Overview
The University of Cape Town (UCT) is a comprehensive university offering a full range of fields of study and many unique academic opportunities. The scenic campus covers an expansive hillside and is minutes away from downtown Cape Town by car or bus. South Africa's modern legislative capital is full of museums, music and theater venues, architectural styles, and sports activities. Its population is reflective of South Africa's rich ethnic and racial diversity. With over 20 percent of the UCT student population from more than 100 countries, it is a perfect setting for an international educational experience.
Students attend classes with international and South African students.
Course Opportunities
A full curriculum of courses in the arts, humanities, social sciences, natural and mathematical sciences, engineering, and business administration is available. Especially notable are UCT's outstanding courses in the biological sciences, botany, zoology, environmental and ecological sciences, and oceanography. In addition, UCT offers unique courses in South African marine ecology and oceanography, and the opportunity for you to participate in legislative policy research projects or public policy research that supports parliamentary decision-making. A number of courses incorporate fieldwork components.
Use the following resources to learn about courses on EAP:
- EAP Program Search provides information on general areas of study.
- Host institution online catalogs or course listings:
- MyEAP Course Catalog lists courses previously taken by UC students. Additional courses may be available and not all courses may still be offered. Since courses in new programs have not yet been taken for credit, they may not appear in the MyEAP Course Catalog.
Units
You are required to take a full-time course of study while abroad; 21 UC quarter units per semester are required, which is usually three or four courses.
Language of Instruction
English
Language Study
None
Internships, Research, and Independent Study
Internships and independent study for academic credit may be possible in this program. Non-academic community service opportunities may also be available through UCT's International Academic Programmes Office. Arrangements for any opportunity are made at the EAP Study Center after arrival. Predeparture preparation may be required.
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
Housing
UCT's Ida Cooper Associates will arrange off-campus housing in a safe neighborhood near campus. You will live with international students.
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 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).
Host Institutions
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 and that attracts undergraduate and graduate students from many other countries as well as from the diverse population of South Africa. UCT enrolls approximately 20,000 undergraduate and graduate students.
Visit the University of Cape Town website
Estimated Cost
Participation in EAP is a great value! The cost of EAP programs is typically less than that of non-UC study abroad programs. The dollar figures listed in the chart represent: 1) the amount of the fees that are paid directly to EAP in the current year, and 2) an estimate of the amount needed to cover personal living expenses in this location. Personal travel and entertainment are not included here.
Don't forget that you take your financial aid with you and the amount of your financial aid package will be based on the estimated TOTAL COST of this experience, as it is estimated below.
These expenses are estimated for 2009-10. Amounts will vary for 2010-11 participation due to proposed changes to UC fees, exchange rate fluctuation, etc. For a more detailed breakdown of 2009-10 payment information, visit the
Participants Portal and select the appropriate program.
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
Estimated EAP Costs*
| Option |
Cost |
| * Based on most recent costs for 2009-2010 to the nearest $100. |
| Fall |
$13,200 |
| Spring |
$13,900 |
| Year |
$24,300 |
Application Requirements
Class Level
Junior, senior, graduate
Language Prerequisite
None
GPA
3.0 cumulative GPA at the time of application and maintained through the end of the last term prior to departure. No exceptions.
Other
Successful completion of a course in Africa-related studies (history, politics, or sociology preferred) prior to departure
Minimum Criteria
All applicants must also have:
- Serious academic goals and a clear plan for integrating EAP studies into
the student’s UC degree program
- Social and cross-cultural sensitivity; maturity; ability to adapt successfully
to a different environment and a new education system; ability to assess and
exhibit appropriate behavior in a variety of situations
- A willingness to abide by program regulations
- An endorsement by the Campus EAP Selection Committee and completion of all
campus-specific requirements (an interview may be required)
These are minimum program requirements only and do not guarantee selection. The Campus EAP Office determines selection. The final admission decision is made by the University of Cape Town.
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.
Visit your Campus EAP Office for more information:
