UCT Admissions 2026

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Applications for undergraduate study in 2026 closed on Thursday, 31 July 2025. Please confirm application deadlines for postgraduate study with the relevant faculty office.
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UCT Short Courses

UCT Short Courses

Complete one or more of UCT’s continuing education short courses. These are offered in collaboration with a number of UCT faculties, departments and partners.
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Strategy 2030: Shaping UCT’s Future Together

Strategy 2030 builds on our excellence, diversity, and resilience and hopes to shape UCT's future. Feedback from the UCT community is now being consolidated and considered, and further updates will be shared in the coming months.
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UCT achieves its highest ranking in a decade – now in the top 3% globally

Africa’s leading university is ranked in the top 3% globally. Climbing to its highest position in 10 years in the recently released Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings, UCT is now in 150th place worldwide.

View our rankings

UCT Ranked Top 3% globally

Study at UCT

UCT produces graduates whose qualifications are internationally recognised and locally applicable, underpinned by values of engaged citizenship and social justice.

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Chemical Engineering

Research & innovation news

UCT is committed to generating new knowledge in, for and from Africa. Our recent achievements include identifying a new heart-attack gene and a landmark restitution of human remains that allowed redress and social justice through science.
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SDG

UCT and the Sustainable Development Goals

UCT is committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and contributes meaningfully to all 17 of them. As the leading university in Africa, we have a critical role to play in addressing global challenges through research.
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A snapshot of research at UCT

Research at UCT is focused on addressing global challenges and realising both new opportunities within the social and natural world and new knowledge underpinning innovations of the future.
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Short courses and lifelong learning

Unleash your potential by completing one – or more - of UCT’s short courses, workshops, seminars, lectures and conferences. These are offered in collaboration with the following UCT units and partners:

The Learning Store
2U/edX
Continuing Professional Development, Engineering & the Built Environment
Judicial Institute for Africa (JIFA)
Summer School / Extra-Mural Studies
UCT Graduate School of Business

Continuing Education Unit Health
Hasso Plattner d-school Afrika*
MOOCs
UCT English Language Centre
UCT Law @ Work

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Virtual Campus Tour of UCT’s general spaces

Ready for an exclusive journey into the vibrant life of a University of Cape Town student? Join us on a thrilling 360° virtual tour which unlocks the most exciting and iconic spaces across UCT campuses.

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Faculty of Commerce Virtual Campus Tour

Join us on an exhilarating 360° virtual tour of the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Faculty of Commerce where the future leaders of the business world are cultivated. If you’re eager to explore the pathways to business success then visit the Faculty of Commerce website for more information.

#ChooseUCT

Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment Virtual Campus Tour

Embark on a riveting 360° virtual journey through the epicentre of innovation at the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment (EBE). If you want to explore the realm of ground-breaking ideas than visit the Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment website for more information.

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Faculty of Health Sciences Virtual Campus Tour

Step into the forefront of medical excellence with our immersive 360° virtual tour of the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS)! Ready to explore the epicentre of ground-breaking discoveries? Visit the Faculty of Health Sciences website for more information.

#ChooseUCT

Faculty of Humanities Virtual Campus Tour

Step into the immersive world of knowledge and creativity with our exclusive 360° virtual tour of the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Faculty of Humanities. Embark on a journey spanning UCT’s Upper, Lower and Hiddingh campuses as we unveil the beating heart of intellectual exploration. Visit the Faculty of Humanities website for more information.

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Faculty of Law Virtual Campus Tour

Dive into the legal world with our virtual tour of UCT’s Faculty of Law, situated at UCT’s Middle campus. Experience the rich legacy of South Africa's oldest law faculty, ranked among the top 150 worldwide and leading in the continent! Visit the Faculty of Law website for more information about studying law at UCT.

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Faculty of Science Virtual Campus Tour

Join us on a virtual adventure through UCT's Faculty of Science, where we uncover the best spots to study, relax and connect. From high-tech labs to cozy study areas, this tour is your sneak peek into the Upper campus spaces that could shape your journey if you decide to dive into the world of science at UCT. Visit the Faculty of Science website for more information.

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Latest news

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Events

Palliative Care Patient

Introduction to Palliative Care

(Ends 18 April 2026)
More info
The course is aimed at healthcare and counselling professionals to equip them in assessing and managing patients (and their families) living with life-limiting and life-threatening illness.
UCT Law @ Work - Professional Development Project

Competition law: An introduction

2 February 2026
(Ends 20 February 2026)
More info
This 30-hour remote short course seeks to foster an understanding of the policy, statutory, and economic dimensions of competition law and policy in South Africa.
2 February 2026
(Ends 20 February 2026)
More info
Clinical Ethics Forum

Clinical Ethics Forum

3 February 2026
(Ends 5 January 2027)
More info
Join us the first Tuesday of every month as we present and discuss complex ethics cases encountered by clinicians around the province.
3 February 2026
(Ends 5 January 2027)
More info
basic counselling skills class

Basic Counselling Skills

6 February 2026
(Ends 6 February 2026)
More info
Basic counselling skills are crucial to foster healthy relationships when working with people, albeit patients in a clinic or hospital setting.
6 February 2026
(Ends 6 February 2026)
More info

Events Calendar

Notices

UCT Shuttle stop in Claremont now on Newry Street

Due to the City of Cape Town’s construction of the new Claremont bus terminal, the UCT Shuttle stop in Claremont will be relocated for the 23-month duration of the project. Normally on Central Road, the stop is now located on Newry Steet.

Read the notice.

Updated: 29 September 2025

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