The University of Cape Town (UCT) offers honours degrees, postgraduate diplomas, coursework and research master's degrees, and PhDs across its faculties and the Graduate School of Business. Postgraduate applications go through UCT's online application platform, and UCT publishes its Directions for Postgraduate Applicants each year with faculty and programme details. Here is how it works, based on UCT's official pages.
Closing dates for 2027
Applications for 2027 opened on 1 April 2026. Most postgraduate programmes that contain coursework closed on 30 September 2026, with exceptions listed in the 2027 Directions for Postgraduate Applicants. For example, Engineering and the Built Environment lists 31 October for most of its taught programmes. Research-only programmes remain open until 31 December 2027.
How to apply
- Read the Directions for Postgraduate Applicants for your faculty and programme.
- For a research degree, contact the head of the department, school or section about your topic and supervision.
- Apply online through UCT's application platform. PhD applications are made through the relevant faculty office.
- Upload your documents and check your postgraduate application status online.
The Doctoral Degrees Board Office publishes general information for doctoral candidates.
Fees in 2026
UCT's postgraduate fees depend on the programme and electives. In 2026, for example, a humanities honours with four honours courses and a research essay cost R58,600, and a PhD cost about R28,440 to R28,500 a year. UCT gives a rebate on the annual fee when a master's dissertation is submitted early in its second or later year, or a doctoral thesis early in its third or later year. In 2026, the rebate was 75% for submission before 12:00 on 7 April.
NRF funding
The NRF funds honours, master's and doctoral students at UCT. Its minimum academic requirement is 65% in the previous degree. Full Cost of Study funding goes to South Africans and permanent residents who are financially needy, with a household income of R350,000 a year or less, who live with a disability, or who are exceptional achievers. Coursework-only degrees, and some professional degrees with a research weighting below 50%, are not eligible. You apply on the NRF Connect system, with no manual applications. At master's level, you should name a supervisor, or the head of department who will guarantee one.
UCT funding deadlines
- NRF Honours (General): UCT's internal closing date for 2027 was 15 November 2026
- UCT Postgraduate Financial Aid Bursary for 2027: closed on 10 November 2026
- FirstRand Empowerment Foundation postgraduate bursary: listed with a 31 December closing date
UCT's Handbook 14, Financial Assistance for Postgraduate Study and Postdoctoral Research, lists further scholarships and awards.
Related pages
See UCT fees, UCT bursaries and how to apply to UCT.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do UCT postgraduate applications close?
Most coursework programmes closed on 30 September 2026 for 2027. Research-only programmes stay open until 31 December 2027.
What mark does the NRF need at UCT?
At least 65% for the previous degree.
How do I apply for a PhD at UCT?
Through the relevant faculty office, after discussing your topic and supervision with the department.