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All English schools in Cape Town
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UCT English Language CentreCape Town, South Africa

4.8

Rating: 4.8/5.0

15 students - overall rating
3.12 Rosedale Building, UCT Hiddingh Campus, 32-37 Orange Street - 8001 Cape Town - see on map
Pay less than booking at the school
What we like about the school
  • Students will experience university life and culture and have access to all the university facilities.
  • Social activities, sports clubs and societies.
  • Best rated school in Cape Town
  • Excellent rating of teaching quality
    4.7

    Rating: 4.7/5.0

  • Top rated school facilities
    4.4

    Rating: 4.4/5.0

  • Free assistance in applying to college/university programmes by a qualified consultant.
  • Learning progress guarantee.
  • Electronic whiteboards in all classrooms.
What we dislike about the school
  • Older students should consider that the average age of students at this school is significantly younger than at most other schools.
Age of students
  Percentage of students
1-18 years 5%
18-24 years 40%
25-34 years 35%
35-50 years 15%
>50 years 5%
The average age outside summer is 3 years higher than in summer.

Conveniently situated on the University of Cape Town's Hiddingh Campus - the Centre sits in the heart of the city close to shops, restaurants, banks, cafés and night life. You will also have full access to the university's free bus shuttle service, student library, computer rooms, cafés, sports clubs and societies. The Centre also offers courses to anyone interested in becoming certified to teach English as a foreign language anywhere in the world.

English Courses

General Language
Private
Work & Study
Business
Exam PreparationWhy exam preparation courses are excellent for optimum progress

Our prices for UCT English Language Centre include

  • INCLUDED Internet access and use of school computers
  • INCLUDED Wireless LAN zone at school
  • INCLUDED Free certificate of course attendance
  • INCLUDED Language level placement test before arrival
  • INCLUDED Free consultation about suitable college/university programs by a qualified consultant
  • INCLUDED Free assistance in applying to college/university programs by a qualified consultant
  • INCLUDED Learning progress guarantee

Videos & Photos

  • Views
    Views1/26
  • Beautiful views
    Beautiful views2/26
  • Classroom with a view
    Classroom with a view3/26
  • Communual space in Dover House
    Communual space in Dover House4/26
  • Break time
    Break time5/26
  • Students in class
    Students in class6/26
  • ELC reception
    ELC reception7/26
  • Assisting students
    Assisting students8/26
  • Hiddingh classroom
    Hiddingh classroom9/26
  • Students in class
    Students in class10/26
  • During the break
    During the break11/26
  • Beautiful view of the mountain
    Beautiful view of the mountain12/26
  • Communal area at Dover House
    Communal area at Dover House13/26
  • Activity board
    Activity board14/26
  • Wale Street building
    Wale Street building15/26
  • The campus with the Jammie shuttle
    The campus with the Jammie shuttle16/26
  • View from the campus
    View from the campus17/26
  • Study room
    Study room18/26
  • Hiddingh library
    Hiddingh library19/26
  • Communal area at Wale
    Communal area at Wale20/26
  • Wale Street
    Wale Street 21/26
  • ELC
    ELC22/26
  • Students in class
    Students in class23/26
  • Practising some vocabulary
    Practising some vocabulary24/26
  • UCT main campus
    UCT main campus25/26
  • 26/26

Student opinions about UCT English Language Centre, Cape Town

4.8

Rating: 4.8/5.0

Overall school rating of
UCT English Language Centre, Cape Town
15 authentic ratings from students who reserved with us
School
Location of the school
4.7 

Rating: 4.7/5.0

Facilities
4.4 

Rating: 4.4/5.0

Social activities
3.9 

Rating: 3.9/5.0

Organisation
4.7 

Rating: 4.7/5.0

Course
Quality of teaching
4.7 

Rating: 4.7/5.0

Value for money
4.5 

Rating: 4.5/5.0

Accommodation
Homestay
4.0 

Rating: 4.0/5.0

Shared Flat (apartment)
3.0 

Rating: 3.0/5.0

Overall school rating by student age group
Students < 18 years (1 rating)
5.0 

Rating: 5.0/5.0

Students 18-30 years (1 rating)
5.0 

Rating: 5.0/5.0

Students 31-49 years (4 ratings)
4.8 

Rating: 4.8/5.0

Students 50+ years (8 ratings)
4.8 

Rating: 4.8/5.0

Verified reviews only, uncensored. All student opinions from students who booked a course at the school with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
- the buildings of the Hiddingh campus are impressive and the study of the English language takes place together with the study of theatre and fine arts
- unfortunately it was semester break
- the teachers were very motivated, committed and creative
- this refers to the choice of topics and varied lesson design
- Interesting current topics were chosen: Environment, countries' stereotypes of people, slavery; (we visited a museum during class - Slave Lodge), women's rights - was especially exciting as there were only young Saudi Arabian men in my class
- scientific writing and also creative writing were practised.
- The highlight for me was the tutorial system - I didn't know it yet.
Disliked
Our lessons were based on BBC textbooks, but instead of talking about New York or football in Brazil, I would have preferred more typical African, typical South African texts about history, art, colonialism, apartheid, the landscape and animals.
Unfortunately, there were only 3 days of extracurricular activities in one week. Nothing at the weekend and given the fact that I was almost the only European and due to criminality, solo tours are far too dangerous and not possible, I could not use the potential of the many possibilities... What a pity.
I had asked specifically about this and it was confirmed to me that activities were taking place.
I was not happy about that.
Insider tip: The Night of the Open Galleries on 1 Thursday
Review details
Quality of teaching / language progress: very good.
Course: General English [English] - 4 weeks
Review date: 4. Feb. 2022 by Sylvia Kumichel
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
I was very satisfied with the lessons in my class. My teacher Michelle W. was very competent, helpful and extremely respectful. All the staff at the school were extremely friendly, positive and helpful. The lessons were a lot of fun and the group work was very informative and motivating. There was always a pleasant atmosphere in the class. I really enjoyed the activities on offer and Michelle S. was a fantastic guide. In my opinion, there could be more opportunities for activities.
Disliked
It is certainly only a temporary situation that the school is spread over several buildings in the city, but this meant that it was difficult to socialise during a short stay, as you hardly saw the people with whom you went on the introductory morning or excursions and visited the same school building for a week (then back in another building).
Insider tip: The many natural beauties in Cape Town and the surrounding area are so impressive, I can really recommend going on many excursions and hikes.
Review details
Quality of teaching / language progress: I thought my placement was exactly right. I was very happy with the lessons and my teacher.
Other comments I'll be back again.
Course: General English  - 2 weeks
Review date: 7. Dec. 2024 by Beate Ottenbreit
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
Great organisation, beautiful and varied excursions and great value for money. I was positively surprised at how great everything went and how much the individuals took care of me.
Review details
Quality of teaching / language progress: My excursions were with Iain. He was very easy to understand and really accompanied the excursions in a great and interesting way. I really can highlight him in a positive way.
Course: General English + Language Excursions - 2 weeks
Review date: 24. Feb. 2023 by Heike Färber
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
The central location of our classrooms on Adderley Street was great. The cafeteria with rooftop outdoor area for the breaks was also fantastic.
Disliked
The lunch break between the lessons in Adderley Street and the start of the excursions on the Hiddingh Campus was too short, especially as we walked back through Adderley Street together on 2 out of 3 days. We could have met back there ...
Review details
Course: General English + Language Excursions - 1 week
Review date: 2. Dec. 2024 by Jan Lorenzen
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
- University feeling on campus with many other students
- Good contact person availability, good organisation
Disliked
- The excursions offered are good, but overpriced
Insider tip: - Language Excursions instead of afternoon classes
Review details
Course: Intensive General English - 4 weeks
Review date: 23. Nov. 2022 by Lukas Ellger
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
The interaction between students and teaching staff, our teachers are friendly and very patient.
Disliked
Nothing.
Insider tip: The school could still do a better job of instructing some of our colleagues how to dress in the classroom.
Review details
Quality of teaching / language progress: It's evolving well.
Other comments Nothing.
Course: General English  - 4 weeks
Review date: 7. Feb. 2024 by Lelo Zola
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
I really liked the organization. It's well structured and easy to adapt to even when you're new.
Disliked
During my stay there were few outside activities. This would have allowed me to talk with the other students, because unfortunately for many of them we only saw each other during the week of classes.
Review details
Course: General English  - 8 weeks
Review date: 3. Jan. 2023 by Fabrice Minkang
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
The organization is perfect, and the teaching style at eye level is also very pleasant.
Disliked
The equipment of the classrooms (tables and chairs, although it should be noted that this should be seen as a luxury problem).
Review details
Other comments I can recommend it
Course: First Two Weeks Intensive General English 30 - Third Week GE 20 - 3 weeks
Review date: 26. Dec. 2023 by Caroline Rogge
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Liked
The teaching, the availability of teachers and staff in general.
Disliked
Regular power cuts.
Review details
Course: General English  - 3 weeks
Review date: 29. Nov. 2023 by Philippe COENT
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Liked
Good grammar teaching, strict at the time of the exam.
Disliked
Little time is devoted to develop oral communication, different tuition fees for students from different countries.
Review details
Course: Semi Intensive English  - 12 weeks
Review date: 16. Dec. 2023 by Pavel Solovev
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
Everything, great atmosphere
Disliked
Nothing!
Review details
Quality of teaching / language progress: super
Course: General English  - 6 weeks
Review date: 14. Feb. 2022 by Raik Paape
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.

Ratings of UCT English Language Centre compared to ratings of all schools in South Africa

 UCT English Language Centre Cape TownAverage of all other schools in South Africa
Overall school rating4.8

Rating: 4.8/5.0

4.3

Rating: 4.3/5.0

Location of the school4.8

Rating: 4.8/5.0

4.8

Rating: 4.8/5.0

Facilities4.4

Rating: 4.4/5.0

4.0

Rating: 4.0/5.0

Social activities3.9

Rating: 3.9/5.0

3.7

Rating: 3.7/5.0

Organisation4.8

Rating: 4.8/5.0

4.4

Rating: 4.4/5.0

Quality of teaching4.8

Rating: 4.8/5.0

4.4

Rating: 4.4/5.0

Value for money4.5

Rating: 4.5/5.0

4.3

Rating: 4.3/5.0

Homestay3.4

Rating: 3.4/5.0

4.3

Rating: 4.3/5.0

Shared flat3.4

Rating: 3.4/5.0

4.3

Rating: 4.3/5.0

UCT English Language Centre

Accreditations and Quality seals
EduSAPreferential Terms in Case of Visa RefusalSATSA
English teacher qualifications
100% hold a university degree
100% hold a recognised language teaching qualification
Languages spoken by school staff (cannot be guaranteed by school)
First day of course
Students should arrive at 8:45
Student gender mix
60% male / 40% female
Payment methods accepted for payments made directly to the school
Visa - logoMastercard - logoBank Transfer - logo
Year of school foundation
2015
Legal name/parent company
UCT - Humanities | Tax registration ID: 4540125707

General school facilities

  • Microwave for student use

  • Cafeteria

  • Computer lab

  • Library

  • Lounge

  • Garden

  • Balcony / terrace

  • Student support desk

  • Copy machine

  • Self-study areas

  • Free WIFI

  • Free water dispenser

  • Smoking zones (outdoors)

  • Tourist information

  • Assistance with reservations for restaurants, bars, clubs

  • Free parking (<500m)

  • Facilities for islamic students

    • Halal food offered at the school

    • Homestay option that can prepare halal food

    • Arabic homestays available

  • Classroom equipment

    • TV in all classrooms

    • Electronic whiteboard in all classrooms

    • Air conditioning in all classrooms

    • Heating in all classrooms

    • Ample natural light in all classrooms

    • Number of classrooms: 30
    • Number of public PC workstations: 1

    Facilities for disabled students

    • Accessible Toilet

    • Adapted for blind students

Additional comment about facilities of school
Students have access to all facilities available at the University of Cape Town, including libraries, sports clubs and societies.

Student Age / Nationality

Average number of students
Adult courses - In summer: 12
Adult courses - Throughout the year: 10
Junior courses - In summer: 8
Junior courses - Throughout the year: 8
Minimum age of students
16 years
Average number of levels
Adult courses In summer: 6
Adult courses Throughout the year: 6
Average age of students
In summer: 25 years
Throughout the year: 28 years

Top student nationalities

Student Nationality Percentage of students
Saudi Arabia 30%
Germany 16%
Brazil 7%
China 6%
Switzerland 5%
Japan 4%
Turkey 2%
Other nationalities 30%

Information for all courses offered by UCT English Language Centre

Lesson duration
50 minutes
School's administrative fee
1000.00 ZAR
Course material
Generally course material is distributed free to students and will stay in student property.
Comments about courses

Course change fee: ZAR 1000

Individual classes
Single individual lessons of tuition can be reserved at 900 ZAR. The combination of group and individual lessons is highly recommended. Individual lessons will encourage you to actively speak the foreign language and will offer you the opportunity to discuss individual problems and weaknesses.
Days without class
In 2024 (including national and regional bank holidays):
01 Jan 2024, 21 Mar 2024, 29 Mar 2024, 01 Apr 2024, 27 Apr 2024, 01 May 2024, 17 Jun 2024, 09 Aug 2024, 24 Sep 2024, 16 Dec 2024, 25 Dec 2024, 26 Dec 2024.
In 2025 (including national and regional bank holidays):
01 Jan 2025, 21 Mar 2025, 18 Apr 2025, 27 Apr 2025, 28 Apr 2025, 01 May 2025, 16 Jun 2025, 09 Aug 2025, 24 Sep 2025, 16 Dec 2025, 25 Dec 2025, 26 Dec 2025, 21 Apr 2025, 31 Dec 2025.
School policy regarding bank holidays:Private classes are recuperated or refunded. Same as for nearly all language schools, group classes falling on bank holiday are not refunded and not recuperated.
Level test
A test to assess your exact language level takes place before the start of the course via email.
Lessons needed per English language level
Level (CEFR) LESSONS needed per level WEEKS needed
(20 lessons per week)
A1 Beginner A1 to A2 80 4
A2 Elementary A2 to B1 160 8
B1 Intermediate B1 to B2 180 9
B2 Higher Intermediate B2 to C1 200 10
C1 Advanced C1 to C2 220 11
C2 Proficiency
Data above gives some guidance. For more details consult our page How long does it take to learn a language or reach a specific level.

Airport transfer

Cape Town International Airport:
700 ZAR one way
1400 ZAR return (both ways)
More details about airports near Cape Town and how to travel independently from the airport to the city on our Cape Town page. For flight comparisons to Cape Town, we recommend using skyscanner.com.

Visa Documents

Nationals from USA do not require a visa to study short term courses up to 90 days.
Check visa requirements for nationals from other countries.
Nationals from countries that require a visa will receive documents from the school, related to booking confirmation, which is required for the visa application.
Full payment of all fees required before school dispatches documents required for visa application
No
Express shipment fee (via courier)
1400 ZAR
Preferential cancellation terms in case of visa refusal
School agreed that students booking online on this site will benefit from preferential cancellation fees in case of visa refusal, and in this case will never exceed EUR 180.

Leisure activities

activity possibledistance from school
Basketball10 km
Cooking5 km
Cricket15 km
Dancing5 km
Diving15 km
Field Hockey15 km
Football (soccer)10 km
Golf10 km
Horse riding30 km
Mountainbiking15 km
Music15 km
Rugby15 km
Sailing15 km
Squash10 km
Swimming15 km
Tennis10 km
Volleyball10 km
Windsurfing15 km
Yoga5 km

Examples of leisure activities organized by the school

Adults - Free activities

The social programme offers free and budget-friendly activities for students to enjoy.
- Hiking with a teacher
- Cultural activities
- Football
- Volleyball
- First Thursday
- Sunset on Signal Hill

Adults - Paid activities

- Wine safari: ZAR 1650
- Shark cage diving: ZAR 3795
- Peninsula safari: ZAR 1650
- Aquila game safari: ZAR 2795
- Table Mountain: ZAR 480
- Ziplining: ZAR 2000
- Surfing lesson: ZAR 1290
- Jazz dinner: ZAR 2500

Accommodation

Map  

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Other language schools in Cape Town offering English courses: 

Questions and answers about UCT English Language Centre

  • All students take the morning session of classes. There are three classes, from 09.00 to 10.40, 11.00 to 11.50 and 12.00 to 12.50. Students on intensive and semi-intensive courses also take two elective classes in the afternoon. These run from 13.50 to 15.00 and 15.15 to 16.10. Students on semi-intensive courses take two afternoons a week, while students on intensive courses take four afternoons a week.
    Lisa Lebret, LanguageCourse.Net - Dec 28, 2022
  • Yes, students receive a University of Cape Town certificate of attendance with your course details and exit level. To receive the certificate, you need to attend at least 80% of your classes.
    Lisa Lebret, LanguageCourse.Net - Dec 28, 2022
  • There are six General English levels: Beginner, Elementary, Pre-Intermediate, Intermediate, Upper Intermediate and Advanced. Students are tested before the course and put in one of these classes based on the result of the test, and can also move between levels based on the teacher’s assessment
    Lisa Lebret, LanguageCourse.Net - Dec 28, 2022
  • At the English Language Centre we believe that the students are the most important factor in the learning process. Our approach recognises that different people learn in different ways, and that the role of the teacher is to facilitate the learning process according to your individual abilities, interests and learning style, and this is why you and your classmates will have an active role in deciding the material, topics and activities you will use in your class. We also want to enable you to be autonomous learners and take responsibility for your own learning.
    Lisa Lebret, LanguageCourse.Net - Dec 28, 2022
  • You will be given a placement test on your first day, to find out your English level and place you in the correct class. For online courses, we will send you a test by email.
    Lisa Lebret, LanguageCourse.Net - Dec 28, 2022
  • When you arrive you will have orientation and placement testing. First, you will complete a short level test and interview, so we can find out which class level will suit you best, and this is followed by an orientation talk about the Centre and life in Cape Town, and a tour of the school and Hiddingh Campus. Your first classes will begin after lunch if your course includes afternoon classes, or the following day if you are only studying in the mornings.
    Lisa Lebret, LanguageCourse.Net - Dec 28, 2022
  • Yes, you can. For example, you could book 3 weeks of General English and then 2 weeks of General English plus Language Excursions and then even go back to only General English again if you wish.
    Lisa Lebret, LanguageCourse.Net - Dec 28, 2022
  • Yes we do offer student accommodation in our school residence
    Tabassum, from UCT English Language Centre, Cape Town - Mar 02, 2023
  • Yes, the school has a computer room and offers free WLAN access.
    Martin Zakostelecky, LanguageCourse.Net - Nov 21, 2023

FAQ about UCT English Language Centre, Cape Town

  • In our experience, this depends on your starting level. But you should keep in mind that to pass from one level to another you need at least 4 weeks of course.
    Madly Simba, Language Travel Consultant from LanguageCourse.Net - Feb 27, 2023
  • The school does offer excursions but there are not included in the fees. Some of which are free and some of which are not. A sample of the activities programme and their cost can be found in the section "Leisure".
    Madly Simba, Language Travel Consultant from LanguageCourse.Net - Feb 27, 2023
  • Every English dialect is based on the same grammatical rules. This is what we focus on learning to apply the well-known rules of English fluently in speech, regardless of dialect.

    We give you the foundations and then you can make your English more British, American or even Australian.
    Maksym Sterpul, Language Travel Consultant from LanguageCourse.Net - Oct 17, 2023
  • Depending on the chosen course, the maximum number of students at University of Capetown English Language Centre varies from 1 students (Private Lessons Package 10) to 14 students (Intensive General English)
  • 100% of teachers at UCT English Language Centre hold a university degree. 100% hold a recognized language teaching certificate.
  • The highest Nationality percentage at UCT English Language Centre comes from Saudi Arabia with a 30% representation, followed by students from Germany (16%) and Brazil (7%).
  • Yes, there is an exclusive discount that only applies when booking online here.
  • UCT English Language Centre offers courses from 16 years to 99. Average age is 25 during the summer and 28 for the rest of the year.

PDF brochure / price list of UCT English Language Centre

UCT ELC flyer
UCT ELC flyer
UCT English Language Centre Pricelist 2024
UCT English Language Centre Pricelist 2024
UCT ELC pricelist 2025
UCT ELC pricelist 2025
Cost of living guide
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Cape Town city attractiveness rated by our students:
4.6 

Rating: 4.6/5.0

More information about Cape Town including climate data and events on our Cape Town page with a list of all 14 English schools in Cape Town.
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