The University of Cape Town (UCT) offers student housing in tiers, from first-year catering residences to senior self-catering residences and flats. Places are limited, and UCT allocates them according to its Student Housing Admissions Policy. The details below come from UCT's general housing information handbook and its 2027 fees and payment dates.
How to apply
New applicants apply for residence on the UCT online application for study. The closing date is 31 July, the same as undergraduate applications. You can track your housing application on UCT's self-service portal.
Who gets priority
UCT considers several factors when it makes housing offers. The principle of redress is given priority, and UCT's policy also prioritises entering undergraduates who score 540 APS points on UCT's scale. UCT makes offers to eligible applicants, then allocates students to specific residences based on eligibility and capacity.
The three tiers
- 1st tier: catering residences, where UCT assumes new students will start
- 2nd tier: senior catering or self-catering accommodation, such as Groote Schuur Residence and Medical Residence (catering), and Forest Hill, Liesbeeck Gardens, Meulenhof and Obz Square (self-catering)
- 3rd tier: self-catering accommodation, mainly for senior and postgraduate students
Most Health Sciences students who receive housing offers are allocated to residences close to the Faculty of Health Sciences.
Paying for residence in 2027
- Catering residence first payment: R47,000
- Self-catering residence first payment: R31,000
These are due, with the tuition first payment of R36,000, by Friday 29 January 2027. They are not the full cost: the final payment is due by 31 July 2027. A late payment surcharge of 5% of the unpaid amount applies if you miss the first payment date.
International students
Students from the SADC region also pay a non-refundable administrative service fee of R5,800, and international students should allow at least 14 working days for payments to reflect in UCT's account.
The waiting list
If UCT cannot offer you a place, you may be placed on a waiting list. UCT's handbook says waiting list placements are made at the end of the first week of February.
Room allocations
UCT's Student Housing Admissions and Allocations Office allocates students to residences, and each residence's warden manages the allocation of rooms. You may not let anyone else share your room, and dependants may not live with you.
Returning students
Students who want to live in residence the next year must reapply during July and August. Late applications are not considered.
NSFAS students
UCT residence is the first choice of accommodation for NSFAS-funded students. See the UCT bursaries page for funding.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do UCT residence applications close?
On 31 July, with your application to study.
How much is the UCT residence first payment in 2027?
R47,000 for catering or R31,000 for self-catering, due by 29 January 2027.
Where do UCT first-years usually live?
In first-tier catering residences.