The University of the Western Cape (UWC) publishes its General Admissions Criteria for 2027, a brochure that works as its undergraduate prospectus. It lists the admission requirements for UWC's programmes, with its 2026 tuition fees and key application information. Here is what it contains and how to use it.
What is in the brochure
- Admission criteria: the requirements for programmes in each faculty
- UWC tuition fees for 2026: which UWC says are subject to change for 2027, with an increase of about 5% a year
- Application dates: applications opened on 2 April 2026, and the programme closing date was 30 September 2026 for all programmes
- Contacts: the Financial Aid Office, Residential Services and the admissions office
Faculty requirements
UWC has seven faculties: Arts and Humanities, Community and Health Sciences, Dentistry, Economic and Management Sciences, Education, Law and Natural Sciences. Faculties publish their own admission information, with UWC's APS calculation and subject requirements.
How UWC calculates the APS
UWC uses its own APS, which gives extra weight to English and Mathematics. UWC also offers an APS calculator, so you can check your score before you apply.
How to use the brochure
- Calculate your APS with UWC's calculator.
- Find your programme and check its APS and subject requirements.
- Look at the 2026 tuition fees to estimate your costs.
- Apply online before 30 September.
More detail
On UWC's website, click View All Programmes for each programme's curriculum structure and module content, and use UWC's online quotation system to estimate module costs.
Contacts in the brochure
- Financial aid: 021 959 9753
- Residence fees: Residential Services on 021 959 2569
- Applications: admissions@uwc.ac.za or 021 959 3900
- Student recruitment: recruitment@uwc.ac.za or 021 959 2405
Paying before registration
UWC's student accounts information explains the upfront payment for self-funded South African students: R4,290 for students not in residence, including the R1,810 registration fee, or R4,840 for students placed in residence. NSFAS and bursary students are cleared through the Financial Aid Office.
Settlement discounts
South African students who settle their accounts in full early can get a settlement discount, such as 5% for paying on or before 28 February.
Residence
UWC has around 5,800 residence bed spaces since its UNIBELL precinct opened in 2023. Contact Residential Services for residence fees.
Grade 12 applications
UWC runs a separate site for Grade 12 applications, and its future students social media accounts share application news.
After you apply
UWC emails an acknowledgement after you complete the online form, and faculties make final offers by January.
Related pages
See the UWC admission requirements, UWC courses and how to apply to UWC.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is UWC's admission brochure called?
The General Admissions Criteria for 2027.
When did UWC 2027 applications close?
On 30 September 2026, for all programmes.
Does the UWC brochure include fees?
Yes, the 2026 tuition fees, which may rise for 2027.