The South African Spirit:
What is it like to live and study there?
Studying in South Africa is living a constant adventure in one of the countries with the greatest biodiversity and cultural wealth on the planet. Known as the “Rainbow Nation” due to its vibrant mix of peoples and traditions, South Africa has English as its primary language in business, education, and daily life, offering an absolutely cosmopolitan immersive environment.
Living and studying in Cape Town, the major hub for international students, means having a routine where English classes cross paths with surfing, mountain trails, penguin colonies, and open-air food markets. The South African people are warm, expansive, and extremely welcoming. It is the perfect destination for those who want to escape traditional exchange programs and live an experience that transforms their personality and marks their life forever.
What are the advantages of studying in South Africa?
Extraordinary Purchasing Power:
The cost of living in South Africa, combined with the devaluation of the Rand (ZAR) against the Euro, allows you to have a fantastic lifestyle (meals in excellent restaurants, quality accommodation, and leisure activities) for a fraction of the price you would pay in London, Dublin, or New York.
Perfect Time Zone and Climate:
No debilitating jet lag! South Africa shares practically the same time zone as Portugal and several African countries (GMT+2). Furthermore, the climate is predominantly sunny and temperate, ideal for those who love outdoor activities.
English + Wildlife:
It is the only exchange destination in the world where you can leave language school on a Friday and spend the weekend seeing lions, elephants, and rhinos on a real safari, or spotting whales and great white sharks in the ocean.
Most Popular Courses
General & Intensive English:
Focused on the rapid development of conversation, grammar, and confidence for daily life, with multicultural and dynamic classes, tailored to the corporate market.
Business English:
Executive programs focused on presentations, negotiation, corporate vocabulary, and international communication.
Preparation for Official Exams (IELTS / Cambridge):
Intensive preparatory courses for those who need to validate their English level for academic or immigration purposes.
English + Volunteering or Adventure:
Programs that combine language study in the morning with social or environmental (wildlife conservation) volunteering projects in the afternoon.
Programmes You Can Study in South Africa
Language Courses for Adults:
Flexible and starting on any Monday of the year. You can choose from one week to several months of immersion, with accommodation options in student residences or with local families (Homestay).
Summer/Winter Camps and Programs
All-inclusive packages for teenagers during school holidays, combining interactive English teaching with daily group activities, extreme sports, and maximum-security guided excursions.
Where will you study? The charm of Cape Town.
We concentrate our offer in the South African jewel in the crown:
Cape Town:
Considered repeatedly one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
StudyWing’s partner language schools are located in the most upscale, safe, and vibrant areas of the city, such as Green Point, Sea Point, or the V&A Waterfront complex.
Flat areas, highly monitored, full of cafes, shops, and with direct access to the beach promenade.
Vias de Ingresso e Requisitos
Simplified Registration
Forget about complex university admission processes. Entering a language school in South Africa is fast and uncomplicated:
No Prior Exams: You don’t need to have a minimum level of English to travel. On the first day of classes (or online before departing), you will take a level test to be placed in a class exactly matching your current ability (from Beginner to Advanced level).
Basic Documentation: Valid passport (with at least 30 days of validity after the intended return date) and adequate travel insurance.
How Much Does It Cost to Study in South Africa?
Course and Accommodation Prices
Indicative Value: Packages that combine an English Course + Accommodation (in a residence or homestay) generally range between €350 and €500 per week. The longer the duration of your stay, the lower the weekly cost becomes.
Living Costs
Estimated Budget:
Between €300 and €500 per month is more than enough for a very comfortable social life in Cape Town. Eating out in South Africa is surprisingly cheap (an excellent meal at a good restaurant can cost less than €10 to €12), and app-based transport (such as Uber) is affordable and highly safe.
Visa Information and Legal Requirements
Visa Exemption (Up to 90 days):
Citizens of Portugal, Brazil, and a vast list of European and international countries do not need to apply for a visa at the consulate if the trip is for less than 90 days.
Upon arrival at the airport, they receive a free stamp in their passport for tourism/short-term study purposes.
Student Visa (More than 90 days):
If you want to study English for a period longer than 3 months, it is necessary to apply for a Student Visa before traveling. The process requires an acceptance letter from the South African school and proof of funds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This is the main doubt of every student. Cape Town is a large metropolis and, like any big city, it requires caution and common sense. However, the areas where schools are located and where students live (such as Sea Point and the Waterfront) are upscale, highly policed, and safe areas. Language schools provide detailed guidelines on the very first day (safety briefings) regarding places to avoid and basic precautions to take (such as using Uber at night).
No. South African legislation strictly prohibits paid work for students attending language courses (even with a long-term student visa). The focus must be exclusively academic and cultural. However, you can participate in unpaid volunteer programs.
The official currency is the Rand (ZAR). South Africa is an extremely digitized country regarding payments; you practically do not need to carry physical cash in your wallet. All establishments, taxis, and street markets accept international debit/credit cards or digital travel cards (such as Revolut).