students enroll in a total of 50-60 UWC credits per semester, which equates to 4-6 courses.
Each course is typically worth 10-15 UWC credits, equivalent to 3-4 U.S. semester credits/4.5-6 quarter units. By this calculation, students earn 12-15 U.S. semester credits per semester.
Please see ISA’s recommendation below for credit transfer:
- 10 UWC credits = 3 US semester credits/4.5 US quarter units
- 15 UWC credits = 4 US semester credits/6 US quarter units
The transcript from the University of the Western Cape will reflect UWC credits for each course. Credits earned vary according to the policies of the students' home institutions. Please be in touch with your U.S. university regarding credit transfer.
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 Level
Students with no prior knowledge about a specific subject should select introductory courses at the 100 level. Students with prior knowledge about a subject should choose courses at the 200 and 300 level.
Eligibility for courses may be subject to a placement exam and/or prerequisites.
Restrictions for International Students
ISA students are not permitted to take classes in the faculties (departments) of Dentistry and Community & Health Sciences. There are limited medical training universities in South Africa, so international students cannot take the places reserved for locals.
400-level courses are for graduate students and ISA semester students are not permitted to enroll.
Course Selection
The courses listed below are only a sampling of what courses the university offers. Courses and course hours of instruction are subject to change. To search for courses, please enter the UWC module course database.
1) Select Academic Year & Faculty (department). Then, graduate type should be “undergraduate” and study type is “full-time”. Finally, the degree type should be set to “degree”.
2) Click the bubble next to "an International Student".
3) Now, you will see various degree plans. Click on one that you are interested in to see list of available courses. If you are studying abroad in the fall semester, please choose courses that are offered in Semester 2. If you are studying abroad in the spring, please choose courses offered in Semester 1. ISA students are not eligible to take whole-year classes.
Note: ISA recommends you take a MAXIMUM of one 300 level course as past students have indicated taking two was challenging.
4) Get all possible courses you might take approved for credit transfer by your advisor. If you would like to learn more about each course and access the course outline, you can click on the PDF next to the course title. Requests for more detailed syllabi will need to be made to the Cape Town Program Manager.
Transcript Information
The transcript from the University of the Western Cape will reflect NQF credits for each course listed below. Please be in touch with your U.S. University regarding credit transfer for this program.
Duly Performed/Duly Performed Refusal
Duly Performed (DP) is a grade qualifier used at UWC 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. In the UWC system, 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.
Courses
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 your questions about traveling abroad, providing resources and information for your accessibility needs, and identifying funding for your program abroad.
MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES
As part of your Veritas experience, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in ministry work in your host community and experience Christianity in another culture. At each of our sites, you will be connected with a Veritas Mentor who will meet with you regularly to help you connect to ministry opportunities and Christian community.
Our goal is to support the long-term goals of the local community. For this reason, we are very intentional about partnering with organizations that are well-established in the area and have a deep understanding of the needs of the local community. Depending on organizational needs, students may serve directly with communities in need or support activities behind the scenes. Service opportunities vary by location and season, allowing students to gain experience in cross-cultural service while building relationships and sharing their faith. Past opportunities include, but are not limited to, support for local churches through events, prayer teams, and youth ministry.
While all students are encouraged to serve as much as possible, students may choose to serve as much or as little as they want. While the Veritas Mentor will connect students to local opportunities, it is up to each individual student to take the initiative to serve.
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.
Resources
Access & 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.
ISA Student 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.
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
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...
Excursions
THERE’S MORE TO DISCOVER WITH ISA
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.