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University of Cape Town

12 penguins on a beach at the water's edge.
A hill near the coast, dotted with white and yellow buildings.

Semester students: There is a $7500 scholarship for students studying in Sub-Saharan Africa. Apply for the Ambassador John E Lange Scholarship for Study Abroad in Africa.

South Africa, Cape Town

Take courses in a wide variety of disciplines amongst South African and other international students on this exchange program at the University of Cape Town, one of the most beautiful and well-respected universities in South Africa and the world. This program is ideal for independent students interested in serious engagement with the rigorous academic expectations, politically sophisticated student body, and unique history and ongoing transformation of South African society.

The capital of the Western Cape and the parliamentary capital of South Africa, Cape Town is one of Africa's oldest and most beautiful cities. The city is dominated by Table Mountain, a 1000 meter high, flat-topped mountain with virtually sheer cliffs, and surrounded by paths, vineyards and beaches. Cape Town manages to assimilate a huge diversity of cultural influences, including African, European, Asian, and American.

Learning Objectives

We have overall Goals and Expectations for Study Abroad Participants, covering the personal, academic and professional aspects of study abroad. Additionally on this program, you can:

  • Navigate new educational systems, as well as new learning and teaching styles
  • Take advantage of academic strengths in Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, Natural and Physical Sciences, Commerce, Engineering and Law.
  • Observe South African perspectives on academic disciplines

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to providing quality study abroad and domestic study away programs for every UW-Madison student. We work strategically to identify, address, and remove barriers that may prevent participation and to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for students. Our staff actively engages with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds and prioritizes the continuous development of our knowledge and cultural competence. We also recognize the importance of increasing access to study abroad for historically underrepresented student populations. We are committed to diversity and inclusion so that every student can engage with and understand their identity through a new lens and continue to develop and make progress on their personal, professional, and academic goals.

Sustainability

We recognize that the future of study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programming requires a Commitment to Sustainability. We are devoted to examining, developing, and improving sustainability in all our endeavors, aligning with campus priorities and following through with UW-Madison's climate action and Resilience Commitment. Join our efforts and learn more about how to study abroad sustainably.

Request Information

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Eligibility

  • Enrollment in African 277; crosslisted, or African 210 is recommended prior to participation.

  • 3.0 cumulative GPA

  • At the time of participation, students must have completed three semesters at a US college or university.

  • Junior, Senior, Sophomore
  • Open to UW-Madison degree-seeking students only
  • Good academic and disciplinary standing
  • At the time of application and the semester prior to participation, UW-Madison students must be currently enrolled. Transfer Students to UW-Madison need to be currently enrolled at their home institution

Advising Location

Program Structure

Exchange & Direct Enroll

Subjects

Humanities, social sciences, sciences, and African languages

Classroom Language

English

Housing

Apartments, Residence Hall, Private House

Program Duration

Academic Year: July - June
Fall: July - December
Spring: February - June
Calendar Year: February - December

Application Deadline(s)

Fall 2026-27 2/20/2026 Cost Details
Year 2026-27 2/20/2026 Cost Details
Spring 2026-27 9/18/2026 Cost Details
Fall 2027-28 2/19/2027 Cost Details
Year 2027-28 2/19/2027 Cost Details

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

APPLY NOW

 

UCT is the best place to be to experience diversity, political activity, and challenges to western perspectives. It offers such a different cultural experience that it's hard to put it into words. The campus was beautiful and the student body is incredibly intelligent. The students that come out of that university are going to change the world.

- Olivia G.

Founded in 1829 as the South African College, the University of Cape Town is South Africa's oldest university. Situated on one of the most beautiful spots on the Cape Peninsula on the slopes of Table Mountain, the campus offers panoramic views and easy access to downtown Cape Town. The university consists of over seventy academic departments located in six faculties. The University of Cape Town has an enrollment of over 18,000 students, including more than 3,000 international students.

Students directly enroll in University of Cape Town courses in a variety of disciplines. The Faculty of Humanities, Science, Commerce, Law and Engineering and the Built Environment all offer courses to study abroad students. For students interested in studying courses related to South Africa, there are offerings in topics such as Apartheid, History of South Africa, Racism in South Africa, HIV and AIDS, as well as intensive language courses in Xhosa, Zulu, and other African languages.

Affiliate Institution(s)

University of Cape Town

Foreign Courses

UCT Course Guide

Course Equivalents

Use the links below to see a list of courses that past students have taken on this program and the UW equivalents. Note: This list only includes pre-approved courses for your program and may not be an exhaustive list of courses, departments or equivalents. Courses may not be available the semester you are abroad. You will receive instructions on the course equivalent process after acceptance. View Course Equivalents