UCT International Student Exchange Programme
The UCT international student exchange programme allows you the opportunity to spend part of your degree studying at one of our international partner universities.
UCT International Student Exchange Programme
What is student exchange?
The UCT international student exchange programme allows you the opportunity to spend part of your degree studying at one of our international partner universities.
You register for non-degree purposes and enrol in courses at the partner university and they register and enrol in courses whilst concurrently registered at UCT. At the end of the exchange, you return to your home university and complete your degree. Credits from courses taken at the partner university are transferred towards the degree requirements of your home university, ensuring that you remain on track to complete your studies without any delay to your graduation date.
It is important to note that while on exchange you will need to be registered and enrolled for a subject exchange and you still need to pay your full tuition fees to UCT while on exchange. You will not pay course tuition fees at the partner university (unless you take additional courses not included in the exchange programme).
When will I go on exchange?
Students typically go on exchange in the 2nd semester. Most universities require you to have completed at least one full year at your home university before going on exchange. For Bachelor's students, this means you will likely go on exchange in the 2nd semester of your 2nd year of study.
Who can go on exchange?
Students registered for full degree programmes at UCT at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels are eligible to apply to go on exchange.
Undergraduate students can only go on exchange in the second semester of the second year of study as all exit-level courses must be completed at UCT.
Postgraduate students may apply to go on exchange at any time during their studies.
Where can I get more information?
This site has information on the process for Exchanges, the different partner universities you can apply to and how to apply. We also host information sessions on student exchange after the call for applications is open. Join us to find out what exchange is, which of our international partners offer exchange opportunities, and what you need to do to apply and prepare for study abroad. You will have an opportunity to engage with us and ask questions about the program.
Read our Student Exchange FAQ
How do I apply to go on exchange?
Opportunities to study abroad are highly sought-after and the selection process is competitive. To go on exchange, you will need to apply for a place and meet the eligibility criteria.
If you are interested in studying abroad on exchange, you will need to
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Be registered at UCT for a full degree programme at the time of application
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Attend an information session to find out more about exchange opportunities
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Research our partner universities to find out which offers courses matching your programme requirements and what costs are involved
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Speak to an academic advisor in your faculty or Head of Department about your plans and how to go about selecting courses
To be eligible for exchange, you must have completed your first year of study, have a grade point average (GPA) of 65% or above for students who are categorised as redress, and a GPA of 70% or above for students who are in the non-redress (open) category, and have the support of your faculty or academic department.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview with the selection committee which considers your suitability for exchange and decides on placement at our international partner universities.