UCT English Language Centre
32-37 Orange Street Gardens Cape Town 8001 South Africa
The UCT English Language Centre (ELC) is a language school within the University of Cape Town. ELC offers a wide range of English Language courses. You can start your course any Monday and study for any number of weeks.
At ELC we use a student-centred approach to teaching and learning, putting the student's individual language learning needs at the heart of what we do. We believe students learn English best when engaged in real-life communication activities, which help them develop strategies for communicative competence.
School location
General Information
- Minimum age of students: 16
- Lesson duration: 50 min
- Maximum class size: 14
- Average number of students in group: 10
- Number of classrooms: 30
- School's foundation year: 2015
- Level placement test on the first day: yes
- The nearest airport: Cape Town International Airport
- Distance from the nearest airport: 20 km
- School opening times: 8:30 - 16:30
- School closed on national and regional holidays: 29.03.2024, 01.04.2024, 01.05.2024, 17.06.2024, 09.08.2024, 24.09.2024, 25.12.2024, 26.12.2024, 01.01.2025, 21.03.2025, 18.04.2025, 21.04.2025, 28.04.2025, 01.05.2025, 16.06.2025, 09.08.2025, 24.09.2025, 16.12.2025, 25.12.2025, 26.12.2025
- Distance from the airport: CPT-Cape Town International Airport 18 km
Facilities
- Library
- Free WIFI
- Garden
- Computer lab
- Self study room
- Canteen
Facilities for disabled people
- Adapted for blind students
- Disabled toilet
Classroom equipment
- Air conditioning in all classrooms
- Heating in all classrooms
- Audio-TV in all classrooms
The price includes
- Free certificate of course attendance
- WIFI Internet at school
- Language level placement test on the first day at school
Course materials:
Leisure activities
| Activities | Included / at extra cost | Distance from school |
|---|---|---|
| Golf | ||
| Horse riding | ||
| Skating | ||
| Yoga | ||
| Basketball | ||
| Cricket | ||
| Football | ||
| Swimming | ||
| Mountain Biking | ||
| Rugby | ||
| Volleyball | ||
| Squash | ||
| Dancing | ||
| Tennis | ||
| Sailing |
Courses
Standard English - 20 Lessons
| Minimum course length in weeks | 1 |
| Maximum course length in weeks | 52 |
| lessons per week | 20 |
| Lesson duration | 50 min |
| Minimum age of students | 16 |
| Maximum age of students | 100 |
| Average number of students in group | 8 |
| Maximum group size | 14 |
| Certificate of course attendance | yes |
Course description
We offer flexible English courses year-round, starting every Monday.
General English: All levels (A00-C1/C2), focusing on grammar, vocabulary, and communication skills.
IELTS Prep: Exam strategies for university applicants.
Business English: Workplace communication (B2 required).
Academic English: Prepares for university (B2 required).
Course levels
Required minimum language level
Course hours
Course start dates
Semi - Intensive English - 25 Lessons
| Minimum course length in weeks | 1 |
| Maximum course length in weeks | 52 |
| lessons per week | 25 |
| Lesson duration | 50 min |
| Minimum age of students | 16 |
| Maximum age of students | 100 |
| Average number of students in group | 8 |
| Maximum group size | 14 |
| Certificate of course attendance | yes |
Course description
This course combines the standard English in the morning with afternoon electives twice a week. You can choose between the following options, Speaking and Listening, or Reading and Writing.
Course levels
Required minimum language level
Course hours
Course start dates
Intensive English - 30 Lessons
| Minimum course length in weeks | 1 |
| Maximum course length in weeks | 52 |
| lessons per week | 30 |
| Lesson duration | 50 min |
| Minimum age of students | 16 |
| Maximum age of students | 100 |
| Average number of students in group | 8 |
| Maximum group size | 14 |
| Certificate of course attendance | yes |
Course description
This course combines the standard English in the morning with afternoon electives from Monday to Thursday. A combination of Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing. From 09:00 – 16:00.
Course levels
Required minimum language level
Course hours
Course start dates
General English and Language Excursions
| Minimum course length in weeks | 1 |
| Maximum course length in weeks | 7 |
| lessons per week | 30 |
| Lesson duration | 50 min |
| Minimum age of students | 16 |
| Maximum age of students | 100 |
| Average number of students in group | 8 |
| Maximum group size | 14 |
| Certificate of course attendance | yes |
Course description
The Language Excursions take place three afternoons a week and can be combined with a Standard General English (20 lessons) in the morning.
The Language Excursions are out-of-classroom communication classes, where your teacher becomes your language guide. This promotes, encourages and links the practice of English through social, historical and cultural excursions.
Course levels
Required minimum language level
Course hours
Course start dates
Private / Online Lesson
| Minimum course length in weeks | 1 |
| Maximum course length in weeks | 52 |
| lessons per week | 10 |
| Lesson duration | 50 min |
| Minimum age of students | 16 |
| Maximum age of students | 100 |
| Maximum group size | 1 |
Course description
Students who have specific language learning requirements may choose to have one-to-one lessons with a teacher. The lessons can be scheduled to fit your timetable, and can be combined with other courses. Private Lessons may suit students in full time work or academic study.
Course levels
Required minimum language level
Course start dates
Accommodation
School residence Adderly Studios
Ideal for private living, our studio apartments at 106 Adderley Street in the city centre are just a 10-minute walk from the school and on the UCT shuttle route. Located on the ninth floor of a 14-storey building, each unit has a private bathroom and kitchenette. The building features a rooftop deck, gym, cafeteria, ATM, Wi-Fi, and self-access laundry. Rooms come with a TV, linen, cutlery, and crockery. Weekly cleaning and modern security ensure comfort and safety near tourist attractions.
| Price includes: | air conditioning, access to free WIFI in the building, access to kitchen, weekly cleaning, access to the laundry room, bedding, private bathroom, TV |
| Accommodation from - to | Prices based on accommodation from Saturday prior to the course to Saturday after the course |
| Minimum age | 18 |
| Maximum age | 45 |
| Minimum stay in weeks | 1 |
School residence The Yellow House (Student residence)
Our main student residence is located in Bokaap, one of the oldest and most historic areas of Cape Town, and has amazing views over Cape Town, Lion’s Head and Table Mountain. You will be staying in the heart of one of the most popular tourist attractions in Cape Town, with picturesque, brightly painted terraced houses and a captivating and exotic ambiance.
| Price includes: | access to free WIFI in the building, access to kitchen, bedding, shared bathroom |
| Accommodation from - to | Prices based on accommodation from Sunday prior to the course to Saturday after the course |
| Minimum stay in weeks | 1 |
| Distance from school walking | 15 min |
| Accommodation Placement Fee charged by the school | 0 R |
| High season supplement per week | 0 R |
Host Family Homestay
Staying with a homestay family is a wonderful way to develop your English outside of the classroom. This language-immersion experience provides the opportunity to hear and use natural English through real conversations. We work with the best Cape Town hosts to provide comfortable accommodation and an enjoyable stay.
| Price includes: | access to free WIFI in the building, access to kitchen, access to the laundry room, bedding, private bathroom, shared bathroom |
| Accommodation from - to | Prices based on accommodation from Sunday prior to the course to Saturday after the course |
| Minimum age | 18 |
| Minimum stay in weeks | 1 |
Transfer
Terms & Conditions
GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLICABLE TO THE BOOKING.
Description of the booking process, deposit payment, balance payment
1. Making a booking.
1.1 The booking will be made via langart.net through an online booking system.
2. Deposit payment
2.1 A deposit, in the amount specified in the booking process, to secure a place on the course, will be charged to the student at the time of booking.
3. Balance payment
3.1 The balance will be paid by the student to the school directly.
3.2 For the payment of the balance, the school will issue an invoice to the student, with the deposit deducted, and forward it to the student along with confirmation of enrolment and other documents relating to the booking. The invoice will include the methods of payment accepted by the school, as well as the deadline for payment.
For latest booking terms, to include changing the booking, cancellations, withdrawal from the course, and others, visit:
https://uctlanguagecentre.com/terms-conditions
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