UCT Courses and Requirements (2025) – My Johannesburg Lists

The University of Cape Town (UCT), located in Cape Town, South Africa, is widely regarded as Africa’s leading university, known for its academic excellence and vibrant research culture. Offering a diverse array of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across six faculties, UCT attracts students eager to excel in fields like medicine, engineering, and humanities. For those planning to apply for the 2025 academic year, understanding the courses offered and their admission requirements is essential for a successful application. This comprehensive guide details UCT’s 2025 programs, entry criteria, and application process, providing clear, actionable insights to help you navigate your academic journey with confidence.

UCT Courses and Requirements

UCT organizes its academic offerings across six faculties: Commerce, Engineering & the Built Environment, Health Sciences, Humanities, Law, and Science. Each faculty provides qualifications from Bachelor’s Degrees to Doctoral Degrees, tailored to meet industry demands and foster innovation. Admission is based on the National Senior Certificate (NSC), Admission Point Score (APS), and subject-specific requirements, with competitive programs requiring high APS scores. Below, we explore the key courses and their entry criteria for 2025, drawing from official UCT sources to ensure accuracy.

Faculty of Commerce

This faculty prepares students for dynamic careers in business, finance, and management, emphasizing analytical and leadership skills.

Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) in Accounting: Requires an NSC with Bachelor’s degree endorsement, APS of 410 points, English Home Language (HL) or First Additional Language (FAL) at 60%, and Mathematics at 60%. Prepares students for chartered accountancy and financial roles.
BCom in Economics and Finance: APS of 410, English HL/FAL at 60%, Mathematics at 60%. Focuses on economic policy and financial markets.
Bachelor of Business Science (BBusSc) in Actuarial Science: APS of 450, English HL/FAL at 60%, Mathematics at 80%. Ideal for careers in risk management and insurance.
BCom in Information Systems: APS of 410, English HL/FAL at 60%, Mathematics at 60%. Covers IT integration in business operations.

Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment

Accredited by the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA), this faculty offers programs in engineering, architecture, and construction.

Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSc Eng) in Civil Engineering: APS of 450, English HL/FAL at 60%, Mathematics at 80%, Physical Sciences at 70%. Covers infrastructure design and sustainability.
BSc Eng in Electrical Engineering: APS of 450, English HL/FAL at 60%, Mathematics at 80%, Physical Sciences at 70%. Focuses on power systems and electronics.
Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS): APS of 380, English HL/FAL at 50%, Mathematics at 50%, and a portfolio submission. Prepares students for architectural design careers.
BSc in Construction Studies: APS of 380, English HL/FAL at 50%, Mathematics at 60%, Physical Sciences at 50%. Emphasizes construction management.

Faculty of Health Sciences

This faculty trains healthcare professionals with rigorous, research-driven programs, requiring the National Benchmark Tests (NBT).

Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB): APS of 450, English HL/FAL at 60%, Mathematics at 60%, Physical Sciences or Life Sciences at 60%, and competitive NBT scores. Includes a selection process with interviews.
Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy: APS of 400, English HL/FAL at 60%, Mathematics at 50%, Physical Sciences or Life Sciences at 50%, NBT required. Focuses on rehabilitation and patient care.
Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy: APS of 380, English HL/FAL at 60%, Mathematics at 50%, Physical Sciences or Life Sciences at 50%, NBT required. Prepares students for therapeutic interventions.
Bachelor of Nursing: APS of 380, English HL/FAL at 50%, Mathematics at 50% or Mathematical Literacy at 60%, Life Sciences at 50%, NBT required.

Faculty of Humanities

Humanities programs encourage critical thinking and creativity, offering flexible study options with two majors for general degrees.

Bachelor of Arts (BA): APS of 380, English HL/FAL at 60%, Mathematics at 40% or Mathematical Literacy at 60%. Offers majors like Psychology, Media Studies, or Languages.
Bachelor of Social Science (BSocSc): APS of 380, English HL/FAL at 60%, Mathematics at 40% or Mathematical Literacy at 60%. Includes majors like Sociology or Political Studies.
BA in Fine Art: APS of 380, English HL/FAL at 50%, and a portfolio submission. Focuses on visual arts and creative practice.
Bachelor of Music: APS of 380, English HL/FAL at 50%, and a performance audition. Specializes in genres like Jazz or Classical Music.

Faculty of Law

The Faculty of Law is renowned for producing legal professionals, offering undergraduate and graduate-entry programs.

Bachelor of Laws (LLB) (4-year): APS of 440, English HL/FAL at 60%, Mathematics at 50% or Mathematical Literacy at 60%. Prepares students for legal practice.
LLB (Graduate 2-year): Requires a completed Bachelor’s degree with a 65% average, typically a BA or BCom with law modules. Ideal for students transitioning to law.

Faculty of Science

This faculty drives innovation in fields like biology, computer science, and physics, offering fieldwork opportunities.

Bachelor of Science (BSc): APS of 420, English HL/FAL at 60%, Mathematics at 70%, and Physical Sciences or Life Sciences at 60%. Offers majors like Computer Science, Chemistry, or Environmental Science.
BSc in Applied Mathematics: APS of 420, English HL/FAL at 60%, Mathematics at 70%, Physical Sciences at 60%. Focuses on mathematical modeling.
BSc in Marine Biology: APS of 420, English HL/FAL at 60%, Mathematics at 70%, Life Sciences at 60%. Includes coastal fieldwork.
BSc in Astrophysics: APS of 420, English HL/FAL at 60%, Mathematics at 70%, Physical Sciences at 60%. Prepares students for astronomical research.

General Admission Requirements

UCT’s admission criteria are rigorous to ensure academic readiness:

National Senior Certificate (NSC): Must have a Bachelor’s degree endorsement for degrees, Diploma endorsement for diplomas.
Minimum APS: Ranges from 380 for Humanities and Nursing to 450 for Medicine and Engineering. Calculated using six best NSC subjects, excluding Life Orientation.
English Requirement: English HL or FAL at 50–60% minimum, depending on the program.
Mathematics: Compulsory for numerate degrees (e.g., Science, Engineering), typically at 60–80%. Mathematical Literacy is accepted for select programs (e.g., BA, Nursing).
National Benchmark Tests (NBT): Mandatory for all first-time South African applicants, assessing Academic Literacy, Quantitative Literacy, and Mathematics. Required for Health Sciences and competitive programs.
Application Period: Opens April 1, 2024, closes July 31, 2024, for all undergraduate programs.
Registration Deadline: Accepted students must submit registration requests by February 14, 2025.

Admission Point Score (APS) Breakdown

UCT uses a points-based system for NSC results, excluding Life Orientation:

NSC Level	Percentage	Points
7	80–100%	100
6	70–79%	88
5	60–69%	76
4	50–59%	64
3	40–49%	52
2	30–39%	40
1	0–29%	0

For example, a student with English HL (70%, 88 points), Mathematics (80%, 100 points), and four other subjects at 60% (76 points each) scores: 88 + 100 + 76 + 76 + 76 + 76 = 492 points. UCT adjusts points for subjects taken at Advanced Programme (AP) level, adding up to 10% extra.

Alternative Admission Pathways

UCT offers flexible entry options for non-standard applicants:

National Certificate (Vocational) Level 4: Not accepted for degree programs; applicants must complete a matric rewrite for NSC equivalence.
International Qualifications: A-levels, IB, or IGCSE must be evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and meet UCT’s subject requirements.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): Limited to mature applicants (over 23) with relevant experience, subject to faculty approval.
Extended Curriculum Programmes: Available in Commerce, Humanities, and Science for students with APS slightly below standard, adding one year to the degree.

Postgraduate Programs

UCT offers Honours, Master’s, and Doctoral Degrees across all faculties:

BCom (Honours) in Finance: Requires a BCom with a 65% average in final-year subjects.
Master’s in Engineering (MEng): Requires a BSc Eng or equivalent with a 65% average and a research proposal.
PhD in Health Sciences: Requires a Master’s degree and a strong research background.
Postgraduate Diploma in Law: Requires a Bachelor’s degree with a 60% average, ideal for legal specialization.

Application Process for 2025

Applying to UCT requires careful planning due to competitive programs:

Online Application: Submit via the UCT application portal from April 1, 2024.
Required Documents: Certified copies of ID, NSC or equivalent results, NBT results (if applicable), and proof of application fee payment.
Application Fee: Approximately R100 for South African applicants, R300 for international students.
Selection Process: Health Sciences and Fine Art programs require interviews, portfolios, or auditions. Competitive programs use a weighted score combining APS, NBT, and personal statements.
Track Application: Monitor your status through the UCT Student Self-Service portal.

International Students

International applicants must meet additional criteria:

SAQA Evaluation: Non-South African qualifications require SAQA verification.
English Proficiency: TOEFL or IELTS scores for non-English-speaking applicants.
Study Permit: Required before registration.

Financial Aid and Funding

UCT offers various funding options to support students:

NSFAS: For South African students with a household income below R350,000 per year.
UCT Bursaries: Merit-based awards for top performers.
External Scholarships: Available through private organizations and government programs.
Postgraduate Funding: Research grants and fellowships for Master’s and PhD students.

Apply for funding early to align with admission deadlines.

Why Choose UCT?

UCT stands out for its:

Global Reputation: Ranked among the top 200 universities worldwide, with cutting-edge research facilities.
Diverse Community: Over 29,000 students from 100+ countries create a vibrant campus culture.
Cape Town Location: Offers access to cultural, professional, and natural attractions.
Student Support: Comprehensive services, including career counseling and academic advising.

Campus Life and Orientation

UCT’s Rondebosch campus provides a dynamic student experience. The 2025 orientation program, held in February, introduces first-years to academic resources, student societies, and campus facilities. Students can engage in:

Sports Facilities: Rugby, soccer, and swimming programs.
Cultural Events: Music festivals, theater productions, and art exhibitions.
Student Societies: Over 100 clubs for academic, social, and professional interests.

Summary Table: Key UCT Courses and Requirements (2025)

Faculty	Course	APS	Key Requirements
Commerce	BCom in Accounting	410	English HL/FAL 60%, Maths 60%
Engineering & Built Environment	BSc Eng in Civil Engineering	450	English HL/FAL 60%, Maths 80%, Physical Sciences 70%
Health Sciences	MBChB	450	English HL/FAL 60%, Maths 60%, Life/Physical Sciences 60%, NBT
Humanities	BA	380	English HL/FAL 60%, Maths 40% or Maths Lit 60%
Law	LLB (4-year)	440	English HL/FAL 60%, Maths 50% or Maths Lit 60%
Science	BSc	420	English HL/FAL 60%, Maths 70%, Physical/Life Sciences 60%

FAQ: Common Questions About UCT Courses and Requirements

What is the minimum APS for UCT in 2025?
The minimum APS ranges from 380 for Humanities and Nursing to 450 for Medicine and Engineering. Specific programs require higher subject percentages, like 80% in Mathematics for BBusSc Actuarial Science.

Do I need the NBT for all UCT programs?
The National Benchmark Tests (NBT) are mandatory for all first-time South African applicants. They are critical for Health Sciences programs and used in competitive faculties like Commerce and Science to rank applicants.

When do UCT applications close for 2025?
Applications close on July 31, 2024, for all undergraduate programs. Early application is recommended due to high demand and limited spaces.

Conclusion

The University of Cape Town offers a diverse range of programs for 2025, from Bachelor’s Degrees to Postgraduate Qualifications, designed to prepare students for global careers in commerce, engineering, health sciences, humanities, law, and science. By meeting the APS, subject, and NBT requirements, you can secure a spot in one of UCT’s prestigious programs. Start your application early, gather necessary documents, and explore funding options to ensure a smooth process. With its academic excellence, vibrant campus life, and stunning Cape Town location, UCT is an exceptional choice for your higher education journey.