Study Abroad Programs in Johannesburg, South Africa
Johannesburg, also called Jo'burg, Jozi, or JHB is the economic and cultural center of South Africa. It's known for being home to a diverse population who speak at least 11 different languages.
Some aspects of college life in Johannesburg will be similar to college life in the U.S., some things will be completely new, and some will land right in the middle. There's plenty to keep you busy both on and off campus with classes, clubs, and amazing sites in the city and nearby.
With pleasant weather year-round and lots to do, you'll find many students come to Johannesburg to study. As one of the most progressive cities in all of South Africa, your course options will not be limited. From arts and humanities to science and math, you can study in practically any field.
Whether you plan to go for one week or three years, the planning process for study abroad should start as early as possible. Deadlines to apply vary based on course type, but are generally set at least 3 months before the semester starts. One full semester, or 4 or 5 months should give you plenty of prep time.
Course Types
When studying abroad, you usually have three options. You can use a third party partner to help you plan your trip, you can enroll directly to the university, or you can participate in an exchange opportunity. An exchange is an excellent and cost efficient and way to study abroad, but you must be attending a U.S. college or university that has an exchange agreement in place already.
The most likely option in this case will be direct enrollment as most third party providers do not offer study abroad placements in Johannesburg at this time. You can enroll directly to the university in Johannesburg through their international admissions office.
You will choose your major (or course) with the intent of completing the entire degree there. Direct enrollment is a good option for both undergraduate and post-graduate degrees. You can also find shorter programs such as diploma and certificate options at some colleges.
The major universities in Johannesburg will offer a wide range of English-taught courses making it easy to choose your degree path.
There are, however, certain subjects that lend themselves well to the culture, climate, and landscape that Johannesburg provides. African American Studies, Political Science, History, and English Literature are all likely possibilities on the Humanities side. If you're more interested in science, courses in Biology and Physics are both easily found.
Housing
If you stay in Johannesburg for a semester or year, you will most likely be housed in dorms on or near campus. If you study abroad through a provider, they will arrange all housing details for you.
If you enroll directly, you can apply for on-campus accommodation if it's offered by the university.If you prefer to live off campus, or there are no more available dorms, most universities can recommend student apartments that are safe and conveniently located.
If you participate in a short-term study abroad experience, such as a summer term or a faculty-led program, you might end up staying in hotels, apartments, or with host families. Staying with a host family is a great way to get the most out of a short time abroad and is generally the least expensive accommodation option.
Regardless of where you stay, you will have plenty of opportunities to interact with local Johannesburg residents and other international students.
Transportation
Johannesburg is not an easily walkable city and although public transportation might not be as up-to-date and efficient as some of the world's other major cities, there are constant improvements being made.
The Gautrain System is a high speed train that links Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Ekurhuleni. This train line is also an inexpensive, fast, and safe way to get to and from the airport.
To get around town, you can share a taxi or an Uber with friends. Keep in mind, traffic drives on the left side of the road in South Africa.
You can also take a sightseeing tour bus to get to the major tourist spots or a regular bus for distances too long to walk. You can expect to spend up to $60 per month on transportation.
Visas
If you will be studying in South Africa for longer than 90 days, a student visa is required for U.S. citizens. There will be a visa application fee around $40. You will need to provide several documents, including an acceptance letter from the South African university, in order to obtain a visa. The college you apply to, the U.S. Department of State website, and South African government websites all have information how how to successfully apply for a study visa.
Can You Work While Studying in Johannesburg?
If you have a student visa while you are studying in Johannesburg, you can work for no more than 20 hours per week. While it is technically legal for you to work part time with a study visa, jobs for international students are few and far between. Unless the company is hiring someone with a very specific skill set, then the job will likely go to a South African resident.
Scholarships
There are thousands of scholarships available for students who want to study abroad. Most are very specific about the qualifications needed to apply. Using a study abroad scholarship search engine online can help narrow down your options.
Third party providers offer their own scholarships, especially to those underrepresented in study abroad. Universities in Johannesburg also offer their own scholarships but they are rarely given to international students.
