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 2021
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Program Dates
Early Jul, 2021 - Mid Nov, 2021
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Program Length
Semester
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Application Deadline
Apr 01, 2021
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Forms and Payment Deadline
Apr 15, 2021
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Credit
72 - 90 Contact Hours
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Eligibility
3.00 Minimum GPA*
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Cost
$17,995
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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.
*Eligibility
MINIMUM GPA
Students must have a minimum grade point average of 3.00.
What's Included

Comprehensive Advising and Support

24-Hour Emergency

Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support

Airport Reception

Visa Support

Tuition at the Host University

Housing

Bridging Cultures Program

Full-Time Resident Staff

On-Site ISA Offices

Internet Access

ISA Discovery Model

Excursions

Cultural Activities

Insurance

Official Transcript from the Host University

Professional Development Toolbox

Scholarship Opportunities
Academics
Credits
Contact Hours
72 - 90
Recommended U.S. Semester Credits
12 - 18
Recommended U.S. Quarter Units
18 - 25
Academic Information
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.
- Course Credit
Per the University of Cape Town, 6 HEQF (NQF) credits = 1 U.S. semester credit (1.5 U.S. quarter credits). Credit transfer is ultimately determined by the students' home universities. Students can enroll in a total of 72-90 HEQF (NQF) credits per semester.
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.
- Course Selection
Only courses with an 'F' at the end of the course code will be available during the Spring semester. Example: HST1000F: History of South Africa. Only courses that end with an 'S' are available during the Fall semester. Example: POL1005S
Eligibility for courses may be subject to a placement and/or prerequisites.
Please consult the UCT Faculty Handbooks for a complete list of course offerings and information.
- Course Level
Students with no prior knowledge about a specific subject should select introductory courses at the 1000 level Students with prior knowledge about a subject should choose courses at the 2000 and 3000 level.
Please note that students may only select 3000 level courses if they meet all pre-requisite qualifications.Additionally, selecting 3000 level courses will prolong the issuing of the University of Cape Town Official Letter, which is required for visa application.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Keep in mind that when choosing courses, even lower level courses at the University of Cape Town can be quite challenging and academically rigorous.
- 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 the 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.
- 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 Program Manager.
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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 (eg. mid-terms, quizzes, assignments) to take their final exam. In the UCT 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.
- Transcript Information
The transcript from the University of Cape Town will reflect HEQF 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
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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
Funding Your ISA Program
As an ISA participant, you have the opportunity to apply for scholarships and grants that can be applied directly to assist with your study abroad programs. ISA offers over $1,000,000 in scholarships and grants each year. To see what opportunities are available, you may visit the Scholarships and Grants page. Please note that some programs, including remote learning opportunities, are not eligible for scholarships.
View all Funding OptionsHousing
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 $500 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

Aquila Private Game Reserve
Spring Semester Only: 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.

Hermanus
Fall Semesters Only: Learn firsthand about South Africa's vast biodiversity through sea kayaking and whale watching.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Marvel at Cape Town's natural wonders with Table Mountain in the background. Find a new perspective exploring the tree top canopy walkway and the enjoy many types of Proteas, South Africa's national flower.

District Six Museum
Explore the famous museum commemorating the Coloured population of the city.

Langa Community Tour
Designated as a zone for Black Africans prior to apartheid, the Langa Township is a suburb of Cape Town. 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.