In South Africa, the people are friendly, the weather is warm, and the landscape is breathtaking. It's a country of contrasts where you can have it all - from oceans and mountains to semi-deserts and forests to thorny bush and savannahs. When you study in South Africa, you'll be treated to a beautiful blend of tradition and modernity. Where else can you go angling, hiking, biking, and ostrich riding?!

A Popular Tourist Destination
South Africa has become a top tourist destination, attracting more than eight million visitors in 2006. In the 2006 Condé Nast Traveler U.S. Readers' Choice Survey, South Africa was rated the fifth favorite country for vacationing, and Cape Town was voted the eighth best city in the world and number one in Africa and the Middle East.

A Land of Biodiversity
With the third highest level of biodiversity in the world, South Africa boasts eight World Heritage sites. It is the only country with an entire floral kingdom; some 18,000 plant species grow within its boundaries, 80 percent of which occur nowhere else in the world. Plus, South Africa is home to more mammal species than in Europe and Asia combined. The country also boasts more than 900 species of birds, more than 100 types of snakes, and about 5,000 species of spiders. There are 22 national parks, some 200 provincial reserves, and scores of private game parks.

A Cultural Mecca
Not only that, South Africa also features a fascinating mix of African, Asian, and European cultures in its art, dance, fashion, film, literature, music, and theater. South Africa has become a top site for filming international movies; its locally produced films and music are garnering global awards; and its fusion fashion is making a distinctive mark on the world.

Study Abroad in South Africa
All of this makes South Africa an increasingly popular study abroad destination. In fact, South Africa is currently one of the top 20 study abroad destinations for American students. There are nearly 54,000 foreign students attending the country's 23 public universities, comprising more than 7 percent of the total higher education student population. When you study in South Africa, you will gain an accredited higher education experience in an irresistibly diverse environment. And you don't have to worry about a language barrier - though South Africa has 11 official languages, English is spoken by most people.

The Structure of Higher Education in South Africa
Higher education in South Africa consists of three types of public institutions: traditional research-focused universities offering bachelor's degrees; universities of technology that award certificates, diplomas, and degrees in technology; and comprehensive universities that offer bachelor's degrees as well as technology qualifications.

The nearly 80 private colleges in South Africa are small and focused on such fields as alternative therapies, beauty, business and management, commercial arts, information technology, media and marketing, theology, and tourism.

When you study in South Africa, you'll get a world-class education at a fraction of the cost of education in the industrialized world. The country's multicultural population, rich natural and ecological resources, and inspiring history offer a captivating backdrop for your higher education pursuits.