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.

Cambridge Exams

Master strategies and language skills to excel in Cambridge English exams.

Earn a Recognised Cambridge Qualification



A Cambridge English Qualification opens doors to career advancement and university opportunities worldwide. These exams, aligned with CEFR levels, validate your language proficiency and are trusted by employers and institutions globally. Achieving a high score demonstrates your ability to communicate effectively in professional and academic settings.

Our courses provide in-depth training on exam structure, question formats, and scoring criteria. Through guided lessons, practice tests, and personalised feedback, you’ll refine your approach, build confidence, and improve performance in all test components. Interactive exercises and real-world applications ensure you gain practical language skills that extend beyond the exam itself.

Beyond exam techniques, you’ll develop stronger speaking, reading, writing, and listening skills. Focused training on grammar, vocabulary, and time management strategies will help you perform efficiently under exam conditions while enhancing your overall fluency and accuracy in English.

Prepare for CAE, First, and other Cambridge English exams.

Practice with past papers to strengthen all language skills.

Boost exam confidence with targeted speaking and writing practice.

Earn an internationally recognised qualification with expert guidance.

About the Cambridge Exams

Select a Cambridge Exam from the list below:
  • Cambridge C1 Advanced
  • Cambridge B2 First
  • Cambridge B1 Preliminary
  • Cambridge A2 Key
C1 Advanced (CAE)

The C1 Advanced (CAE) exam is designed for learners who need to demonstrate a high level of English proficiency for academic, professional, or immigration purposes. It tests a wide range of language skills, including the ability to understand complex texts, produce well-structured written responses, and communicate effectively in professional and social settings. It is widely accepted by universities, employers, and government agencies worldwide, making it a valuable qualification for individuals aiming for higher education or career advancement in English-speaking environments.

Performance Indicators
200-210 C2 Proficient Demonstrates near-native fluency, effective for high-level academic and professional settings.
180-199 C1 Advanced Confidently handles complex academic and workplace communication with accuracy and fluency.
160-179 B2 Upper-Int Can understand and express complex ideas but with occasional difficulty.

C1 Advanced

4 Hours

Work, Academic

Widely Recognised

B2 First (FCE)

The B2 First (FCE) exam is one of the most widely taken Cambridge English tests, designed to assess upper-intermediate English proficiency for study, work, and travel. It evaluates a test taker's ability to communicate effectively in English-speaking environments, covering skills such as writing structured essays, understanding detailed spoken and written content, and interacting fluently in discussions. The qualification is often used as a benchmark for university admissions, professional certifications, and employment opportunities where English is required.

Performance Indicators
180-190 C1 Advanced Demonstrates strong proficiency with effective communication in academic and workplace settings.
160-179 B2 Upper-Int Can confidently manage everyday and professional communication with good accuracy.
140-159 B1 Intermediate Understands general language but struggles with more complex ideas.

B2 Upper-Int

4 Hours

Work, Study

Tests Real-Life Communication

B1 Preliminary (PET)

The B1 Preliminary (PET) exam is an intermediate-level English qualification that assesses practical language skills for work, study, and travel. It is ideal for learners who have mastered the basics of English and are ready to engage in everyday interactions with increased fluency and accuracy. The test evaluates the ability to understand short articles, write simple letters and emails, follow spoken conversations, and engage in straightforward discussions on familiar topics. It serves as a stepping stone to more advanced qualifications, helping learners build confidence in real-world English usage.

Performance Indicators
160-170 B2 Upper-Int Can engage effectively in everyday and workplace communication.
140-159 B1 Intermediate Understands and communicates in familiar situations with reasonable accuracy.
120-139 A2 Pre-Int Understands basic phrases and can communicate in simple, routine situations.

B1 Intermediate

2.5 Hours

Work, Study

Covers Everyday English

A2 Key (KET)

The A2 Key (KET) exam is designed for beginners who need to demonstrate basic English communication skills for work, study, and travel. It tests the ability to understand and use simple phrases, write short notes and messages, follow basic conversations, and communicate in routine situations. It is often the first step for students beginning their journey in learning English at an international level, providing a solid foundation for further language development.

Performance Indicators
140-150 B1 Intermediate Can manage everyday conversations with moderate accuracy.
120-139 A2 Pre-Int Can understand and respond to simple language in familiar situations
100-119 A1 Elementary Can understand very basic words and expressions.

A2 Pre-Int

2 Hours

Basic

Designed for Beginners

Cambridge Exams FAQs

Looking for Something Else?

Check out our other English courses and find the one that suits you best.