When to Apply at UCT for 2027 Application Intake

Applications to study at UCT for 2027 are now officially open. Those wondering when to apply can visit the official UCT website to begin the process. Take this opportunity to study at one of Africa’s leading universities.

Thousands of applications are processed at UCT each year for a limited number of programmes. Make sure you meet the course requirements, as admission is based on academic performance.

UCT 2027 Application Date 

Don’t miss the deadline! You can apply for any programme of your choice at the University of Cape Town (UCT) as long as you meet the entry requirements. Late submissions will not be considered, regardless of your grades.

The 2027 undergraduate application window is open from 1 April to 31 July 2026. If you miss this period, you will have to wait for the next application cycle.

What is the UCT application fee?

Prospective students from South Africa and SADC countries are required to pay a non-refundable application fee of R100. International applicants outside these regions must pay R300.

Please note that application fees are not refundable under any circumstances. Paying the fee does not guarantee admission to the University of Cape Town (UCT); it only allows your application to be processed for consideration.

Make sure your money is ready before you initiate the online application process!

General Eligibility Requirements for Undergraduate Admission at UCT

Ensure you satisfy these minimum requirements before submitting an application:

1. National Senior Certificate (NSC) Applicants

   • Must meet the NSC minimum requirements.

   • Mature age exemption applicants are not considered for programmes in:

     • Faculty of Health Sciences

     • Faculty of Law

2. International / Non-South African Applicants

   • Must have met the requirements for matriculation exemption.

3. Academic Performance Requirements

   • All applicants must meet the minimum criteria in their final secondary school assessment, which includes:

     • APS, FPS, or WPS requirements as relevant to the chosen programme

     • Performance in required secondary school subjects

     • Performance in applicable components of the NBTs (National Benchmark Tests)

     • Any additional faculty-specific requirements

4. Higher Certificate, Diploma, or Degree Programmes

   • Applicants must meet NSC requirements for the specific programme endorsement.

5. Mature Age Applicants

   • If 23 years or older with a Grade 12 certificate, and do not meet minimum admission requirements:

     • May qualify for mature age exemption

     • Conditional exemption should be discussed with the relevant faculty office

Documents Needed to Apply to UCT Undergraduate Programmes

Make sure the following documents are ready at the time of the applications:

1. Proof of Academic Qualification

   • South African Applicants (NSC):

     • Certified copy of your Grade 12 certificate or latest school results (e.g., June/Trial results if applying before final exams)

   • International Applicants:

     • Certified copy of your secondary school leaving certificate

     • Proof of matriculation exemption or equivalent

2. National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) Results

   • Required for most undergraduate programmes

   • Submit official NBT results if already completed

3. Identity Documents

   • South African Applicants: Certified copy of ID document or passport

   • International Applicants: Valid passport

4. Mature Age Applicants (if applicable)

   • Proof of age (e.g., birth certificate or ID)

   • Grade 12 certificate, even if minimum requirements were not met

   • Any supporting documents for consideration of conditional exemption

5. Other Programme-Specific Documents

   • Some programmes may require:

     • Portfolio (for Art/Design courses)

     • CV or statement of purpose

     • Letters of recommendation

6. Application Fee Payment Proof

   • Proof of payment of the relevant application fee

Notice: Ensure your documents are clear and complete, as unclear submissions can delay your UCT application and risk missing the deadline.

How to Apply

To make the application process as efficient as possible, UCT prefers online submissions. However, you may also print and complete the application form manually, available on the application forms page. YET TO APPLY?, CLICK HERE TO START.

You can cancel your application at any stage by contacting the UCT Admissions Office at admissions@uct.ac.za.

Contact for information about UCT

Postal Address:

• The University of Cape Town,
• Private Bag X3,
• Rondebosch 7701,
• South Africa

Contact Number

• Phone Number: +27 (0)21 650 9111

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