University of Cape Town Admission Requirements

The University of Cape Town (UCT), renowned as Africa’s leading university, maintains rigorous admission standards to ensure a high caliber of student body across its diverse academic programs. Admission requirements vary based on the level of study, specific faculties, and the applicant’s educational background. Below is a detailed overview of these requirements.

Undergraduate Admission Requirements

General Eligibility:

National Senior Certificate (NSC): South African applicants must possess an NSC endorsed for bachelor’s degree studies, achieving a minimum rating of 4 (50-59%) in at least four 20-credit NSC subjects.

Senior Certificate: Applicants with the older South African Senior Certificate need matriculation endorsement.

International Qualifications: Applicants with non-South African school-leaving certificates must qualify for a matriculation exemption certificate.

Faculty-Specific Requirements:

Faculty of Science:

• • Subjects: A minimum of 70% in Mathematics and 60% in Physical Sciences.
  • Faculty Points Score (FPS): Calculated by summing the percentages of the best six subjects, including English and required subjects, with Mathematics and Physical Sciences scores doubled. An FPS of 550 or above is required.
    UCT Science

Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment:

• • NSC Requirements: Applicants must have an NSC endorsed for degree studies, meet the required admission point score, and satisfy specified subject requirements.
    University of Cape Town

Faculty of Humanities:

• • Faculty Points Score (FPS): Admission depends on the FPS and National Benchmark Test (NBT) results.
  • Performing and Creative Arts Programs: Require successful auditions or portfolio submissions in addition to academic criteria.
    Humanities UCT

Language Proficiency:

• English Proficiency:
  • NSC Applicants: A rating of 2 (30-40%) or better in English Home Language or First Additional Language.
  • Senior Certificate Applicants: A pass of 40% or more on the Higher Grade in English (First or Second Language).
  • International Applicants: Must meet UCT’s language requirements, which may include standardized tests like IELTS or TOEFL.
    University of Cape Town

National Benchmark Tests (NBTs):

• All undergraduate applicants residing or schooling in South Africa, including non-South African citizens, are required to write the NBTs in Academic Literacy, Quantitative Literacy, and Mathematics.
  University of Cape Town

Postgraduate Admission Requirements

General Requirements:

Admission criteria vary by program.

Applicants should consult the specific faculty for detailed requirements.

Faculty of Humanities:

Applicants are required to have an Honours degree or equivalent qualification (including 4-year Bachelor degrees).

International Applicants

Application Process:

• • International students should apply through the International Academic Programmes Office (IAPO), which provides guidance on application procedures, visa requirements, and international tuition fees.
    University of Cape Town

English Language Proficiency:

• • International students must demonstrate proficiency in English, potentially through tests like IELTS or TOEFL, unless they have passed English at the required level in their school-leaving examinations.
    University of Cape Town

Study Visas:

• • International students are required to obtain a study visa to attend UCT.
    University of Cape Town

Application Procedure

Application Fees:

• • Undergraduate and postgraduate applications from South Africa and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region: R100.
  • Undergraduate and postgraduate applications from outside the SADC region: R300.
  • Graduate School of Business (GSB) applications from South Africa and African citizens/residents: R1,000.
  • GSB applications from outside of Africa: USD 100.
    University of Cape Town

Submission of Results and Documents:

• • Current learners must submit all examination results from Grade 11 until September of Grade 12.
  • Transferring students should submit all transcripts and academic records as early as possible.
  • Documents must be submitted as certified electronic copies to admissions@uct.ac.za.
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Additional Considerations

Faculty-Specific Requirements:

• • Some faculties may have additional requirements, such as portfolios for the School of Architecture, Planning & Geomatics.
    University of Cape Town

Financial Aid:

• • UCT is unable to offer financial aid to international undergraduate students.
    University of Cape Town

Prospective students are encouraged to consult the UCT website and specific faculty pages for the most current and detailed admission requirements, as criteria may change and additional program-specific requirements may apply.