Studying in Cape Town
Studying in Cape Town: the international student’s guide
Everything you need to land, settle and thrive — whether you’re studying at UCT, UWC or CPUT, or doing an internship. Brought to you by Rent-A-Room, your trusted landing platform in Cape Town since 2004.
The universities
Cape Town is home to several world-class institutions. Wherever you’re headed, our houses in Observatory put you within easy reach.
Africa’s top-ranked university, set on the slopes of Devil’s Peak. UCT draws international students and exchange/semester-abroad participants from around the world. Observatory is one of the closest student neighbourhoods to UCT’s main campuses.
A vibrant, research-active university known for its inclusive ethos and strong academic programmes. UWC welcomes international and exchange students across a wide range of faculties.
One of South Africa’s largest universities of technology, with career-focused programmes and campuses across the Cape. CPUT’s District Six and Bellville campuses are popular with international students.
Why Observatory?
“Obs” is Cape Town’s best-loved student neighbourhood — a walkable, lively suburb packed with cafes, restaurants, markets and fellow international students. It sits between the major universities and central Cape Town, with easy access by public transport, Uber or a short commute.
It’s the kind of place where you’ll quickly feel at home: close enough to campus to make mornings easy, close enough to the city and the mountain to make weekends unforgettable.
Getting here & your first days
You’ll fly into Cape Town International Airport (CPT), about 20 minutes from Observatory. Tell us your flight details and we can arrange an airport pickup, so a friendly face is waiting when you land — it’s included free for VACorps interns and a flat R400 for everyone else.
When you arrive, your room is furnished and ready, and we welcome you with starter essentials to make settling in stress-free. Our team is on WhatsApp whenever you need us — usually replying within the hour.
Visas & study documentation
Good news: most international students don’t need a visa for a short stay. If you’re coming to South Africa for less than 90 days, you generally don’t need a visa — European, Canadian and US citizens can visit visa-free for up to 90 days. If you’re doing a semester abroad or any programme longer than 90 days, you’ll need to apply for a study visa. Requirements depend on your nationality and the length of your programme, so always confirm the current rules with the official source for your situation.
We’re happy to provide the accommodation confirmation and supporting documentation you may need for your visa or study-abroad application — many of our guests have relied on us for exactly this. For official requirements, check the South African Department of Home Affairs and your nearest South African embassy or consulate.
Staying safe & getting around
Like any major city, Cape Town rewards being street-smart. Our houses are managed and secured, and when you arrive we share simple, practical tips to help you settle in confidently.
Getting around is easy: ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt are widely used and affordable, the MyCiTi bus network serves many areas, and Observatory itself is very walkable. Many students get everywhere they need without a car.
Cost of living
Cape Town is generally affordable compared with many international student cities, though prices vary with the exchange rate and your lifestyle. Your biggest fixed cost — a safe, furnished room — is sorted with us, with clear grades (A+, A and B) so you can choose what fits your budget.
See our transparent, all-in pricing on the Contact page, including short-term, partner and long-term rates plus deposits and fees, so there are no surprises.
A ready-made community
Moving abroad alone is daunting — but you won’t be alone. Living with Rent-A-Room means moving into a community of international students and interns who arrived just like you. From shared kitchens and braais to lifelong friendships, our guests consistently say the people are the best part.
Ready to make Cape Town home?
Send us your arrival and departure dates and we’ll match you to the right room.
Frequently asked questions
Which universities are near Rent-A-Room’s Observatory houses?
Cape Town is home to several world-class institutions, including the University of Cape Town (UCT), the University of the Western Cape (UWC), and the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT). Our houses in Observatory put you within easy reach of all of them — Observatory is one of the closest student neighbourhoods to UCT’s main campuses.
Why should I stay in Observatory (“Obs”)?
Observatory is Cape Town’s best-loved student neighbourhood — a walkable, lively suburb packed with cafés, restaurants, markets and fellow international students. It sits between the major universities and central Cape Town, with easy access by public transport, Uber or a short commute.
How do I get from the airport when I arrive?
You’ll fly into Cape Town International Airport (CPT), about 20 minutes from Observatory. If you send us your flight details we can arrange an airport pickup — it’s included free for VACorps interns and a flat R400 for everyone else. Your room is furnished and ready on arrival, with starter essentials to help you settle in.
Do I need a visa to study in Cape Town?
Most international students on a short stay don’t need a visa — European, Canadian and US citizens can generally visit visa-free for up to 90 days. For a semester abroad or any programme longer than 90 days, you’ll need to apply for a study visa, with requirements depending on your nationality. We’re happy to provide accommodation confirmation and supporting documentation for your visa or study-abroad application, and you should always confirm current rules with the official source for your situation.
Is Cape Town safe, and how do I get around?
Like any major city, Cape Town rewards being street-smart. Our houses are managed and secured, and we share simple, practical safety tips when you arrive. Getting around is easy, with ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt widely used.
How much does it cost to live in Cape Town as a student?
Cape Town is generally affordable compared with many international student cities, though prices vary with the exchange rate and your lifestyle. Your biggest fixed cost — a safe, furnished room — is sorted with us, with clear grades (A+, A and B) to fit your budget, and transparent all-in pricing (including short-term, partner and long-term rates plus deposits) listed on the Contact page.
Will I be living with other international students?
Yes. Living with Rent-A-Room means joining a community of international students and interns who arrived just like you — from shared kitchens and braais to lifelong friendships, guests consistently say the people are the best part.
How close are the campuses from Observatory?
Observatory is well-placed for all the major campuses. Approximate travel times are: UCT is 5–10 minutes away, CPUT is 10–15 minutes, UWC is 25–35 minutes, and the city centre is about 10 minutes. Actual times vary with traffic and your choice of transport.
How close are the campuses?
Approximate travel times from Observatory. Actual times vary with traffic and transport choice — message us and we'll talk you through the best route for your campus.
Where you'll be living
Our homes are in Observatory ("Obs"), one of Cape Town's most central, student-friendly suburbs. You're close to the University of Cape Town, the University of the Western Cape and CPUT, with easy transport links across the city.
Observatory, Cape Town — the neighbourhood Rent-A-Room calls home.
Sending a child to Cape Town? Read our For Parents page — how our houses are secured, who answers when something goes wrong, and why students aren’t alone here.