University of Cape Town

The University of Cape Town (UCT) is a public research university located in Cape Town, South Africa. Established in 1829, it is the oldest university in South Africa and the oldest continuously operating university in Sub-Saharan Africa. UCT is recognized as Africa's top-ranked university and is a world-leading teaching and research institution.

Academics

UCT comprises six faculties: Commerce, Engineering and the Built Environment, Health Sciences, Humanities, Law, and Sciences, which collectively house 57 departments. The university is dedicated to providing a transformative and socially engaged undergraduate and postgraduate education. UCT is known for its cutting-edge teaching and research, with many of its researchers being recognized world leaders in their fields, contributing to African-based solutions for global challenges.

International Students

UCT is home to a diverse community of nearly 5,000 international students from over 100 different countries, representing 18% of its student population. The International Academic Programmes Office (IAPO) supports international students with services such as program selection, admission requirements, study visa applications, tuition fees, cost of living, scholarships, and accommodation. All programs are taught in English. International students can join over 100 student societies and organizations, fostering cultural integration and offering a wide range of academic, religious, cultural, social, and political activities.

Campus & Location

UCT has six campuses spread across Cape Town, including the main Upper Campus on the slopes of Devil's Peak, which houses the faculties of Science, Engineering, Commerce, and Humanities. Cape Town offers a vibrant city life with numerous attractions such as Table Mountain and Long Street, with some Fine Arts and Drama departments located centrally. The university provides a free Jammie Shuttle bus service that operates seven days a week, connecting residences, all UCT campuses, and public transport hubs. While parking is limited on campus, rideshare platforms like Uber and Bolt are widely used in Cape Town.

Career Outcomes

UCT graduates consistently rank among the world's most employable, placing 95th in the 2022 QS Graduate Employability Rankings. The university performed exceptionally well in alumni outcomes and graduate employment rates, indicating its strength in producing successful professionals. The UCT Careers Service supports students with career development, offering one-to-one consultations, CV and cover letter reviews, and advertising job and bursary opportunities. While the overall employment rate for the Class of 2023 was 48.3% at the time of graduation, combining employed, studying, and self-employed categories shows 80% of graduates were meaningfully occupied. Many graduates are employed in South Africa, with almost two-thirds based in the Western Cape. UCT also fosters an entrepreneurial culture, with initiatives like the Solution Space providing training, mentorship, and co-working spaces for early-stage startups.