Celebrate Diversity - Share Knowledge:
Welcome to South Africa
Septemberschool from 30.08.2026 - 12.09.2026 in Cape Town
The German University Consortium for International Cooperation (DHIK) is an association of 37 universities in German-speaking countries that jointly run exchange and double degree programs with foreign universities.
The Technological Higher Education Network South Africa (THENSA) is a catalyst consortium that supports member institutions through technology-focused teaching and learning, applied research, innovation, and entrepreneurial ecosystems, enabling societal transformation.
Together we want to break new grounds and are offering a summer school in September 2026.
Be one of the first participants of this pioneering partnership at the Cape Peninsula University of Technologie (CPUT) in Cape Town!
The application phase for the Septemberschool 2026 has ended. We assume that there will also be a Septemberschool in South Africa in 2027. More information will be available here in October.
We will try our best to make your module wishes possible. However, we ask for your understanding that due to time and organizational reasons, not all module combinations will be available.
ECTS
The specified ECTS reflect the workload.
Complete participation in the program described below is a prerequisite for receiving a confirmation of attendance with the award of the ECTS. If you do not take part in all events, you will only receive a confirmation of attendance without the award of the ECTS. If you are unable to attend through no fault of your own, please contact us immediately to clarify the awarding of the the ECTS.
It is not up to us to decide whether the ECTS awarded will be recognized at your university. Please clarify this with your faculty before applying.
Grades
Your performance (participation, study assignments, reports, exams,…) will be graded.
Hochschule Esslingen Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Preliminary Programme
Physical Period: 30.08.2026 - 12.09.2026:
The physical phase will take place in Cape Town.
The university that will be hosting you is CPUT (Cape Peninsula University of Technology) at Granger Bay Campus. In addition to the academic programme, we also offer a social and cultural programme.
Arrival & Welcome 30.08.2026
When
Where
What
Sunday, 30.08.2026 - all day-
Arrival, shuttle from airport to Hotel (times will be communicated via Whats App), withdrawal cash, obtainance SIM card
Shuttle for those students, not attending Module 5 Transfer to the hotel
13:15 - 14:45
Room 1
Module 5: (1/6) Global Sustainability Actions: Gamification “Sustain2030 - Plan B”
15:00
Depart from CPUT - Granger Bay
Transfer to the hotel
Tuesday, 01.09.2026 - Celebrate Spring Day and wear you fanciest “Flower Power” gear
When
Where
What
6:30 - 8:15
Hotel
Breakfast
8:25
Meeting point: reception at the Hotel
Transfer to CPUT - Granger Bay Campus
Students of Module 1, 3, 4
9:30 - 11:00
Room 220
Module 1: (1/6) Cognitive Robotics in the Age of AI: Shaping a Sustainable Future with Intelligent Machines
11:15 - 12:45
Room 220
Room 221
Module 3: (1/6) Sustainability-oriented Management Control & Accounting
Module 4: (1/6) Renewable Energy
11:45
Meeting point: reception at the Hotel
Transfer to CPUT - Granger Bay Campus
Students of Module 5
12:45 - 13:30
CPUT - Granger Bay
lunch
13:30
Depart from CPUT - Granger Bay
Shuttle for those students, not attending Module 5
Transfer to the hotel
13:30 - 15:00
Room 220
Module 5: (2/6) Global Sustainability Actions: Gamification “Sustain2030 - Plan B”
15:15
Depart from CPUT - Granger Bay
Transfer to the hotel
Wednesday, 02.09.2026 - Hump Day
When
Where
What
6:30 - 8:15
Hotel
Breakfast
8:25
Meeting point: reception at the Hotel
Transfer to CPUT - Granger Bay Campus
Students of Module 2, 3, 4
9:30 - 11:00
Room 1
Module 2: (1/6) Sustainable tourism through user-centered platform development – Kano method & Outdooractive
11:15 - 12:45
Room 1
Room 2
Module 3: (2/6) Sustainability-oriented Management Control & Accounting
Module 4: (2/6) Renewable Energy
11:45
Meeting point: reception at the Hotel
Transfer to CPUT - Granger Bay Campus
Students of Module 5
12:45 - 13:30
CPUT - Granger Bay
lunch
13:30 - 14:15
CPUT - Granger Bay
International Coffee Break (Host: DHIK) You are kindly requested to bring a treat, such as sweets, candy, or non-perishable goodies, from your home region to share during this break
14:15
Depart from CPUT - Granger Bay
Shuttle for those students, not attending Module 5
Transfer to the hotel
14:15 - 15:45
Room 1
Module 5: (3/6) Global Sustainability Actions: Gamification “Sustain2030 - Plan B”
16:00
Depart from CPUT - Granger Bay
Transfer to the hotel
Thursday, 03.09.2026 - Company Visits and Cook-off
When
Whe
What
6:30 - 8:15
Hotel
Breakfast
8:25
Meeting point: reception at the Hotel
Transfer to CPUT - Granger Bay Campus
Students of Module 1 and 2
9:30 - 11:00
Room 219
Module 1: (2/6) Cognitive Robotics in the Age of AI: Shaping a Sustainable Future with Intelligent Machines
11:15 - 12:45
Room 219
Module 2: (2/6) Sustainable tourism through user-centered platform development – Kano method & Outdooractive
Cook-off and Dinner 2 teams - 2 kitchens Who will win: vegatarian Pasta or something meaty ? (Beverages on your own account)
Don't forget to bring your kitchen apron (Küchenschürze)
Friday, 04.09.2026 - T-Shirt Day
When
Where
What
6:30 - 8:15
Hotel
Breakfast
8:25
Meeting point: reception at the Hotel
Transfer to CPUT - Granger Bay Campus
Students of Module 2, 3, 4
9:30 - 11:00
Room 219
Module 2: (3/6) Sustainable tourism through user-centered platform development – Kano method & Outdooractive
11:15 - 12:45
Room 219
Room 220
Module 3: (3/6) Sustainability-oriented Management Control & Accounting
Module 4: (3/6) Renewable Energy
11:45
Meeting point: reception at the Hotel
Transfer to CPUT - Granger Bay Campus
for the afternoon programme
12:30 - 13:00
CPUT - Granger Bay
lunch
13:30
Depart from CPUT - Granger Bay
Boulders - Beach Excursion: Home of a unique and endangered colony of African Penguins
Week-end:
When
Where
What
Saturday, 05.09.2026 - 8:30
Depart from hotel
Red bus: Cape Town City Sightseeing Tour We will start our day at the V&A Waterfront. The city tour will include a stop at Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden and alight lunch at Hout Bay.
afternoon: 'Shop ‘til you drop’ at V&A Waterfront We will have time to explore the various shops and restaurants before heading back to the hotel
Sunday, 06.09.2026
Sleep in, enjoy the beach, self-organized excursions on your own expense, e.g. Robben Island, Cable Car on table mountain,..
Leisure Day
Monday, 07.09.2026
When
Where
What
6:30 - 8:15
Hotel
Breakfast
8:25
Meeting point: reception at the Hotel
Transfer to CPUT - Granger Bay Campus
Students of Module 1, 2
9:30 - 11:00
Room 219
Module 2: (4/6) Sustainable tourism through user-centered platform development – Kano method & Outdooractive
11:15 - 12:45
Room 219
Module 1: (3/6) Cognitive Robotics in the Age of AI: Shaping a Sustainable Future with Intelligent Machines
11:45
Meeting point: reception at the Hotel
Transfer to CPUT - Granger Bay Campus
Students of Module 5
12:45 - 13:30
CPUT - Granger Bay
lunch
13:30
Depart from CPUT - Granger Bay
Shuttle for those students, not attending Module 5
Transfer to the hotel
13:30 - 15:00
Room 219
Module 5: (4/6) Global Sustainability Actions: Gamification “Sustain2030 - Plan B”
15:15
Depart from CPUT - Granger Bay
Transfer to the hotel
18:00
Hotel
Game Night at Tyger Show us your favorite card/board game and have fun with your fellow students
Tuesday, 08.09.2026
When
Where
What
6:30 - 8:15
Hotel
Breakfast
8:25
Meeting point: reception at the Hotel
Transfer to CPUT - Granger Bay Campus
Students of Module 1, 3, 4
9:30 - 11:00
Room 219
Module 1: (4/6) Cognitive Robotics in the Age of AI: Shaping a Sustainable Future with Intelligent Machines
11:15 - 12:45
Room 1
Room 2
Module 3: (4/6) Sustainability-oriented Management Control & Accounting
Module 4: (4/6) Renewable Energy
11:45
Meeting point: reception at the Hotel
Transfer to CPUT - Granger Bay Campus
Students of Module 2, 5
12:45 - 13:30
CPUT - Granger Bay
lunch
13:30 - 15:00
Room 219
Module 5: (5/6) Global Sustainability Actions: Gamification “Sustain2030 - Plan B”
15:15
Depart from CPUT - Granger Bay
Transfer to the hotel
15:15 - 16:45
Room 219
Module 2: (5/6) Sustainable tourism through user-centered platform development – Kano method & Outdooractive
17:00
Depart from CPUT - Granger Bay
Transfer to the hotel
Wednesday, 09.09.2026 - Hump Day
When
Where
What
6:30 - 8:15
Hotel
Breakfast
8:25
Meeting point: reception at the Hotel
Transfer to CPUT - Granger Bay Campus
Students of Module 1, 3, 4
9:30 - 11:00
Room 219
Module 1: (5/6) Cognitive Robotics in the Age of AI: Shaping a Sustainable Future with Intelligent Machines
11:15 - 12:45
Room 1
Room 2
Module 3: (5/6) Sustainability-oriented Management Control & Accounting
Module 4: (5/6) Renewable Energy
11:45
Meeting point: reception at the Hotel
Transfer to CPUT - Granger Bay Campus
Students of Module 2, 5
12:45 - 14:30
CPUT - Granger Bay
International Lunch (Host: THENSA) with a special surprise
14:45 - 16:15
Room 219
Module 5: (6/6) Global Sustainability Actions: Gamification “Sustain2030 - Plan B”
16:30
Depart from CPUT - Granger Bay
Transfer to the hotel
16:30 - 18:00
Room 219
Module 2: (6/6) Sustainable tourism through user-centered platform development – Kano method & Outdooractive
18:15
Depart from CPUT - Granger Bay
Transfer to the hotel
Thursday, 10.09.2026 - SAGGS Opening, T-Shirt Day, Company Visit
When
Where
What
6:30 - 7:45
Hotel
Breakfast
7:50
Meeting point: reception at the Hotel
Transfer to CPUT - Granger Bay Campus
Students of Module 1, 3, 4
8:45 - 10:15
Room 219
Module 1: (6/6) Cognitive Robotics in the Age of AI: Shaping a Sustainable Future with Intelligent Machines
10:20 - 11:50
Room 1
Room 2
Module 3: (6/6) Sustainability-oriented Management Control & Accounting
Module 4: (6/6) Renewable Energy
10:45
Meeting point: reception at the Hotel
Transfer to CPUT - Granger Bay Campus
for the afternoon programme
12:00 - 13:00
CPUT - Granger Bay
SAGGS Ceremonial Opening with group photo
13:00 - 14:00
CPUT - Granger Bay: Kiosk
lunch
14:15 - 17:00
Shuttle to the Company Depart from CPUT - Granger Bay
Transfer to the hotel Transfer to the airport (CPT) for those, who are leaving us
18:15
Hotel
Farewell Braai
Departure
When
Where
What
Saturday, 12.09.2026 -all day-
pick-up at hotel
Check-out, transfer to the airport (departure-slots will be communicated)
Programme is subject to change.
Attendance and ECTS:
Complete participation in the programme is a prerequisite for receiving a confirmation of attendance with the award of the ECTS. If you do not take part in all events, you will only receive a confirmation of attendance without the award of the ECTS. If you are unable to attend through no fault of your own, please contact us immediately to clarify the awarding of the the ECTS.
It is not up to us to decide whether the ECTS awarded will be recognized at your university. Please clarify this with your faculty before applying.
preliminary programme
The exams take place during this period:
Which module
What /How
When
Module 1 Cognitive Robotics in the Age of AI: Shaping a Sustainable Future with Intelligent Machines
Study Assignment / Report
Submission by Saturday, 26.09.2026; 23:59 bwSync
Module 2 Sustainable Tourism through user-centered platform development – Kano method & Outdooractive
Study Assignment
Submission by Saturday, 26.09.2026; 23:59 bwSync
Module 3 Sustainability-oriented Management Control & Accounting
Open book exam via zoom
Saturday, 26.09.2026 10:00 - 11:30
Module 4 Renewable Energy
Study Assignment
Submission by Saturday, 26.09.2026; 23:59 bwSync
Module 5 Global Sustainability Actions: Gamification "Sustain2030 - Plan B"
Study Assignment
Submission by Monday, 28.09.2026; 23:59 bwSync
Attendance and ECTS:
Complete participation in the programme is a prerequisite for receiving a confirmation of attendance with the award of the 2 ECTS/module. If you do not take part in all events, you will only receive a confirmation of attendance without the award of the ECTS. If you are unable to attend through no fault of your own, please contact us immediately to clarify the awarding of the the ECTS.
It is not up to us to decide whether the ECTS awarded will be recognized at your university. Please clarify this with your faculty before applying.
We want to show you the highlights of the Cape Town Region:
There are 2 official excursions which are mandatory included in your programme and therefore are free of charge
1. Red Bus (Private Day Tour)
Explore all the top and lesser-known iconic monuments and famous landmarks on our Cape Town sightseeing bus tours. Our own private tour allows us to explore the best of this city, at your own pace. With over 20 highlights, you'll have plenty of opportunities to explore the Cape Town landmarks and attractions that appeal to you in this award-winning city! Cape Town is the country's oldest city and the seat of the Parliament of South Africa. Although it is the second largest city of South Africa, after Johannesburg, it is known for its habour and its natural setting. This is why Cape Town was named the best place in the world to visit by the New York Times. Our Red Bus will stop at
As part of the Cape Floristic Region Protected Area, that was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this garden is one of the great botanic gardens of the world. Run by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), it contributes to South Africa's sustainable developement by facilitating access to biodiversity areas.
is the oldest wine estate in South Africa, which is testimony of how one man’s love for wine established South Africa’s first wine farm in 1685. In a word, their wines are from rich African soil, crafted to perfection. Groot Constantia memories are part of literature and heritage and embodies the timeless endeavour to perfection.
Enjoy the most beautiful bay in the world, stroll through Bay Habor Market and try traditional lunch at Mariner's Wharf Habourfront Emporium: - Fish & Chips or - Salad roll & Chips (for vegatarians)
2. Boulders Beach Excursion (half-day tour)
Have you always wanted to see penguins in the wilderness? Boulders Beach is located in Simon's Town and home of a unique and endangered land-based colony of African Penguins..
Individual Tours on your own expense in your free time:
We also want to make sure that you have enough free time to explore the region on your own. A list of further attractions and acitivities, that we highly recommend, will be provided to participants in advance. Additional excursions are optional and may be organised if there is sufficent interest on your own expenses
Once a leper colony and animal quarantine station, the Island is most known for its dark chapter as a prison for political prisoners during apartheid where notably Nelson Mandela spent 27 years incarcerated. Following the fall of apartheid, this Island transformed into a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a powerful symbol of resilience. Today, visitors can explore the island and learn about its complex past through guided tours. Robben Island, the unique symbol of “the triumph of the human spirit over adversity, suffering and injustice” with a rich 500 year old multi-layered history, is visited every year by thousands of people eager to understand and honour the important aspects of South Africa’s history that the Island represents.
is one of the most well-known mountains in Africa. It provides a magnificent view to cosmopolitan Cape Town. Take the lift to explore one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.
Explore this neighbourhood and enjoy the nightlife at the fun places of Cape Town. There are a wide variety of attractions and activities to enjoy on the property. From heritage landmarks to more leisurely pursuits. Fun for all ages: Food, drinks, stores, shops and attractions: Make your experience to new heights with the Wheel’s elevated views across Granger Bay, Robben Island, Table Mountain, Signal Hill, and the Cape Town Stadium.
A stay in South Africa is only complete with a visit to the famous Cape of Good Hope. At the southern tip of the Cape Peninsula lies the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. Here you can enjoy magnificent views of the sea at Africa's southwesternmost point – this is a true place of freedom!
Boat Based Whale Watching Experience at Hermanus Bay (on your own)
Experience a trip on the ocean surrounding Hermanus, known as the whale watching capital of the world. Spend time looking for these majestic creatures and observing them in their natural habitat.
Sunset Cruise (on your own)
Admire the sunset from the deck of a luxury catamaran off the beautiful Cape coast on this 1.5-hour cruise. Relax on board with a glass of Prosecco, and keep an eye out for marine life as you sail.
Wine-tasting (on your own)
Germany has the best beer in the wold, but South Africa has the best wine in the world. So you have to experience an exceptional wine tasting while enjoying the serene surroundigs in some of the most exclusive farms. Try out the Durbanville Wine Tasting Tour, the Franchook Tram or Groot Constantia.
We hope that there will also be time to mix and mingle and make friends during social activities according to the motto: Celebrate Diversity - Share Knowledge!
Datenschutzhinweise zur Datenverarbeitung gemäß Art. 13 DSGVO
Informationen zur Verarbeitung Ihrer Angaben, Ihre Widerspruchs- und weitere Rechte, erhalten Sie in unserer Datenschutzerklärung.
Ergänzend zu diesen allgemeinen Datenschutzhinweisen möchten wir Sie über spezielle Datenschutzhinweise im Rahmen der Septemberschool informieren:
Welche Daten werden erhoben und wie lange werden Ihre Daten gespeichert?
Im Rahmen der Bewerbung zur Septemberschool werden die Daten erhoben, die Sie uns im Bewerbungsformular übermitteln. Wir verarbeiten und speichern Ihre personenbezogenen Daten, solange dies für die Erfüllung unserer vertraglichen und gesetzlichen Pflichten erforderlich ist. Sind die Daten für die Erfüllung vertraglicher oder gesetzlicher Pflichten nicht mehr erforderlich, werden diese gelöscht. Bewerber:innendaten von Personen, die nicht zur Septemberschool zugelassen werden oder ihre Bewerbung zurückziehen werden unverzüglich gelöscht. Bewerber:innendaten von Personen, die eine Zulassung zur Septemberschool erhalten, werden als Teilnehmendendaten weitergeführt und nach Beendigung der Septemberschool gelöscht.
Welche Rechte können Sie als Betroffene geltend machen?
Ihre Rechte sind in o.g. Datenschutzerklärung dargestellt. Hierzu können Sie sich gerne wenden an: Kerstin Knieriemen
Einverständnis Foto-, Film- und Tonaufnahmen
Durch Ihre Teilnahme zur Septemberschool erklären Sie sich damit einverstanden, dass während der Veranstaltung Foto-, Film- und Tonaufnahmen angefertigt werden. Diese werden für Zwecke der Berichterstattung und der Öffentlichkeitsarbeit verwertet.
Am vergangenen Wochenende war es dann wieder soweit:
41 Studierende aus 15 deutschen Hochschulen aus dem DHIK-Netzwerk (Deutsches Hochschulkonsortium für Internationale Kooperationen) waren nach Kapstadt gereist um gemeinsam mit 11 Studierenden des THENSA-Netzwerks (Technological Higher Education Network South Africa) an der THENSA & DHIK Septemberschool teilzunehmen.
Der Auftakt erfolgte am Montag mit einer feierlichen Begrüßung am wunderschön direkt an der Atlantikküste gelegenen Granger Bay Campus der CPUT (Cape Peninsula University of Technology). Nach einer virtuellen Vorbereitungsphase folgen hier nun 2 Wochen an akademischem Programm mit dem Fokus auf „Sustainable Development – A holistic approach“.
Mit diesem Blick auf einen ganzheitlichen Ansatz ist es gelungen, insgesamt 5 verschiedene Module zum Thema Nachhaltigkeit anzubieten, sodass die akademischen Inhalte erweitert werden konnte auf die Bereiche Künstliche Intelligenz, Tourismus, Management, Energie und einem Gamification-Modul mit „Sustain2030 – Plan B“, bei dem alle o.g. Nachhaltigkeitsthemen vereint werden.
Eine bereichernde Besonderheit bei dieser Sommerschool ist, dass auch südafrikanische Professoren:innen Module bzw. Vorlesungen übernehmen, was den ganzheitlichen Ansatz betont. Neben dem akademischen Programm sind auch einige Exkursionen in das Umland geplant, sowie der Kontakt zu einigen ortsansässige Unternehmen.
Ein besonderer Dank gilt dieses Jahr der Hotel School (Faculty of Business and Management Sciences) für ihre Gastfreundschaft.
