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Univ. of Cape Town

Program Overview

Come to Cape Town for a unique opportunity to continue your UC studies with new perspectives, while immersing yourself in the changing political, social and economic landscape of this city, country and region of global significance.
 
South Africa is often called the Rainbow Nation, symbolizing its pride and integration of the country's diverse people. The University of Cape Town (UCT) is committed to quality instruction and research, positioning itself as a leader and academic nexus between South Africa, Africa and the world.
 
UCT's enrollment represents the nation’s rich diversity. And with over 20 percent of the students from more than 100 other countries, it is a perfect setting for international learning, new connections, and deepening your understanding of differing views on common issues.
 
Students attend classes with international and/or host country students.

Language of Instruction

English


Language Study

 
​The African Languages and Literatures Department offers courses on Xhosa and Sotho.


Duration

Go to the Participants section to see current or past calendars. ​

Fall :  
mid-July to mid-November​

Spring :  
late January to mid-June​

Year :  
late January to mid-November ​
 

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Housing

UCT’s Ida Cooper Associates arranges housing in a safe neighborhood near campus. You will live with international students. ​


Extracurricular Activities

​There are more than 100 student societies reflecting a wide range of interests, including academic, religious, cultural, social and political activities.


On-site Support

EAP students are supported by UC's network of EAP offices at every UC campus and partnerships with EAP host universities throughout the world. Host university faculty members administer EAP programs in South Africa and serve as EAP liaisons; these liaisons advise UC students on academic matters. The International Academic Programmes Office (IAPO) at UCT provides assistance with housing, information on cultural events, and additional support.
​
See the EAP Program Guide (PDF) for program-specific details about host institutions, program structure, and courses; academic culture and conduct; internships, research, & independent study; units, exams, and grades; orientation; housing; and information about the intensive language program (if applicable).​

University of Cape Town

University of Cape Town
The University of Cape Town (UCT), South Africa’s oldest university and one of Africa’s leading teaching and research institutions, is a comprehensive university offering a full spectrum of fields of study through its faculties of Humanities, Science, Engineering and the Built Environment, Law, Commerce, and Health Sciences. It has a strong tradition of academic excellence that is recognized worldwide attracting undergraduate and graduate students from many other countries as well as from  South Africa. UCT enrolls approximately 20,000 undergraduate and graduate students.
 
Cape Town, South Africa’s legislative capital, is energetic and beautiful, full of varied musical venues, sports opportunities, possibilities for community service, and scenic panoramic vistas.
 
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Student Reviews

Course Opportunities

UCT offers a full curriculum of courses in the arts, humanities, social sciences, natural and mathematical sciences, engineering, economics, and business administration. Of special note are courses with fieldwork opportunities in the biological sciences, botany, zoology, environmental and ecological sciences, and oceanography.
 
UC students take at least two courses in the school related to their major or minor; for example, a biology major must take two courses from the School of Science, an engineering major must take two courses from the School of Engineering, and an economics major must take two courses from the School of Commerce.
 

See the UCT Handbooks for courses offered by each school:
• Commerce (includes economics, management, and information systems)
• Engineering & the Built Environment
• Health Sciences
• Humanities (includes Fine Arts and Social Sciences)
• Law
• Science (many courses include practical lab and field work)

Use the following resources to learn about courses on EAP:
 
  • MyEAP Course Catalog lists courses previously taken by UC students. Additional courses may be available and not all courses may still be offered. ​
Previous participants note opportunities for field trips and community engagement on topics related to their studies or career interests.

Units

22 UC quarter/14.7 UC semester units per semester are required, usually three or four courses
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Internships, Research, and Independent Study

Internships and independent study for academic credit are possible in this program.  Non-academic service-learning and volunteer opportunities are arranged by UCT’s Students' Health and Welfare Centres Organization (SHAWCO). The opportunity to offer service to the disadvantaged communities of Cape Town is a highlight of many students' study abroad experience.
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Participation in UCEAP is a great value! The cost of studying abroad on UCEAP programs is typically less than that of non-UC study abroad programs. The dollar figures listed in the chart below represent an estimate of: 1) the UCEAP fees for the current year, and 2) the additional amount needed to cover your living expenses in this location. Estimates for personal travel, entertainment and Non-Resident (out of state) Fees are not included.
 
Keep in mind that on UCEAP you take your financial aid with you. The amount of your financial aid package will take into account the total estimated costs of this experience. One advantage of selecting UCEAP for study abroad is that we facilitate the process by working with your UC Financial Aid Office (FAO), informing them of your UCEAP participation and providing them with your UCEAP budget. Just like your UC Campus billing office, we receive your financial aid and scholarships from your FAO, apply it to cover the UCEAP program fees, and disburse any remaining aid on a set schedule.
 

Estimated EAP Costs *

OptionWeeksUnits (Qtr)Units (Sem)UCEAP Fees 1Additional Costs 2
(Estimated)
 
Fall232214.7$7,650$10,000
Spring192214.7$7,750$8,800
Year474429.3$14,250$15,450
 
* Estimates do not include Non Resident Fees. If you are subject to out-of-state tuition at your UC campus, you will pay Non-Resident Fees on UCEAP.

1 UCEAP Fees: This represents an estimate of UCEAP fees for the current year. Actual amounts will vary due to potential changes to UC fees, exchange rate fluctuation, etc. This figure includes UC tuition and fees for undergraduate, in-state residents. For a detailed breakdown of what’s included in this estimate, visit the Participants Portal and select the appropriate program. Non-Resident Fees apply: If you are subject to out-of-state tuition at your UC campus, you will pay non-resident fees on UCEAP.

2 Additional Costs: Average living expenses include but are not limited to room and board, transportation, books, supplies, and other incidentals and do not include recreational travel or entertainment. The total cost will vary depending on your personal expenses, exchange rate fluctuation, and the program you attend. For a detailed breakdown of the estimate, visit the “Cost” tab of the appropriate program.

All fees are subject to change without notice.

These expenses are estimated for 2011-12. Actual amounts will vary due to potential changes to UC fees, exchange rate fluctuation, etc. For a more detailed breakdown of 2011-12 payment information, visit the Participants Portal and select the appropriate program. Estimates do not include Non Resident Fees. If you are subject to out-of-state tuition at your UC campus, you will pay Non Resident Fees on UCEAP.
 
Here’s what is included in the estimate:
 
  • Predeparture expenses (visa, etc.)
  • Round-trip transportation from California
  • UC fees
  • Tuition at partner institution
  • Accident and medical insurance
  • On-site orientation
  • Room and board
  • Program activities
  • Books and other incidental expenses
  • Automatic transfer of credits and grades to your UC transcript
​While on UCEAP, you are covered by UC’s accident and medical insurance, including non-medical benefits, and 24/7 travel assistance anywhere in the world.​

Scholarships

UCEAP scholarships are available. Please visit our scholarships overview page for general information and details  regarding eligibility requirements and application deadlines.

Eligibility

Class Level:

Junior, Senior, Graduate

Language Prerequisites:

None

GPA:

3.00 cumulative GPA at the time of application and maintained through the end of the last term prior to departure.

Other Eligibility Requirements:


Successful completion of at least one course in Africa-related studies (history, politics, or sociology preferred) prior to departure. Students must have the ability to adjust to the many new and different situations they will encounter, to be tolerant, personally responsible about safety and welfare, willing to adhere to UCEAP program policies and to follow the advice of the UCEAP local support structure.

All applicants must also have:

  • Serious academic goals and a clear plan for integrating EAP studies into the student's UC degree program.
  • Social, interpersonal, and cross-cultural sensitivity; maturity; willingness to adapt successfully to different living and academic environments; appropriate behavior in a variety of situations.
  • A willingness to abide by program regulations.
  • Completed all campus- and program-specific requirements.

Application Information and Deadlines

Application deadlines and information on the application process are available through your Campus EAP Office. Supplemental predeparture materials will be required for many programs, including, but not limited to, host institution applications, visa and housing applications, medical clearances, etc.

For participation in the program, you must meet all deadlines and submit complete application materials.

These are minimum requirements. After selection by your UC Campus EAP Office, final admission is determined by the University of Cape Town.