The University of the Western Cape (UWC) in Bellville offers undergraduate programmes through seven faculties. Offers are based on merit and the space available, and tuition is charged per module. The details below come from UWC's faculty pages and its 2026 registration and orientation guide.
UWC's faculties
- Faculty of Arts and Humanities: languages, history, social sciences and related degrees
- Faculty of Community and Health Sciences: nursing, social work, physiotherapy and other health degrees
- Faculty of Dentistry: dentistry and oral health programmes, taught at the Tygerberg Hospital site
- Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences (EMS): BCom and administration degrees
- Faculty of Education: teacher education programmes
- Faculty of Law: the LLB and related law programmes
- Faculty of Natural Sciences: BSc degrees in the sciences, computer science, pharmacy and related fields
Finding programme details
On UWC's website, click View All Programmes to see each programme's curriculum structure and module content. UWC also asks students to attend curriculum advising before registration.
How tuition works
Tuition fees are charged per module within a prescribed programme. If you register for more or fewer modules than your programme prescribes, you are charged accordingly. UWC's online quotation system lets you estimate the cost of your modules. Students who continue beyond the prescribed completion period pay an extra 20% of the prescribed programme fees.
Learning online
Face-to-face lectures are supported by iKamva, UWC's online learning platform, where lecturers place resources for self-study, reflection and assessment.
Registration and offers
In 2026, first-year students registered online from 6 January to 6 February, and the academic year started on 9 February. UWC warns that if you do not register in the set period, your faculty may revoke your offer, because offers are based on merit and the space available.
Readmission
If you studied at UWC before and took a break, provide a letter of motivation to be considered for readmission to your faculty.
Support while you study
UWC's Writing Centre, on the ground floor of the Old Arts Building, helps students with academic writing. The Centre for Student Support Services offers counselling and other support.
Credits from colleges
If you completed courses at a college, ask the relevant faculty whether you can get credits for them.
Faculty welcome
During orientation, each faculty holds its own welcome. For example, EMS students meet in the EMS Faculty foyer, and Dentistry students at the Dentistry Faculty at Tygerberg Hospital.
Admission requirements
UWC uses its own APS, with extra weight for English and Mathematics. See the UWC admission requirements page and the how to apply page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many faculties does UWC have?
Seven, including Community and Health Sciences, Dentistry and Natural Sciences.
How is tuition charged at UWC?
Per module within a prescribed programme.
Where is the UWC Faculty of Dentistry?
At the Tygerberg Hospital site.