Our mobility programmes aim to provide students with international exposure, intercultural learning, academic development, and personal growth. Through partnerships with leading institutions around the world, we offer exciting opportunities to study abroad, immerse yourself in new cultures, and expand your global perspective.
What We Offer
We provide information, guidance, and administrative support for:
Semester or Year-long Exchanges
with partner institutions
Short-term Mobility Programmes
including summer schools and internships
Funding and Scholarship Opportunities
through programmes like Erasmus+
Support Services
for visa guidance, housing, academic registration, and orientation
For Incoming Students:
If you’ve been nominated by one of our partner institutions, welcome! We are here to guide you through the application process, help you settle in, and ensure your time with us is academically rewarding and culturally rich.
Steps:
Your home university must have an active bilateral agreement with UWC and nominate you.
- Free movers (students from non-partner institutions) must contact: ljarendse@uwc.ac.za
Your university must complete your nomination via Nomination Link
After nomination, UWC will acknowledge receipt and you will be requested to submit the following:
- Latest academic transcript
- Passport copy
- UWC application number (from the UWC application portal)
- Learning agreement (list of approved courses from your home institution)
- Course content for all science modules previously completed-for Natural Sciences faculty only.
- View UWC course list and module descriptions
- Students may register for up to 60 UWC credits (equivalent to 30 ECTS) per semester.
- Apply online via the UWC application portal.
- Once complete, the IRO will coordinate with UWC faculties. Applicants will receive an admission offer from the faculty, which they must accept and a visa support letter from the IRO.
- Module approval is subject to prerequisites and availability during the exchange period.
- Download Factsheet – includes visa, accommodation, and medical aid info
Study abroad as part of your UWC degree!
Opportunities:
Participate in semester exchanges or credit mobility programmes with UWC’s international partners.
Note: The IRO does not offer direct funding. Students may self-fund or apply for Erasmus+ grants.
Eligibility:
Must be a full-time, registered UWC student
Completed at least one year of study
Minimum average: 70%
Academic record must be submitted
Exchange Periods:
January – June
July – December
Academic Requirements:
All selected courses must be approved by your UWC faculty
Credits will be transferred upon successful completion in line with UWC regulations
Final-year undergraduate students may face limited course options, potentially delaying graduation
Financial and Administrative Considerations:
You must pay full UWC tuition during the exchange period
Do not de-register from any courses until your exchange is confirmed
Do not cancel UWC accommodation until your return is planned
We are excited to support both students and staff in accessing international learning, teaching, and training opportunities through the Erasmus+ programme.
What is Erasmus+ KA1?
Key Action 1 (KA1) of the Erasmus+ programme supports:
Student Mobility: Opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate students to study or undertake research abroad.
Staff Mobility: Opportunities for academic and administrative staff to teach, train, or participate in job shadowing at partner institutions.
These experiences are fully funded and designed to enhance knowledge, skills, and international collaboration.
Benefits of Erasmus+ Mobility
For Students:
Study at a partner university for a semester
Gain international academic credits
Improve language and intercultural skills
Build a global network and increase employability
For Staff:
Teach or train at a European partner institution
Share best practices and expertise
Engage in professional development
Strengthen institutional partnerships
Support We Provide
Our office is here to guide you every step of the way, including:
Guidance on eligibility and programme requirements
Assistance with applications, Learning/Training Agreements, and documentation
Support with travel arrangements, visas, and accommodation
Pre-departure orientations and post-mobility reporting
Information on Erasmus+ grants and funding procedures
Why Participate in Student Mobility?
Experience different academic systems
Improve language and intercultural communication skills
Build a global network
Enhance your employability
What our students say
Student Exchange Programme
First Semester 2018
University of Missouri – St. Louis
I am grateful for the Henry Mitchell Scholarship and the University of the Western Cape for providing me with such experience. UWC paid for my VISA fees and airplane return ticket. I used the money I received from Henry Mitchell scholarship to pay for housing. As an exchange student, UMSL waived my tuition fees. Furthermore, I’d like to thank the UWC International Relations Office for the undated support right from the application process to the transfer of my credits.
Student Exchange Programme:
Henry Mitchell Fellow 2017
University of Missouri/ University of the Western Cape
A special word of thanks to Ms. Debra Lamson and her colleagues at my home University, The University of the Western Cape. Ms Lamson believed in my potential when she selected me for the program and supported me throughout the entire journey. Similarly, thanks to Prof Uphoff, Mr. David Currey, Ms Kristen Colbretch, Ms Carol from Reslife, The LGBTQI Resource Centre, my professors and everyone who supported me and looked after me at the University of Missouri.Student Exchange Programme: Henry Mitchell
University of Missouri/ University of the Western Cape
During my time in South Africa I was afforded an opportunity of a lifetime. Through this enriching opportunity I meet new people and built life-long relationships with a group of extraordinary people. I am extremely grateful to the UM UWC partnership and the Henry Mitchell Scholarship fund for making this experience possible. Thank you Dr. Meuser, for allowing me to join this project and for valuing my skills and my voice. This trip has helped me grow beyond what I could have ever imagined in terms of educational experience, cultural immersion and competency, and awareness of the self and others.
What We Offer
We provide information, guidance, and administrative support for:
Your resource for international teaching, training, and professional development opportunities!
We support academic and administrative staff in pursuing enriching mobility experiences that contribute to their personal growth, professional development, and the internationalisation of our institution.
A variety of international scholarship opportunities are available for students to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies abroad. These opportunities are supported by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) through partnerships with foreign governments and institutions.
A European Union programme enabling students and staff to study or teach abroad at partner universities. The Erasmus+ programme offers grants that cover travel and a monthly stipend, which covers accommodation and living allowance.
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Arriving in a country to commence an academic programme at an international university can be an overwhelming and daunting experience.