Discover the Benefits of Studying at the University of Cape Town (UCT)
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Founding and Early Years
The University of Cape Town (UCT)
boasts a rich history as South Africa's oldest university, established in 1829.
Originally named the South African College, it was conceived as a high school
for boys, reflecting the educational needs of the time. The early curriculum
was designed to provide a classical education, emphasizing subjects like Latin,
Greek, and mathematics, which were considered essential for grooming young men
for leadership roles in society.
Development
into a Tertiary Institution
The transition from a high school
to a tertiary institution began in earnest towards the late 19th century. This
evolution was driven by the growing demand for higher education and
professional training in the Cape Colony. By the early 20th century, the South
African College had expanded its curriculum and facilities to accommodate
college-level education. In 1918, it officially became the University of Cape
Town, marking its transformation into a comprehensive institution of higher
learning.
Establishment as a Full-Fledged University
The year 1918 was pivotal as UCT
gained full university status, allowing it to award degrees and establish
itself as a centre for research and advanced studies. This period saw the introduction
of various faculties, including the Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Science, and
Faculty of Engineering. The university also began to attract a diverse body of
students and faculty, fostering an environment of intellectual rigor and
innovation.
Chancellors
The role of Chancellor at UCT has
been held by various distinguished individuals. The Chancellor is the
ceremonial head of the university, while the Vice-Chancellor is responsible for
its day-to-day running. Some notable Chancellors include:
- Harry Oppenheimer: Serving from
1967 to 1999, Harry was a prominent businessman, industrialist and
philanthropist
- Graça Machel: The Mozambican
politician and humanitarian served as Chancellor from 1999 to 2019.
- Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe: She
took office in 2020, bringing her experience as a businesswoman and philanthropist
to the role.
Awards
and Achievements
UCT is renowned for its
contributions to research, academic excellence, and societal impact. It has
produced numerous Rhodes Scholars and Nobel Laureates, including:
- Allan McLeod Cormack: Nobel
Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1979 for his work on X-ray computed
tomography (CT scan).
- Ralph Bunche: Nobel Peace Prize
in 1950, notable alumnus and former UN diplomat.
- Aaron Klug: Nobel Prize in Chemistry
in 1982 for his work on crystallographic electron microscopy.
Rankings
UCT consistently ranks as the top
university in Africa. According to the QS World University Rankings, it is
among the top 200 universities globally. Times Higher Education (THE) also
places UCT highly in its world rankings, particularly noting its strong
research output and international outlook.
Open Days
The annual UCT Open Day is
designed for high school learners in Grades 10, 11, and 12, as well as their
families and teachers this is an opportunity to explore the campus, meet
faculty members, and learn about the courses and facilities. These events
usually take place in May, offering a comprehensive look at student life,
academic programs, and support services.
This event offers an excellent
opportunity to explore the wide range of undergraduate study options available
at UCT. Obtaining information about the different academic programs and their
specifics is crucial for making informed study choices.
Faculties, academic departments, and support
departments participate in this event, with activities including:
- Lectures by academic staff from
various faculties
- Information about financial
assistance
- Virtual residence tours and
details about some of the facilities offered on campus.
Why Choose UCT
Studying at the University of
Cape Town (UCT) is a great choice for many reasons. UCT is really good at
teaching, and they offer lots of different classes. They also do a lot of
research to make sure students learn the latest stuff. At UCT, there are
students from all over the world, which is cool because you get to meet
different people and learn new things. The campus is super pretty, right near
Table Mountain, so it's a nice place to study. And UCT helps students in lots
of ways, like with classes, making friends, and other stuff. Whether you want
to use top-notch facilities, join clubs, or have fun with other students, UCT
has everything you need for a great college experience.
Faculties and Departments
UCT comprises several faculties,
each with its own departments and specialized programs:
1. Faculty of Commerce
- Departments: Accounting, Finance and Tax, Information Systems,
Economics, Management Studies.
2. Faculty of Engineering &
the Built Environment
- Departments: Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical
Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Construction Economics and Management,
Architecture, Planning, and Geomatics.
3. Faculty of Health Sciences
- Departments: Clinical
Laboratory Sciences, Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Human Biology,
Medicine, Public Health and Family Medicine, Surgery.
4. Faculty of Humanities
- Departments: African Studies, English, History, Philosophy, Political
Studies, Social Anthropology, Sociology, Drama, Music, and more.
5. Faculty of Law
- Departments: Private Law, Public Law, Commercial Law.
6. Faculty of Science
- Departments: Astronomy, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Computer
Science, Environmental and Geographical Science, Geological Sciences,
Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, Physics, Statistical Sciences.
Courses Offered
UCT offers a wide range of undergraduate
and postgraduate programs across its faculties. Some popular courses include:
- Bachelor of Commerce (BCom)
- Bachelor of Science in
Engineering (BSc Eng)
- Bachelor of Medicine and
Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB)
- Bachelor of Arts (BA)
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
- Master of Business
Administration (MBA)
- Doctoral programs (PhD) in
various disciplines
Minimum Admission Requirements
-Minimum admission requirements
for applicants holding a National Senior Certificate (NSC) include obtaining an
achievement rating of 4 (Adequate Achievement, 50 – 59%) or better in four
subjects for admission to a Bachelor's degree program.
-Assessment of academic
performance for NSC applicants is based on an Admission Points Score (APS), a
Faculty Points Score (FPS), and a Weighted Points Score (WPS). These scores are
detailed below.
-Percentages achieved in NSC
examinations (grade 11 final, grade 12 preliminary, and grade 12 final) are
converted into admissions scores equivalent to the percentage achieved.
To calculate the APS:
- Add the percentages obtained in
the six best subjects, excluding Life Orientation and scores for "Advanced
Programme" (AP) subjects, but including English and any other required
subject(s) for the relevant program.
- For example, for a program
requiring Mathematics and Physical Sciences, include scores for English,
Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and the best three of the remaining subjects
other than Life Orientation to calculate the APS.
- Results below 40% for any
subject do not contribute to the APS score.
Requirements for Each Course
Requirements vary by program, but generally include:
- Undergraduate Programs: National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a minimum achievement level in required subjects, specific course prerequisites, National Benchmark Tests (NBTs).
-Postgraduate Programs: Relevant undergraduate degree, minimum academic achievement in previous studies, professional experience (for some programs), research proposal (for research-based degrees).
Application Process
Application opening and closing dates for the year 2024 are as follows:
- 2 April 2024: Applications for
admission to all programs will open at 12:00 SAST. Registration for the
National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) will also commence.
- 31 July 2024: All undergraduate
applications will close. Late applications will not be accepted. Additionally,
applications for student housing will close on this date. It is also the final
date to submit the Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) portfolio and the
last opportunity to write the NBTs for conditional offers by the Faculty of
Health Sciences.
- 31 August 2024: This marks the
closing date for undergraduate program changes. Requests for program changes
must be sent to admissions@uct.ac.za with the subject line "Request for
program change." Also, portfolios for the Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art
(BA(FA)) program are due.
- 11 October 2024: The last date
to write the NBTs for admission to UCT.
- 31 October 2024: For applicants
completing secondary school in 2024, all grade 12 interim results or predicted
scores (for non-NSC candidates) are due. Transferring applicants must submit
interim and past transcripts, and proof of English language proficiency.
- 15 November 2024: International
applicants must receive an offer of admission by this deadline to allow
sufficient time to obtain a study visa.
- 31 December 2024: All final
transcripts and non-NSC school-leaving results (except CAIE, IB, NSSC, and
ZIMSEC) must be submitted.
For the year 2025:
- 15 January 2025: Final CAIE,
IB, NSSC, and ZIMSEC results from the November 2023 session are due.
Documents Required
Applicants need to submit:
- Completed application form
- Certified copies of academic
transcripts
- Proof of payment of application
fee
- Identity document (ID) or
passport
- Curriculum Vitae (for
postgraduate applications)
- Personal statement or
motivation letter (for certain programs)
- Letters of recommendation (for
postgraduate programs)
Application
Fee
The application fee for South African applicants is R100, international applicants need to pay R 300. Applications to the Graduate School of Business (GSB) for South African and African citizens/residents incur a fee of R1,000. For applicants outside of Africa, the application fee is USD 100.
Housing and Transportation
Housing
UCT offers various accommodation
options, including:
Students residing in university
accommodations will begin in a first-tier residence with full catering
services, progress to a second-tier residence offering senior catering or
self-catering options, and eventually transition to third-tier accommodation
with semi-autonomous self-catering facilities.
- University Residences: Catered
and self-catering options available, with single and shared rooms.
- Off-Campus Accommodation: The
university provides resources to help students find private housing.
- Postgraduate Housing: Dedicated
residences for postgraduate students with more independent living arrangements.
Transportation
- Shuttle Service: UCT operates a
free shuttle service that runs between campuses, residences, and key points in
the city.
- Public Transport: Cape Town's
MyCiTi bus service and Metrorail train services are commonly used by students.
- Biking and Walking: The campus
is pedestrian-friendly, and many students use bicycles to navigate.
Contact Details
For general inquiries,
prospective students can reach UCT via:
- Website: UCT Website
-Admissions Office: admissions-ug@uct.ac.za
- Telephone: +27 (0)21 650 9111
- Address: University of Cape Town,
Private Bag X3,
Rondebosch 7701,
South Africa
The University of Cape Town is a
top choice for higher education in Africa. It's well-known for its challenging
courses, many different programs, and important research work. The campus is
beautiful, and the university offers lots of help for students. There are also
many activities for students to enjoy, making it a popular place for people
from all over the world.
