Learn English in Cape Town at our EC Cape Town School

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Study English in Cape, where language learning meets stunning natural beauty

Learn English in Cape Town and immerse yourself in the natural wonders of South Africa.

This diverse and dynamic ‘Mother City’ is a student paradise for cultural immersion and extraordinary outdoor activities alike. See the Big 5 on safari. Visit a local township. Hike Table Mountain. Or swim with penguins. Our activities programme will help you immerse yourself in all the city has to offer, while you learn English with friends from all over the world.

EC Cape Town offers English language courses to suit every goal and skill level, exceptional teachers and a supportive community ready to help you. Learn English in Cape Town with EC and make the most of your language journey in this wonderful city.

Cape Town Gallery

What you can expect at our Cape Town English School

*Images are for representation purpose only. Actual furnishings may differ from those shown. Amenities and services are subject to change.

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Find your perfect English course in Cape Town

Explore our English language programmes

Most Popular

1-52 weeks of study

20, 24, 26, or 30 lessons per week

All levels: from beginner to advanced

General English

General and intensive English courses at EC focus on the core skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing to improve confidence and increase fluency.

20 lessons per week

Minimum 1 week

Prices start at €320

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English for Work

Our English for Work course builds confidence in professional communication. Learn to write emails, join meetings, give presentations, and prepare for interviews. Perfect for career success!

30 lessons per week

Minimum 1 week

Prices start at €420

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Academic Year

Our Academic Year course (24+ weeks) lets you fully immerse yourself in English while living abroad. Gain fluency, experience local culture, and build lifelong skills!

30 lessons per week

Minimum 24 weeks

Prices start at €5,280

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English in the City

English in the City (summer only) lets you explore a city while improving your English. Join local tours, interact with native speakers, and learn through real experiences!

30 lessons per week

Minimum 1 week

Prices start at €420

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Student accommodation in Cape Town

Comfortable and convenient living spaces for every student’s needs

Black Brick Residence

From €410 p/w

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Homestay

From €255 p/w

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Dorp Street Residence

From €255 p/w

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Green Point Student Apartment

From €135 p/w

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Your English programme includes

Online Placement Test

Take your placement test so we can put you in the correct class for your English level, access our library of self-study activities, or attend free online classes before you even arrive.

Quality English Lessons

Study in multinational classes from Monday to Friday with qualified English teachers in courses guaranteed to improve your English.

MyEC

Your all-in-one study app for tests, assessments, and learning resources. Get access as soon as you book!

Full Social Calendar

Join us for a full programme of paid and free social activities, excursions and language workshops to make the most of your time learning English in Cape Town.

24+ week courses include the option to join an exam prep course (subject to availability)

Orange Carpet Experience

Welcome activity

English language activities and workshops

Free Wi-Fi and use of computers

Contact us

EC Cape Town school facilities

Interactive TVs

Student computers

Student lounge

self-study room

library

Social activities and language workshops

Join our social and cultural activity programmes, and take part in free language workshops. Here is a sample of what is on offer. Please note, all activities are subject to change without notice and may be offered seasonally. In addition, prices are approximate.

All
Orange Carpet Experience
Sightseeing & Culture
Sports & Outdoor

Welcome tour

Kick off your EC adventure with a warm and welcoming evening designed to help you settle in and make new friends. Our leader will be on hand to facilitate introductions and provide an overview of the exciting experiences awaiting you.

Orientation

With our dedicated teaching staff, accommodation services and student services teams, we offer the perfect mix of expertise to give you all the help and support you need.

Graduation Ceremony

On your last day at EC, we celebrate your achievement with a graduation ceremony and you’ll get a course certificate that proves your English level!

Iziko Bo Kaap Museum

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Cape Town’s Bo-Kaap neighbourhood, Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum offers a captivating glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of this historic district.

Groot Constantia

Step back in time and experience the rich history and timeless elegance of Groot Constantia, South Africa’s oldest wine farm. More than just a vineyard, Groot Constantia is a living testament to the Cape’s heritage.

V&A Waterfront

V&A Waterfront isn’t just a place to visit, it’s a place to truly experience. This iconic mixed-use neighbourhood and working harbour invites you to play, live, shop, dine, and even work amidst breathtaking views and vibrant energy.

Big Five Safari

Escape the city and journey into the heart of the African bush on a thrilling Big Five safari adventure. Just a short drive from Cape Town, the Aquila Game Reserve offers a unique opportunity to encounter iconic wildlife in their natural habitat.

Clifton Beach

Imagine a stretch of pristine white sand, sculpted by the relentless power of the Atlantic Ocean. This is Clifton Beach, a haven for both sun-seekers and surfers, and a symbol of Cape Town’s unique blend of natural beauty and cosmopolitan glamour.

Cape Point

Prepare to be captivated by the untamed beauty of Cape Point! This dramatic headland, perched on the southwestern tip of Africa, offers breathtaking views of the crashing Atlantic and the shimmering expanse of False Bay.

Robben Island

Robben Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as a powerful testament to the struggle against apartheid. This small island, is forever linked to the name Nelson Mandela, who spent 18 years of his 27-year imprisonment here.

Table Mountain

One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Table Mountain is Cape Town’s crown jewel. Hike to the summit for breathtaking views, or take the aerial cableway for a quick and scenic ride.

Nationality mix

31%

Saudi Arabian

25%

Brazilian

6%

Yemeni

5%

French

4%

Swiss

4%

German

3%

Turkish

22%

Other (43 nationalities)

Age mix

16-17

6%

18-20

21%

21-25

25%

26-30

15%

31-40

18%

41-50

9%

51+

6%

Centre information

Launched: 2006

Centre capacity: 360

Classrooms: 13

Minimum age: 16

Students per class: 12 (max 15)

Wheelchair accessible

Phone number: +27 (0) 21 422 4111

Accreditation

Opening hours

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Office hours

08:00 – 18:00

Closed

08:00 – 18:00

Map

EC Cape Town

1st Floor, Aria North Wharf, 42 Hans Strijdom Avenue, Foreshore, Cape Town

See Inside

Meet our experienced team

Torrique Borges

Centre Director

Cape Town is an incredible place to learn, and I’ll make sure your experience is unforgettable.

Aqeelah Adam

Director of Studies

Bruce Fereday

Director of Studies

Patrick Leuner

Student Services Coordinator

I’m here to ensure your time in Cape Town is smooth and enjoyable.

Guido Visser

Student Services Coordinator

Cape Town arrival and travel Information

Find your Pre-arrival Guide and explore fun things to do after class. Everything you need to prepare and make the most of your stay in Cape Town.

Pre-Arrival to First Day

Arrival details, what to bring and what to expect on your first day.

Travel Activities

Things to do, local highlights and experiences you won’t want to miss.

download factsheet

Our students’ testimonials

“The school has a warm and friendly atmosphere.”

The school has a warm and friendly atmosphere where everyone knows each other’s name, making life away from home feel less lonely. When I return to Korea, I think I will miss my dear friends, teachers and this beautiful city. I am happy to have had the opportunity to make friends from different countries.

Minsol, Korea

“An experience worth recommending!”

My most unforgettable memories at EC are mostly little things, like new friends with a lot of laugh and funny moments. I would recommend it! The amount of new knowledge and new memories you have are great and fun.

Juan Hose, Argentina

“This trip was the best decision of my life!”

I think 3 weeks learning in English was short, I would like to stay longer!! I’m sad to have to go back. I met people, visited places and lived adventures. I have discovered new dreams. This trip was the best decision of my life

Patricia, Brazil

“Thanks to EC, I learned a lot and gained great opportunities.”

It has been an enriching process, full of learning and without EC’s help and motivation, I would not have been able to get to this point. I am very grateful for everything I have learned and for the opportunities that have opened up for me. Thanks to all! With love, your student ambassador

Tatiana, Colombia

“Unforgettable memories, great friendships, and excellent facilities.”

The relationship between classmates is very good, and the time we spent together is unforgettable. There are many after-school activities at school, which are very fun and help me integrate into the group more quickly. The school facilities are excellent.

Li – Chih, South Korea

“New goals, friendships, and unforgettable experiences!”

One month at EC don’t just learn English but also about life! Getting out of the comfort zone was and is extremely necessary. I feel ready for a new vision of everything. It was a significant opportunity (that I never imagined I would have and fulfil) to meet people and cultures from various parts of the world. To my English teachers: you were awesome!

Carla, Colombia

“English opens doors to the world!

“I study English at EC because it opens many doors in life. It is the language that allows me to communicate with people from all over the world and better understand their culture.”

Ivet, Spain

Real outcomes

At EC, we are committed to ensuring optimal results for our students. That’s why, for 30 years, we have made research and measurement the cornerstones of our curriculum development, teaching methods and review process. This approach allows us to scientifically design a language learning experience tailored to your unique needs and goals, reliably delivering optimal results.

Learn More

Insights and Updates

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At EC Montreal, every student has a unique story to tell. In this heartfelt testimonial, Marina from Japan shares how studying English and gastronomy in Montreal provided her with much more than just language skills. It gave her unforgettable memories, meaningful friendships, and a new direction in life. Montreal,…

5 communication mistakes global teams make

How to fix communication problems with better English phrases and tone Let’s take a look at how to improve your team’s communication skills with English language training. In global teams, English is often the shared language, but that does not mean communication is always clear. Because we all have…

How to improve your English from home

Thanks to our modern interconnected world, learning English from home has never been easier. With the right tools and methods, you can make real progress with your language learning without leaving your house. Here are practical ways to improve your English skills from the comfort of home. Create an…

Be inspired by the stories of our students

Find out how our international students turned their first steps in language learning into important achievements that changed their lives.

Rayan, Saudi Arabia

Elena, Russia

Nicolas, Colombia

Yunseop, Korea

FAQS about Learning English in Cape Town

What are some of the special courses I can take, if I learn English at EC Cape Town?

General English is our most popular English course in Cape Town. It can be taken as a standard course of 20 lessons per week (15 hours) or as an intensive course of 30 lessons per week (22.5 hours).

In addition to our General English programme, EC Cape Town offers a wide variety of special courses to help you improve your English to succeed at school and in the global workplace. English for Work, is an intensive course that helps you develop the language skills you need to advance in your career.

We offer One-to-One private lessons, which can be combined with any group course and taken at any time during your time in Cape Town. One-to-One private lessons are 60 minutes each.

We offer year-round courses for language learners of all levels and motivations from anywhere in the world. Learn English in Cape Town with EC and you will meet students from all over the world. Studying English in an international environment means experiencing real cultural exchange. You will learn more about the world by experiencing other cultures for yourself while also sharing your own.

I want to learn English in Cape Town: What are the accommodation options?

At our Cape Town English language school, we offer host family or student residence/student apartment accommodations. If you choose a homestay option, you will live with a family in Cape Town. This is a great option if you want an opportunity to practice your English with a local family over home-cooked meals. If you are looking for more independence, you may want to consider our student residence or apartment option.

What are some of the most popular things to do while I learn English in Cape Town?

Learning English in Cape Town is a student paradise for both cultural experiences and extraordinary outdoor activities. Here are some things you should do on your English language course: Shop Greenmarket Square. Hike Signal Hill or Table Mountain (or take a cable car). Visit a township. Go whale watching. Enjoy the nightlife on Long Street. Watch the penguins on Boulders Beach and see the Big 5 on safari. You will find so many exciting ways to interact with locals and use your English. We offer language excursions and social activities so you will always have fun new things to see and do. Experience and learn about South African culture with EC Cape Town!

Will I need a visa to learn English in Cape Town?

Depending on your nationality and the length of your stay, you may need a visa to learn English in South Africa. Contact us to learn more, we would be happy to talk with you about learning English in Cape Town.

Why should I learn English in Cape Town?

Learning English in Cape Town allows you to immerse yourself in the incredible experience that is South Africa—the breathtaking landscapes, incredible wildlife, beautiful beaches, cultural diversity and vibrant nightlife—all as part of your language learning journey. EC Cape Town offers English courses for all ages and skill levels, as well as many special programmes to help you improve English for school, work and travel. Our Cape Town English school is in the city centre, close to Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. The V&A Waterfront is the city’s most visited destination because of its beautiful harbour setting and the amount of shops, restaurants, hotels, and local crafts you can find there.

Take English language classes at EC Cape Town and experience a unique way to learn English in one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Improve your skills while enjoying the culture, friendly people, and vibrant atmosphere of Cape Town.