General English

Flexible group courses for everyday communication and fluency.

Academic English

Prepare for university study with advanced academic language skills.

Business English

English for professional communication in corporate and workplace settings.

Private Lessons

One-to-one lessons tailored to your goals, schedule and interests.

Language Excursions

Learn English while exploring Cape Town with your teacher as your guide.

IELTS Preparation

Get the score you need with targeted strategies and expert support.

Cambridge Exams

Prepare for the FCE or CAE with structured, high-quality training.

TOEFL Preparation

Build confidence and test skills to succeed in the TOEFL exam.

Private Lessons

Personalised one-to-one English lessons delivered online, on your schedule.

Corporate Groups

Live online training for teams, customised to your organisation’s needs.

English for Tech Professionals

Self-paced English course designed for developers, engineers, and IT teams.

Hiddingh Campus

Learn in a historic university campus right in the city centre.

Tours and Activities

Explore Cape Town and make friends through weekly excursions.

Social Programme

Join our schedule of fun events, outings and conversations.

Getting Around

Tips and tools for navigating the city like a local.

Social and Digital

Stay connected online and through our vibrant student community.

The Yellow House

A friendly, sociable student house just a short walk from school.

Adderley Studios

Modern, secure apartments in the heart of Cape Town.

Homestay

Live with a local family and experience South African culture.

Hotels & Aparthotels

Independent options for comfort, privacy and flexibility.

Price List

All tuition and accommodation fees in one clear table.

Booking Information

What to expect before, during and after you book.

Instalment Plans

Flexible payment options for long-term bookings.

User Login

View your bookings, make payments, and manage your details.

Visa Information

Visa options and support for international students coming to South Africa.

Insurance & Travel

What you need to know about travel, insurance and staying safe.

MyELC App

Access your timetable, progress and more on the student app.

Arrival and Orientation

How we help you settle in on your first day in Cape Town.

Certificates and Transcripts

How to request certificates, transcripts, or proof of enrolment.

Terms & Conditions

The small print — bookings, cancellations, and more.

Contact Us

Get in touch with the ELC team by email, phone or WhatsApp.

Privacy Policy

How we protect your data and respect your privacy.

Why Choose Us?

What makes ELC and UCT a great place to learn English.

About the University of Cape Town

South Africa’s leading university and home to the ELC.

About the English Language Centre

Who we are, what we offer, and how we teach.

Our Team

Meet the teachers, support staff and leadership team behind ELC.

Accreditations

Our international quality standards and endorsements.

Media & Press

News coverage, interviews and media mentions of ELC.

Testimonials

What our students, partners and teachers say about us.

Blog

Updates, stories and insights from the ELC community.


Get a Course Quote

View prices and options for your course and accommodation

Get a Quote

Book Your Course

Ready to study with us? Start your booking in just a few steps

Book Now

General English

Flexible group courses for everyday communication and fluency.

Academic English

Prepare for university study with advanced academic language skills.

Business English

English for professional communication in corporate and workplace settings.

Private Lessons

One-to-one lessons tailored to your goals, schedule and interests.

Language Excursions

Learn English while exploring Cape Town with your teacher as your guide.

IELTS Preparation

Get the score you need with targeted strategies and expert support.

Cambridge Exams

Prepare for the FCE or CAE with structured, high-quality training.

TOEFL Preparation

Build confidence and test skills to succeed in the TOEFL exam.

Private Lessons

Personalised one-to-one English lessons delivered online, on your schedule.

Corporate Groups

Live online training for teams, customised to your organisation’s needs.

English for Tech Professionals

Self-paced English course designed for developers, engineers, and IT teams.

Hiddingh Campus

Learn in a historic university campus right in the city centre.

Tours and Activities

Explore Cape Town and make friends through weekly excursions.

Social Programme

Join our schedule of fun events, outings and conversations.

Getting Around

Tips and tools for navigating the city like a local.

Social and Digital

Stay connected online and through our vibrant student community.

The Yellow House

A friendly, sociable student house just a short walk from school.

Adderley Studios

Modern, secure apartments in the heart of Cape Town.

Homestay

Live with a local family and experience South African culture.

Hotels and Aparthotels

Independent options for comfort, privacy and flexibility.

Find the Right Course

Use our Course Wizard to match your goals and level to the best option

Course Wizard

Take the Level Test

Not sure what level you are? Take the test and find out

Level Test

Price List

All tuition and accommodation fees in one clear table.

Booking Information

What to expect before, during and after you book.

Instalment Plans

Flexible payment options for long-term bookings.

User Login

View your bookings, make payments, and manage your details.

Visa Information

Visa options and support for international students coming to South Africa.

Insurance & Travel

What you need to know about travel, insurance and staying safe.

MyELC App

Access your timetable, progress and more on the student app.

Arrival and Orientation

How we help you settle in on your first day in Cape Town.

Certificates and Transcripts

How to request certificates, transcripts, or proof of enrolment.

Terms & Conditions

The small print — bookings, cancellations, and more.

Contact Us

Get in touch with the ELC team by email, phone or WhatsApp.

Privacy Policy

How we protect your data and respect your privacy.

Why Choose Us?

What makes ELC and UCT a great place to learn English.

About the University of Cape Town

South Africa’s leading university and home to the ELC.

About the English Language Centre

Who we are, what we offer, and how we teach.

Our Team

Meet the teachers, support staff and leadership team behind ELC.

Accreditations

Our international quality standards and endorsements.

Media & Press

News coverage, interviews and media mentions of ELC.

Testimonials

What our students, partners and teachers say about us.

Blog

Updates, stories and insights from the ELC community.

Insurance and Travel

Plan your cover and your journey

Travel to Cape Town

Getting to Cape Town is straightforward, with Cape Town International Airport serving as the main hub for international arrivals. The airport is well-connected with major global cities, and students can find direct or connecting flights to suit their travel plans.


Arrival and Immigration

On arrival, students will need to present their passport, visa (if applicable), and proof of accommodation to immigration officials. It’s important to carry these documents in hand luggage for easy access. Customs regulations apply, and students should familiarise themselves with restrictions on certain goods before travelling.


Airport Transfers

Cape Town International Airport is located about 20 km from the city centre. Students can choose from:

Airport shuttle services: Pre-booked or on-demand shuttles provide direct transport to accommodation.

Ride-hailing apps: Services like Uber and Bolt operate in Cape Town and provide a convenient, safe, and affordable way to get around.


Currency and Payments

The South African currency is the Rand (ZAR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and carrying cash is seldom necessary. ATMs are available throughout the city, and international students may want to inform their banks of their travel plans to avoid issues with card payments.

Medical insurance

Medical insurance is required for all students applying for a study visa and is strongly recommended for all students, regardless of visa type. South African study visa regulations require students to have medical insurance valid in South Africa for the duration of their stay.

We recommend the following providers, which offer plans specifically designed for international students:

Students may choose any medical insurance provider as long as the plan is registered with the Council for Medical Schemes. It is important to verify that the chosen policy meets visa requirements and provides adequate coverage for the duration of your stay.


What Should Medical Insurance Cover?

A comprehensive medical insurance plan should include:

Doctor consultations and general medical care

Hospitalisation and emergency treatment

Prescription medications

Repatriation in case of serious illness or injury


Students should ensure their policy meets visa requirements and covers the full duration of their course.

Safety and Emergency Information

Cape Town is a vibrant and welcoming city, and like any major city, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take common-sense precautions.


Emergency Contacts

In case of an emergency, students should be aware of the following important contact numbers:

Police & Emergency Services: 10111

Ambulance & Medical Assistance: 10177

Private Emergency Services: Netcare: 082 911 | ER24: 084 124

UCT Campus Security: 080 650 2222


Personal Safety Tips

Keep these practical tips in mind to help ensure your personal safety while studying in Cape Town.

Use reliable transport options such as Uber and Bolt.

Be mindful of personal belongings in crowded areas.

Avoid displaying valuables like phones and laptops in public spaces.

Stick to well-lit areas at night and travel with a friend when possible.

Let someone know your whereabouts when exploring new places.

Trust your instincts and avoid situations that feel unsafe.

By staying informed and taking simple precautions, students can fully enjoy their time in Cape Town with confidence.

Contact Us

Not sure what insurance you need? We can help you plan it properly.

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