Tuition at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) depends on your programme. UWC publishes approximate yearly ranges on its general admissions criteria for 2027. Those figures are UWC's 2026 tuition fees, and UWC says that they may change for 2027 by about 5% a year.
Approximate yearly tuition in 2026
- BA, BLIS, BTh, BCom, BEd and LLB: about R40,893 to R56,914
- BA Social Work, BSc Physiotherapy, BSc Occupational Therapy, BNurs and similar: about R40,893 to R56,914
- BSc and BPharm: about R44,621 to R49,397
- Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS): about R73,782
- Bachelor of Oral Health: about R47,465
These are tuition amounts only. Residence, books and living costs come on top.
The upfront payment
Before you can register, self-funded South African students must make a first fee payment, known as the upfront payment. In 2026, this was R4,290 for students who do not live in residence, which includes the R1,810 registration fee. For students placed in a university residence, it was R4,840. You can pay by EFT or through UWC's online card payment link.
When the rest is due
For South African students, 50% of the outstanding fee account is due by 30 April, and the full amount by 31 July. If you settle your account in full before the due dates, you may qualify for a settlement discount on your outstanding tuition and accommodation fees.
International students
Students who are not South African citizens must pay their full tuition and residence fees upfront when they register. UWC's 2026 international fee schedule also says that first-time international students from 2026 onwards pay both their annual tuition and the registration fee upfront in every year of study.
How UWC charges tuition
UWC charges tuition per module within a prescribed programme. If you register for more or fewer modules than prescribed, your fees change accordingly. You can get an estimate for each module from UWC's academic programmes pages, or request an online quotation or pro-forma invoice. Budget as well for textbooks, devices, meals and travel.
Payment options
You can pay by cash, debit or credit card at the cashiers in the Administration Building, by EFT, or by card online. UWC also offers debit orders, and government employees can pay through PERSAL. Payment plans and financial clearance run through the Student Credit Management portal.
Residence costs
Residence fees vary between residences. For current amounts, contact Residential Services on 021 959 2569 or at resservices1@uwc.ac.za.
Funding your studies
Qualifying students can apply for NSFAS, and UWC's Financial Aid Office helps with bursaries and financial aid. You can reach it on 021 959 9753 or at naid@uwc.ac.za. Browse our bursaries, or read the UWC overview.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the UWC upfront payment?
In 2026, it was R4,290 for day students and R4,840 for residence students, including the R1,810 registration fee.
How much does dentistry cost at UWC?
The Bachelor of Dental Surgery cost about R73,782 a year in 2026.
When are UWC fees due?
Half of the account is due by 30 April and the full account by 31 July.