Students at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) are funded mainly through NSFAS, external and corporate bursaries, and family payment plans. UWC's Financial Aid Office vets bursary and NSFAS funding, and its Student Credit Management office handles financial clearance for registration. The details below come from UWC's student accounts pages and its 2026 registration and orientation guide.
NSFAS
UWC facilitates NSFAS-funded students through its Financial Aid Office. The office receives funding confirmation from NSFAS, vets it, and then gives Student Credit Management instructions to clear you for registration. If NSFAS has approved you, contact finaid@uwc.ac.za and wait for your clearance before you register. Send all NSFAS funding queries to the Financial Aid Office.
Full-cost and partial bursaries
If a company or organisation funds you, fully or partly, submit your bursary documents to the Financial Aid Office for vetting. Email them to finaid@uwc.ac.za, or upload them on the Student Credit Management portal. Financial Aid then gives clearance instructions.
If your bursary is not administered by UWC, you must submit written proof of the bursary and its amount before or at registration. If the bursary covers full tuition, you pay only the registration fee.
Self-funded students
Self-funded South African students make a first fee payment, an upfront payment, before registration:
- Students not in university residences: R4,290, which includes the registration fee of R1,810
- Students placed in university residences: R4,840
Settlement discounts
South African students who settle their accounts in full before the due dates can receive a settlement discount on their outstanding tuition and accommodation fees, such as 5% for payment on or before 28 February. Accounts settled by bursary organisations do not qualify.
Payment plans
If you pay yourself, 50% of your outstanding account is due by 30 April and 100% by 31 July. You can also arrange a debit order, which needs a certified copy of your ID, proof of residence, proof of income and your latest three months' bank statements.
The Student Credit Management portal
UWC's Student Credit Management portal is where you confirm payment plans, submit bursary or funding information, and acknowledge student fee debt. Use it for financial clearance before you register.
Budgeting
UWC advises students to plan for tuition, textbooks and stationery, residence fees where applicable, meals, personal expenses and transport. Tuition is charged per module, and UWC's online quotation system lets you estimate your module costs.
More funding
Browse our bursaries for companies and SETAs that fund UWC students, and see UWC fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are NSFAS students cleared at UWC?
The Financial Aid Office vets NSFAS confirmation and instructs Student Credit Management to clear you.
Where do I send UWC bursary documents?
To finaid@uwc.ac.za, or upload them on the Student Credit Management portal.
Does UWC give a discount for early payment?
Yes, for South African students who settle in full early, such as 5% by 28 February.