Build your future in one of Africa’s leading innovation hubs. Cape Town has a thriving tech start-up scene, with companies innovating in e-commerce, insure-tech, retail-tech, digital connectivity, capital markets, data analytics, blockchain, and more.
This internship offers hands-on experience at the intersection of business, technology, and entrepreneurship — giving you the chance to work alongside start-ups, growing companies, and mission-driven organisations in fast-paced, innovative environments. Through IE3 Global’s collaboration with VACorps, students are matched with high-quality, personalised placements tailored to their academic background, professional interests, and regional preference.
The following organisations are examples of where you may be placed. Placement decisions are based on the skills and interests of the intern, the needs of the host site, and position availability.
Shackleton Brewing Company
A Cape Town craft brewery inspired by exploration and innovation — offering insight into entrepreneurship in the food and beverage industry and how creative brands are built and scaled.
Port Commercial
A Cape Town real estate agency specialising in commercial property sales and leasing. Interns gain exposure to property development, client relations, and business negotiations.
Cape Town has a thriving tech and start-up culture, with opportunities spanning e-commerce, fin-tech, insure-tech, retail-tech, digital connectivity, capital markets, data and behavioural analytics, blockchain, and more. VACorps facilitates placements with companies and organisations that leverage innovation to empower entrepreneurs, drive social impact, and contribute to South Africa's growing economy.
Fin-Tech Internships
With many people in Africa lacking access to traditional banking, the fin-tech industry is rapidly expanding. Interns gain hands-on experience with companies increasing financial inclusivity through accessible, affordable solutions, relevant to students of finance, business, or computer science.
Software Development Internships
VACorps partners with non-profits, start-ups, and established tech firms in civic-tech, fin-tech, insure-tech, retail-tech, and social-tech. Interns build on existing skills in languages such as Python, C, C++, JavaScript, and Java, while working in a culturally unique business environment.
Tech Start-Up Internships
Interns may be placed with organisations such as Shackleton Brewing Company, a craft brewery that exemplifies entrepreneurial creativity and brand building, or Port Commercial, a real estate firm where interns explore entrepreneurship through property development and client relations. These placements provide real-world exposure to how businesses grow, adapt, and thrive in competitive markets.
Academic Background
Skills
Language Requirements
Estimated One-Time Expenses
* Check with your university's Global Opportunities Office for their specific fee.
Estimated Monthly Expenses
The Host Site Fee Includes
Interns are accommodated in fully furnished, student-oriented housing located in Observatory — one of Cape Town's most vibrant and culturally diverse neighbourhoods. Known locally as "Obz," this area is popular among students and young professionals for its lively atmosphere, cafés, and creative energy. Each intern has a private, fully furnished room and shares common living spaces, including a kitchen, lounge, bathroom, and laundry facilities.
Housing includes 24-hour security and regular housekeeping, with a housekeeper visiting at least twice a week, ensuring a safe and comfortable environment. Interns pay a $100 cleaning fee and a $250 refundable housing deposit directly to the housing company (refunded if no damage occurs).
Wi-Fi is available at $20 per month for up to two devices, though speed and reliability may not match US standards. Other utility costs are split among housemates. The central location offers easy access to the city centre, beaches, and surrounding natural attractions, making it both convenient and culturally engaging.
From navigating "African Time" in the workplace and cultural conversations around language, to rugby pride, safety awareness, and the deep social impacts of apartheid, Max Loar shares what it's really like to live and intern in Cape Town.
"Living in Cape Town has challenged many of my assumptions — not just about South Africa, but about myself and the impact of America on other cultures."
—Max Loar, IE3 intern from Oregon State University
"The most important thing I took away was the relationships I formed. It is great to know that you can go halfway across the world to a country where you don't know anyone and end up making so many wonderful friendships."
—Ross Druckrey, IE3 intern from University of Oregon
"The number one thing I have achieved personally is confidence — in both my work and myself — which will prove priceless in the years following graduation."
—Alex Hoelscher, IE3 intern from University of Montana
Important note: Because this is an individualised placement, applicants must describe in their cover letters the specific type of work and organisation that interests them. While we cannot guarantee to meet all of an applicant's wishes, the more information we have, the better a fit we are able to find.
Interns will be living in Observatory and will be supported by local host organisation Volunteer Adventure Corps (VAC). Living in Obz and experiencing its cultural and political energy will help interns better understand the complexities of the "new" South Africa.
Observatory is popular among the international student and volunteer community because it is located halfway between the city centre and the False Bay coastline. Visitors have a wide selection of outdoor activities to choose from, including hiking, surfing, scuba diving, golfing, outdoor concerts, and wine tasting. Cape Town is surrounded by oceans and is home to many beautiful beaches. The city centre, known to Capetonians as the "bowl", is the ideal place for cultural excursions. This programme offers a unique opportunity to gain professional experience while living and working in one of the world's most iconic cities.
Fall: April 15
Winter: September 15
Spring: November 15
Summer:
- Open to all majors; relevant experience in chosen industry preferred (coursework, volunteer work, and professional work experience)
- Sense of professionalism and strong work ethic