University of Cape Town UCT Undergraduate Bursaries 20242025
The University of Cape Town (UCT) offers a range of Faculty Entrance Scholarships and Faculty Scholarships for undergraduate students in various faculties. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement and other specific criteria as outlined by each faculty. Below is a summary of the entrance scholarships for various faculties for the year 2025-2026:
Faculty of Commerce
Scholarship Value: R20,000.
Criteria:
Open Category: Minimum FPS of 540 and Proficient in NBT-AL, NBT-QL, and NBT Maths.
Redress Category 1 & 2: Minimum FPS of 480 and Proficient in either NBT-QL or NBT Maths.
Faculty of Engineering & The Built Environment
Scholarship Value: R60,000 each.
Criteria:
Awards to South African citizens and permanent residents, as well as international applicants with the South African NSC.
80% of scholarships are awarded to womxn and transgender applicants, and 20% to male applicants (excluding BAS).
10 Entrance Scholarships for Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) candidates.
Faculty of Health Sciences
Scholarship Value: R40,000 each for 22 awards.
Criteria:
Selection based on top performance in each redress category.
Pro-rated based on planned enrolment for each program.
Faculty of Humanities
Scholarship Value: R40,000 each.
Criteria:
Distributed across BA, BSocSc, BSW, extended programs, and qualifications in performing and creative arts.
Specific FPS and NBT requirements for open and redress categories.
Faculty of Law
Criteria for LLB (Undergraduate):
Redress Categories: WPS of 495 and 75% average in NBT.
Open Category: FPS of 510 and 80% average in NBT.
Criteria for LLB (Graduate):
Redress Categories: 70% GPA in previous undergraduate degree.
Open Category: 77% GPA in previous undergraduate degree.
Faculty of Science
Scholarship Values: Level 1 at R40,000 (FPS ≥ 740) and Level 2 at R20,000 (FPS 720-739).
Criteria:
Minimum FPS of 720 and ≥80% for Mathematics in NSC exams.
Reserved scholarships for top South African students with international examinations.
General Conditions
Eligibility: South African citizens and permanent residents. International students for specific faculties.
Duration: Primarily for the first year of study.
Application: No separate application; awards are based on admission application and academic achievement.
Deferral: Possible rollover for gap year students in some faculties.
Dean’s Discretionary Allocation
A portion of the faculty’s scholarship allocation is reserved for awards at the dean’s discretion, including recognition of excellence in non-NSC or international school-leaving examinations.
These scholarships aim to support and encourage academic excellence at UCT. The value and number of awards are subject to the faculty’s budget and the number of eligible students. Students are advised to refer to the respective faculty sections for detailed information and eligibility criteria.
University of Cape Town UCT NSFAS Bursaries 2025-2026
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) in South Africa provides financial assistance to students who come from low-income households and wish to pursue higher education. The process for applying and securing NSFAS funding, particularly for students looking to study at the University of Cape Town (UCT), includes the following key points:
For First-Time Student Applicants:
Application Period: Open from 1 September annually, with a closing date before admission and registration as a student for the following year.
Direct Application to NSFAS: Students must apply directly to NSFAS through their online system.
Application Regardless of Admission Decision: Students are advised to apply to NSFAS even before receiving their academic admission decision.
For Currently Registered Students Already Funded by NSFAS:
Academic Eligibility Renewal: NSFAS will review the student’s academic performance to determine continued eligibility.
Renewal Status: Students can check their funding status and renewal information on the MyNSFAS portal.
For Currently Registered Students Applying for NSFAS for the First Time:
Change in Financial Circumstances: Students whose financial situation has changed, making them eligible for NSFAS, should apply within the same period as new students.
Early Application Encouraged: Applications must be submitted before the NSFAS closing date.
For Students on a Gap Year of NSFAS Funding:
Reapplication Requirement: Students who had a gap year in funding must reapply to NSFAS during the application window.
For Students Transferring to UCT:
N+1 Rule: NSFAS funding is subject to the N+1 rule, which includes all years of study at any tertiary institution. Transferring students must ensure they have enough funding years remaining.
Late Applications:
Strict Deadlines: Late applications are not accepted. It’s crucial to apply within the NSFAS specified timeframe.
Basic Eligibility Criteria:
South African Citizenship or Permanent Residency.
First Undergraduate Qualification: Funding is for first-time undergraduates; no postgraduate or second-degree qualifications.
Financial Need: Must meet NSFAS’s financial eligibility criteria.
Application Process:
Online Application: Apply via the NSFAS website and obtain an application reference number as confirmation.
Keep Records: It’s advisable to print a copy of the application and retain all documents and correspondence.
Contact Details:
Toll-Free Number: 0860 0067 327
Email: info@nsfas.org.za
Additional UCT Financial Assistance:
GAP Funding and Sibling Rebate Bursary: For students who do not qualify for NSFAS, UCT offers additional funding programs.
UCT’s Student Financial Aid Office: For further assistance and information on GAP funding.
It’s important for students to regularly check their emails and the NSFAS website for updates and to ensure they have a clear understanding of the application process and deadlines.
UCT External Undergraduate Bursaries
When students at the University of Cape Town (UCT) receive scholarships or bursaries from external sources, it can impact the financial assistance they are provided by the university. Here’s how it works:
Full Cost Assistance from External Sources: If you receive full cost assistance (which covers all your educational expenses) from external entities such as companies or charitable organizations, UCT will withdraw the financial assistance it has offered. This is because the external funding completely covers the costs that the UCT assistance aimed to address.
Partial Scholarships or Bursaries from External Sources: In cases where you receive a smaller scholarship (usually merit-based) or a partial bursary/grant from sources outside UCT, your financial aid from the university will be adjusted. The adjustment is made to reflect the additional external funding and to distribute financial resources equitably among students who need them.
Obligation to Inform UCT: It’s important to notify UCT about any external funding you receive. Failure to do so can lead to the withdrawal of UCT’s financial assistance and may disqualify you from receiving future funding from the university. This transparency ensures fairness and helps the university manage its financial aid resources effectively.
Finding External Funding Opportunities: For information about funding opportunities from companies and organizations outside of UCT, students should regularly check the Bursary Noticeboard. This resource can provide valuable information about available scholarships and bursaries that can complement or substitute UCT’s financial aid.
For information regarding funding from companies and organizations outside of UCT, please check the Bursary Noticeboard
It’s important for students to understand these policies and communicate openly with UCT’s financial aid office about any external funding they receive to ensure they can make the most of the available financial resources for their education.
