University of Cape Town

About UCT

The University of Cape Town is South Africa's oldest university and consistently ranks among the top institutions on the continent. Set against the slopes of Devil's Peak, its Upper Campus — all sandstone steps and jacaranda-lined avenues — is one of the most recognisable in the country, and its Rhodes Memorial lookout has become a rite of passage for new students.

UCT is research-intensive, with particular strength in medicine, law, commerce and the sciences. Its Faculty of Health Sciences trains a large share of the country's doctors, and its Graduate School of Business is consistently ranked among the best on the continent. The university draws students from across Africa and beyond into a large, diverse postgraduate community.

Student life leans heavily on the outdoors — hiking Table Mountain before a 9am lecture isn't unusual — alongside a packed residence and society culture. UCT's location also means students are a short drive from some of the country's best-known beaches, vineyards and hiking trails, which shapes campus life as much as the academics do.

Why students choose UCT

• Africa's highest-ranked university in most global rankings
• One of the continent's largest health sciences faculties
• Campus set on the slopes of Table Mountain

Fields of study

• Commerce
• Engineering & the Built Environment
• Health Sciences
• Humanities
• Law
• Science

What you'll need to apply

Every South African public university sets its own admission point score and subject requirements per programme, so the details below are general guidance rather than UCT-specific rules — always confirm exact requirements on the official site before applying.

• A National Senior Certificate (NSC) that meets the minimum admission point score for your chosen programme.
• Specific subject and mark requirements, which vary by faculty — competitive programmes like medicine or engineering typically set higher thresholds.
• An online application through the university's own portal, usually opening the year before you intend to start.
• Supporting documents such as certified copies of your ID and academic records, and proof of application fee payment where applicable.