SEMESTER STUDY ABROAD
Study Abroad at UCT, with an Optional Internship.
Spend a semester at the University of Cape Town, with the option to gain professional experience through a customized internship alongside your studies or after exams.
THE PROGRAM
Two Ways to Include an Internship
Spend a semester studying at the University of Cape Town, with the opportunity to add professional experience through VAC. Your coursework appears on a UCT transcript, and your home university determines how those credits can be applied toward your degree.
If you choose to intern, VAC works with you to develop a placement that reflects your interests and the opportunities available in Cape Town.
OPTION 01
Internship alongside your classes
Depending on your course schedule and your university’s arrangements, you can undertake a part-time internship while completing your semester at UCT.
OPTION 02
Internship after your exams
Complete your academic semester first, then extend your stay for approximately five to eight weeks to undertake a full-time internship. Additional accommodation and everyday living expenses apply.
Internships are developed individually and depend on suitable host opportunities. Internship academic credit, if required, must be arranged with your institution and any relevant academic partner in advance. Explore internship fields →
SEE THE EXPERIENCE
See the Semester Experience.
Hear from students about studying, interning and finding their feet in Cape Town.
LIVING IN CAPE TOWN
A place to settle in, and a city to explore
Your home base is a furnished private room in shared student accommodation in Observatory, a neighborhood with cafés, shops and plenty of student life, not far from UCT.
VAC’s local team helps you prepare for your arrival and settle into Cape Town. You’ll have practical guidance when you need it, together with regular opportunities to join other program participants for cultural activities and meet-ups.
There’s also plenty of room to make your own plans, discover different parts of the city and enjoy the independence that comes with living abroad.
PROGRAM DATES
Two semesters a year
The program follows UCT’s academic calendar, with orientation before classes begin. Exact arrival, exam and departure dates vary by year.
FIRST SEMESTER
February to June
Arrive in late January for orientation. A full-time internship after exams extends your stay into July.
SECOND SEMESTER
July to November
Arrive ahead of the academic term. A full-time internship after exams can extend your stay into December.
PROGRAM COSTS
What does a semester in Cape Town cost?
These projected 2027 costs include UCT academic fees, VAC program services, and an estimated period of program housing. They are planning figures, not a fixed quote for every university.
Semester with housing
USD 17,038
Projected total for the academic semester.
Semester + internship after exams
USD 18,234
Projected total including the additional post-semester stay.
Why the difference? The internship placement is included in VAC’s semester program fee. The additional USD 1,196 in the second estimate covers 52 extra days of housing, electricity and water after exams.
These figures use the revised 2027 housing assumptions applicable to new institutional arrangements. Existing university agreements may use different rates. Flights, insurance, meals, transport, personal expenses and a refundable accommodation deposit are not included. Housing is billed separately by Rent-A-Room. Final costs and payment arrangements are confirmed through the participating institution.
GETTING STARTED
How to join the semester program
Semester study abroad is arranged with participating universities. VAC coordinates the program and internship arrangements; enrollment and credit decisions involve UCT and your home institution.
01
Speak with your study abroad office
Ask whether your university already has an approved semester arrangement in Cape Town. If not, your university can contact VAC to explore one.
02
Tell VAC about your plans
Complete the semester interest or application form, including your preferred term and whether you would like an internship.
03
Confirm academic and housing arrangements
Once the institutional pathway is agreed, follow the UCT enrollment steps and finalize your accommodation and arrival plans.
04
Arrive and get settled
Join orientation, begin classes, and explore Cape Town. If you choose a post-semester internship, VAC develops the placement during the semester.
Interested in studying in Cape Town?
Whether your university already works with VAC or is exploring a new partnership, we can help you understand the next steps.
Only interested in an internship?
Projected pricing shown in USD for 2027. University and UCT approvals, credit-transfer policies, host availability, and individual program agreements determine final arrangements.