Cape Town - University of the Western Cape

Q. What does this program offer?
A. For over 12 years the University of Missouri has been a formal academic partner of the University of the Western Cape (UWC), located in Bellville, outside of Cape Town, South Africa. The linkage arose in the period of apartheid and reflected MU's efforts to make a positive difference in a country whose government systematically disadvantaged its majority population. Over the years, more than 250 faculty exchanges have taken place, establishing familiarity between the two institutions. Now, MU has created a student exchange and can send up to four students each year from the four UM campuses. Please note that this program is for graduate students only.

Q. What is it like there?
A. Situated in the Cape Peninsula, UWC is a 30 minute drive from Cape Town, the country's capital. The University of the Western Cape was established in 1959 as an ethnic college for "colored" students. Since then, it has transformed itself from a small apartheid educational institution to an internationally recognized university with a reputation for excellence that enrolls approximately 12,000 students in a wide range of academic programs. UWC students are involved in the political process and work to mobilize other students on various issues. Beyond academic coursework, this program offers a chance to witness firsthand the historic changes that are taking place in this country. The transition from apartheid has not been easy, and many policies are hotly debated in the South African media, at the universities and among the people.

Q. What will I study?
A. You may enroll in any UWC courses for which you are qualified and in which space is available. The main language of instruction is English, but some coursework is taught in Afrikaans. MU students typically enroll in courses in the humanities, social sciences and business, but you may also take classes in nursing, public health and other disciplines.

Q. When can I go?
A. You can participate in this program for any of the following terms:
 Fall Semester
 Spring Semester
 Academic Year

Q. Where will I live?
A. You will live either in a UWC residence hall, an apartment or with a host family. UWC will help you find housing. If you live on campus, there are several cafeterias and residence halls where you can buy your meals. If you live in an off-campus apartment, you can cook for yourself or go out to eat. If you live with a family, they will usually provide your meals.

Q. Will I get academic credit?
A. For each semester of academic work completed abroad, you may earn between 12 and 15 credit hours. Course credit transfers to MU, but your grades will not appear on your MU transcript and are not figured into your GPA. Although you are guaranteed to receive credit for successfully completed courses, you must work with your academic advisors to get pre-approval for how the courses you take might fulfill specific degree requirements. As part of your pre-departure preparation, you will need to look up what courses are available on the program and then arrange to meet with your academic advisor(s) to get pre-approval for the courses you wish to take.

Q. Can I afford to go?
A. MU attempts to make the costs of studying abroad affordable for you. Because this is a reciprocal exchange program, you will pay MU educational fees, non-resident tuition (for non-Missouri residents), student activities fees, information technology fees and the student health center fee. You will also pay a $500 study abroad administrative fee to cover MU administrative costs. Additional expenses for this program include international airfare, on-site housing costs, visa fees, health insurance and other miscellaneous expenses. Estimated costs for this program are listed below.

Q. Can I get financial aid?
A. Most financial aid that you normally receive for your classes at MU should apply to the cost of the program. If you are not a Missouri resident, you will be billed for MU non-resident fees and so remain eligible for any non-resident scholarships you receive from MU. Additional grants, loans or scholarships may be available to offset the extra costs incurred on this program. Please see the advisor for study abroad financing at the MU Financial Aid Office for more complete information. The International Center offers study abroad scholarships as well. Scholarship applications are included in the MU Study Abroad Application.

Q. Am I eligible?
A. Given the high degree of maturity necessary to succeed on this program, this program is only open to graduate students.

Q. How do I apply?
A. See the Study Abroad Application Instructions on this web-site for more information.

Q. Where can I find out more?
A. In the Study Abroad Resource Room at the International Center, you will find additional information on this and other overseas opportunities. Peer Advisors will be on hand to answer any questions you may have, and Study Abroad Advisors are available by appointment. You can also visit the University of the Western Cape Graduate Students website for more information about the program.