Language Immersion Courses in South Africa

South Africa is an English-speaking destination with a difference. According to the South African Government, the country has 12 official languages: English, Afrikaans, isiNdebele, isiZulu, isiXhosa, Siswati, Sepedi, Setswana, Sesotho, Xitsonga, Tshivenda and South African Sign Language. Most South Africans speak at least two of them. For a language student, this means English is used in study, business and government, while everyday life offers contact with several other languages.

Most international students come to South Africa to improve their English. A smaller group learns Afrikaans or isiXhosa, often alongside a semester at a South African university.

Language schools in South Africa

SpainExchange lists three language schools in South Africa. Berlitz Language & Business Training has a centre in Cape Town and teaches languages and business communication to individuals and companies. Easy English Online Institute, based in Kabega Park, and The English Institution, based in Glen Hurd, teach English online with native-speaker teachers, including general, business and exam courses.

Universities also run language courses that are open to non-degree students. The Stellenbosch University Language Centre, for example, offers:

• an Intensive English Programme (IEP) for international students
• English for Academic Purposes and IELTS preparation
• a TEFL course for future English teachers
• Afrikaans and isiXhosa courses for beginners
• South African Sign Language courses

How courses work

Most English courses follow levels from beginner to advanced and start with a placement test. The Stellenbosch IEP is a good example of an intensive university course:

• six levels, from beginner to advanced, each taught in an eight-week block
• classes from Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 12:30, on the Stellenbosch campus, plus about an hour of self-study a day
• six start dates a year; in 2026 the first block runs from 12 January to 6 March
• a credit-bearing option, so results can appear on an academic transcript

Courses in South African languages are usually shorter and less intensive. At Stellenbosch, Beginner Afrikaans level 1 is open to students, staff and members of the public with no knowledge of the language and meets for two hours twice a week during the semester. IsiXhosa Language and Culture is a 14-week course for international students registered in the university's Global Education Programme.

Costs

Prices are set in South African rand (R) and vary by provider, intensity and length. As examples from the Stellenbosch University Language Centre, the course page for the Intensive English Programme lists R 13 994, and IsiXhosa Language and Culture lists R 4 764 (prices on the 2026 course pages). Online schools usually charge per lesson or package; check the current price directly with the school.

Visa and practical tips

Short stays and long courses are treated differently. According to the Department of Home Affairs, visitors' visas cover stays of 90 days or less and may be granted for study purposes; citizens of some countries do not need a visa for a visit, and the list of exempt countries can change without notice. For longer study, a study visa application includes an official letter of acceptance from the learning institution stating the length of the course, and students must have medical cover with a registered South African medical scheme. Study visa holders may work part time for up to 20 hours a week.

When comparing schools, look at:

• the format: classes in a city such as Cape Town or Stellenbosch, or online lessons from home
• the number of hours per week and the length of each course block
• whether the course gives academic credit or prepares for an exam such as IELTS
• start dates and application deadlines, which at university centres are fixed
• whether you want to add Afrikaans or isiXhosa to your English studies

Frequently asked questions

Is South Africa a good place to learn English?

English is one of South Africa's 12 official languages and is widely used in education and business, so students can practise it every day. Courses range from online lessons to intensive university programmes such as the Stellenbosch IEP.

Can I learn Afrikaans or isiXhosa in South Africa?

Yes. The Stellenbosch University Language Centre, for example, runs beginner courses in Afrikaans and isiXhosa; some of them are reserved for students registered at the university.

How much does an English course in South Africa cost?

It depends on the provider and the intensity. As an example, the Stellenbosch University Intensive English Programme, taught in eight-week blocks, lists a price of R 13 994 on its 2026 course page.

Do I need a visa for a language course in South Africa?

For stays of up to 90 days, a visitor's visa can be issued for study purposes, and some nationalities are exempt. Longer courses require a study visa with a letter of acceptance from the institution and South African medical cover.