Dlamini BlessingYou’ve set your sights on Africa’s leading university. The University of Cape Town (UCT) consistently ranks as the top institution on the continent, renowned for its research intensity, academic excellence, and stunning location at the foot of Table Mountain. As a hub for students from over 100 countries, UCT offers a transformative educational experience that combines rigorous scholarship with the unique cultural and natural heritage of Cape Town .
But gaining admission to this prestigious institution requires careful planning and a thorough understanding of the application process. For the 2026 academic year, the application landscape is defined by strict deadlines, competitive selection, and specific requirements that vary by faculty. This guide cuts through the complexity, bringing together everything you need to know, from the basic admission framework to faculty-specific guidelines and key application dates.
University of Cape Town Courses and Requirements (2026)
Overview: A University of Global Standing
The University of Cape Town, founded in 1829, is South Africa’s oldest university and has built a reputation as a world-class academic institution . Its main campus is located on the slopes of Devil’s Peak, in a pleasant suburban area approximately five miles from the Cape Town City Centre . UCT is organised into several faculties, offering a comprehensive range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across the humanities, commerce, engineering, health sciences, law, and science.
For the 2026 academic year, all undergraduate applications closed on 31 July 2025, and postgraduate applications closed on 30 September 2025. Late applications are not considered under any circumstances . This guide serves as a resource for understanding the requirements and for planning future applications.
Key Application Dates for 2026
The following dates were critical for the 2026 admission cycle and should be noted for future planning :
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications open for 2026 | 1 April 2025 |
| UCT Open Day | 25 April 2026 |
| Undergraduate applications close | 31 July 2025 |
| Housing applications close for undergraduates | 31 July 2025 |
| Final date to request undergraduate programme change | 31 August 2025 |
| Postgraduate applications close | 30 September 2025 |
| Proof of English proficiency due | 30 September 2025 |
| Supporting documents for international applicants due | 30 September 2025 |
| Last chance to write NBTs for admission to UCT | 3 October 2025 |
| NSC Grade 12 interim results due | 31 October 2025 |
| Deadline for international applicants to attract offer | 15 November 2025 |
| Final transcripts and academic records due | 31 December 2025 |
Application Fees and Process
An application fee is required for every application. UCT students and graduates, as well as Semester Study Abroad (SSA) applicants, are exempt from this fee unless applying to a Graduate School of Business (GSB) programme . The application fee is non-refundable and does not guarantee admission .
Payment can be made via direct deposit, electronic funds transfer (EFT), or credit card. For most programmes, EFT payments must be made to the Standard Bank account specified on the UCT website, using a reference number that includes the applicant number. Payments for GSB programmes must be made to a separate account .
All supporting documents, including certified copies of identification, school results, and academic transcripts, must be submitted as certified electronic copies to [email protected]. Current learners at school must ensure that all examination results from Grade 11 until September of Grade 12 are submitted .
Understanding UCT Admissions: Key Principles
Before exploring specific programmes, it is essential to understand the general admissions framework.
Minimum NSC Requirements
The minimum requirement for admission to a bachelor’s degree programme at UCT is a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with an achievement rating of 4 (Adequate Achievement, 50-59%) or better in four subjects .
Admission Scores: APS, FPS, and WPS
UCT uses a sophisticated scoring system to evaluate applicants :
| Score Type | Full Name | Calculation Method | Maximum Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| APS | Admission Points Score | Sum of six best subject percentages, excluding Life Orientation, but including English and other required subjects | Varies |
| FPS | Faculty Points Score | Varies by faculty: equals APS for Commerce, Engineering, Humanities, Law; APS + NBT scores for Health Sciences (out of 900); special calculation for Science (out of 800) | 600–900 |
| WPS | Weighted Points Score | For South African applicants only: FPS multiplied by a disadvantage factor (0–20%) | Varies |
Results below 40% for any subject do not attract a score in the APS calculation .
National Benchmark Tests (NBTs)
All undergraduate applicants who are normally resident or at school in South Africa must write the NBTs. All applicants to programmes in Health Sciences must write the NBTs regardless of where they reside . There are two NBTs:
– Academic and Quantitative Literacy Test (AQL): Consists of academic literacy (AL) and quantitative literacy (QL) components. All applicants write this test.
– Mathematics Test: Required for applicants who wish to enter a programme with mathematics-based coursework.
Applicants must register for the NBTs before applying online and must include their NBT registration number in their application .
Redress for Diversity
UCT categorises all South African applicants according to the categorisation of their parents’ race under apartheid, which serves as a proxy for disadvantage. These categories are used in making selection decisions to ensure that the university meets the diversity targets set for each programme .
Faculty of Humanities
The Faculty of Humanities offers a wide range of programmes, including specialised creative arts degrees with additional application requirements.
Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art (BAFA)
This programme has a specific application process requiring a portfolio submission. Applicants must have applied to central admissions at UCT before 31 July 2025. The undergraduate portfolios were due before 31 August 2025 for study in 2026 .
The portfolio submission must include :
– Four original, monochromatic drawings on paper in at least two different media (pencil, charcoal, pen, or brush). These must be from life and not from photographs or traced, and must include: a self-portrait, a still life, a figure or animal study, and an architectural or landscape study.
– A portfolio of 10 recent works in a range of media including colour. Each artwork must be labelled with number, surname, title, date, size (cm), and media.
– A statement of motivation of 250-500 words.
– A completed BAFA Form.
The entire submission must be combined into a single PDF file not exceeding 20MB and emailed to [email protected] .
Other Humanities Programmes
The faculty offers numerous other programmes, including African Studies, Archaeology, Classical Studies, Dance, Drama, English Literature, Film & Media Studies, Gender Studies, History, Languages, Linguistics, Music, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Social Anthropology, Social Development, Social Work, and Sociology .
Faculty of Commerce
The Faculty of Commerce offers programmes in accounting, economics, finance, information systems, marketing, and related fields .
General Admission Requirements for BCom and BBusSc
For the 2026 intake, the following requirements applied for most specialisations (excluding Actuarial Science and Computer Science) :
– FPS of 430 or above
– NBT scores of Upper Intermediate or above for AL and QL
– Mathematics: 60%
– English Home Language: 50% or English First Additional Language: 60%
Guaranteed admission was offered to applicants with an FPS of 435 or above and NBT scores meeting the requirements .
Transferring into Commerce
Students wishing to transfer into the Commerce Faculty from another faculty at UCT or from another university must meet specific criteria :
– Meet the minimum entrance requirements for the Faculty of Commerce based on school-leaving results
– Minimum annual GPA of 60%, with no failed subjects
– Relevant and transferable courses
– Ability to complete a degree within the minimum time
– Valid NBTs that meet the minimum requirements of the Commerce Faculty
The deadline for submitting internal transfer applications was 9 January 2026, with outcomes notified by 6 February 2026 .
Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment
This faculty offers programmes in chemical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, architecture, and related fields .
The faculty also offers a range of continuing professional development (CPD) courses for 2026, including :
– Integrated Energy Systems (various dates)
– Integrated Data Energy Analytics (starting 19 January 2026)
– Drawing for Design (starting 26 January 2026)
– LEAD Programme (starting 2 February 2026)
– Introduction to Design Computing (starting 2 February 2026)
– Valuation for Land Reform and Expropriation (starting 4 February 2026)
– Diamonds in Depth: Formation, Exploration, Processing and Sustainability (starting 4 February 2026)
– Bridge and Tunnel Management (starting 10 February 2026)
Department of Civil Engineering Courses
The Department of Civil Engineering offers specialised postgraduate courses throughout 2026. These include :
– CIV5149Z: Slope Stability and Lateral Earth Supports (1-5 June)
– CIV5124Z: Geosynthetics Engineering (6-10 July)
– CIV5006Z: Advanced Structural Concrete Engineering (13-17 July)
– CIV5036Z: Local Area Transport Planning, Management and Design (28 July – 4 August)
– CIV5141Z: Condition Assessment and Remedial Action on Steel Structures (14-18 September)
Most courses have a pre-contact period of five weeks involving 30-40 hours of preparatory reading .
Faculty of Health Sciences
The Faculty of Health Sciences offers programmes in medicine, health sciences, and related fields. This faculty has the most competitive admissions process.
Admission Requirements
For the Faculty of Health Sciences, the FPS is calculated as the sum of the APS and the percentages obtained for the NBTs, with a maximum score of 900 . This means that NBT performance is weighted equally with academic results in the selection process.
All applicants to Health Sciences programmes must write the NBTs, regardless of where they reside .
Faculty of Law
The Faculty of Law prepares students for legal practice and related careers. Admission requirements are based on the APS and FPS calculations described above .
Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science offers programmes in fields including astronomy, biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, environmental science, mathematics, physics, and statistics .
Admission Requirements
For the Faculty of Science, the FPS is calculated out of 800, using the following method :
– Count English
– Double the scores for Mathematics and Physical Sciences
– Add the best three of the remaining scores, other than Life Orientation
Study Abroad Programmes
UCT welcomes international students through study abroad programmes. Students can register for three to five courses per semester, earning 15-19 credits .
Programme Dates for 2026 :
– Spring 2026: 2 February – 16 June
– Fall 2026: 6 July – 21 November
Requirements :
– Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
– Sophomore, Junior, or Senior standing when the programme begins
– 18 years of age
– Good standing at home institution
– No language prerequisites (instruction is in English)
Students can choose from courses in the faculties of Commerce, Engineering & the Built Environment, Humanities, and Natural Sciences .
International Applicants
International applicants must meet additional requirements :
– Predicted grades, transcripts, and secondary school results must be submitted
– English translations of documents are required for documents not in English
– Proof of English language proficiency is due by 30 September 2025
– International applicants must attract an offer of admission by 15 November 2025 to allow sufficient time to obtain a study visa
Summary of Key 2026 Admission Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Institution | University of Cape Town (UCT) |
| Application System | Online via applyonline.uct.ac.za (applyonline.uct.ac.za in Bing) |
| Undergraduate Application Period | 1 April – 31 July 2025 |
| Postgraduate Application Period | 1 April – 30 September 2025 |
| Minimum NSC Requirement | Level 4 (50–59%) in four subjects |
| Key Assessments | National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) required for most programmes |
| Application Fee | Non‑refundable; varies by programme |
| Contact Email | [email protected] |
Frequently Asked Questions About UCT Applications
How do I calculate my APS for UCT?
Your APS is calculated by adding the percentages of your six best NSC subjects, excluding Life Orientation, but including English and any other subjects required for your chosen programme. Results below 40% do not contribute to the score .
What is the difference between APS, FPS, and WPS?
The APS is your basic admission score. The FPS is a faculty-specific score that may include additional components like NBT results or weighted subject scores. The WPS is a weighted score for South African applicants that incorporates a disadvantage factor to promote diversity .
When do applications for UCT 2026 close?
Undergraduate applications closed on 31 July 2025. Postgraduate applications closed on 30 September 2025. Late applications are not considered .
Does UCT require NBTs?
Yes, all undergraduate applicants who are normally resident or at school in South Africa must write the NBTs. All applicants to programmes in Health Sciences must write the NBTs regardless of where they reside .
What are the NBT requirements for Commerce?
For the Faculty of Commerce, applicants need NBT scores of Upper Intermediate or above for both Academic Literacy (AL) and Quantitative Literacy (QL) .
Can I transfer into UCT from another university?
Yes, but the process is competitive and has specific requirements. Transfer applications from another university closed on 31 July 2025. Applicants must meet the faculty’s entrance requirements, have a minimum GPA of 60%, and provide all academic records .
What is the application fee for UCT?
The application fee varies by programme. UCT students and graduates, as well as Semester Study Abroad applicants, are exempt unless applying to a Graduate School of Business programme .
How can I check my application status?
Applicants receive email communications when their application is updated. Status can also be checked online with the login credentials provided after applying. UCT does not disclose application status telephonically .
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With this comprehensive guide, you are now equipped to understand the University of Cape Town’s courses and requirements for the 2026 academic year. While the application windows for 2026 have closed, this information serves as an invaluable resource for future planning. Whether you’re aiming for a degree in the humanities, a professional qualification in commerce or law, or a specialised programme in health sciences or engineering, UCT offers world-class education at Africa’s leading university. For the most up-to-date information on future intakes, always consult the official UCT website and begin your preparations well in advance of the application deadlines.