Accounting Schools and Programs in South Africa

Accounting Studies in South Africa

Victoria & Alfred WaterfrontStudying accounting in South Africa as a participant in a study abroad program offers students much more than just a world-class education, it also affords them the opportunity to explore one of the most fascinating regions on the African continent.  Officially known as the Republic of South Africa, it is located on the southern tip of Africa, surrounded by the neighboring countries of Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe to the north; Mozambique and Swaziland to the east; and Lesotho, which is an enclave surrounded by South African territory.  South Africa is the 25^th largest country in the world by total area, and the 24^th largest country in the world by population, home to approximately 53 million people according to the last census.  Three cities share the duty of serving as South Africa’s capital, each representing a separate branch of government:  Cape Town (legislative), Pretoria (executive) and Bloemfontein (judicial).  Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa by population.

Accounting Education in South Africa

Accounting is an important area of study within South Africa’s excellent system of higher education and is offered as a degree program at most of its major colleges and universities.  One of these institutions is the University of Cape Town (UCT), where accounting studies are offered at both the undergraduate and graduate level. 
 
The college of accounting at UCT was founded in 1921 and its professional focus is and has always been underpinned by sound academic success.  Graduates of the UCT program of accounting are in high demand by the accounting profession and other businesses, and can be found in senior positions in the financial capitals of the world.
 
The undergraduate program in accounting typically spans four to five years in duration, depending on the student and the institution, while the graduate degree program lasts an additional two to three years following successful completion of the undergraduate degree.
The goal at UCT is to engender among its students life-long learning.  They provide their graduates with sound technical skills, coupled with the ability to apply these skills in settings that require a broader understanding of the issues. Students are expected to work hard, read widely, and to engage in substantial self-learning. Interpretative, analytical, and communication development is high on the school’s list of priorities, and as a result, students are required to complete a several carefully designed projects in each year of their studies.

Why Study in South Africa

Although the excellent education students receive while studying accounting in South Africa is reason enough to choose the country as a study abroad destination, there are actually a number of other reasons for placing this locale high on the list of potential study sites.  Here are just a few things that make South Africa such an interesting and enjoyable place to visit:
 
Affordability

Traditional study abroad locales—the United States, Canada, the UK, etc.—have plenty to offer students studying abroad.  However, these places tend to be quite expensive, and in our current economy who needs extra expenses?  South Africa, on the other hand, from its tuition costs to the low cost of living, is much more affordable, while still offering many of the enjoyable amenities that are popular among students.

Beauty, Beauty and More Beauty

South Africa is a beautiful country with a very diverse geography.  Here you can spend hours enjoying the various flora and fauna in the country’s mountains, forest, deserts and coastlines, and take part in any number of outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, hiking, camping, and more.

Eco-cruise at St. Lucia Estuary

If you happen to visit the St. Lucia area of South Africa you simply must check out the St. Lucia Estuary, home to an incredible array of biodiversity, with habitats including coral reefs, savannas, mangrove swamps and rare and delicate subtropical dune forests. An eco-cruise, which allows you to explore this national park, will uncover a unique natural world unlike anything you have ever seen.

Featherbed Nature Reserve

Considered the crown jewel of the Garden Route, Featherbed Nature Reserve is an absolutely stunning sight, one that is only accessible by boat. On the tour there, travelers enjoy a scenic 4-by-4 ride to the top of a promontory overlooking the ocean. There they will have the opportunity to behold the enchanted sights of the pristine forests and the sounds of waves crashing against the rocks far below.