ELC is Growing: New Premises and Increased Capacity

The UCT English Language Centre (ELC) is expanding its physical footprint and increasing its capacity to accommodate over 500 students by October 2025. The expansion includes the recent opening of 12 new classrooms on Adderley Street and the planned addition of 24 more classrooms at New Dover House.

The new Adderley Street premises, now in operation, feature 12 purpose-built classrooms with capacity for 165 students. Located in the same building as the Adderley Studios Student Residence, the site provides an integrated learning and living environment for ELC students in the city centre.

In 2025, the Centre will further expand into New Dover House, which will become the new ELC Head Office and host an additional 24 classrooms. Located within the Hiddingh Campus precinct, this development reinforces the Centre's ongoing integration with the University of Cape Town and provides a range of well-equipped, modern learning spaces.

“Last year we received 1,246 students from 63 countries and delivered 13,521 student weeks. Our post-pandemic growth has been exceptional, and we’re pleased to be expanding our capacity to meet demand,” said Simon Harrison, Director of ELC.

Founded in 2015, the UCT English Language Centre has built a reputation for high-quality English language teaching grounded in academic rigour and practical outcomes. “We aim to offer more than language tuition. Our focus is on real-world communication, critical skills, and long-term learning,” Harrison added.

Johannes Kraus, ELC’s Business Development Manager, noted: “As part of UCT, we offer a standard of education and facilities that few language schools can match. Our students benefit from being part of a world-class university community.”

To support students across multiple locations, ELC now offers a free daily shuttle service between its teaching sites and student residences.

The Centre looks forward to welcoming more students to its expanded premises in the coming months.