CIEE-Cape Town: Arts and Sciences

The program is open to Purdue students in good standing who have completed at least two semesters of university study by the start of the program. Successful candidates will demonstrate academic success, maturity, and a desire to experience another culture.

Students interested in completing courses while abroad from Purdue colleges or departments that are not listed above should discuss this with their study abroad advisor before applying to the program.

Students can take a mix of CIEE courses at the CIEE study center and classes at the University of Cape Town (UCT). Courses are taught in English.

University of Cape Town (UCT) Established as South African College in 1829, UCT is internationally recognized as one of Africa’s leading research universities, with beautiful grounds and attractive buildings. The UCT campus includes a range of commercial, medical, recreational, and sporting facilities.

Areas of study include Afrikaans, gender studies, economics, sociology, history, economics, political studies, and environmental and geographical sciences.

For more course information, please see the CIEE website. 

All courses are complemented with CIEE activities and excursions beyond the city to enhance classroom learning and enhance intercultural understanding. Activities are subject to change, but an example of previous activities include:

• Explore iconic sites like the Cape Peninsula, Cape Flats, and Robben Island.
• Join local fans at Newlands Stadium to watch cricket or rugby.
• See culture come to life with theater, music, and dance productions.
• Visit rural cooperatives to experience daily life beyond the city.
• Immerse yourself in campus life at the University of Cape Town by joining a social, sport, or cultural club – select up to three activities, and we’ll cover the cost.

Students should carefully note what costs need to be paid to Purdue University or to a co-sponsor or agency, and what costs need to be paid at the overseas study location.  This will vary by program.

Costs for this program are estimated and subject to change. The cost figures listed below are for: Fall 2022

Purdue University financial aid may be applied to the costs of studying abroad. Students interested in receiving financial aid should

• direct financial aid inquiries to the Division of Financial Aid on the West Lafayette campus; 
• consult website Study Abroad Financial Aid Process;
• complete and submit the FAFSA by the appropriate deadline.

NOTE:  Recipients of certain tuition remission and scholarship programs should pay careful attention to the regulations for using those benefits for study abroad.  Ask your financial aid advisor about any limitations.

Click here for a list of scholarships and grants available to assist with the costs of studying overseas.

For full consideration, students must submit all supporting documents before or by the application deadline.  Popular programs fill quickly, often before the deadline.  To insure a place in a program, apply early.

As soon as a student submits an online application, a My Study Abroad account is created. Applicants should consult this page often to check on the status of the application.

After paying the study abroad deposit, applicants will need to complete a program application which will be forwarded to the head office of CIEE. Students will be notified directly by CIEE about their acceptance into the program.

Click below to search for Purdue students who have participated in this program and are willing to be contacted.  If you get no results, you can use the search form to find people who studied in the country you are interested in.

The websites listed below contain information about this program. The accuracy of information at external sites cannot be guaranteed.

• Program Sponsor's Home Page: CIEE
• Program Website
• Search Google(tm)*
• Department of State Consular Information
  (You must find South Africa in list)
• CDC Travel Information (You must find South Africa in list)