The cost of studying at the University of Cape Town (UCT) depends on your faculty and programme. UCT's fees handbook lists typical first-year tuition fees to help first-time applicants plan. The figures below come from UCT's 2026 fees handbook, and they are guidelines rather than exact amounts.
Typical first-year tuition in 2026
- BCom: R62,340 to R110,580
- BCom specialising in Actuarial Science: R110,580
- BBusSc: R77,460 to R110,580
- BSc (Engineering): R82,820 to R89,780
- Bachelor of Architectural Studies: R75,610
- MBChB (Medicine): R113,510
- BSc Physiotherapy: R84,000
- BA and BSocSc: R79,000
- Bachelor of Social Work: R69,200
- Undergraduate LLB: R80,410
- BSc: R87,000, or R46,000 for the first year of the extended degree
The first payment
South African citizens and permanent residents had to make a first payment of R34,500 towards their academic fees by 6 February 2026. Late payment carries a one-off surcharge of 5%. This applies even if you plan to register after that date. UCT does not issue detailed statements before the first payment date, so it is up to you to pay on time. The balance of all fees was due by 31 July 2026.
Residence fees
Living in a UCT residence needs its own first payment. In 2026, this was R44,500 for a catering residence and R29,500 for a self-catering residence, due by 6 February with a 5% late surcharge. The balance of residence fees was due by 31 July, and UCT charges interest of 1% a month on outstanding fees. If you leave a residence during the first semester, you pay a pro-rata charge plus a R500 cancellation fee.
Living costs
Cape Town is an expensive place to live, and UCT's handbook gives these estimates for 2026:
- Board and lodging outside residence: about R133,960 a year, or R147,280 for medical students
- Meals in a self-catering residence: about R37,800 a year, or R45,000 for Health Sciences students
- Books and stationery: about R10,000
- Laptop: about R9,500
- Transport, pocket money and sundries: about R10,000
If you live in a catering residence but choose a smaller meal plan, budget an extra R9,600 to R12,420 a year for meals elsewhere.
International students
Students from outside South Africa, including SADC countries, follow separate fee rules and pay an international term fee on top of tuition. SADC students who pay local fees also pay a SADC administrative fee of R5,600 before registration. Check the international section of the fees handbook before you plan your budget.
Funding your studies
Qualifying students can apply for NSFAS, and UCT offers entrance scholarships and financial aid. Browse our bursaries, or read the UCT overview.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the UCT first payment?
In 2026, South African students paid R34,500 by 6 February, with a 5% surcharge for late payment.
How much does medicine cost at UCT?
Typical first-year MBChB tuition was R113,510 in 2026.
When are UCT fees due?
The balance of all fees was due by 31 July 2026.