University of Cape Town (UCT)

The University of Cape Town, known as UCT, is South Africa's oldest university and one of its most selective. It traces its roots to 1829 and became a full university in 1918. Today, it teaches about 29,400 students from its main campus on the slopes of Devil's Peak and several satellite sites around Cape Town.

About UCT

UCT began as the South African College, a school for boys, in 1829. It grew into a university over the following decades, and it received full university status in 1918. That long history makes it the oldest university in the country.

The university is large and international. In 2025, it registered 29,427 students, according to its own figures. Most were South African, while more than 1,100 came from outside Africa and over 2,200 from other SADC countries.

Faculties and campuses

UCT teaches through six faculties: Commerce; Engineering and the Built Environment; Health Sciences; Humanities; Law; and Science. Its main campus sits on the Groote Schuur Estate in Rondebosch. The Faculty of Health Sciences is in Observatory, near Groote Schuur Hospital, while the Hiddingh campus in Gardens houses fine art, film, media and drama. The Graduate School of Business uses the Breakwater campus on the V&A Waterfront.

Applying to UCT

UCT opens applications for the following year in April. For the 2027 intake, its applicants page gave 1 April 2026 as the opening date, and undergraduate applications had closed by the end of September 2026. So if you missed this round, plan for the next one from April 2027.

The application fee is R100 for applicants from SADC countries, including South Africa, and R300 for applicants from outside the region. You pay it after UCT acknowledges your application. Selection is competitive, so meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee a place.

Fees and funding

Fees depend on your faculty and your courses. UCT publishes a fees booklet each year, and you should budget for residence or private accommodation as well, since Cape Town rentals are high. Qualifying students can apply for NSFAS, which funds students at all 26 public universities. You can also browse our bursaries for funding that covers UCT.

Contacting UCT

For admissions questions, email admissions@uct.ac.za or call 021 650 2128. The university's general line is 021 650 9111, and its postal address is Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, 7701.

Before you apply to UCT

UCT reads applications in the context of your full school record, and many programmes set specific subject levels on top of a minimum score. So check the requirements for your exact degree in the undergraduate prospectus, and compare them with your Grade 11 and Grade 12 results. Apply as soon as the window opens in April, since some faculties fill their places quickly. Keep your acknowledgement letter, because you need it to pay the application fee.