Are you considering furthering your education at the prestigious University of Cape Town (UCT) in South Africa? As one of the leading academic institutions on the African continent, UCT offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs to suit diverse interests and career aspirations. In this blog post, we will guide you through the UCT application process for the 2025-2026 academic year, providing you with all the necessary information to successfully apply online or via paper application.
Applying Online:
Applying online is the preferred and recommended method for both undergraduate and postgraduate applicants. To begin the process, you will need a working email address and, if you are a South African applicant, your South African identity number. International applicants are required to provide their passport number. Follow these steps to apply online:
Visit the UCT website: Start by visiting the official UCT website to access the online application portal.
Complete the application form: Fill out the online application form, providing accurate and up-to-date information about your personal details, academic history, and program of interest.
Submit required documents: Depending on the program you are applying for, you may be asked to upload supporting documents such as academic transcripts, identification documents, and letters of recommendation. Make sure to have these documents prepared in advance.
Review and submit: Take the time to review your application thoroughly before submitting it. Double-check that all information is accurate and complete.
- Undergraduate prospectus
- Directions for undergraduate applicants
- 2025-2026 Application for undergraduate admission form
- BA(FA) form for all Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art applicants
- BAS form for all Bachelor of Architectural Studies applicants
- First-time applications for financial aid are handled centrally via NSFAS. For further information on the application process, please see undergraduate student funding.
Paper Application:
If you are unable to apply online, UCT also accepts paper applications for undergraduate programs. Here’s how to proceed:
Download the application form: Visit the UCT website and download the 2025-2026 Application for Undergraduate Admission form.
Complete the form: Fill out the form manually, ensuring that all sections are properly filled in with the required information.
Submit the application: Send the completed application form to admissions-ug@uct.ac.za via email. In the subject line, include “2025-2026 UCT Application Form.” Alternatively, if you are unable to email the form, you can send it by post to the Admissions Office. Make sure to allow sufficient time for the form to reach UCT before the closing date of 31 August 2025-2026.
Postgraduate Application:
For postgraduate applicants, the application process is exclusively online. Here’s what you need to do:
Visit the UCT website: Access the official UCT website and navigate to the postgraduate application section.
Follow the directions: Read the provided directions for postgraduate applicants intending to enroll for study in 2023. Familiarize yourself with the application requirements and guidelines.
Apply online: Complete the online application form, providing accurate information about your academic background, research interests, and any supporting documentation requested.
Seek funding opportunities: If you require financial aid for your postgraduate studies, explore the available funding options and apply accordingly.
