Biology Study Abroad Programs in South Africa

CIEE offers the most extensive network of internship programs. Are you a U.S. college student looking to study and intern abroad? We have full-time and part-time placements across 40+ locations worldwide and in diverse fields, from AI and engineering to public policy and business administration. Find the right fit for you! Live, learn, and work abroad on an internship program with CIEE! CIEE Summer Internships CIEE Summer Global Internships are 6-credit, 8-week programs with full-time working hours (approximately 30 hours weekly) and a seminar. CIEE Summer Intern and Study Abroad are 6 to 7-credit, 6-week programs with a part-time internship (approximately 20 hours weekly), a seminar, and a 3-credit academic course. CIEE Semester Internships CIEE Semester Global Internships are 9 to 13-credit, 12-week programs that feature a full-time internship (approximately 30 hours weekly), a seminar, and an optional 3 to 4-credit academic course online. CIEE Semester Intern and Study Abroad Programs are 12 to 14-credit, 12-week programs that feature a part-time internship​ (approximately 20 hours weekly), a seminar, and two academic courses.

Live and study in one of the most beautiful parts of South Africa, featuring historic architecture, rich cultural heritage, and easy access to outdoor and sporting activities. Found in the heart of the wine country, Stellenbosch provides the region's cuisine, culture, and stunning scenery. It is surrounded by mountains in the Jonkershoek Valley and offers the best of both worlds: a small, historic university town with convenient access to the amenities of Cape Town's bigger metropolitan area. Stellenbosch University focuses on inclusivity and diversity, using academic excellence and research activities to find sustainable solutions to some of South Africa's and Africa's greatest challenges. Specifically, the university promotes a science-for-society approach aimed at improving people's lives by eradicating poverty and promoting human dignity and health, democracy and human rights, safety and security, and a sustainable environment and competitive industry. Have the opportunity to create an educational program that meets your personal and academic goals, choosing from courses in a variety of topics—many with a South African or African theme.

Spend the summer in the captivating city of Stellenbosch, South Africa, with AIFS! You’ll earn up to 6 credits through the General Elective Program at Stellenbosch University. Courses are taught in English. Live in the modern and well-appointed university residence hall at the heart of campus life, where you’ll share a double room with another AIFS student. You will receive breakfast daily in your residence hall, as well as welcome and farewell meals hosted by the University. Cultural and social activities include: • Wine or beer craft tastings • Hiking • Visits to Cape Town and Table Mountain, the Cape of Good Hope, and Robben Island • 3-day West Coast excursion An optional, 6-day Garden Route excursion is also available to AIFS students.

Affectionately known as the Mother City, Cape Town was founded in 1652 and is South Africa's oldest city. Cape Town is rated as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, with a backdrop of flat-topped Table Mountain juxtaposed by the sweep of the Atlantic Ocean in the foreground. Students can hike or take a cable car ride up Table Mountain to enjoy the breathtaking view of the city and peninsula, take a ferry to the historic Robben Island, or visit the Cape of Good Hope. The main teaching campus, known as Upper Campus, is centered on UCT's iconic Jameson Hall. This breathtaking location looks out onto the city and up at Devil's Peak. Upper Campus is home to the majority of academic buildings and our Cape Town office. UCT students get to enjoy over 30 different social clubs and sports throughout the semester.

Unlike traditional study abroad or tourism experiences, Semester at Sea offers a unique opportunity for deep, authentic engagement with countries and cultures around the globe. It's more than just the adventure of a lifetime. It's a transformative experience that will give you a global perspective to take on the challenges of tomorrow. Fall 2026: European, African, South American, and Asian Adventure Embark: September 9, IJmuiden, The Netherlands Disembark: Dec 22, Bangkok, Thailand Itinerary: Portugal, Morocco, Brazil, St. Helena, South Africa, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Hong Kong Spring 2027: Asia, Africa, and Europe Embark: Jan 5, Bangkok, Thailand Disembark: Apr 20, Bremerhaven, Germany Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, India, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Morocco, Scotland

IES Abroad offers 140+ programs in more than 35 locations worldwide for undergraduate students. We're a little obsessed with study abroad, and not at all ashamed to admit it. We are a highly-charged force of study abroad enthusiasts. Every day we have the privilege of witnessing how study abroad changes our students' lives. That's the reason we do what we do: to provide once-in-a-lifetime educational adventures. Everything we do is about the IES Abroad student. Our goal is to provide personal support and guidance throughout your application and enrollment process. Whether it's housing or cultural events or field trips, our job is to make sure you have the most authentic study abroad experience possible. Study with us for a summer, semester, or year. No matter the term, our world-class faculty and courses will engage you as you discover new ways of learning both inside and outside the classroom. How will study abroad redefine you? We can't wait to find out.

Study identity, culture, and social transformation in South Africa, a society still grappling with apartheid’s legacy. Choose one of four tracks—multiculturalism, education, health, or climate—while building shared foundations in South African history and contemporary issues. From Cape Town and Johannesburg to rural communities, engage in field visits, cultural immersion, and guest lectures. Complete independent research or an internship as you connect theory with real-world challenges of inequality, justice, and social change. Please visit the SIT Study Abroad website for details on the program highlights and details of coursework, educational excursions, and housing. MONEY MATTERS SIT has given an average of over $1.3 million in scholarships and grants to SIT Study Abroad students in recent years and is committed to ensuring you have the information necessary to apply for such funding. Our program costs include academics, excursions, accommodations, airport transfers, and health insurance. Meal arrangements vary by program. Be sure to discuss how study abroad costs are handled at your school with your study abroad advisor and read the website for more specific information.

SIT’s Global Master of Arts in Sustainable Development Practice is a full-time, one-year degree that explores the interconnected nature of global health crises, economic inequality, natural resource degradation, and political and ethnic conflicts. Study begins in Ecuador, focusing on biodiversity and urban-rural development, then continues in South Africa and Malawi, examining sustainable practice in diverse sociopolitical contexts. Hands-on learning provides a unique opportunity to acquire professional skills through research and fieldwork in a competitive global environment. This program is ideal for emerging professionals seeking careers in sustainable development, policy, project leadership, or community engagement.

Are you a student or young professional looking to enhance your career prospects through international work experience and hands-on learning? At Intern Abroad HQ, we help students and young professionals turn career aspirations into reality. We organize affordable internships in 20 destinations across 24 career fields that are tailored to meet each individual’s academic, professional, or personal requirements. With over 200 internship programs across Europe, Asia, Africa, Central America and South America to choose from, and options to intern from 2 weeks to 6 months either full-time or part-time, in-country or virtually, we facilitate career-enhancing experiences that work for you, not just the host organization. Intern Abroad HQ is proudly brought to you by the team behind International Volunteer HQ. We have collectively supported over 120,000 program participants since 2007 and are the only B Corp certified provider in our field.

Join the two-week South Africa Big Cats at Selati program, a combination of learning and adventure, promising remarkable opportunities to receive mentorship from expert teaching vets and wildlife conservation teams at a prestigious Big 5 Game Reserve. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of African wildlife research and care while venturing on thrilling safaris in the renowned Kruger National Park. Delve into the fascinating "ABCs of African Big Cats: Anatomy, Behavior, and Conservation" course, thoughtfully taught by Loop vets. Selati, an exceptional wildlife game reserve, proudly houses wild elephants, rhinos, cheetahs, lions, and other fascinating African animal species. Although there are no captive animals or an on-site vet clinic, this unique field course seamlessly integrates wildlife veterinary skills and research focused on conservation, with an emphasis on the awe-inspiring big cats, including cheetahs and lions. Prepare to be captivated by the wonders of the African wilderness and the remarkable work involved in safeguarding these majestic creatures.

The foundation for a wild career! Is your goal to become a safari guide, wilderness guide, or wildlife guide? The IFGA Professional Safari Guide course (6-12 months) is the most comprehensive and immersive course available. Train with the industry’s award-winning instructors and wildlife experts. This is also an excellent sabbatical or gap year program. Course overview: Imagine driving a 4x4 game viewer across a riverbed, pointing out rare bird species to your guests. You slow to a stop – is that a leopard you see? Later, you serve sundowners and take in another vibrant African sunset. An afternoon spent sharing wildlife knowledge, nothing’s better! The IFGA Professional Safari Guide course (6-12 months) develops highly skilled professionals in the guiding industry. It is specifically developed to provide vocational skills and qualifications required by employers in Southern Africa. In addition, our top-performing students can also qualify for the IFGA qualification at no extra cost to their training. Training is held in Big Five territory, where you’ll observe animals in their natural habitat.

Take part in a field study program offered by Ecolife Expeditions in South Africa. This is ideal for students from the fields of Veterinary and Animal Sciences and is approved for academic credits through the North-West University in South Africa. The expeditions are provided in the form of a camping safari that runs for three weeks. Students get the chance to interact with researchers, veterinarians, and rangers working in the field. In addition, they will gain valuable insights into life, problems, and successes related to conservation in Africa.

The Marine Biology Internship is an intensive skills-development program designed for students and early-career ocean enthusiasts who want structured, professional training in marine fieldwork. Based at Sharklife’s established field station in Sodwana Bay, the internship combines full scuba-diver development with guided field exercises that build real competence in marine environments. Participants learn reef and species identification, snorkel and scuba-based survey fundamentals, ocean-safety skills, ecological interpretation, and practical methods used in modern marine field training. All activities are taught by experienced instructors and follow a clear progression from foundational skills to more advanced field confidence. The program is entirely training-focused and does not involve participation in permitted research. It is ideal for students preparing for marine-science degrees, gap-year learners seeking strong field exposure, or anyone wanting structured, hands-on experience in a world-class marine environment. No prior diving experience is required.