University of Cape Town
Africa's Global Gateway to Knowledge and Impact.
📍 Cape Town, South Africa 🇿🇦
🏆 #1 in South Africa · QS World #150 · THE World #164 · ARWU #201
Quick Facts about University of Cape Town
- Founded: 1829
- Type: Public
- Students: 29,427
- International: 18%
- Campus: Multiple Campuses
- Tuition: $12,000 – $25,000/year
- Language: English, Afrikaans, isiXhosa
- Intakes: Fall, Spring
About University of Cape Town
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.
Information for International Students at University of Cape Town
University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa welcomes international students, with 18% of the student body coming from abroad.
- 18% of students are international
- Visa support available
- On-campus work allowed
- Student housing available (~$5000/month)
- Teaching languages: English, Afrikaans, isiXhosa
Admissions Requirements for University of Cape Town
Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to University of Cape Town:
- IELTS minimum: 6.5
- TOEFL minimum: 88
- GPA minimum: 3
- GMAT required
- Application fee: $300
- Selectivity: Selective (20-40%)
- Application deadline: July 2025
Programs at University of Cape Town (13 programs)
University of Cape Town offers 13 programs across Bachelor, Master, PhD levels.
Bachelor Programs (6)
- Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) (MBChB) — 72 months · English · STEM
This comprehensive medical degree program trains future doctors with a strong foundation in medical sciences, clinical skills, and patient care, preparing them for diverse medical careers.
Field: Medicine
Career outcomes: Medical Doctor, Surgeon, General Practitioner, Specialist Physician, Medical Researcher - Bachelor of Arts in Humanities (BA) — 36 months · English
Offering a broad education in the humanities, this program allows students to specialize in areas like literature, history, philosophy, and languages, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills.
Field: Humanities
Career outcomes: Journalist, Educator, Researcher, Policy Analyst, Communications Specialist - Bachelor of Social Science in International Relations (BSocSc) — 36 months · English
This program examines global political, economic, and social issues, providing students with an understanding of international systems, diplomacy, and conflict resolution.
Field: International Relations
Career outcomes: Diplomat, Policy Analyst, International Aid Worker, Journalist, Researcher - Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) — 36 months · English · STEM
This foundational program introduces students to architectural design principles, history, theory, and technology, preparing them for further professional studies in architecture.
Field: Architecture
Career outcomes: Architectural Designer, Urban Planner, Project Coordinator, Architectural Technologist - Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSc) — 36 months · English · STEM
This program provides a comprehensive understanding of computer science principles, including programming, algorithms, data structures, and software engineering, preparing students for careers in the tech industry.
Field: Computer Science
Career outcomes: Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst, IT Consultant, Systems Architect - Bachelor of Science in Geomatics (BSc) — 48 months · English · STEM
This program focuses on the science and technology of collecting, analyzing, and managing spatial data, including surveying, remote sensing, and geographic information systems (GIS).
Field: Geomatics
Career outcomes: Geomatician, Surveyor, GIS Specialist, Remote Sensing Analyst, Urban Planner
Master Programs (4)
- Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering (MEng) — 24 months · English · STEM
This program offers advanced study and research opportunities in various civil engineering specializations, such as structural engineering, water resources, and transportation engineering.
Field: Civil Engineering
Career outcomes: Civil Engineer, Project Manager, Consultant, Researcher - Master of Fine Arts (MFA) (MFA) — 24 months · English
This studio-based program allows artists to develop their practice and critical understanding of contemporary art through intensive studio work, seminars, and exhibitions.
Field: Fine Arts
Career outcomes: Artist, Art Educator, Curator, Art Critic, Gallery Manager - Master of Laws (LLM) in Human Rights Law (LLM) — 12 months · English
This specialized master's program provides an in-depth understanding of international and domestic human rights law, focusing on advocacy, policy, and legal frameworks.
Field: Law
Career outcomes: Human Rights Lawyer, Legal Advisor, Policy Analyst, Advocate, Researcher - Master of Public Health (MPH) (MPH) — 24 months · English
This program equips students with the knowledge and skills to address public health challenges, focusing on epidemiology, health policy, and health promotion in diverse communities.
Field: Public Health
Career outcomes: Public Health Specialist, Epidemiologist, Health Policy Analyst, Program Manager, Researcher
PhD Programs (3)
- PhD in Chemistry (PhD) — 48 months · English · STEM
This doctoral program involves advanced research in various areas of chemistry, including organic, inorganic, physical, and analytical chemistry, contributing to scientific discovery.
Field: Chemistry
Career outcomes: Chemist, Researcher, Academic, Industrial Scientist, Forensic Scientist - PhD in African Studies (PhD) — 48 months · English
This interdisciplinary doctoral program offers advanced research opportunities on various aspects of African societies, cultures, histories, and politics, contributing to a deeper understanding of the continent.
Field: African Studies
Career outcomes: Academic, Researcher, Policy Advisor, Cultural Consultant, Journalist - PhD in Marine Biology (PhD) — 48 months · English · STEM
This research-intensive program focuses on the study of marine organisms and ecosystems, contributing to scientific knowledge and conservation efforts through original research.
Field: Marine Biology
Career outcomes: Marine Biologist, Researcher, Conservation Scientist, Academic, Environmental Consultant
Scholarships & Tuition at University of Cape Town
Annual tuition for international students: $12,000 – $25,000/year
✅ University of Cape Town offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.
Rankings of University of Cape Town
- National Ranking: #1 in South Africa
- QS World University Ranking: #150
- Times Higher Education (THE): #164
- Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU): #201
- Ranking tier: Top 200
- Research output: High
Campus & Facilities at University of Cape Town
- Student housing available
- Sports facilities available
- Disability support available
- Campus type: Multiple Campuses
- Housing cost: ~$5000/month
Key Highlights
- Oldest South African university
- Africa's top-ranked university
- Diverse international student body
- Cutting-edge teaching and research
- Located in vibrant Cape Town
Accreditation
- Department of Higher Education and Training, South Africa
Fields of Study at University of Cape Town
- Medicine
- Engineering
- Law
- Business
- Science
Notable Alumni
- Christiaan Barnard
- J. M. Coetzee
- Mamphela Ramphele
- Mark Shuttleworth
- Roger Ebert
Frequently Asked Questions about University of Cape Town
What is University of Cape Town?
University of Cape Town is a public university located in Cape Town, South Africa, founded in 1829. It has approximately 29,427 students, with 18% being international students.
How much does it cost to study at University of Cape Town?
Tuition fees at University of Cape Town for international students range from $12,000 – $25,000/year. Student housing costs approximately $5000/month. Scholarships are available for international students.
What are the admission requirements for University of Cape Town?
IELTS minimum: 6.5. TOEFL minimum: 88. GPA minimum: 3. GMAT required. Application fee: $300. Selectivity: Selective (20-40%). Application deadline: July 2025.
What language are courses taught in at University of Cape Town?
Courses at University of Cape Town are taught in English and Afrikaans and isiXhosa. International students need a minimum IELTS score of 6.5.
How many programs does University of Cape Town offer?
University of Cape Town offers 13 programs: 6 Bachelor's, 4 Master's, and 3 PhD programs across various fields of study.
What is University of Cape Town ranked?
#1 in South Africa · QS World #150 · THE World #164 · ARWU #201.
Does University of Cape Town offer scholarships?
Yes, University of Cape Town offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.
Does University of Cape Town provide visa support?
Yes, University of Cape Town provides visa support for international students. Student housing is also available. On-campus work opportunities are available.
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