Read the full 2027 UCT Undergraduate Prospectus (text)
2027 UNDERGRADUATE PROSPECTUS 2027 UNDERGRADUATE PROSPECTUS CONTENTS Message from the Vice-Chancellor .... 4 Using this Prospectus ....................... 8 Discovering UCT ............................... 10 About Cape Town and UCT .................11 Key dates ......................................... 12 Application and Admission to UCT .... 13 National Benchmark Tests ............... 19 Faculty of Commerce ...................... 23 Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment ........... 32 Faculty of Health Sciences .............. 39 2 3 Faculty of Humanities ...................... 48 Faculty of Law ................................. 59 Faculty of Science .......................... 64 Student Housing ..............................71 Sports, Student Clubs & Student Societies ..................74 International Students .....................77 Tuition Fees & Residence Costs ........81 Funding your studies ....................... 82 Student Life at UCT ......................... 85 Contact information ........................ 89 2027 UNDERGRADUATE PROSPECTUS 2027 UNDERGRADUATE PROSPECTUS MESSAGE FROM THE VICE-CHANCELLOR When South Africa’s first democratically elected President Nelson Mandela said: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” – the world was a different place than it is today. And yet his wise and powerful words remain as true today as they were when he first said them. As we stand at a defining moment in human history, where the world is changing at an unprecedented pace – education is still a powerful weapon to change the world. But that education has to be crafted in a way that prepares students to think critically, act ethically and make a meaningful contribution to the rapidly evolving world. And that’s exactly what an academic programme at UCT does, preparing students for a world where complex challenges demand innovative, locally grounded and globally relevant solutions. As Africa’s top-ranked university, UCT is a proudly African institution of higher learning with a global outlook. Therefore, we are committed to knowledge that speaks to Africa’s realities while contributing to the global good. Our vision, articulated in the UCT 2030 strategy, is to be a purpose-led, inclusive and engaged research-intensive university. This means placing human dignity, social justice and sustainability at the heart of everything we do. Our students get an education that gives them the necessary tools to recognise opportunities within challenges, to design solutions that respond to community needs, and to imagine futures that are more equitable and sustainable. If you are inspired by the idea of making a positive difference in your own community and beyond, then UCT can help set you on that path. Across our institution, staff and students share a commitment to unleashing human potential in service of a fair and just society. We would be honoured to support you in discovering and developing your own potential. Thank you for opening this UCT Prospectus for 2027 and for considering being part of our academic community. We are a proud community that values excellence and we are ready to support you in every aspect of your academic journey. This prospectus provides detailed information about the academic programmes offered across our six faculties: 4 2027 UNDERGRADUATE PROSPECTUS Commerce, Engineering & the Built Environment, Health Sciences, Humanities, Law, and Science. Each faculty offers internationally recognised qualifications at a university consistently ranked among the best and respected globally for excellence in teaching, research and social responsiveness. UCT offers a rich and personally enriching student experience across four physical campuses, including our award-winning Graduate School of Business. Our academics are internationally recognised leaders in their fields, and their cutting-edge research ensures that your learning remains relevant in a rapidly changing world. Through our focus on digital innovation, interdisciplinary learning and engaged scholarship, we prepare graduates who are adaptable, socially conscious and ready for the future. University life at UCT extends far beyond the lecture hall. We encourage you to grow intellectually, socially and personally by engaging in sport, culture, leadership, entrepreneurship and community service. Guided by the principle of ubuntu – I am because you are – we strive to create a campus culture grounded in respect, compassion and open dialogue. Our students are from all nine South African provinces and from more than 100 countries, making us a truly diverse community. We are committed to creating a safe, inclusive and non-discriminatory space in which all students can thrive. The relationships you form at UCT often last a lifetime, and upon graduation, you will join a global alumni network that spans continents and sectors. UCT graduates are sought after across the public and private sectors, and our Career Service supports students and alumni through career guidance, employer connections and entrepreneurial development. We recognise that access to higher education must be supported. If you require financial assistance, this prospectus outlines opportunities for funding through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and a range of UCT scholarships and bursaries. Throughout your studies, you will have access to academic, social and wellbeing support designed to help you succeed, regardless of your circumstances. Your health and wellbeing matter to us. We encourage a balanced student life and invite you to participate in one of our many sports clubs, societies and student organisations that support personal growth, leadership development and social engagement. Choosing a university is one of the most important decisions you will make. I wish you wisdom and confidence as you consider your future, and I invite you to reach out to UCT’s Admissions Office should you have any questions. We look forward to the possibility of weaponising you with quality education that will assist you to make a meaningful contribution to society. Warm Regards, Professor Mosa Moshabela Vice-Chancellor 5 UMYALEZO OVELA KUSEKELA-TSHANSELA Xa uMongameli wokuqala okhethwe ngentando yesininzi eMzantsi Afrika, Nelson Mandela, wathi: “Imfundo sesona sixhobo sinamandla onokusisebenzisa ukutshintsha ihlabathi” – ihlabathi lalinjani ngelo xesha lalingafani nendlela elimi ngayo namhlanje. Nangona kunjalo, amazwi akhe anobulumko namandla asasebenza nanamhlanje njengokuba ayesebenza ngexesha lokuqala awathethayo. Njengoko simi kweli xesha libalulekileyo kwimbali yoluntu, apho ihlabathi litshintsha ngesantya esingazange sibonwe ngaphambili – imfundo isese sisixhobo esinamandla sokutshintsha ihlabathi. Kodwa loo mfundo kufuneka yakhiwe ngendlela elungiselela abafundi ukuba bacinge nzulu, benze izinto ngokusesikweni, baze benze igalelo elinentsingiselo kwihlabathi eliguqukayo ngokukhawuleza. Yile nto kanye eyenziwa ziinkqubo zemfundo e-University of Cape Town (UCT), zilungiselela abafundi ihlabathi apho imingeni enzima ifuna izisombululo ezintsha, ezisekelwe kwimeko yasekhaya kodwa zibalulekile kwihlabathi liphela. Njengeyunivesithi ehamba phambili eAfrika ngokwenqanaba, i-UCT liziko lemfundo ephakamileyo eliqhayisa ngobuzwe balo baseAfrika ngelixa linesikhokelo esijolise kwihlabathi. Sizimisele ke ngoko ekuveliseni ulwazi oluphendula kwiinyani zaseAfrika ngelixa lwenza igalelo eliluncedo kwihlabathi. Umbono wethu, ochazwe kwisicwangciso se-UCT 2030, kukuba sibe yiyunivesithi ekhokelelwa yinjongo, evulekileyo kubo bonke, nenxulumene noluntu, egxile kuphando olunzulu. Oku kuthetha ukubeka isidima somntu, ubulungisa kwezentlalo, kunye nokuzinza embindini wayo yonke into esiyenzayo. Abafundi bethu bafumana imfundo ebaxhobisa ngezixhobo eziyimfuneko zokubona amathuba ngaphakathi kwimingeni, ukuyila izisombululo eziphendula kwiimfuno zoluntu, kunye nokucinga ngekamva elinobulungisa ngakumbi nelizinzileyo. Ukuba ukhuthazwa ngumqondo wokwenza umahluko olungileyo kuluntu lwakho nangaphaya kwalo, i-UCT inokukunceda ukuqala loo ndlela. Kulo lonke iziko lethu, abasebenzi nabafundi babelana ngokuzibophelela ekukhululeni amandla oluntu ngenjongo yokukhonza uluntu olunobulungisa. Singakuvuyela ukukuxhasa ekufumaneni nasekuphuhliseni amandla akho. Enkosi ngokuvula le Prospectus ye-UCT ka-2027 nokucinga ngokuba yinxalenye yoluntu lwethu lwezemfundo. Siyazingca ngoluntu lwethu oluxabisa ukugqwesa, kwaye sikulungele ukukuxhasa kuwo onke amacandelo ohambo lwakho lwezemfundo. Le prospectus inika iinkcukacha ezibanzi ngeenkqubo zemfundo ezinikwa kumacandelo ethu amathandathu: ezoRhwebo, ubuNjineli neNdalo Eyakhiweyo, ezeMpilo, ezeNkcubeko nezeNtlalo (Humanities), ezoMthetho, kunye nezeNzululwazi. Icandelo ngalinye linika izidanga ezamkelwa kumazwe ngamazwe, kwiyunivesithi ehlala ihlelwa phakathi kwezona zibalaseleyo nezihlonelwayo kwihlabathi ngenxa yokugqwesa kwayo ekufundiseni, kuphando, nasekuphenduleni kwiimfuno zoluntu. ngokobuqu kwiikhampasi zayo ezine, kuquka neSikolo seShishini sabafundi abaphumelele izidanga (Graduate School of Business) esiphumelele amabhaso. Oonjingalwazi bethu ngabakhokeli abaziwayo kumazwe ngamazwe kwiinkalo zabo, kwaye uphando lwabo oluphambili luqinisekisa ukuba imfundo yakho ihlala ifanelekile kwihlabathi eliguqukayo ngokukhawuleza. Ngokugxila kwethu kuphuhliso lwedijithali, ukufunda okudibanisa iinkalo ezahlukeneyo, kunye nophando olusebenzisanayo noluntu, silungiselela abaphumelele izidanga ukuba babe nabaguquguqukiyo, baqonde uxanduva kwezentlalo, kwaye balungele ikamva. Ubomi baseyunivesithi e-UCT budlulela ngaphaya kweeholo zezifundo. Siyakukhuthaza ukuba ukhule ngokwengqondo, kwezentlalo nangobuqu ngokuthatha inxaxheba kwezemidlalo, inkcubeko, ubunkokeli, ushishino, kunye nenkonzo yoluntu. Sikhokelwa ngumgaqo we-ubuntu – ndinguye ngenxa yakho – sizama ukudala inkcubeko yekhampasi esekelwe kwintlonipho, uvelwano, nencoko evulekileyo. Abafundi bethu bavela kuwo onke amaphondo alithoba aseMzantsi Afrika nakumazwe angaphezu kwe-100, nto leyo esenza sibe luluntu olwahlukeneyo ngokwenene. Sizibophelele ekudaleni indawo ekhuselekileyo, evulekileyo nengacinezeli mntu, apho bonke abafundi banokuphumelela. Ubuhlobo obakha e-UCT buhlala ubomi bonke, kwaye xa ugqiba izifundo zakho, uya kuba yinxalenye yenethiwekhi yealumni yehlabathi egubungela amazwekazi namacandelo ahlukeneyo. Abaphumelele e-UCT bafunwa kakhulu kumacandelo karhulumente nawabucala, kwaye iNkonzo yeMisebenzi (Career Service) ixhasa abafundi ne-alumni ngengcebiso ngomsebenzi, unxibelelwano nabaqeshi, kunye nophuhliso lweshishini. Siyakuqonda ukuba ukufikelela kwimfundo ephakamileyo kufuna inkxaso. Ukuba udinga uncedo lwezemali, le prospectus ichaza amathuba enkxaso-mali nge-National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) kunye noluhlu lweebhasari nezifundo ezixhaswa yi-UCT. Ngexesha lezifundo zakho, uya kufumana inkxaso yezemfundo, kwezentlalo nakwimpilo-ntle eyenzelwe ukukunceda uphumelele, nokuba imeko yakho injani. Impilo nentlalontle yakho zibalulekile kuthi. Sikhuthaza ubomi babafundi obulinganiselweyo kwaye siyakumema ukuba uthathe inxaxheba kwelinye lamaqela ethu amaninzi ezemidlalo, imibutho, nemibutho yabafundi exhasa ukukhula komntu, uphuhliso lobunkokeli, kunye nokuzibandakanya kwezentlalo. Ukukhetha iyunivesithi yenye yezona zigqibo zibalulekileyo oza kuzenza. Ndikunqwenelela ubulumko nokuzithemba xa ucinga ngekamva lakho, kwaye ndiyakumema ukuba unxibelelane neOfisi yoKwamkelwa kwabafundi yase-UCT ukuba unemibuzo. Sijonge phambili kumathuba okukuxhobisa ngemfundo esemgangathweni eza kukunceda wenze igalelo elinentsingiselo eluntwini. iYunivesithi yaseKapa, uNjingalwazi Mosa Moshabela Sekela-Tshansela I-UCT inikezela ngamava obomi babafundi atyebileyo nawakhayo 6 BOODSKAP VAN DIE VISEKANSELIER Toe Suid-Afrika se eerste demokraties verkose president, Nelson Mandela, gesê het: “Onderwys is die magtigste wapen wat jy kan gebruik om die wêreld te verander” – was die wêreld ‘n ander plek as vandag. En tog bly sy wyse en kragtige woorde net so waar vandag as toe hy dit die eerste keer gesê het. Terwyl ons op ‘n beslissende oomblik in die menslike geskiedenis staan, waar die wêreld teen ‘n ongekende tempo verander, is onderwys steeds ‘n kragtige wapen om die wêreld te verander. Maar daardie onderwys moet op ‘n manier geskied wat studente voorberei om krities te dink, eties op te tree en ‘n betekenisvolle bydrae te lewer tot die snel veranderende wêreld. En dit is presies wat ‘n akademiese program by UK doen – dit berei studente voor vir ‘n wêreld waar komplekse uitdagings innoverende, plaaslik-gegronde en wêreldwye relevante oplossings vereis. As Afrika se vooraanstaande universiteit is UK ‘n trots Afrikainstelling vir hoër onderwys met ‘n globale uitkyk. Daarom is ons toegewyd aan kennis wat Afrika se werklikhede aanspreek terwyl dit bydra tot die globale welsyn. Ons visie, soos uiteengesit in die UK 2030-strategie, is om ‘n doelgerigte, inklusiewe en betrokke navorsingsintensiewe universiteit te wees. Dit beteken om menswaardigheid, sosiale geregtigheid en volhoubaarheid in die hart van alles wat ons doen, te plaas. Ons studente kry ‘n onderrig wat hulle die nodige gereedskap gee om geleenthede binne uitdagings te herken, of om oplossings te ontwerp wat reageer op gemeenskapsbehoeftes, en om ‘n toekoms voor te stel wat meer gelyk en volhoubaar is. As jy geïnspireer is deur die idee om ‘n positiewe verskil in jou eie gemeenskap en verder te maak, kan UK jou op daardie pad help. Regoor ons instelling deel personeel en studente ‘n verbintenis om menslike potensiaal te ontketen in diens van ‘n regverdige en geregte samelewing. Ons sal geëerd wees om jou te ondersteun in die ontdekking en ontwikkeling van jou eie potensiaal. Dankie dat jy hierdie UK-prospektus vir 2027 oopgemaak het en dat jy oorweeg om deel van ons akademiese gemeenskap te wees. Ons is ‘n trotse gemeenskap wat uitnemendheid waardeer en ons is gereed om jou in elke aspek van jou akademiese reis te ondersteun. Hierdie prospektus verskaf omvattende inligting oor die akademiese programme wat aangebied word oor ons ses fakulteite: Handel, Ingenieurswese & die Geboude Omgewing, Gesondheidswetenskappe, Geesteswetenskappe, Regte, en Wetenskap. Elke fakulteit bied internasionaal erkende kwalifikasies aan ‘n universiteit wat konsekwent onder die beste gereken word en wêreldwyd gerespekteer word vir uitnemendheid in onderrig, navorsing en sosiale verantwoordelikheid. UK bied ‘n ryk en persoonlik verrykende studentebelewing oor vier fisiese kampusse, insluitend ons toekenningswenende Nagraadse Skool vir Besigheid. Ons akademici is internasionaal erkende leiers in hul velde, en hul voorpunt-navorsing verseker dat jou leer relevant bly in ‘n snel veranderende wêreld. Deur ons fokus op digitale innovasie, interdissiplinêre leer en betrokke beurs, berei ons gegradueerdes voor wat aanpasbaar, sosiaal bewus en gereed is vir die toekoms. Die universiteitslewe by UK strek ver buite die lesingsaal. Ons moedig jou aan om intellektueel, sosiaal en persoonlik te groei deur deel te neem aan sport, kultuur, leierskap, entrepreneurskap en gemeenskapsdiens. Gelei deur die beginsel van ubuntu – ek is omdat jy is – streef ons om ‘n kampuskultuur te skep wat gegrond is op respek, medelye en deursigtige kommunikasie. Ons studente is van al nege Suid-Afrikaanse provinsies en van meer as 100 lande, wat ons ‘n ware diverse gemeenskap maak. Ons is toegewyd om ‘n veilige, inklusiewe en nie-diskriminerende ruimte te skep waarin alle studente kan floreer. Die verhoudings wat jy by die Universiteit van Kaapstad vorm, hou dikwels ‘n leeftyd, en na graduering sal jy by ‘n wêreldwye alumni-netwerk aansluit wat oor kontinente en sektore strek. UK-gegradueerdes word deur die openbare en privaatsektore gesoek, en ons Loopbaandienste ondersteun studente en alumni deur loopbaanleiding, werkgewer-verbindings en entrepreneursontwikkeling. Ons erken dat toegang tot hoër onderwys ondersteun moet word. As jy finansiële hulp benodig, gee hierdie prospektus uiteenlopende geleenthede vir befondsing deur die Nasionale Studentefinansieringskema (NSFAS) en ‘n reeks UK-beurse en studiebeurse. Gedurende jou studies sal jy toegang hê tot akademiese, sosiale en welstandsondersteuning wat ontwerp is om jou te help slaag, ongeag jou omstandighede. Jou gesondheid en welstand is belangrik vir ons. Ons moedig ‘n gebalanseerde studentelewe aan en nooi jou uit om deel te neem aan een van ons baie sportklubs, -verenigings en studentorganisasies wat persoonlike groei, leierskapsontwikkeling en sosiale betrokkenheid ondersteun. Die keuse van ‘n universiteit is een van die belangrikste besluite wat jy sal neem. Ek wens jou wysheid en selfvertroue toe terwyl jy jou toekoms oorweeg, en ek nooi jou uit om UK se Toelatingskantoor te kontak as jy enige vrae het. Ons sien daarna uit na die moontlikheid om jou toe te rus met gehalte-onderrig wat jou sal help om ‘n betekenisvolle bydrae tot die samelewing te lewer. Vriendelike groete, Professor Mosa Moshabela Visekanselier 7 2027 UNDERGRADUATE PROSPECTUS USING THIS PROSPECTUS This prospectus is a guide for school-leavers and others who are interested in studying for an undergraduate qualification at the University of Cape Town (UCT). It introduces you to life at UCT, describing the campus and detailing the services and facilities we provide for students. Details of all undergraduate programmes offered are provided. We recommend that you also visit the websites of faculties and departments in which you may be interested. To help you understand the contents of this prospectus, we list below some of the terms that we use in this prospectus and what we mean by these terms. Admission Points Score (APS) This is a score calculated from your secondary school performance. View the calculation formulae in this prospectus. Admissions selection criteria We use these to select whom we will accept to study at UCT. First, we decide who has met the admission requirements. Then, we apply the admissions selection criteria for the programme concerned. Applicant A person who applies to study for a degree, diploma or certificate. Once you register at UCT, you become a student. Application fee This is the fee required as part of your application. It is nonrefundable, even if your application is unsuccessful. Applicant number An alpha-numeric ‘number’ will be allocated to you to identify and track your application. It normally consists of the first three consonants of your surname, and the first three characters of your first name, followed by a three digit number. It is important that you quote this number in any subsequent correspondence that you have with us. Applicant status Once you have submitted your application, you may monitor the progress of your application online by logging into Student Self-Service with the username and password 8 2027 UNDERGRADUATE PROSPECTUS The disadvantage factor is in turn derived from factors related to the disadvantage experienced by applicants in their school and at home. Early conditional offer This is an offer of admission, made during the course of the year preceding admission, which is conditional on performance in your final secondary school examinations. Early conditional offers are not made to all applicants. An early conditional offer will be withdrawn if the conditions for admission are not met. Faculty A faculty is a grouping of departments that offers specific degree, diploma and certificate programmes. There are six faculties at UCT. Students register in a faculty. Faculty Points Score (FPS) This is the score we use to rank applicants. In two faculties, Health Sciences and Science, the APS is adapted to calculate the FPS. In the other faculties, the APS equals the FPS. Matriculation / Matriculation Endorsement If you obtain a NSC endorsed for bachelors degree study you do not need a matriculation certificate or a certificate of exemption. If your school-leaving certificate is from another examining authority you will need to obtain a matriculation exemption certificate. Minimum Admission requirements What you must have: for example, Mathematics is required for admission to some programmes. These are necessary requirements you must meet, but are not necessarily sufficient for entry. National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) Most undergraduate applicants who normally reside, or have completed/are completing schooling, in South Africa must write the NBTs. Applicants applying for admission to a programme in the Faculty of Health Sciences, excluding and the Advanced Diploma in Cosmetic Formulation Science, and all applicants to the undergraduate LLB programme must write the NBTs, wherever they may reside. National Senior Certificate (NSC) Since 2008, South African school-leavers write the NSC examinations. This may be under the auspices of one of three examining authorities: The Department of Basic Education (DBE), the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) or the South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute (SACAI). Scores in this prospectus are calculated for NSC applicants. Programme Students enter a degree, diploma or certificate programme, which is a combination of subjects that have been constructed to provide you with a particular knowledge and skills base, and leads to a qualification. Redress Category The redress category is derived, for South African applicants only, from the racial classification of their parents during Apartheid. Registration If you are offered a study place, you must register as a student before the start of the first term. We call this registration. Registration gives you a student status, commits you to a certain programme, and commits you to pay fees for it. School subject requirements The subjects and ratings that you must obtain to be considered for admission for a particular degree, diploma or certificate programme. Obtaining the NSC with bachelors endorsement and meeting the minimum admission requirement does not guarantee you admission to UCT. Undergraduate Denoting or relating to a first qualification. This prospectus is intended for you if you wish to be admitted to an undergraduate programme at UCT. Weighted Points Score (WPS) For South African NSC applicants only, this is the faculty points score weighted by the disadvantage factor applicable to each applicant. GLOSSARY AND ABBREVIATIONS OF COMMON APPLICATION-RELATED TERMS A AL AP APS AS FPS GCSE IB SL IB HL IGCSE NBT NSC NSSC QL WPS Level Advanced Level Academic Literacy Advanced Programme Admission Points Score Advanced Subsidiary Level Faculty Points Score General Certificate of Secondary Education International Baccalaureate Standard Level International Baccalaureate Higher Level International General Certificate of Secondary Education National Benchmark Tests National Senior Certificate Namibian Senior School Certificate Quantitative Literacy Weighted Points Score ZIMSEC Zimbabwean Schools Examination Council 9 2027 UNDERGRADUATE PROSPECTUS DISCOVERING UCT This prospectus provides a comprehensive introduction to life at the University of Cape Town (UCT), offering a glimpse into the vibrant academic and campus experiences that define our institution. We host a variety of in-person events designed to give prospective students and their families the opportunity to explore our campuses and immerse themselves in the UCT experience. UCT Open Day Each year, UCT hosts an Open Day specifically designed for secondary school learners in grades 10, 11, and 12, along with their families and teachers. The 2026 Open Day is scheduled for 25 April 2026 and will take place across three of our campuses: Upper, Middle, and Health Science campuses. This event offers an invaluable opportunity to experience UCT firsthand, engage with faculty members, and gain in-depth insights into our diverse academic programs and the unique campus life we offer. The Admissions Office Our Admissions Office operates Monday to Friday from 08:30 to 16:30, with reduced hours on Thursdays from 09:30 to 16:30. We are committed to offering a wide range of services to support prospective students, including: Presentations to grade 11 and 12 learners at schools • Subject-choice talks specifically designed for grade 9 learners • Expert advice on study options and academic pathways, specifically tailored to your current subjects and results, helping you navigate your academic journey with confidence Campus tours, which provide an in-depth look at our Middle and Upper campuses, are available Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 11:00 and 14:00 to 15:00. These tours are open to prospective applicants in grades 10, 11, or 12, along with their families or schools. Please note that requests must be submitted directly by the applicants or their school counsellors, and not by travel agents. Parents’ Orientation Parents of new undergraduate students holding firm offers are invited to participate in our annual Parents’ Orientation event. This exclusive session includes a formal address by the Vice-Chancellor, opportunities to meet with Deans, and personal consultations for students to discuss their academic journey. Please note that only parents of students with confirmed firm offers are eligible to attend. CONTACT US For further information on visiting UCT, or to access the services listed above, please do not hesitate to contact the Admissions Office: Tel: +27 (0)21 650 2128 Email: admissions@uct.ac.za Website: www.uct.ac.za 10 ABOUT CAPE TOWN AND UCT One of the most popular destinations in the world, Cape Town has it all. With beaches, mountains, forests and UCT on your doorstep, Cape Town is a historic, cosmopolitan city with a vibrant, contemporary culture of music and art, as well as a host of sport and leisure activities. UCT’s main campus lies on the lower slopes of Devil’s Peak in the Cape Peninsula. ThePeninsula and its environs feature some of the most breath-taking scenery in the world and offer you a unique natural environment to explore during your leisure time. Many sports are offered at UCT and there is an active cultural life, both on campus and in and around the city. Cape Town forms the hub of the Western Cape, and it is the centre of politics, business, industry and services in the region. This region provides an ideal ‘laboratory’ for much of UCT’s teaching and research. UCT is the oldest university in South Africa and is one of the leading research universities on the African continent. UCT has over 29 000 students, of whom 30% are postgraduates. Some 5 500 degrees and diplomas are awarded each year in our six faculties: Commerce, Engineering & the Built Environment, Health Sciences, Humanities, Law and Science. We pride ourself on our diverse student body, which reflects the many cultures and backgrounds of the region. We welcome international students and are currently home to over 5 000 international students from over 100 countries. UCT has a tradition of academic excellence and research that is respected world-wide. Past students include five Nobel Laureates – Max Theiler, Alan Cormack, Sir Aaron Klug, Ralph Bunche and J M Coetzee. 11 KEY DATES 2026 01 APR • All applications open • Registration for the National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) open. 31 25 APR • UCT Open Day. • All undergraduate applications close.We do not accept late applications. • Applications for student housing close. JUL • Final date to submit the Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) portfolio • The last date to write the NBTs if you wish to be considered for a conditional offer by the Faculty of Health Sciences. 31 AUG • Closing date for undergraduate programme changes. Requests must be sent to admissions@uct. ac.za with the subject line “Request for programme change”. • Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art (BA(FA)) portfolios are due. 30 SEPT • Proof of English language proficiency is due. • Supporting documents for all international applicants are now due. These include, but are not limited to: predicted grades, transcripts, English translations of documents, and secondary school results. Incomplete applications will be cancelled by 15 November. 31 OCT • For applicants finishing secondary school in 2026, all grade 12 interim results, or predicted scores in the case of non-NSC candidates, are due. 03 OCT • The final date to write the NBTs for admission to UCT. • Interim and past transcripts for transferring applicants are due. 2027 15 15 NOV • Deadline for international applicants to attract an offer of admission. This is necessary to allow for sufficient time to obtain a study visa. • Final CAIE, IB, NSSC and ZIMSEC results from the November 2026 session are due. JANAPPLICATION & ADMISSION TO UCT ADMISSIONS POLICY Our admissions policy is designed to ensure that top achievers are offered places at UCT, and to ensure a diverse student body by incorporating measures for redress and measures to ensure that the incoming cohort increasingly reflects the demographic diversity of our country. We start by: • setting minimum levels of academic achievement for each programme, below which we will not offer a place; • setting the class size for each programme and • setting an aspirational demographic enrolment target for each programme; and determining selection methods. THE FACULTY POINTS SCORE The Faculty Points Score (FPS) (calculated in different ways to meet the needs of each faculty) is used to rank applicants; a small number of the best applicants will be offered places on the basis of the FPS. REDRESS ON THE BASIS OF DISADVANTAGE As our South African history has been, and in many cases continues to be, one of gross inequality usually structured along racial lines, a key element of our admissions policy is to provide for redress for South African citizens and permanent residents on the basis of disadvantage. To do this we look at the school the applicant attends/attended and their family background. This yields a disadvantage factor, expressed as a percentage from 0% to 10% (or for the programmes in the Faculty of Health Sciences, from 0% to 20%). We add this percentage of the FPS to the FPS to derive the weighted Faculty Point Score (WPS). For more information visit Disadvantage Factor Calculator. In other words, if the disadvantage factor is 7%, we calculate the WPS as follows: WPS = FPS + (7% X FPS). If there is a zero-redress factor (no school or family disadvantage or an international applicant) then the factor is 0% and WPS = FPS + 0 = FPS. Redress for diversity We categories all South African applicants (not international applicants) according to the categorisation of their parents’ race under apartheid. This allows us to have a proxy for the applicant’s disadvantage. We use these categories to give priority in making selection decisions to ensure that we meet the diversity targets we set for each programme/plan. These are the four designated redress categories used to give effect to our admissions policy. Redress category 1: An applicant with at least one parent classified as Black under apartheid Redress category 2: An applicant with at least one parent classified as Coloured (and the other not as Black) under apartheid Redress category 3: An applicant with at least one parent classified as Indian (and the other not as Black or Coloured) under apartheid Redress category 4: An applicant with at least one parent classified as Chinese (and the other not as Black, Coloured or Indian) under apartheid Selection methods When making offers, we: • select a proportion of the programme/plan using the unweighted FPS; this we call Band A. • select a proportion (usually a bigger proportion) of the class using the weighted score – the WPS – in which we make a significant allowance for school and/or family • disadvantage and this we call Band B. • select the remaining members of the class in FPS rank order from redress categories in order to constitute each class for diversity; this we call Band C. What is the application fee? South African and SADC applicants must pay a nonrefundable application fee of R100. Other international applicants are required to pay an application fee of R300. Application fees will not be refunded under any circumstances. Paying your application fee does not mean you will be offered a place to study at UCT. The application fee may be paid by direct deposit, electronic funds transfer (EFT) or credit card. Cash payments may only be made at the Cashiers Office, Kramer Building, Cross Campus Road, Middle Campus, UCT. Credit card payments must be made online at payments. uct.ac.za/admissions/. Currently registered UCT students, UCT graduates and Semester Study Abroad applicants do not pay an application fee. What happens when your application has been submitted? You will get an email acknowledgement setting out what you have to do next. If you apply by completing a paper application form, and you do not have an email address, we will write to you, acknowledging receipt and asking you to 14 14 APPLICATION & ADMISSION TO UCT check the data we have captured from your form. Once we have your application our faculties will consider it and all updates/ decisions will be sent to your registered email address. When we acknowledge receipt of your application, we will give you your applicant number, (which is also your username, campus ID and student number) and password for access to Student SelfService. At any stage you will be able to track the status of your application, using these log-in credentials. If all your applications are cancelled/denied, you will no longer have access to Student Self-Service. Use your applicant number when you contact us as it will help us track and update your application. You may check the status of your application and update your application, as required, at studentsonline.uct.ac.za Your application will have one of several statuses while it is being processed. These include: • Application submitted: typically shortly after we first receive your application • Decision deferred: for any number of reasons, we may not be able to take a decision to admit or deny an application yet because we do not have enough information. An example would be that the applicant’s performance at school is not yet strong enough to attract an offer of admission • Conditional offer: we have made an offer of admission, based on certain conditions being met • Firm offer: we have made a firm offer of admission, without any conditions • Deny: the application is unsuccessful • Waitlisted: you have met all the criteria for admission, but we are unable to make you an offer because, for example, the applicant pool is very competitive Early conditional offers Conditional offers are offers of admission which are dependent on you meeting one or more conditions. We will specify such conditions to you in our communication. We make conditional offers throughout the application cycle. For NSC applicants, conditional offers will usually (but not necessarily) be made once a strong enough set of internal examination results and the NBT results are available. Conditional offers will only be confirmed once the final FPS and NBT results are available and provided both the FPS and NBT results confirm that the admission criteria have been satisfied. For applicants doing international secondary school leaving qualifications, we typically require all possible submissions before final secondary school leaving results are available. Examples of important submissions to support conditional offers are predicted scores, IGCSE results and SAT results SCORE CALCULATIONS FOR NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE (NSC) APPLICANTS ONLY For applicants writing the NSC we use an Admission Points Score (APS), a Faculty Points Score (FPS) and, in the case of South African applicants, a Weighted Points Score (WPS) to assess your performance at school. The scores are described in detail on the next pages. The percentages achieved in NSC examinations (preliminary and final examinations) will be allocated an admissions score equal to that percentage. To calculate your APS (a score out of a maximum of 600), add English and the five best other subjects percentages, excluding Life Orientation and scores for AP subjects, but including any other required subject(s) for the relevant programme. (In other words, for a programme where Mathematics and Physical Sciences are required, take the scores for English, Mathematics, Physical Sciences and the next best three subjects other than Life Orientation and AP subjects to calculate your APS.) Results below 40% for any subject do not attract a score. In order to determine which subjects are required for admission to particular programmes, refer to the faculty sections that follow. HOW TO APPLY Apply online at http://applyonline.uct.ac.za Alternatively, download the application form, from our site: http://www.students.uct.ac.za/students/ applications/apply/forms You must submit only one application. Your application allows you to choose two programmes. It is in your interest to seek advice about your programme choices, since this selection may affect your chances of admission. When you apply to UCT, your application will be dealt with by the Admissions Office and by the Faculty that offers your choice of study. You can contact the Admissions Office at any time before or during the application process, and we will be happy to give you help or advice. YOU CAN CONTACT US: Tel: Email: +27 (0)21 650 2128 admissions@uct.ac.za Website: www.uct.ac.za Twitter: @uctadmissions FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE AT https://www.youtube.com/c/UCTAdmiss 15 SCORE CALCULATION FOR SELECTED NON-SOUTH AFRICAN EXAMINING AUTHORITIES ADMISSION POINTS TABLE Points IGCSE NSSC HL 10 9 8 7 6 5 1 2 A Cambridge AS-LEVELS Cambridge A-LEVELS IB SL IB HL A B A B 3 B 4 C C D E C D E 7 6 5 4 To calculate your FPS, the APS will be adjusted as described below in the calculation examples. Two faculties (Health Sciences and Science) adjust the APS when calculating the FPS. For the rest (Commerce, Engineering & the Built Environment, Humanities and Law), the APS equals the FPS. In order to calculate the FPS for the Faculty of Science, double the scores achieved for Mathematics and Physical Sciences (the Science FPS is out of 800). Where an applicant has not completed Physical Sciences, Information Technology or Life Sciences may be doubled (this is only allowed for certain majors as stipulated in the faculty entry). When calculating the FPS for the Faculty of Health Sciences (a score out of a maximum of 900), add the sum of the three NBT scores to the APS. For South African applicants only, in order to calculate the WPS, adjust the FPS by the disadvantage factor applicable to you. This is a percentage from 0% to 10%, except for applications for admission to the programmes in the Faculty of Health Sciences, where the range is from 0% to 20%. GENERAL ELIGIBILITY FOR ADMISSION TO UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMMES In order to be considered for admission to a programme, an applicant must, in the first instance, be eligible for consideration. As an undergraduate applicant to UCT you must be aware of the following, and satisfy criteria which apply to you. 7 6 5 4 3 • National Senior Certificate (NSC) applicants must, for admission to higher certificate, diploma or degree programmes have met the NSC requirements for such endorsement. If you do not meet the minimum requirements for UCT admission but you are 23 years or older and have a Grade 12 (school-leaving) certificate, you may qualify for a mature age exemption. If you fall into this category, you should discuss the possibility of conditional exemption with the relevant faculty office. Applicants with mature age exemption are not considered for programmes offered in the Faculties of Health Sciences or Law. • Applicants with non-South African secondary school leaving certificates must have met the requirements for matriculation exemption. • All applicants, in the final secondary school leaving assessment, must have achieved the minimum criteria for admission to the programme/s of their choice. These include:- the required APS, FPS or WPS as it may apply to the programme of choice - performance for required secondary school subjects- performances in the applicable components of the NBTs- any other requirements, as outlined in the faculty sections, that may be applicable to specific programmes. The table on next page is an indication of how we rate results for subjects, taken at various levels, for some school-leaving qualifications. In some faculties we do not use an APS for admission, but subject requirements are published as minimum requirements, and applications are considered individually. PLEASE NOTE, applicants require six different subjects, excluding Life Orientation and any of the AP subjects in order to apply. 16 17 EXAMPLES OF POINTS SCORE CALCULATIONS FOR NSC APPLICANTS Note: Technical Mathematics and Technical Science may not be used as substitutes for Mathematics and Physical Sciences respectively. Examples of points score calculations for NSC applicants 1. FACULTIES OF COMMERCE, ENGINEERING & THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT, HUMANITIES AND LAW In these faculties, the FPS is calculated out of 600. English Home Language 75% = 75 pts isiXhosa First Additional Language 70% = 70 pts Mathematics 84% = 84 pts Physical Sciences 86% = 86 pts Geography 79% = 79 pts Accounting 69% = 69 pts Life Orientation 80% = 0 pts Total = 463/600 FPS = 463 Use the disadvantage factor to derive the weighted score: or the purpose of this example the disadvantage factor is 10%. Disadvantage factor = 10% (46) WPS = 509 (463+46) [for South African applicants only] 2. FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES The FPS is calculated out of 900. English Home Language 75% = 75 pts isiXhosa First Additional Language 70% = 70 pts Mathematics 84% = 84 pts Life Sciences 86% = 86 pts Physical Sciences 79% = 79 pts Design 69% = 69 pts Life Orientation 80% = 0 pts APS = 463/600 NBT Scores of: AL: 55% QL: 60% MAT: 50% Make a total 165/300, added to 463 FPS = 628/900 Use the disadvantage factor to derive the weighted score: for the purpose of this example the disadvantage factor is 20%. Add 20% as follows: Disadvantage factor = 20% x FPS = 20% x 628 = 125.6 WPS = 754 (628+125.6) [for South African applicants only] 3. FACULTY OF SCIENCE The FPS is calculated out of 800. English Home Language 75% = 75 pts isiXhosa First Additional Language 70% = 70 pts Mathematics 84% = 84 pts Physical Sciences 86% = 86 pts Consumer Studies 79% = 79 pts Engineering Graphics & Design 69% = 69 pts Life Orientation 80% = 0 pts APS = 463/600 Scores for Mathematics and Physical Sciences are doubled; therefore, 170 (84+86) is added to the APS: FPS = 633 /800 Use the disadvantage factor to derive the weighted score: for the purpose of this example the disadvantage factor is 0%. Disadvantage factor = 0% WPS = 633 (633+0) [for South African applicants only]APPLICATION & ADMISSION TO UCT CURRENT UCT STUDENTS APPLYING FOR UNDERGRADUATE TRANSFERS If you are currently registered for an undergraduate programme at UCT, and wish to transfer to another faculty other than Health Sciences or another programme in your faculty, you are not required to submit a new application but must consult with the faculty that you wish to transfer to. If you wish to transfer to the Faculty of Health Sciences, you must apply online on or before 31 July 2026. TRANSFERRING STUDENTS If you are studying at, or completed studies at, another higher education institution, you will be considered on the basis of your school-leaving results and your higher education results. In addition, transferring applicants are required to write the NBTs, and may be asked to submit a letter of motivation. To be considered for admission, you must have met the school-leaving requirements and have a good academic record and satisfactory conduct from your previous institution. You will need to submit an interim academic transcript and a certificate of good conduct with your application, and your final, year-end transcript as soon as they are available and no later than 31 December 2026. APPLICANTS REPEATING NSC SUBJECTS For applicants that are repeating one or more NSC subjects, we will use your best mark for that subject, when evaluating your application. ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY English language proficiency is a requirement for study at UCT. All international students for whom English is not a first/home language or have not passed English at NSC Grade 12, AS-level, IGCSE, IB, NSSC, ZIMSEC level or equivalent secondary school-leaving qualification from an English mediumof-instruction institution must provide proof of English language proficiency. UCT’S ENGLISH LANGUAGE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS ARE As part of your application to study at UCT, you must submit one of the following: • A valid (no more than 3 years old) NBT Academic Literacy Test Plus report with an overall score of Upper Intermediate or above. The NBTs are offered by the Centre for Educational Assessments (CEA) and can be arranged to be taken anywhere in the world. • (Visit www.nbt.ac.za for details) • A valid (no more than 2 years old) TOEFL iBT Score Report with an overall score of 88 or above, with at least 19 in Listening, 19 in Writing, 20 in Reading, and 22 in Speaking. • A valid (no more than 2 years old) IELTS Academic Test Report Form with an overall score of band 6.5 or above, with at least 6.0 in each component. • A valid (no more than 2 years old) PTE Academic Score Report with an overall score of 67 or above, with at least 59 in each communicative skills component. For more information about the TOEFL (including information on how to register for the tests and dates when tests are held), use one of the following contacts: Email: toefl@ets.org Website: www.toefl.org Information on TOEFL is also available from the American Embassy or Consulate in your country. Information about the IELTS may be obtained from the British Council at the British Embassy or Consulate in your country. Information on IELTS is also available from the British Council, South Africa: Tel: +27 11 560 9300 Email: ssa.enquiries@britishcouncil.org Website: www.britishcouncil.org.za/exam/ielts If you are writing an English proficiency test you must ensure that the test score is received by our Admissions Office no later than 30 September 2026. The NBTs are offered by the Centre for Educational Assessments (CEA) and can be arranged to be taken anywhere in the world, visit www.nbt.ac.za for details. For graduate applicants, this is 68% (proficient) or above on the Academic Literacy Plus (AL+) and 70% (proficient) or above on the Quantitative Literacy Plus (QL+) Tests, unless otherwise stipulated. 18 NATIONAL BENCHMARK TESTS Admissions and placement tests have been used at UCT for over 30 years. The National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) are administered by the Centre for Educational Assessment (CEA). All undergraduate applicants who are normally resident or at school in South Africa must write the NBTs, and all applicants to programmes in the Faculty of Health Sciences and the Faculty of Commerce must write the NBTs wherever they reside. International applicants to undergrad LLB must write the AL part of the NBT. Applicants are responsible for the costs of writing the NBTs. Information regarding the use of the test scores in each faculty can be found in the faculty pages. WHAT ARE THE NATIONAL BENCHMARK TESTS? The NBTs are three multiple-choice tests written as a combined Academic Literacy and Quantitative Literacy test and a separate Mathematics test. The Academic and Quantitative Literacy Test (AQL) is a three-hour test which consists of an Academic and a Quantitative Literacy (QL) section. The results of the two sections of the test are reported separately. The Academic Literacy (AL) Test tests your capacity to engage successfully with the demands of academic study in the language of instruction which is English at UCT. The Quantitative Literacy (QL) Test targets your ability to manage situations or solve problems in a real context that is relevant to higher education study, using basic quantitative information that may be presented verbally, graphically, in tabular or symbolic form. The Mathematics Test is a threehour test which targets a writer’s ability related to mathematical concepts formally regarded as part of the secondary school curriculum relevant for Higher Education studies. WHO WRITES WHAT? Applicants to the Faculties of Humanities, Commerce and Law write the Academic and Quantitative Literacy test only. Applicants to Health Sciences, Science and Engineering write the Academic and Quantitative Literacy test as well as the Mathematics test. The completion of the Mathematics syllabus is not a prerequisite for writing the Mathematics Test. 19 REGISTERING FOR YOUR NATIONAL BENCHMARK TESTS Write the NBTs as early as possible in 2026. NOTE: The 2026 NBT test calendar has twenty three test dates. Three of these test dates are Online NBT test sessions and twenty sessions will be held at physical venues for pencil and paper NBT tests. Persons with disabilities must tick the box that indicates that they have a disability. They will then be advised to email nbt@uct.ac.za so that they can be contacted for discussions around the reasonable accommodations required. The final date to write the NBTs for admission to UCT is 3 October 2026. If you wish to be considered for a conditional offer by the Faculty of Health Sciences, you must write the NBTs by 31 July 2026; if you write the NBTs after 31 July, you will only be considered for an offer in early 2027 after the final NSC examination results are received. In summary, our advice to you is to: • write the NBTs on the day for which you registered, as you are liable for the fees regardless of whether you write or not • rewrite the NBTs if you wish to improve your results. Whether you write once or twice, your results for tests written after 3 October 2026 may not be considered at UCT. HOW ARE THE TEST RESULTS USED? The test results are used in addition to secondary schoolleaving academic performance and do not replace the use of school-leaving results. In the case of applications to the Faculty of Health Sciences, the National Benchmark Test results make up a specific proportion of an applicant’s overall Faculty Points Score. (See the Faculty specific section in this prospectus for more information). The NBT results may also be used to decide admission to an extended or foundation programme. CAN I WRITE THE NBTS OUTSIDE OF SOUTH AFRICA? Yes. You may request to write the NBTs in a remote venue, or outside of South Africa. Remote sessions are run when someone is unable to write online or at an institution that generally facilitates the National Benchmark Test sessions. Usually, these are for test writers in another country or in an area too remote to be able to make a trip of a reasonable distance to the nearest testing centre, and where a suitable internet connection is not available. Should you wish to request a remote venue, please contact the NBT Project at nbtremote@uct.ac.za. The NBT results may also be used to decide admission to an extended or foundation programme. Yes. Writing the NBTs in a remote venue, or outside of South Africa Remote sessions are run when someone is unable to write online or at an institution that generally facilitates the National Benchmark Test sessions. Usually, these are for test writers in another country or in an area too remote to be able to make a trip of a reasonable distance to the nearest testing centre, and where a suitable internet connection is not available. Should you wish to request a remote venue, please contact the NBT Project at nbtremote@uct.ac.za PROVISION FOR CANDIDATES WITH DISABILITIES Provision is made for test candidates with disabilities. We have successfully accommodated candidates who are blind, visually, hearing or mobility/physically impaired, have a learning disability, or have a chronic illness that requires special accommodations. Time concessions, readers, scribes, and braille versions of the tests have been made available. Please contact the NBT Helpdesk for further information and for special accommodations. HOW TO REGISTER FOR NBTS You may register online at www.nbt.ac.za. After reading the general information and the FAQs, select the ‘Book a test’ option and follow all instructions. Note that you will need your SA identity number or non-SA passport number in order to register. If you encounter problems during the registration process, call +27 (0)21 650 3523 or send an email to nbt@uct.ac.za for assistance. THE NBT HELPDESK IS STAFFED From 08:00 to 16:00 weekdays and From 07:00 to 10:00 on national test days (Full support is available during online sessions). THE DAY OF THE TESTS The tests begin at 08h00 at many venues throughout South Africa. The Academic and Quantitative Literacy (AQL) test is written in the morning session and the Mathematics (MAT) test in the afternoon. 20 If both tests are written, you will probably complete them at about 17h00. They must also be written at the same sitting. Testing dates and venues are available on the NBT web site at www.nbt.ac.za. Alternatively please call the NBT Project. MAY I WRITE THE NBTS MORE THAN ONCE? You may attempt the NBTs at most twice in one test cycle, but: • you will have to register for each attempt; • you will have to pay the NBT test fee each time you do so; • you will receive one unique registration number for both NBT attempts; • If you write a second time, and the admission requirements applicable to you require you to write the AQL and Mathematics tests (three domains), you must rewrite both tests; • we will use your best NBT results for each of AL, QL and MAT. WHAT MUST YOU TAKE TO THE TESTS? Online tests have a minimum computing requirements that are detailed on the NBT website. • your SA identity or non-SA passport • lunch (not all physical venues are close to shops) • HB pencil and eraser • bus/train/taxi fare for returning home • please note that you will not be allowed to use calculators, dictionaries or rulers in any of the tests. 2026 TEST VENUES NBTs are available online in a secure proctored environment, or as pencil and paper tests. For the pencil and paper tests of the NBTs, please check & confirm venues on the website at www.nbt.ac.za. The testing venues will be clearly sign posted on the days the tests are written. The NBT Project reserves the right to change the venue as circumstances require. HOW DO YOU GET YOUR TEST RESULTS? About four weeks after writing, you may access your results on the NBT website. Log on using your SA identity number or non-SA passport number. Your scores will also be sent to UCT for use in processing your application. NBT CONTACT INFORMATION Tel: +27 (0)21 650 3523 Email: nbt@uct.ac.za Website: www.nbt.ac.za Twitter: @nbt_za Instagram: @nbts_sa DEGREE BENCHMARK PERFORMANCE LEVELS Benchmark Performance Levels Academic Literacy Quantitative Literacy Mathematics Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum Proficient 71 100 70 100 69 100 Intermediate 35 70 38 69 35 68 Basic 0 34 0 37 0 34 DEGREE BENCHMARK PERFORMANCE LEVELSSPLIT INTO UPPER AND LOWER BOUNDARIES* Benchmark Performance Levels Academic Literacy Quantitative Literacy Mathematics Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum Proficient Upper 86 100 86 100 85 100 Proficient Lower 71 85 70 85 69 84 Intermediate Upper 53 70 54 69 52 68 Intermediate Lower 35 52 38 53 35 51 Basic Upper 18 34 19 37 18 34 Basic Lower 0 17 0 18 0 17 21 2027 UNDERGRADUATE PROSPECTUS DIPLOMA AND HIGHER CERTIFICATE BENCHMARK PERFORMANCE LEVELS Benchmark Performance Levels Academic Literacy Quantitative Literacy Mathematics Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum Proficient 63 100 64 100 62 100 Intermediate 32 62 34 63 33 61 Basic 0 31 0 33 0 32 DIPLOMA AND HIGHER CERTIFICATE BENCHMARK PERFORMANCE LEVELS SPLIT INTO UPPER AND LOWER BOUNDARIES* Benchmark Performance Levels Academic Literacy Quantitative Literacy Mathematics Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum Proficient Upper 82 100 83 100 82 100 Proficient Lower 63 81 64 82 62 81 Intermediate Upper 48 62 49 63 48 61 Intermediate Lower 32 47 34 48 33 47 Basic Upper 16 31 17 33 17 32 Basic Lower 0 15 0 16 0 16 * Equated scores are reported as a whole number percentage (i.e., rounded, with zero decimal places) NBT DATES FOR 2026/2027 APPLICANTS All dates contained in our publications and correspondence are subject to change. REGISTRATION FOR ALL NBT SESSIONS OPENS 1 APRIL 2026 NBT Test Dates 2026 for 2027 Intake Last day to register online Results available to writers May 9 19-Apr 08-Jun 16 26-Apr 15-Jun 30 10-May 29-Jun June 6 17-May 06-Jul 7 * 17-May 06-Jul 20 ** 31-May 20-Jul 27 07-Jun 27-Jul Jul 4 15-Jun 03-Aug 5 * 15-Jun 03-Aug 11 21-Jun 10-Aug 18 28-Jun 17-Aug 25 ** 05-Jul 24-Aug Aug 1 12-Jul 31-Aug 2 * 12-Jul 31-Aug 15 26-Jul 14-Sep 22 02-Aug 21-Sep 29 09-Aug 28-Sep Sep 5 ** 16-Aug 05-Oct 12 23-Aug 12-Oct 26 06-Sep 26-Oct Oct 3 13-Sep 02-Nov *Sunday test session (Pencil Paper) 22 FACULTY OF COMMERCE ABOUT THE FACULTY UCT’s Commerce degrees and diplomas prepare you for the employment needs of the expanding world of business and professional services and equip you to participate in the global economy. Our undergraduate degrees meet international standards of excellence. Whether you want to work locally, elsewhere in Africa or overseas, change jobs or even careers, your Commerce degree will enable you to succeed in a rapidly changing work environment. In the first year of undergraduate studies, you may choose to move from one degree to another, changing specialisations as you understand more about the disciplines. WHAT WE OFFER The Faculty of Commerce offers two undergraduate degrees, the three year Bachelor of Commerce and the four year Bachelor of Business Science. 23 EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT UNIT (EDU COMMERCE) https://commerce.uct.ac.za/educommerce The Education Development Unit (EDU) celebrates and builds on the diverse talents, educational backgrounds, and life experiences of South African students, ensuring equitable access to support and opportunities for success. The EDU offers augmented degrees (standard time with support), as well as extended degrees (longer time with extra support), spreading the course load over an extra year. The degrees and specialisations in the EDU are the same as the mainstream programmes, and you receive the same degree at graduation. AREAS OF STUDY OFFERED ACCOUNTING https://commerce.uct.ac.za/college-accounting BACHELOR OF BUSINESS SCIENCE (BBUSSC) & BACHELOR OF COMMERCE (BCOM) Entry requirements are the same for both degrees. Each degree offers a variety of specialisations to cater for both the interests of our students and employment needs. Both degrees are highly marketable. The first year of the BBusSc and the BCom share several common courses in the subject areas of Accounting, Information Systems, Economics, Business Law, Mathematics, Statistics, Evidencebased Management and Business Ethics. The BBusSc curriculum teaches the science of business within a field of specialisation. This includes subjects such as People Management, Business Ethics and Strategic Thinking. On the other hand, the BCom curriculum prepares students for a specific field of specialisation. As more material is covered in a BBusSc, the degree takes four years to complete, while a BCom takes three. The Academic Development Programme (ADP) BBusSc can be taken over a four- or five-year period, and the ADP BCom over a three- or four-year period through the Commerce Education Development Unit (EDU). In the EDU, students receive a range of additional support. You can find out more about the EDU below. If you are offered a place in Commerce you can choose either degree, BCom or BBusSc and any specialisation for which you meet the entrance requirements. Studying accounting at university offers numerous benefits and opportunities, whether you’re interested in pursuing a career as an accountant, working in the public sector, nonprofit organisations, or leading a large corporate business. Accounting skills are versatile and applicable across various industries and sectors. A person who is honest and ethical, committed to hard work, responsive to change, a problem solver, an effective communicator, a critical thinker, and a lifelong learner will make a good accountant. School accounting emphasises the recording of transactions. At university, accounting studies focus on the decision-making that influences those transactions, communicating financial information to a broader audience outside the organisation, and interrogating financial information to ensure reliability. Studying accounting helps you to develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills. You’ll learn how to interpret financial data, analyse trends, and make informed decisions based on quantitative information, which are valuable skills in many professions. A CA(SA) is someone who becomes a chartered accountant through the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA). Commerce offers two undergraduate programmes that allow students to follow the CA(SA) path – the three-year BCom Financial Accounting: Chartered Accountant and the four-year BBusSc Financial Accounting: Finance with Accounting. After either of these undergraduate degrees, students need to complete a oneyear Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting (PGDA), followed by a three-year training contract and two SAICA qualifying professional exams (including an exam preparation course). The General Accounting option is designed for the student who does not wish to pursue the CA(SA) designation but may still be 24 FACULTY OF COMMERCE interested in obtaining a Chartered Accountant designation from other international professional bodies such as the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) or the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). Graduates of either stream may go into areas of commercial specialisation such as tax advisory, internal audit, financial consulting, or external audit and assurance, although certain professions may require specific professional designations such as CA(SA). ACTUARIAL SCIENCE https://commerce.uct.ac.za/actuarial-science Actuaries use statistical techniques to solve financial and business problems. They evaluate uncertain financial risks. Quantifying uncertainty helps individuals and companies proactively manage risk and ensure they can withstand future adverse events. Actuaries operate within a strict professional and ethical framework. Actuaries have an extensive skill set used in insurance, pensions, investments, banking, health care, risk management, and other areas. Actuarial Science is suited to students with strong technical and mathematical aptitude who are willing to undertake years of exacting study and have a well-disciplined approach to problemsolving. Students who graduate within this specialisation are particularly well prepared for further study to obtain the prestigious FASSA (Fellow of the Actuarial Society of South Africa) qualification. Quantitative Finance shares the same foundations as Actuarial Science, but with more emphasis on applications in the investment and financial industries. Career options include fields like investment banking, derivatives trading, and quantitative asset management. COMPUTER SCIENCE https://sit.uct.ac.za/ Computer Science is the discipline concerned with the design and development of effective, efficient, and reliable computer software, as well as the broader principles of computational problem-solving. It combines creativity, logic, and mathematics to develop algorithms, systems, and applications that power modern technology. Computer scientists design and implement software systems, explore the concepts underpinning artificial intelligence, and apply mathematical and analytical methods to solve complex computational challenges. At UCT, both the BBusSc in Computer Science and the BCom in Information Systems and Computer Science programmes offer students a strong foundation in computing together with business and management skills. This combination equips graduates to take on diverse roles in industry — from software development and data analysis to technology consulting and business innovation — across all sectors of the economy. ECONOMICS https://commerce.uct.ac.za/school-economics All Economics options give an excellent grounding in the areas of expertise that professional economists and managers need, such as formulating economic policy, general economic and financial analysis and the management of portfolios. The Economics specialisation is designed for students who wish to experience a broad fundamental education in Commerce or who want to become professional economists. We offer the following Economics options: Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE): focuses on the special problems, both practical and ethical, raised for developing countries by the globalisation of trade and markets. Economics and Statistics: is oriented towards quantitative economics and statistical methods, providing students with the skills to analyse and interpret economic and financial data. Economics and Finance: focuses on financial issues and provides students with the skills needed to operate in the world of finance. Economics with Law: is intended for students who are interested in a law career with a commercial background. Students who want to become an attorney or advocate after completing this undergraduate degree can apply to do a two-year postgraduate LLB degree in the Faculty of Law. 25 INFORMATION SYSTEMS https://sit.uct.ac.za/ The Information Systems discipline investigates how computers and communication technologies can be used to address the information needs of modern organisations. Information systems are based on computers and IT infrastructure that assist us in our daily lives. Information systems are around us - throughout organisations and society. People interact with them daily; when using mobile phone apps, posting messages on social media, booking a flight ticket online, or even ordering an Uber. Organisations use information systems to deliver better customer service, improve business processes and make better decisions through sophisticated analysis and visualisation of data. Information Systems professionals play an essential role by optimising new and existing information technologies to design and develop innovative solutions for the benefit of organisations and society. The curriculum deals not only with information technologies but also imparts the skills to students to analyse user and business requirements and develop information systems. The Information Systems curriculum allows students to explore this exciting and expanding field. This specialisation maintains a balance between the technical (IT infrastructure and software) aspects of information systems and the organisational and human side of the discipline. There is a demand for qualified Information Systems professionals FINANCE https://commerce.uct.ac.za/department-finance-tax In Finance, students develop the skills needed to source, allocate and invest funds, which are essential for making sound investment decisions that are fundamental to the growth and success of any organisation and country. Finance specialists often work in the investment industry in fields such as asset management, in public or corporate finance and the financial sector in general. Graduates are employed in roles such as investment manager, fund manager, investment analyst, corporate treasurer, financial risk specialist, and credit analyst. In Commerce, it is also possible to study Finance in combination with either Accounting, Economics or Information Systems as core courses. This is ideal for students who want to specialise in specific areas within the broader financial industry. MANAGEMENT STUDIES https://commerce.uct.ac.za/school-management-studies The BCom specialising in Management Studies is the most flexible three-year degree offered in the Faculty of Commerce, providing a solid foundation in Commerce while also offering the flexibility demanded by modern challenges, such as Generative AI, where broad and critical thinking will take on increasing significance. The degree requires a core of 11 courses that provide a solid foundation in Commerce, alongside an extensive range of electives at first-, second-, and third-year levels. Students can choose from an extensive range of disciplines offered across UCT, tailoring their education around their specific abilities and interests while also being introduced to the fundamentals of Commerce. Management Studies is ideal for a student who wants a more personalised combination of disciplines and the opportunity to tailor the degree to their specific interests. The combination of academic rigour, breadth, and flexibility enables students to leverage their strengths and interests, making graduates attractive to employers thanks to the breadth of knowledge they have acquired and their ability to adapt to new and complex challenges. Rather than follow a rigid curriculum, students have the opportunity to select courses that meet the degree requirements whilst playing to their strengths and interests. This effectively puts the power into the hands of the students and requires them to develop self-awareness and agency, graduate attributes that are very attractive to employers. MARKETING STUDIES https://commerce.uct.ac.za/marketing-studies Marketing is the discipline responsible for creating value, generating revenue and building strategy. Our marketers are trained to function at a high level of quantitative ability in order to meet the demands of an increasingly data-driven marketplace. We train graduates for the boardroom (of their own business or someone else’s), and our alumni hold senior management positions across industries. While we specialise in marketing, we make sure that our graduates are trained in finance, information systems, law and accounting so that they can meet the needs of an integrated business environment. 26 FACULTY OF COMMERCE INDUSTRIAL AND ORGANISATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY https://commerce.uct.ac.za/industrial-organisationalpsychology. Industrial and Organisational Psychology,applies psychological theories, principles, and research to the workplace. It examines individual and group behaviour within organisations and seeks to enhance people management practices. Practitioners work in various areas ranging from change management, employee relations, learning and development to human resources management, talent management, diversity and inclusion, organisational strategy, employee relations, learning and development to human resources management - across diverse sectors: corporate business, government, NGOs, and management consultancies. Students can study Industrial and Organisational Psychology in Commerce or Humanities. In both faculties, students study the same Industrial and Organisational Psychology courses. In Commerce, students register for the four-year BBusSc in Industrial and Organisational Psychology, including preselected business and management courses. In Humanities, students register for a BSocSc or a BA with Industrial and Organisational Psychology as one of the two majors required for the degree. The Commerce option is only available to students who did pure mathematics in matric. STATISTICS AND DATA SCIENCE https://science.uct.ac.za/department-statistics Statistics and data science plays a crucial role in understanding the world around us and making informed decisions. Today, vast amounts of data are generated and collected every second from every sphere of life, such as from sensors, devices, video/audio, networks, log files, transactional applications, web, and social media - much of it generated in real-time and on an enormous scale. The demand for people with the right skills to analyse the vast amount of data is higher than ever before. Statisticians are critical players in the analytics/ data science environment. Using their quantitative skills and by applying statistical methods, statisticians can make predictions, draw conclusions, and test hypotheses to better understand complex phenomena in fields such as business (optimise business processes), marketing (predict consumer purchasing patterns), government (use of mobile data to optimise public transport services), medicine (identify subsets of genes associated with a particular disease), astronomy, ecology, language processing and much more. Data science, on the other hand, is a multidisciplinary field that combines techniques from statistics, computer science, BACHELOR OF BUSINESS SCIENCE AND BACHELOR OF COMMERCE All specialisations except for Actuarial Science, Computer Science and Statistics & Data Science ELIGIBLE BAND ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS All applicants Band A FPS Guaranteed admission FPS of 435 or above. NBT scores of Upper Intermediate or above for AL & QL Mathematics 60% English HL 50% English FAL 60% All applicants Band B WPS Likely admission WPS of 470 or above. NBT scores of Upper Intermediate or above for AL & QL Mathematics 60% English HL 50% English FAL 60% Only SA applicants in targeted redress categories Band C FPS Possible admission into Education Development Unit only FPS of 430 to 434. NBT scores of Upper Intermediate or above for AL & QL Mathematics 60% English HL 50% English FAL 60% NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE (NSC) ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS The guidelines that follow do not guarantee admission. Study offers are limited for reasons of capacity. Satisfying the minimum subject requirements does not ensure an applicant admission. * South African applicants and permanent residents in redress categories may apply for admission directly into the Education Development Unit (EDU) programmes. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL APPLICANTS TO COMMERCE, BOTH INTERNATIONAL AND LOCAL, MUST WRITE THE NATIONAL BENCHMARK TESTS (NBTS). 27 28 BACHELOR OF BUSINESS SCIENCE AND BACHELOR OF COMMERCE ONLY Computer Science & Statistics and Data Science Specialisation ELIGIBLE BAND ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS All applicants Band A FPS Guaranteed admission FPS of 435 or above. NBT scores of Upper Intermediate or above for AL & QL Mathematics 70% English HL 50% English FAL 60% All applicants Band B WPS Likely admission WPS of 470 or above. NBT scores of Upper Intermediate or above for AL & QL Mathematics 70% English HL 50% English FAL 60% Only SA applicants in targeted redress categories Band C FPS Possible admission into Education Development Unit only FPS of 430 to 434. NBT scores of Upper Intermediate or above for AL & QL Mathematics 70% English HL 50% English FAL 60% BACHELOR OF BUSINESS SCIENCE AND BACHELOR OF COMMERCE ONLY Actuarial Science and Quantitative Finance Qualification and Stream ELIGIBLE BAND ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS All applicants Band A FPS Guaranteed admission FPS of 500 or above. NBT scores of Upper Intermediate or above for AL & QL Mathematics 80% English HL 60% English FAL 80% (but require Proficient for AL & QL NBT’s) All applicants Band B WPS Likely admission WPS of 525 or above. NBT scores of Upper Intermediate or above for AL & QL Mathematics 80% English HL 60% English FAL 80% (but require Proficient for AL & QL NBT’s) Only SA applicants in targeted redress categories Band C FPS Possible admission into Education Development Unit only FPS of 475 to 479. NBT scores of Upper Intermediate or above for AL & QL Mathematics 80% English HL 60% English FAL 80% (but require Proficient for AL & QL NBT’s) and domain knowledge to extract insights and knowledge from data. Strong analytical skills, as well as proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, or SQL, along with a solid understanding of mathematical concepts, are the key to becoming really good statisticians and data scientists. OVERVIEW OF REQUIREMENTS The selection instruments we use for Commerce are: • Secondary school-leaving academic results • Performance in the National Benchmark Test (NBT) in Academic and Quantitative Literacy (AQL). The NBT Mathematics (MAT) is not required for admission to the Commerce Faculty. • Performance (in the secondary school-leaving examinations) in Mathematics and English. CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION TO A COMMERCE DEGREE VIA MAINSTREAM OR ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT DEGREES MAINSTREAM Applicants who are made an offer of admission to the faculty are entitled to register for ANY specialisation in the Faculty for which they meet the entrance criteria. Thus, if we have made an offer for a BCom PPE and the final NSC results meet the entrance 2027 UNDERGRADUATE PROSPECTUS criteria for BBusSc Actuarial Science, applicants will be eligible to register for BBusSc Actuarial Science should they want to. ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES (ADP) South African applicants with a disadvantage factor greater than 1.0 may apply for admission to Academic Development (AD) programmes. We may also offer places on AD specialisations to applicants not meeting the admission requirements for mainstream programmes, whose NBT results indicate potential. INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL-LEAVING CERTIFICATES The following information is a GUIDELINE for applicants who have successfully compleed international secondary school-leaving qualifications and wish to study further at UCT. To be considered for admission, applicants must qualify for matriculation exemption from the Matriculation Board and meet certain minimum Faculty entry requirements. Please note that the subjects and points score where specified below are the minimum entrance requirements and do not guarantee admission. Each applicant will be assessed individually. Unless otherwise stated under the language proficiency, all applicants must meet the language requirement as per the UCT language policy. CAMBRIDGE ASSESSMENT INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION (OR EQUIVALENT), NAMIBIA SENIOR SECONDARY CERTIFICATE. (NSSC), INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE DIPLOMA AND ZIMSEC APPLICANTS FOR CAIE (OR EQUIVALENT) APPLICANTS: A total of five subjects will be considered for admissions by combining three A-Levels plus two subjects which may be IGCSE or AS-Level OR four AS-Levels plus one IGCSE. Each subject will only be counted once at A-Level or AS-Level or IGCSE. Only National Senior Certificate equivalent subjects will be considered. If English is taken as a second Language, then you must have another language as a first Language in order to be considered further. English Literature is not accepted. FOR NSSC APPLICANTS: A total of five subjects will be considered for admission by combining a minimum of 4 NSSC subjects and the best relevant IGCSE subject. Only Grades 1, 2 or 3 are acceptable for NSSC and Grades A, B or C for IGCSE. If English is taken as a Second Language, candidates must have another language as a First Language in order to be considered further. English Literature is not accepted. FOR IB DIPLOMA APPLICANTS: Applicants must hold the IB Diploma (not the certificate), must have successfully completed a total of six subjects and must satisfy the following minimum requirements: • at least 3 Higher Level (HL) subjects plus 3 Standard Level (SL) subjects • English Literature is accepted All streams other than Actuarial Science and Quantitative Finance • At least Grade 5 at HL or at least Grade 6 SL Mathematics/ Maths Method • Note Mathematical Studies or Maths Main are not accepted • English at Grade 3 at HL or Grade 5 at SL • English Literature is accepted ADVANCED DIPLOMA IN ACTUARIAL SCIENCE Candidates are required to have completed an undergraduate degree majoring in either Mathematics or Mathematical Statistics from an accredited university, with at least two years of pure Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics. Students are also required to have passed or have been exempted from the Actuarial Society’s A211 exam. It is essential that candidates have a solid grounding in Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics (up to NQF 6), meeting the minimum entry requirements for the programme. The minimum entry requirements are: 65% for STA1006S/STA1106H - Mathematical Statistics 1 (or equivalent) and 60% average for MAM2010F - Advanced Calculus (or equivalent), MAM2011F – Linear Algebra (or equivalent), MAM2012S – Differential Equations (or equivalent) and MAM2014S – Real Analysis (or equivalent). 29 29 2027 UNDERGRADUATE PROSPECTUS IGCSE, AS-LEVEL, A-LEVEL, NSSC AND IB DIPLOMA APPLICANTS DEGREE WITH PLANS Bachelor of Business Science specialising in: Computer Science Economics Economics with Law Finance, Investment and Banking Finance with Accounting Information Systems Marketing Industrial and Organisational Psychology Statistics and Data Science Bachelor of Commerce specialising in: Financial Accounting (General/Chartered) Economics with Law Economics with Finance Economics & Statistics Information Systems Information Systems & Computer Science Information Systems & Finance Management Studies Philosophy Politics & Economics BBusSc/BCom specialising in: Actuarial Science Quantitative Finance GUARANTEED ADMISSION 36 NBT scores of Upper Intermediate for AL & QL 36 NBT scores of Upper Intermediate for AL & QL 36 NBT scores of Upper Intermediate for AL & QL MINIMUM SUBJECT REQUIREMENTS MATHEMATICS ENGLISH A-level C or AS-level B NSSC Grade 1 IB Diploma with Grade 5 Higher Level or Grade 6 Standard Level NOTE Mathematical Studies or Maths Main are not accepted. 40 40 (without A-level subjects) 40 AL and QL NBT scores of Upper Intermediate if English taken as 1st language; NBT scores of Proficient if English taken as 2nd language. 40 AL and QL NBT scores of Upper Intermediate if English taken as 1st language; NBT scores of Proficient if English taken as 2nd language. GERMAN ABITUR All applicants are required to write the NBT Academic Literacy (AL) and Quantitative Literacy (QL) tests and obtain scores of Proficient for admission into the Actuarial Science and Upper Intermediate for admission into the non-Actuarial Science programmes. The conversion table (grades to percentages) below can be used to assess eligibility for admission. At least 10 points are required for Mathematics and English for admission. Applicants’ performance on the Abitur is assessed using the following points table: A-Level A AS-Level A NSSC Grade 1 IB Diploma Grade 7 Higher Level POINT RANGE 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 sehr gut A-level E or AS-level D or IGCSE-level B NSSC Grade 3 IB Diploma with Grade 3 Higher Level or Grade 5 Standard Level (English Literature is accepted.) A-level C or AS-level B or IGCSE A NSSC Grade 2 IB Diploma Grade 5 Higher Level or Grade 7 Standard Level (English Literature is accepted.) % RANGE 100-95 gut 94-90 89-85 84-80 79-75 74-70 69-65 befriedigend 5 4 ausreichend 64-60 59-55 54-50 49-45 44-40 30 2027 UNDERGRADUATE PROSPECTUS ADVANCED DIPLOMA IN ACCOUNTING A UCT graduate is required to complete these following courses (or their entrance exam equivalents) with a 55% weighted average over a period not exceeding two years prior to registering for the Advanced Diploma: • ACC2012W Financial Reporting II • ACC2018H Governance, Audit and Assurance I • ACC2022H Management Accounting I • ACC2023H Taxation I • CML1001F Business Law • INF2004F Information Technology in Business • PHI2043F/S Business Ethics Graduates of other universities who have completed the equivalent of the above courses within a period not exceeding two years prior to registering for the advanced diploma may be considered, but will be required to write entrance examinations in order to satisfy the 55% weighted average requirement for admission to the Advanced Diploma. Entrance exams are written in the exam period prior to the commencement of the next academic year. TRANSFERRING APPLICANTS The Faculty of Commerce requires students who want to be considered for transfer into the Faculty (either from within UCT or from other universities) to meet the criteria below. Please note that admission is competitive, and meeting the criteria below does not guarantee admission. • Meet the minimum entrance requirements for the Faculty of Commerce for the year of application as published in the Undergraduate Prospectus, based on results achieved in a school-leaving qualification (NSC or equivalent). • The annual GPA for tertiary studies must be at a minimum of 60%, and no course must be failed. The courses must be relevant and transferable to qualifications offered in the Commerce Faculty, via a process of credit and exemption. • The applicant must be able to finish a degree within the Commerce Faculty in the minimum time. This takes into consideration the number of years already taken within a bachelor’s programme; for external applicants – the years at another university, and for internal applicants – the years in another faculty. • All transferring applicants must have valid National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) that meet the minimum requirements of the Commerce Faculty. PLEASE NOTE: transfers are not permitted into the Actuarial Science degree specialisations. Applicants who already hold a tertiary qualification will be evaluated based on their academic performance in that completed qualification, in addition to the criteria above. ADDITIONAL ADMISSION CRITERIA FOR PROCEEDING TO SENIOR YEARS IN STREAMS CONTAINING LAW Students hoping to take a law by commerce programme may only proceed to the law PVL 1000-level courses if they have received confirmation that they have been allocated a place on those courses. The number of places available on the PVL 1000-level courses is limited and varies from year to year. Places are allocated on a competitive basis to students with the highest aggregates and in accordance with the Law Faculty’s redress enrolment targets. To be eligible for consideration for a possible (but not guaranteed) place on the PVL 1000-level courses, students must have completed and passed all courses in the prescribed curriculum prior to the year of including the PVL 1000-level courses at first attempt and obtained an aggregate of at least 63% for all such courses. Results in supplementary examinations are not included when calculating the aggregate but results of deferred examinations are included. NOTE: the 63% aggregate is the minimum requirement for students to be eligible for consideration for a place on the law PVL 1000-level courses. It does not guarantee a place. Given the large number of students who apply to take those courses and the fact that places are limited and are offered on a competitive basis to students with the highest aggregates, it is likely that a student will require an aggregate well above 63% in order to actually receive a place. 31 FACULTY OF ENGINEERING & THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT T he faculty of engineering & the built environment enjoys an outstanding reputation for its high quality graduates, not only are we proud to be increasing the number of black engineers and built environment specialists, but we are also proud to record increasing numbers of female students who are choosing to pursue careers in engineering. Researchers in engineering & the built environment are regularly commissioned by industry to conduct research and through these partnerships the faculty earns significant funding for uct. The Faculty enjoys an excellent international reputation for its work in a number of areas. For example, it has taken on the research challenges of environment-friendly technologies and has won international status for its multi-disciplinary research into areas such as minerals processing and energy. WHAT WE OFFER Architectural Studies A general, design-based foundational degree, the Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) focuses on 32 32 the design of the built environment and architectural design. This degree equips students with the ability to solve design problems imaginatively, to think rationally and to exercise appropriate judgement within the discipline of architecture. In particular, it aims to develop the capacity to design appropriately within the built and natural environment. The three-year BAS degree provides the grounding for application into the BAS Honours that articulates into the Master of Architecture (professional). The BAS degree further makes application possible for entry into other professional postgraduate programmes in the school, including landscape architecture, urban design, city and regional planning, and conservation of the built environment, and many postgraduate programmes in other faculties. Graduates of the BAS degree may register with SACAP, the South African Council for the Architectural Profession, as a Candidate Architectural Technologist. Graduates who further pursue architectural studies may register as Candidate Senior Architectural Technologist and Candidate Architect respectively for the BAS Honours and the Master of Architecture (professional). All applicants for the BAS degree must complete a portfolio of prescribed creative exercises. Find out more at www.apg.uct.ac.za CHEMICAL ENGINEERING Almost everything you use in daily life – textiles, metals, fuels, paper, food and beverages, toiletries, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals – has been made with the help of a chemical engineer. Chemical engineers are instrumental in the process of converting raw and recycled materials into finished products. This process is complex and involves research and development, design, construction, daily plant operation and management. Not only do chemical engineers design and operate cost-effective processes, they also ensure that these are accomplished in the most environmentally friendly way. The BSc(Eng) in Civil Engineering includes courses in the sciences, mathematics, materials, structures, geology, geotechnics, geographical information systems, programming, big data, water and wastewater treatment, hydraulics and hydrology, environmental evaluation, surveying, transportation, urban development, design, construction, management and professional communications. The new curriculum that commenced in 2025 includes new content relevant to 21st-century civil engineering practice whilst providing greater emphasis to locally relevant examples and technologies. The new curriculum structured around project-linked learning is intended to promote competency development and facilitate deeper engagement with new trends in civil engineering practice. The final year ends with a five-week large-scale design project and a nine- week individual research project. Visit www.civil.uct.ac.za CONSTRUCTION STUDIES & PROPERTY STUDIES The BSc(Eng) in Chemical Engineering involves a synthesis of chemistry, physics and mathematics applied to real problems which affect our everyday lives. The degree can be specialized in biotechnology, chemical sciences or mineralogical sciences. To become a chemical engineer takes four years of academic study complemented by exposure to the process industries. Learn more about the programme at www.chemeng.uct.ac.za CIVIL ENGINEERING In a world of unprecedented growth in new knowledge, growing socio-economic divides, and climate change, the civil engineer of today needs to be a technically-oriented designer, a publicminded planner of services which benefit entire communities, a protector of public health and the environment, a practical leader of construction teams or creator of organisations and systems that provide work and serve communities. The Department of Construction Economics and Management offers two three-year undergraduate degrees: BSc in Construction Studies and BSc in Property Studies; and three one-year Honours degrees: Quantity Surveying, Construction Management and Property Studies. The BSc in Property Studies will give you a head start in a challenging and rewarding career in the property industry. Besides acquiring a broad knowledge of finance, macro and micro- economics, property law, and appropriate communication and computer skills, you will develop skills in the field of property development. The BSc in Construction Studies will enable you to prepare tenders and manage construction contracts, estimate costs and undertake financial management of construction projects, manage the construction of buildings and related infrastructure, manage human resources, evaluate property investments and communicate spatial concepts, financial issues and other data. Visit the website of the Department of Construction Economics and Management at www.cons.uct.ac.za 33 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING Electrical Engineering spans a wide range of activities, from power and energy systems to telecommunications, computing, and electronic circuit design. The UCT Electrical Engineering curriculum is designed for flexibility, allowing you to shape your degree through specialised courses in your final year. Graduates are equipped to tackle global challenges such as renewable energy integration, automation, and advanced communication technologies. Career opportunities range from research and development to operations, design, and system management. Find out more https://ebe.uct.ac.za/department-electrical-engineering MECHATRONICS Mechatronics is an interdisciplinary branch of engineering which combines fundamental study in mechanical engineering with light-current electrical engineering. As a mechatronics student at UCT, you will study a specialisation in electrical and electronic engineering, combined with a grounding in mechanical engineering. The mechatronics engineer in industry may require expertise across a broad range of engineering disciplines and will be especially well suited to a career in light manufacturing, robotics, automation and process control. Discover more information about Mechatronics at https://ebe.uct.ac.za/department-electrical-engineering ELECTRICAL & COMPUTER ENGINEERING Electrical & Computer Engineering combines Electrical Engineering and Computer Science to equip graduates with a thorough understanding of the design of special-purpose computers and computer-based systems. This degree integrates concepts of the analysis, design and application of computing, information acquisition and processing systems in various fields. Examples are in the areas of communications, high performance scientific computing, signal processing and electronic control systems. Find out more at www.ee.uct.ac.za GEOMATICS Geomatics refers to the creation, representation, analysis, management, retrieval and modelling of spatial information which represents the earth’s physical features, the built environment and other spatially defined objects. The principal disciplines associated with geomatics include surveying and mapping, the mapping sciences, land management, geographic information systems and science, environmental visualisation, geodesy, photogrammetry, remote sensing and surveying. Geomatics is a professional career for individuals who have an aptitude for mathematics and applied sciences. The School of Architecture, Planning and Geomatics offers a four-year BSc in Geomatics which is recognised by the South African Geomatics Council. Graduates may choose to register as a professional surveyor after completing a period of articles. A career in geomatics offers an exciting variety of professional work possibilities and is recognised world-wide. For more information about geomatics, the degrees we offer, and how to apply, please visit www.geomatics.uct.ac.za MECHANICAL ENGINEERING Mechanical Engineering involves understanding and harnessing forces and energy in machines for the benefit of society. Whether the machine is a space shuttle, steam turbine, a motor car or a robot-controlled production line, a mechanical engineer would be involved in the design, manufacture and utilisation of such machines. The BSc (Eng) in Mechanical Engineering allows graduate employment opportunities in a wide spectrum of engineering disciplines, as well as providing the foundation for a career in specialist fields such as aeronautical engineering, marine and biomedical engineering. Visit www.mecheng.uct.ac.za for more information. MECHANICAL & MECHATRONIC ENGINEERING The Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering degree combines fundamental mechanical engineering disciplines with mechatronic engineering skills, such as embedded systems, robotics, and industrial automation. This broad skill set is effective in applications that involve complex electro-mechanical systems — where mechanical systems are deeply integrated with electronics. The resulting graduate is able to analyse, design, and implement intricate mechatronic systems, and is well placed for careers in a 34 FACULTY OF ENGINEERING & THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT wide range of such industries, namely automation, robotics, and manufacturing. Visit www.mecheng.uct.ac.za for more information. ACCREDITATION OF DEGREES The BSc (Eng) degrees in Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Electrical & Computer, Mechanical & Mechatronic, Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics are accepted by the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) as fulfilling the academic requirements for registration as a professional engineer. The degrees are internationally recognised in terms of the Washington Accord. The BSc in Construction Studies and the BSc Honours in Quantity Surveying and in Construction Management are accredited by the South African Council for the Quantity Surveying Profession (SACQSP) and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). The BSc Honours in Construction Management is also accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). The BSc Honours in Property Studies is accredited by the SA Council for the Property Valuers Profession (SACPVP). The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) accredits the BSc Honours degrees in Property Studies, Quantity Surveying and Construction Management. The South African Council for the Quantity Surveying Profession accredits the BSc Honours degree in Quantity Surveying. The South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP) accredits the BSc Construction Studies and BSc Honours in Construction Management. departments. All students admitted to an engineering qualification at UCT currently start on a curriculum based on a 4-year qualification. The first 5 weeks are used to identify students who will benefit from changing to a 5-year extended qualification. Those students are encouraged to make the change in April, by reducing their ‘load’ – the number of credits or courses for which they are registered. The BSc in Geomatics is accredited by the South African Geomatics Council. ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT IN ENGINEERING & THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT The Academic Support Programme for Engineering in Cape Town (ASPECT) provides alternative courses with extra support in mathematics and physics for the first year and a half of the extended degree programmes in the engineering The reduction in the number of courses allows them more time to concentrate on the challenging transitions that mathematics and physics demand. Students in the extended qualification enjoy smaller classes, more contact time for mathematics and physics, easy access to the dedicated lecturers of these courses and a supportive community environment. Students may also choose to join the extended qualification if they want more time and support to build a better foundation in mathematics and physics.CMP) accredits the BSc Construction Studies 35 36 ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICANTS HOLDING THE NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE NOTE: Mathematical Literacy or Technical Mathematics cannot be substituted for Mathematics, and Technical Science cannot be substituted for Physical Sciences. * The results of the NBTs are not taken into account for admission for the Faculty of Engineering & The Built Environment. ACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ENGINEERING IN CIVIL ENGINEERING ELIGIBLE BAND ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS All applicants Band A FPS Guaranteed admission 500 FPS or above ≥ 80% for Mathematics & ≥ 70% for Physical Sciences NBTs in Mathematics, AL & QL to be written* All applicants Band B WPS Likely Admission 480 WPS or above ≥ 80% for Mathematics & ≥ 70% for Physical Sciences NBTs in Mathematics, AL & QL to be written* Only SA applicants in targeted redress categories Band C FPS Possible admission 420 FPS or above ≥ 80% for Mathematics & ≥ 70% for Physical Sciences NBTs in Mathematics, AL & QL to be written* BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ENGINEERING IN ELECTRICAL, ELECTRICAL AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING AND MECHATRONICS ELIGIBLE BAND ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS All applicants Band A FPS Guaranteed admission 500 FPS or above ≥ 80% for Mathematics & ≥ 75% for Physical Sciences NBTs in Mathematics, AL & QL to be written* All applicants Band B WPS Likely Admission 480 WPS or above ≥ 80% for Mathematics & ≥ 75% for Physical Sciences NBTs in Mathematics, AL & QL to be written* Only SA applicants in targeted redress categories Band C FPS Possible admission 420 FPS or above ≥ 80% for Mathematics & ≥ 75% for Physical Sciences NBTs in Mathematics, AL & QL to be written* BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CONSTRUCTION STUDIES ELIGIBLE BAND ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS All applicants Band A FPS Guaranteed admission 450 FPS or above ≥ 65% for Mathematics & ≥ 60% for Physical Sciences NBTs in Mathematics, AL & QL to be written* All applicants Band B WPS Likely Admission 420 WPS or above ≥ 65% for Mathematics & ≥ 55% for Physical Sciences NBTs in Mathematics, AL & QL to be written* Only SA applicants in targeted redress categories Band C FPS Possible admission 390 FPS or above ≥ 65% for Mathematics & ≥ 55% for Physical Sciences NBTs in Mathematics, AL & QL to be written* BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN PROPERTY STUDIES ELIGIBLE BAND ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS All applicants Band A FPS Guaranteed admission 450 FPS or above ≥ 65% for Mathematics NBTs in Mathematics, AL & QL to be written* All applicants Band B WPS Likely Admission 420 WPS or above ≥ 65% for Mathematics NBTs in Mathematics, AL & QL to be written* Only SA applicants in targeted redress categories Band C FPS Possible admission 390 FPS or above ≥ 65% for Mathematics NBTs in Mathematics, AL & QL to be written* BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURAL STUDIES ELIGIBLE BAND ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS All applicants Band A FPS Guaranteed admission 450 FPS or above ≥ 50% for Mathematics & ≥ 50% for English Architecture Portfolio Score of 75% or above NBTs in Mathematics, AL & QL to be written* All applicants Band B WPS Likely Admission 408 WPS or above ≥ 50% for Mathematics & ≥ 50% for English Architecture Portfolio Score of 68% or above NBTs in Mathematics, AL & QL to be written* Only SA applicants in targeted redress categories Band C FPS Possible admission 348 FPS or above ≥ 50% for Mathematics & ≥ 50% for English Architecture Portfolio Score of 50% or above NBTs in Mathematics, AL & QL to be written*Bachelor of Architectural Studies All applicants must submit a written motivation and a portfolio of creative work. Details are provided in the Directions for Undergraduate Applicants. A-Level • at least D in two A-Level subjects and at least C at IGCSE level for Mathematics or Physics AS-Level • at least C in four AS-Level subjects and at least C at IGCSE level for Mathematics or Physics Namibian Senior Secondary Certificate (NSSC) At least a Grade 3 pass at Higher level or a grade C pass at Ordinary level for Mathematics or Physical Science International Baccalaureate (IB) Full IB Diploma with at least Grade 4 for Mathematics or Physics at standard level. Bachelor of Science in Construction Studies A-Level • at least two D symbols, one of which must be in Mathematics; and • at least C at IGCSE level for Physics or Chemistry AS-Level • at least D for Mathematics and at least B in three other AS-Level subjects and • at least C at IGCSE level for Physics or Chemistry Namibian Senior Secondary Certificate (NSSC) Level 2 passes in at least four higher level subjects including Mathematics and Physical Science International Baccalaureate (IB) Full IB Diploma with at least a Grade 5 pass at standard level or a Grade 4 pass at higher level for each of the subjects Mathematics and Physics or Chemistry Note: Mathematical Studies is not acceptable BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ENGINEERING IN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING ELIGIBLE BAND ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS All applicants Band A FPS Guaranteed admission 500 FPS or above ≥ 80% for Mathematics & ≥ 75% for Physical Sciences NBTs in Mathematics, AL & QL to be written* All applicants Band B WPS Likely Admission 480 WPS or above ≥ 80% for Mathematics & ≥ 70% for Physical Sciences NBTs in Mathematics, AL & QL to be written* Only SA applicants in targeted redress categories Band C FPS Possible admission 420 FPS or above ≥ 80% for Mathematics & ≥ 70% for Physical Sciences NBTs in Mathematics, AL & QL to be written* BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ENGINEERING IN MECHANICAL, AND MECHANICAL & MECHATRONIC ENGINEERING ELIGIBLE BAND ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS All applicants Band A FPS Guaranteed admission 500 FPS or above ≥ 80% for Mathematics & ≥ 75% for Physical Sciences NBTs in Mathematics, AL & QL to be written* All applicants Band B WPS Likely Admission 480 WPS or above ≥ 80% for Mathematics & ≥ 75% for Physical Sciences NBTs in Mathematics, AL & QL to be written* Only SA applicants in targeted redress categories Band C FPS Possible admission 420 FPS or above ≥ 80% for Mathematics & ≥ 75% for Physical Sciences NBTs in Mathematics, AL & QL to be written* BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN GEOMATICS ELIGIBLE BAND ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS All applicants Band A FPS Guaranteed admission 450 FPS or above ≥ 75% for Mathematics & ≥ 70% for Physical Sciences NBTs in Mathematics, AL & QL to be written* All applicants Band B WPS Probable admission 420 WPS or above ≥ 65% for Mathematics & ≥ 60% for Physical Sciences NBTs in Mathematics, AL & QL to be written* Only SA applicants in targeted redress categories Band C FPS Possible admission 390 FPS or above ≥ 65% for Mathematics & ≥ 60% for Physical Sciences NBTs in Mathematics, AL & QL to be written* ADMISSION CRITERIA FOR APPLICANTS WITH NON-SOUTH AFRICAN SCHOOL-LEAVING CERTIFICATES The table below is a guide for applicants with Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) and similar subjects, the Namibian Senior Secondary Certificate (NSSC), and the International Baccalaurate Diploma (IB). NOTES: • Performance in non-South African secondary schoolleaving examinations is not converted to points for applications to programmes in this faculty. • The subject requirements below are minimum requirements only, and do not guarantee admission. Additional subjects may be required to meet matriculation exemption requirements. • A pass in English Language is required at A-level, AS-level, IGCSE level, Baccalaureate or other equivalent level. • At IGSCE Level English must be taken as a first language, or another first language must be offered. • Applicants with only IGCSE level subjects are not eligible for admission. 37 2027 UNDERGRADUATE PROSPECTUS 38 Bachelor of Science in Geomatics A-Level • at least C for English at IGCSE level and • at least C for Mathematics at A-Level and C for Physics at A-Level AS-Level • at least C for IGCSE level English ;and • at least B for Maths at AS-Level and C for Physics at AS-Level plus two other AS-Level subjects with B symbols Namibian Senior Secondary Certificate (NSSC) At least four higher level subjects with Level 1 passes in Mathematics and Physical Science International Baccalaureate (IB) Full IB Diploma with at least a Grade 6 pass at standard level or a Grade 5 pass at higher level for each of the subjects Mathematics and Physics Note: Mathematical Studies is not acceptable OTHER NON-SOUTH AFRICAN EXAMINATIONS Secondary school-leaving subjects MUST include Mathematics. Applicants from some countries (e.g. Angola and DRC) must have completed the first year of a four-year degree programme at a university in their country of origin before applying to UCT. Applicants with only IGCSE subjects need to complete the first year of a four-year degree programme at a university in their country of origin, before applying to the UCT. Applications will be assessed on an individual basis. Meeting the above minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Admission may be limited due to available capacity. Bachelor of Science in Property Studies A-Level • at least two D symbols at A-Level, one of which must be in Mathematics AS-Level • at least D for Mathematics and at least B in three other AS-Level subjects Namibian Senior Secondary Certificate (NSSC) Level 2 passes in at least four higher level subjects including Mathematics International Baccalaureate (IB) Full IB Diploma with at least a Grade 5 pass at standard level or a Grade 4 pass at higher level for each of the subjects Mathematics and Physics or Chemistry Note: Mathematical Studies is not acceptable Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Chemical, Civil, Mechanical, and Mechanical & Mechatronic Engineering A-Level • at least C in IGCSE level English; and • at least B in Mathematics at A-level AND either B in A-level Chemistry and a pass with at least B in IGCSE level Physics; or • B in A-Level Physics and a pass with at least B in IGSCE Chemistry AS-Level • at least C for IGCSE level English; and • at least A for Mathematics and Physics and two B symbols at AS-Level; or without Physics: at least A for Mathematics; and A for either Physics or Chemistry; and B for the other (Physics or Chemistry), plus one other B symbol Namibian Senior Secondary Certificate (NSSC) At least four higher level subjects with Level 1 passes in Mathematics and Physical Science International Baccalaureate (IB) Full IB Diploma with a Grade 6 pass at standard level or a Grade 5 pass at higher level for each of the subjects Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry Note: Mathematical Studies is not acceptable Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Electrical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Mechatronics A-Level • at least C in IGCSE level English; and • at least B for Mathematics at A-Level AND B for A-Level Physics AS-Level • at least C for IGCSE level English; and • A for two AS-Level subjects including Mathematics and Physics plus two B symbols at AS-Level for two other subjects Namibian Senior Secondary Certificate (NSSC) At least four higher level subjects with Level 1 passes in Mathematics and Physical Science International Baccalaureate (IB) Full IB Diploma with at least a Grade 6 pass at standard level or a Grade 5 pass at higher level for each of the subjects Mathematics and Physics Note: Mathematical Studies is not acceptable 2027 UNDERGRADUATE PROSPECTUS FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCE ABOUT THE FACULTY The Faculty offers undergraduate degrees in Medicine, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Audiology, and Speech-Language Pathology. A Higher Certificate in Disability Studies and an Advanced Diploma in Cosmetic Formulation Science are also offered. All these undergraduate programmes have fixed curricula. The degree programmes include extensive training at hospitals and clinics in and around Cape Town and in other relevant community settings, which may include schools and informal settlements. 39 2027 UNDERGRADUATE PROSPECTUS WHAT WE OFFER BACHELOR OF MEDICINE & BACHELOR OF SURGERY (MBCHB) The MBChB programme takes six years to complete. After graduating with an MBChB degree and completing two years’ internship and a year’s community service, you will be allowed by the Health Professions Council of South Africa to practise as a medical doctor.As a medical doctor you may work in a public or private hospital or in a community clinic, join a doctor’s practice, open your own practice, or work in a variety of other settings. The MBChB programme is offered by a range of Departments in the Faculty of Health Sciences. Visit the various departments’ sites at www.health.uct.ac.za BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY The aim of Occupational Therapy is to help people overcome functional difficulties resulting from health-related problems and to develop their abilities, so that they may be independent and effective at home, at work and during their leisure time. This is a four-year degree programme. When you obtain the BSc (Occupational Therapy) degree, and after completing a year’s community service, you will be allowed by the Health Professions Council of South Africa to practise as an occupational therapist. You will work with people of all ages whose lives have been complicated by sickness, trauma and developmental delay, and who are struggling to cope with and adapt to their circumstances or their environment. You may help them in their homes or in their places of work, as well as in clinics, schools and hospitals, or you may work in a private practice. BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN PHYSIOTHERAPY Physiotherapy aims to help people in the community to lead a healthy lifestyle, to prevent illness or injury for those at risk, and to treat people who have been disabled or injured. Physiotherapy makes use of physiologically-based movement techniques, massage, electrotherapy and other physical means to prevent and treat injury and disease. This is a four-year degree programme. When you obtain the BSc (Physiotherapy) degree, and after you have completed a year’s community service, you will be allowed by the Health Professions Council of South Africa to practise as a physiotherapist. You will help people of all ages who suffer from (for example) breathing and chest problems, cerebral palsy, strokes, fractured bones, stiff joints, sports injuries and painful necks and backs. As a physiotherapist you may open your own practice, or work at community centres, hospitals and outpatient clinics. Many physiotherapists work in special schools for disabled children or provide rehabilitation programmes in people’s homes for them to become as independent as possible at home and in their communities. You may also choose to work and travel with sports teams to treat injuries and advise on the fitness of members of the teams and on proper training to prevent common injuries associated with a particular sport. BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY Speech Language Therapists assess and treat people who have communication disorders, such as problems with sound production and language learning, voice disorders, swallowing disorders and stuttering. You may also treat people who have disorders of speech and language after they have suffered strokes or because they have cerebral palsy. The degree programme takes four years to complete and is followed by a year of community service. On completion of your community service, you will be allowed by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) to practise as a speechlanguage therapist. As a speech-language therapist you may work at community centres, hospitals and outpatient clinics or open your own practice. Many speech therapists also work in schools or provide rehabilitation programmes in people’s homes. BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN AUDIOLOGY Audiologists assess people’s hearing, fit hearing aids, manage speech and language problems of people who are hard of hearing or deaf, and deal with noise measurement and control. The degree programme takes four years to complete and is followed by a year of community service. On completion of your community service, you will be allowed by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) to practise as an audiologist. As an audiologist you may work at schools,community centres, hospitals and outpatient clinics or open your own practice. HIGHER CERTIFICATE IN DISABILITY PRACTICE The Higher Certificate in Disability Practice aims to train home-based carers and school-leavers who have an interest in pursuing a career in the field of community-based disability practice. Students learn foundational skills for disability prevention and care. The qualification provides students with the basic knowledge, cognitive and conceptual tools and practical techniques for application in the field of disability-inclusive community development. The qualification signifies that the student has attained a basic level of higher educational knowledge and appropriate competencies in their role as community development workers. The Higher Certificate includes theoretical and practical workintegrated learning components. The curriculum for the Higher Certificate extends over one year of full-time study. The Higher Certificate programme is offered only if there is a sufficient number of applicants. Visit www.dhrs.uct.ac.za/dhrs/ divisions/disability/undergraduate/requirements ADMISSION TO PROGRAMMES IN THE FACULTY The Faculty of Heath Sciences receives an exceptionally high volume of applications for a limited number of places. Most of the applications are of very high standard and thus the competition for places is significant. Meeting the minimum criteria is no guarantee for acceptance to study in your chosen programme. 40 2027 UNDERGRADUATE PROSPECTUS NUMBER OF PLACES AVAILABLE IN EACH PROGRAMME Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB): Bachelor of Science in Audiology: Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy: Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy: Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology: Higher Certificate in Disability Practice: Advanced Diploma in Cosmetic Formulation Science: ELIGIBILITY FOR CONSIDERATION FOR DEGREE PROGRAMMES Applicants must: 240 37 70 70 40 30 10 • have passed certain secondary school-leaving subjects at specific minimum performance levels, • have obtained a minimum overall Admissions Point Score (APS1); • have obtained minimum performance levels in the National Benchmark Tests: be eligible for admission to degree studies, or (if you have obtained a non-South African secondary school-leaving certificate) have matriculation exemption; • be a citizen or permanent resident of South Africa or of a Southern African Development Community (SADC) country that does not have a health sciences faculty or whose health sciences faculties do not offer the health sciences programme you wish to study 2 3. Places on the MBChB programme will only be offered to SADC applicants whose country does not offer a similar programme at any of its universities. ELIGIBILITY IN MBCHB ONLY: 1. 2. 3. 4. Comoros Eswatini Lesotho Seychelles HEALTH AND REHABILITATION SCIENCES WE CURRENTLY STATE: The Faculty of Health Sciences does not offer places on any of its programmes to non-South African (SA) and non-South African Development Country (SADC) applicants. One must have permanent residence in South Africa or be from the below SADC countries. ELIGIBILITY IN BSC SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY AND BSC AUDIOLOGY PROGRAMS ONLY: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Angola Botswana Democratic Republic of Congo Lesotho Malawi Mauritius 7. Mozambique 8. Namibia 9. Seychelles 10. Swaziland 11. Tanzania 12. Zambia 13. Zimbabwe ELIGIBILITY IN BSC PHYSIOTHERAPY ONLY: 1. 2. 3. Angola ESwatini (Swaziland) Lesotho ELIGIBILITY IN BSC OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ONLY: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Angola Botswana Comoros Democratic Republic of Congo Eswatini (Swaziland) Lesotho Malawi 8. Mozambique 9. Seychelles If you are a South African citizen who has written a non-NSC secondary school-leaving examination, either within South Africa or abroad, you will be eligible for consideration only if you have written examinations towards a national secondary schoolleaving examination (i.e. where all secondary school-leavers in the country concerned are required to write the same secondary school-leaving examinations - such as CAIE, IB Diploma, GCSE and NSSC examinations) as opposed to examinations at state level (such as those offered in some states in the USA). Exceptions may be considered on merit in the case of applicants who have obtained tertiary-level qualifications. In addition to the above requirements, the following guidelines apply, with exceptions being considered on individual merit: • If you are doing a foundation programme, you must have completed your foundation programme, unless you would in any event be eligible for consideration based on your NSC or other school-leaving examination results and your results in the NBTs. • If you are already registered for a similar health sciences programme at another university and you wish to transfer to UCT you will need to compete for admission to the first year of the relevant programme. • If you have been refused re-admission by any Faculty at UCT or another tertiary institution you are not generally eligible for consideration. 1 Note: The Admissions Point Score (APS) is the total of the percentages of your six school subjects. 2 If you are from a non-SADC country in Africa with an approved Occupational Therapy diploma and have practised as an occupational therapist for more than two years you may be considered on merit, provided that your NBT scores fall in the Intermediate or Proficient range. We admit a maximum of two applicants in this category annually. 3 The Faculty will consider the immediate family members of permanently appointed UCT staff members who are not South African citizens or permanent residents or eligible SADC applicants, and who have applied for permanent residency but whose permanent residency has not yet been approved at the time of application, provided they are competitive in the “open competition” category. 2027 UNDERGRADUATE PROSPECTUS APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES UCT welcomes applications from applicants with special needs. However, there are some disabilities that would prevent someone from completing a particular health sciences curriculum (for example, someone who is deaf may not be able to hear a heartbeat through a stethoscope). For this reason, applicants with disabilities are urged to communicate with the Faculty, via UCT’s Disability Service, to establish whether this would apply to them. The Faculty reserves the right to require an applicant (or an admitted student) to undergo a professional assessment to determine the extent and likely impact of a disability on his or her ability to meet the requirements of the curriculum, including such practical training and practice as is required in the health sciences discipline concerned. UCT reserves the right to withdraw an offer to an applicant or cancel the registration of a student who has failed to declare a disability that is found to be such as to make it impossible for him or her to meet the curriculum requirements in the health sciences discipline concerned. THE SELECTION PROCESS The Faculty of Health Sciences Admissions committee will prioritize first choice applicants during the selection process. Applicants compete in selection categories as follows: • South African secondary school leavers • SADC applicants (international applicants) • Applicants with tertiary results from UCT or other institutions. The selection process of candidates already studying medicine at another South African university will be done according to an agreement reached by the South African Committee of Medical Deans [SACOMD] (2015). Approval must be obtained from the dean of the faculty where the student is currently registered before an application will be considered. Only in exceptional cases and with the recommendation of the Selection Committee of the Faculty of Health Sciences and approval of the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences will such a student be considered for admission. A letter of support from the Dean of the Faculty where currently registered is not a guarantee for admission The Dean may also allocate (within the intake targets) a small number of discretionary places, on merit, to (for example) the following categories of applicants: • Repeat applicants who meet the prescribe minimum criteria • Applicants with disabilities. Applications are considered continually from the time that the Faculty receives the first NBT results and applicants have uploaded at least one set of provisional school results (Grade 11 final results) or an interim academic transcript for transferring students. All transferring applicants must account for all post-matric years. If you have any study gaps, please submit a commissioned affidavit and a brief CV outlining your activities during that period. Missing documents may delay your application. CONDITIONAL OFFERS In the case of secondary school-leavers, conditional offers are first made to applicants with very competitive results. The condition on which early offers are made is that applicants maintain or improve, in their final examinations, their best level of performance to date, at the time that the offer was made (Should applicants not meet the conditions in their final examinations, their conditional offer may be revoked). If you are studying at, or have completed studies at another higher education institution, you will be considered based on your secondary school-leaving results and your higher education results. In addition, transferring applicants may be required to write the National Benchmark Tests as indicated (see page 46), and may be asked to submit a letter of motivation. You will need to submit an interim academic transcript, certificate of good conduct and your final, year-end transcript as soon as they are available and no later than 31 December 2026. Applicants who do not secure early conditional offers are reconsidered when the final secondary school results are received. The cut-off points for offers may then be dropped until the class is filled. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICANTS HOLDING THE NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE PLEASE NOTE: All degrees within Health Sciences • APS = NSC score (score out of 600). The APS is worked out as follows: percentages of three required subjects plus percentages of next three best subjects excluding Life Orientation. • NBT = National Benchmark Tests (score out of 300). The results are published in Proficient/Intermediate /Basic ranges. • FPS = The Faculty Points Score (FPS) (score out of 900). This consists of the percentages of three required subjects plus percentages of next three best subjects but excluding Life Orientation, plus the NBT score. • WPS = Weighted Points Score (score out of 1080). The WPS is used in Band B only and consists of your FPS weighted by your disadvantage factor (see the section on the general Admissions Policy for an explanation of the disadvantage factors). NATIONAL BENCHMARK TESTS All secondary school leaving applicants must write some or all components of the NBTs, consisting of the Academic and Quantitative Literacy Test (AQL) and Mathematics Test. NBT results contribute up to 300 points towards your Faculty Points Score. Applicants applying for admission to MBChB and Physiotherapy need to have NBT results that are in the Intermediate or Proficient Applicants to Audiology, Speech-Language Pathology Occupational Therapy who did Mathematical Literacy are advised to not write NBT Mathematics. Their applications will be considered individually, on merit. Applicants to the Higher Certificate in Disability Practice need to write only the Academic and Quantitative Literacy components of the NBTs. Applicants to the Advanced Diploma in Cosmetic Formulation Science need not write the NBTs. 42 43 CRITERIA FOR APPLICANTS FOR DEGREE PROGRAMMES WRITING NSC EXAMINATIONS HOW WE CALCULATE YOUR FACULTY POINTS SCORE (FPS) FOR THE DEGREE PROGRAMMES The following are added if you are an NSC candidate: • Points (percentage) out of 100 for each of English, Mathematics and Physical Sciences; • Points out of 100 for each of your next three best subjects excluding Life Orientation • Points out of 300 for the National Benchmark Tests. • This gives you a total FPS out of 900 • We do not score Advanced Programme Mathematics or Advanced Programme English since these are not approved NSC subjects. BACHELOR OF MEDICINE AND BACHELOR OF SURGERY – MBCHB Minimum subject requirements and performance levels to be considered for admission: Mathematics and Physical Sciences at 70%, English (Home or First Additional Language) at 65%; and 70% for the next three best subjects excluding Life Orientation. Sub-minimum APS of 450. ELIGIBLE BANDS ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS All applicants Band A FPS Guaranteed admission 810 FPS or above Meet minimum subject requirements NBT scores of Proficient for AL, QL and Mathematics All applicants Band B WPS Likely Admission 807 WPS or above Meet minimum subject requirements NBT scores of Intermediate or above for AL, QL and Mathematics Only SA applicants in targeted redress categories Band C FPS Possible admission 644 FPS or above Meet minimum subject requirements NBT scores of Intermediate or above for AL, QL and Mathematics BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN PHYSIOTHERAPY Minimum subject requirements and performance levels to be considered for admission: Mathematics at 60%, Physical Sciences or Life Sciences at 65%, English (Home or First Additional Language) at 65%; and 60% for the next three best subjects excluding Life Orientation. Sub-minimum APS of 360. ELIGIBLE BANDS ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS All applicants Band A FPS Guaranteed admission 730 FPS or above Meet minimum subject requirements NBT scores of Intermediate or above for AL, QL and Mathematics All applicants Band B WPS Likely Admission 797 WPS or above Meet minimum subject requirements NBT scores of Intermediate or above for AL, QL and Mathematics Only SA applicants in targeted redress categories Band C FPS Possible admission 580 FPS or above for redress 1 610 FPS or above for redress 2 680 FPS or above for redress 3 and 4 Meet minimum subject requirements NBT scores of Intermediate or above for AL, QL and Mathematics44 BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY Minimum subject requirements and performance levels to be considered for admission: Mathematics at 60% or Mathematical Literacy at 70%, Physical Sciences or Life Sciences at 65%, English (Home or First Additional Language) at 65% or; and 60% for the next three best subjects excluding Life Orientation. Sub-minimum APS of 340. ELIGIBLE BANDS ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS All applicants Band A FPS Guaranteed admission 730 FPS or above Meet minimum subject requirements NBT scores of Intermediate or above for AL, QL and Mathematics (applicants taking Mathematical Literacy and have achieved more than 75% are exempted from the NBT Mathematics Test)* All applicants Band B WPS Likely Admission 782 WPS or above Meet minimum subject requirements NBT scores of Intermediate or above for AL, QL and Mathematics (applicants taking Mathematical Literacy and have achieved more than 75% are exempted from the NBT Mathematics Test)* Only SA applicants in targeted redress categories Band C FPS Possible admission 565 FPS for redress 1 580 FPS for redress 2 670 FPS for redress 3 and 4 Meet minimum subject requirements NBT scores of Intermediate or above for AL, QL and Mathematics (applicants taking Mathematical Literacy and have achieved more than 75% are exempted from the NBT Mathematics Test)* NOTE: * A Mathematics NBT equivalence score will be calculated for Mathematical Literacy applicants using the following formula: NBT Quantitative Literacy score minus 20 points = NBT Mathematics result). BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN AUDIOLOGY Minimum subject requirements and performance levels to be considered for admission: Mathematics at 60% or Mathematical Literacy at 70%, Physical Sciences or Life Sciences at 65%, English (Home or First Additional Language) at 65%; and 60% for the next three best subjects excluding Life Orientation. Sub-minimum APS of 340. ELIGIBLE BANDS ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS All applicants Band A FPS Guaranteed admission 720 FPS or above Meet minimum subject requirements NBT scores of Intermediate or above for AL, QL and Mathematics (applicants taking Mathematical Literacy and have achieved more than 75% are exempted from the NBT Mathematics Test)* All applicants Band B WPS Likely Admission 710 WPS or above Meet minimum subject requirements NBT scores of Intermediate or above for AL, QL and Mathematics (applicants taking Mathematical Literacy and have achieved more than 75% are exempted from the NBT Mathematics Test)* Only SA applicants in targeted redress categories Band C FPS Possible admission 550 FPS for redress 1 565 FPS for redress 2 610 FPS for redress 3 and 4 Meet minimum subject requirements NBT scores of Intermediate or above for AL, QL and Mathematics (applicants taking Mathematical Literacy and have achieved more than 75% are exempted from the NBT Mathematics Test)* NOTE: * A Mathematics NBT equivalence score will be calculated for Mathematical Literacy applicants using the following formula: NBT Quantitative Literacy score minus 20 points = NBT Mathematics result).FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY Minimum subject requirements and performance levels to be considered for admission: Mathematics at 60% or Mathematical Literacy at 70%, Physical Sciences or Life Sciences at 65%, English (Home or First Additional Language) at 65%; and 60% for the next three best subjects excluding Life Orientation. Sub-minimum APS of 340. ELIGIBLE All applicants All applicants Only SA applicants in targeted redress categories BANDS Band A FPS Band B WPS Band C FPS ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Guaranteed admission 715 FPS or above Meet minimum subject requirements NBT scores of Intermediate or above for AL, QL and Mathematics (applicants taking Mathematical Literacy and have achieved more than 75% are exempted from the NBT Mathematics Test) ** Likely Admission 670 WPS or above Meet minimum subject requirements NBT scores of Intermediate or above for AL, QL and Mathematics (applicants taking Mathematical Literacy and have achieved more than 75% are exempted from the NBT Mathematics Test)** Possible admission 510 FPS for redress 1 515 FPS for redress 2 600 FPS for redress 3 and 4 Meet minimum subject requirements NBT scores of Intermediate or above for AL, QL and Mathematics (applicants taking Mathematical Literacy and have achieved more than 75% are exempted from the NBT Mathematics Test)** NOTE: Applicants with Mathematical Literacy will be considered on an individual basis. **Applicants with any NBT result in the Basic range may also be considered on an individual basis. However, applicants who take Mathematical Literacy will not be considered if they have any NBT result in the Basic range. CRITERIA FOR APPLICANTS FOR OTHER PROGRAMMES WRITING NSC EXAMINATIONS Admission criteria for the Higher Certificate in Disability Practice or the Advanced Diploma in Cosmetic Formulation Science are not expressed in terms of bands. See page 39. ELIGIBILITY FOR CONSIDERATION FOR HIGHER CERTIFICATE IN DISABILITY PRACTICE To be eligible for consideration to the Higher Certificate all applicants must: • have obtained a National Senior Certificate or an approved HEQSF-level 4 (school-leaving) qualification; • meet the Upper Intermediate to Proficient level in the Academic and Quantitative Literacy components of the National Benchmark Tests. CRITERIA FOR APPLICANTS FOR DEGREE PROGRAMMES WRITING INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL-LEAVING CERTIFICATES If you take a non-South African secondary school-leaving examination, we will consider your application by: • Assessing your academic performance, using the rating tables on page 16 • Assessing your performance in the National Benchmark Tests; • Comparing your overall performance to that of other applicants ELIGIBILITY FOR CONSIDERATION FOR THE ADVANCED DIPLOMA IN COSMETIC FORMULATION SCIENCE To be considered for the programme, students must have obtained: • or a degree with Biochemistry 3 (students with Biochemistry 3 need to have at least Chemistry 2 to be eligible for admission) • or a partially completed/ non-degree with Chemistry 2 and relevant work experience. Offers in this program are made subject to availability of space. We consider the following International Grades: IGCSE/ GCSE/NSSC OL/O-Level, Cambridge A Level, Cambridge AS-Level, International Baccalaureate Higher Level (IB HL), International Baccalaureate Standard Level (IB SL), Higher International General Certificate of Secondary Education/ Namibian Senior Secondary Certificate Higher Level (HIGCSE/NSSC HL) A table is used to convert non-NSC results to a comparable score, where possible – see Admission Points Table for Cambridge A, AS Levels, IGCSE and IB Diplomas on page 16 of this Prospectus. Please note, applicants require six different eligible subjects, the subjects must meet the requirements for a Matric Exemption and applicants must meet the required NBT performance. 45 45 46 In addition, candidates writing Cambridge A-level, Cambridge AS-level, IGCSE or IB Diploma examinations must meet the following minimum admission score requirements, obtained using the scoring examples in the SCORE CALCULATION TABLE FOR SELECTED NON-SOUTH AFRICAN EXAMINING AUTHORITIES. Note 1. The same subject cannot be counted twice. Note 2. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. MBChB Advanced (A) Level Minimum admission score: 40 points plus NBT score in the Proficient range Likely admission score: 46 points or above plus NBT score in the Proficient range At least a C symbol in two A Level subjects (including Mathematics PLUS Physics or Chemistry) and an A in the remaining subject (Physics or Chemistry) and in English, both of which may be at AS or IGCSE Level. Advanced Subsidiary (AS) Level Minimum admission score: 40 points plus NBT score in the Proficient range Likely admission score: 46 points or above plus NBT score in the Proficient range AS and IGCSE level subject requirements: At least B in four AS level subjects (including Mathematics and Physics and Chemistry), and a B symbol in English, which may be at IGCSE. International Baccalaureate Minimum admission score: 40 points plus NBT score in the Proficient range Likely admission score: 46 points or above plus NBT score in the Proficient range At least grade 5 in three higher level subjects, two of which must be Mathematics and/or Chemistry and/or Physics and/or English At least grade 5 in the remaining two subjects (Physics or Chemistry or Mathematics or English not taken at higher level), which may be at standard level. Mathematical Studies is not acceptable. IB applicants need to be in possession of the IB Diploma, not the Certificate. BSC PHYSIOTHERAPY Advanced (A) Level Minimum admission score: 36 points plus NBT score of Higher Intermediate. Likely admission score: 44 points or above plus NBT score of Higher Intermediate or above. At least an A symbol in two A level subjects (A level subjects must include Mathematics or Physics or Chemistry or Biology); plus At least an A at AS Level or IGCSE level in Physics or Chemistry or Mathematics or Biology, if these were not taken at A level; plus At least a C in English, which may be at AS or IGCSE level. Advanced Subsidiary (AS) Level Minimum admission score: 36 points plus NBT score of Higher Intermediate. Likely admission score: 44 points or above plus NBT score of Higher Intermediate or above. At least a C in four AS Level subjects, of which two must be Mathematics, Physics, or Chemistry (Biology may be substituted for Physics and Chemistry) At least an A in English, which may be at IGCSE Level. If Mathematics is taken at IGCSE Level, a B is also required. International Baccalaureate Minimum admission score: 36 points plus NBT score of Higher Intermediate. Likely admission score: 44 points or above plus NBT score of Higher Intermediate or above. At least grade 4 in three higher level subjects, two of which must be Mathematics and/or Chemistry and/or Physics and/or English. (Biology may be substituted for Physics and Chemistry). At least grade 4 in the remaining two subjects (Physics or Chemistry or Mathematics or English), which may be at standard level. (Biology may be substituted for Physics and Chemistry.) If Mathematics is at standard level, Physics and Chemistry or Biology must be at higher level. BSC OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY Advanced (A) Level Minimum admission score: 36 points plus NBT score of Higher Intermediate. Likely admission score: 44 points or above plus NBT score of Higher Intermediate or above. At least a C symbol in two A level subjects (A level subjects must include Mathematics or Physics or Chemistry or Biology); plus At least an A at AS level or IGCSE Level in Physics or Chemistry or Mathematics or Biology, if these were not taken at A level; plus At least a C in English, which may be at AS or IGCSE Level. Advanced Subsidiary (AS) Level Minimum admission score: 36 points plus NBT score of Higher Intermediate. Likely admission score: 44 points or above plus NBT score of Higher Intermediate or above. At least a C in four AS level subjects, of which two must be Mathematics, Physics, or Chemistry (Biology may be substituted for Physics and Chemistry) At least an A in English, which may be at IGCSE level. If Mathematics is taken at IGCSE Level, a B is required. International Baccalaureate Minimum admission score: 36 points plus NBT score of Higher Intermediate. Likely admission score: 44 points or above plus NBT score of Higher Intermediate or above. At least grade 4 in three higher level subjects, two of which must be Mathematics and/or Chemistry and/or Physics and/or English. (Biology may be substituted for Physics and Chemistry).47 FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCE BSC OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY At least grade 4 in the remaining two subjects (Physics or Chemistry or Mathematics or English), which may be at standard level. (Biology may be substituted for Physics and Chemistry.) If Mathematics is at standard level, Physics and Chemistry or Biology must be at higher level. BSC AUDIOLOGY AND BSC SPEECHLANGUAGE PATHOLOGY Advanced (A) Level Minimum admission score: 36 points plus NBT score of Higher Intermediate. Likely admission score: 44 points or above plus NBT score of Higher Intermediate or above. At least a C symbol in two A level subjects (A level subjects must include Mathematics or Physics or Chemistry or Biology); plus At least an A at AS level or IGCSE Level in Physics or Chemistry or Mathematics or Biology, if these were not taken at A level; plus At least a C in English, which may be at AS or IGCSE Level. Advanced Subsidiary (AS) Level Minimum admission score: 36 points plus NBT score of Higher Intermediate. Likely admission score: 44 points or above plus NBT score of Higher Intermediate or above. At least a C in four AS level subjects, of which two must be Mathematics, Physics, or Chemistry (Biology may be substituted for Physics and Chemistry) At least an A in English, which may be at IGCSE level. If Mathematics is taken at IGCSE Level, a B is required. International Baccalaureate Minimum admission score: 36 points plus NBT score of Higher Intermediate. Likely admission score: 44 points or above plus NBT score of Higher Intermediate or above. At least grade 4 in three higher level subjects, two of which must be Mathematics and/or Chemistry and/or Physics and/or English. (Biology may be substituted for Physics and Chemistry). At least grade 4 in the remaining two subjects (Physics or Chemistry or Mathematics or English), which may be at standard level. (Biology may be substituted for Physics and Chemistry.) If Mathematics is at standard level, Physics and Chemistry or Biology must be at higher level. CRITERIA FOR APPLICANTS FOR DEGREE PROGRAMS WHO ARE COMPLETING OR HAVE COMPLETED A DEGREE AT A TERTIARY INSTITUTION The Faculty of Heath Sciences receives an exceptionally high volume of applications for a limited number of tertiary places. Most of the applications are of an exceptionally high standard and thus the competition for places is significant. Meeting the minimum criteria is no guarantee for acceptance to study in your chosen programme. All transferring applicants must account for all post-matric years. If you have any study gaps, please submit a commissioned affidavit and a brief CV outlining your activities during that period. Missing documents may delay your application. ELIGIBILITY FOR PROBABLE ADMISSION Two categories of transferring applicants are considered: 1. Applicants who are in year one or two of a three-year degree programme & Applicants who are in year one, two or three of a four-year degree programme must: • meet the school subject requirements and minimum performance levels outlined (APS) • meet NBTs at intermediate or proficient levels (NBT results remain valid for three years) • meet the minimum Band C FPS for that programme • meet minimum GPA requirements of at least 75% or above for the MBChB programme and 65% or above for Health and Rehabilitation programmes (Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Audiology and Speech Language Pathology).not have failed any courses at tertiary level 2. Applicants who have obtained a qualification or are in final year of study must: • meet the core school subject requirements and minimum performance levels outlined • not have failed any courses at tertiary level • meet minimum GPA requirements of at least 75% or above for the MBChB programme and 65% or above for Health and Rehabilitation programmes (Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Audiology and Speech Language Pathology. For any further queries email the faculty admissions office (fhs-ug-admiss@uct.ac.za) ADMISSION DIRECT TO SECOND YEAR MBCHB OF TERTIARY APPLICANTS MEETING SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS A small number of graduates who have completed either an approved undergraduate or postgraduate degree, may be offered a place in second year provided a) you have received a firm offer b) there is class capacity and c) have met the tertiary applicant criteria. For any further queries email the faculty admissions office (fhs-ug-admiss@uct.ac.za)FACULTY OF HUMANITIES ABOUT THE FACULTY The Faculty of Humanities is home to more than 6900 undergraduate and postgraduate students. The Faculty is comprised of 19 academic departments located in three main clusters: • The Arts: The Languages, History, Linguistics, Film and Media Studies, and Art History and Discourse of Art. • The Social Sciences: African Studies, Anthropology, Gender Studies, Sociology, the Study of Religions, Social Work and Social Development, Politics, Education, Psychology, Philosophy and Knowledge and Information Stewardship. • The Performing and Creative Arts: Fine Art, Social Development and Performance Studies. Each of our academic departments offers a wide selection of courses and disciplines, giving students more freedom of choice in tailoring their academic experience. The Faculty of Humanities attracts students and academics from across the globe and we are the most popular destination for Semester Study Abroad students. This means that our students are exposed to a rich diversity of knowledge, experience and best practice. 48 A Humanities qualification prepares you for a multitude of career paths in the public sector, the corporate workplace and in academia. Our graduates are sought-after in the local and international job markets. This is because Humanities academic courses foster flexibility, imagination, social sensitivity, language competence, critical thinking, analytical reasoning and the capacity to solve complex societal problems. Humanities undergraduate qualifications have vocational outcomes, applied and policy content and lead to advanced postgraduate study as well as to a variety of exciting careers. WHAT WE OFFER HUMANITIES UNDERGRADUATE QUALIFICATIONS The Faculty of Humanities offers undergraduate students a wide variety of academic courses, diplomas, advanced diplomas, degrees, advanced certificates and higher certificate options. The five categories of qualifications on offer to our undergraduates are set out in the following table. QUALIFICATION TYPE QUALIFICATION NQF EXIT LEVEL Higher Certificate (HC) Higher Certificate in Adult and Community Education and Training 5 Advanced Certificates (AC) Advanced Certificate in Foundation Phase Teaching Advanced Certificate in Intermediate Phase Teaching Advanced Certificate in Senior Phase Teaching 6 Diplomas (Dip) Diploma in Music Performance Diploma in Theatre & Performance 6 Advanced Diplomas (AdvDip) Advanced Diploma in Adult and Community Education & Training Advanced Diploma in School Leadership & Management 7 Bachelors Degrees Bachelor of Arts Bachelor of Social Science Bachelor of Social Science in Philosophy, Politics and Economics 7 Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art Bachelor of Arts in Theatre & Performance Bachelor of Music Bachelor of Social Work 8 ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES DEGREES There are two types of degree curricula leading to a : A general degree (Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Social Science), or a named degree which has a structured curriculum. BACHELOR OF ARTS MAJORS BACHELOR OF SOCIAL SCIENCE MAJORS MAJORS OFFERED BY DEPARTMENTS NOT ESTABLISHED IN THE FACULTY OF HUMANITIES Afrikaans African Languages & Literatures Arabic Language & Literature Art History and Discourse of Art Business French Chinese Studies Classical Studies English Film & Television Studies French German Hebrew Language & Literature History Italian Linguistics Media & Writing Music Portuguese Spanish Theatre & Dance Studies Xhosa Communication African Studies Anthropology Economics Gender Studies Industrial Sociology Philosophy Politics and Governance Psychology Social Development Sociology The Study of Religions Applied Mathematics Applied Statistics Archaeology Computer Science Environmental & Geographical Science Informatics Law (see entry on page 52) Mathematics Mathematical Statistics Organisational Psychology 49 2027 UNDERGRADUATE PROSPECTUS TAKE NOTE OF THE FOLLOWING FOR THE GENERAL DEGREE: We accept you for the degree, not for specific majors. • Most of the majors have no additional entrance requirements and are open to all general degree students: you may automatically register for the courses in your chosen major once you have been accepted, provided they do not have additional requirements. • The main exceptions are Law, Economics and Psychology and most majors housed in the Commerce Faculty and the Science Faculty, which do have additional entrance requirements, which you would have to fulfil before being allowed to take those courses. • Because most of the majors are open to any BA or BSocSc students, we do not ask you to specify them when you apply; we wish to know only if you are interested in Music. All other majors you can specify when you register. You are very likely to change your mind about which majors you wish to take after you have submitted your application, after you receive more information during Orientation and even during your first year of study. This is not a problem: the general degree is designed to be flexible and allow you to try subjects out and change your mind about which majors you wish to follow, as long as you can demonstrate that your degree will be completed in a total of n+1 years at UCT, which for the general degrees is a maximum of four years and the extended degrees a maximum of five years. GENERAL DEGREES The majority of students in the Faculty register for one of the threeyear general degrees. The Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Social Science (BSocSc) degrees offer a flexible structure in which students can choose their own courses from a wide selection, following certain rules over the three years of the degree, and ending up with a specialisation in two or more subjects. These specialisations are known as course majors. The full list of available Arts and Social Science majors is set out in the above table. Humanities students may select courses from other faculties as a second major, but must have at least one major offered by departments established in the Faculty of Humanities. While the general degrees allow freedom of choice, students must nevertheless comply with certain minimum requirements. The curriculum must include at least two majors with 20 semester courses, of which at least ten must be senior courses and 12 must be Humanities courses. In addition, the following combinations of majors are not offered: French and Business French; Sociology and Industrial Sociology; Economics and Organisational Psychology; Economics and Informatics; and Organisational Psychology and Informatics. EXTENDED PROGRAMMES OF STUDY The extended programmes of study are offered to South African applicants who show the potential to succeed with additional academic support. Applicants are considered on the basis of their performance in the NBTs, FPS and on their educational background. The extended programme of study leads to a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Social Science degree but is structured over four years. Students registered for the extended programmes of study receive additional academic support through two introductory Humanities courses in their first year. They also receive additional tutorial support through courses which augment their semester subject courses in both their first and second year of study. As additional academic support is not available in Economics, Law or majors offered by the Faculty of Science (with the exception of Environmental and Geographical Science), students registered for the extended programmes of study will not be able to pursue majors in these subjects. DEGREES WITH STRUCTURED CURRICULA Structured degrees are special combinations of disciplines and courses, which have been designed to provide you with a particular knowledge and skills base. Every structured degree is made up of specific, prescribed courses for each year of study, and every year of study builds on the knowledge and skills developed during the previous year. With the exception of the BSocSc in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (which takes a minimum of three years), all structured degrees extend over our years. STRUCTURED DEGREES IN THE HUMANITIES • Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art (BA FA) * • Bachelor of Arts in Theatre & Performance (BA T&P)* • Bachelor of Music (BMus) * • Bachelor of Social Science in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (BSocSc PPE) • Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) 50 2027 UNDERGRADUATE PROSPECTUS GENERAL DEGREES WITH SPECIALISATIONS OFFERED IN THE HUMANITIES The Faculty also offers a number of specialisations. These are general degrees which offer specialised curricula in particular subject areas or disciplines, and which may have additional admission requirements. • Bachelor of Arts specialising in Film and Media Production (BA FMP) • Bachelor of Music specialisations are listed with the Performing and Creative Arts degrees * Further details on these degrees can be found in the section ‘Structured degrees and diplomas in the performing and creative arts’ in the tables outlining the admissions requirements on pages 55 - 56. BACHELOR OF SOCIAL SCIENCE IN PHILOSOPHY, POLITICS AND ECONOMICS This classic combination of Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) involves an academically rigorous grounding in all of these closely connected subjects, as well as the opportunity to specialise in at least one of them. Students not only follow a curriculum designed in consultation with all three participating academic disciplines, but also have the opportunity to participate in an annual PPE Humanities Colloquium and essay competition. After the PPE, depending on the courses they have chosen, students may study for Honours degrees in any of the three fields or in PPE. Graduates of the PPE have followed many careers, including work in commerce, government and non-governmental organisations. BACHELOR OF SOCIAL WORK+ https://socialdevelopment.uct.ac.za Social Workers interact with individuals, families, groups and communities in life-skills training, adult education, economic empowerment and various prevention programmes. Social Work also entails social research, the analysis and formulation of social policies and the management of social service programmes. This qualification enables students to register as professional social workers with the South African Council for Social Service Professions. Successful applicants may be eligible for funding to assist with their studies (details are available from the Department of Social Work and Social Development). Applicants may be required to attend an admissions interview and demonstrate successfully that they will meet the professional requirements of the South African Council for Social Service Professions. (Details on government-funded study bursaries are available from the national Department of Social Development) + Since first-year Psychology is a compulsory course in the Social Work degree, all students accepted for the Social Work degree will be accepted to first-year Psychology courses. Admission to elective senior Psychology courses is subject to meeting coursespecific admission requirements. NOTE: A limit of 80 applicants will be accepted into the qualification annually. BACHELOR OF ARTS SPECIALISING IN FILM AND MEDIA PRODUCTION https://cfms.uct.ac.za This specialisation seeks to develop a range of practical, theoretical, historical, and analytical skills in the areas of film, media, and visual studies. Students initially register for a BA degree with majors in Film and Television Studies and Media & Writing. For the first eighteen months of studies, all students take the same core courses, regardless of whether they are intending to follow a general degree with double majors in Film and Television Studies and Media & Writing, or whether they are hoping to follow the structured curriculum specialisation in Film and Media Production (FMP). As formal acceptance for the FMP specialisation only occurs in the second semester of the second year, students are initially accepted and registered for the general Bachelor of Arts degree. Selection criteria are explained during the first year of study. Students would be expected to work in media on campus and to find internships in the media industry should they be selected for the Film and Media Production specialisation. STRUCTURED DEGREES AND DIPLOMAS IN THE PERFORMING AND CREATIVE ARTS Undergraduate degrees and diplomas in this field include qualifications in Dance, Theatre, Fine Art and Music. Admission to the performing and creative arts degrees is highly competitive. Applicants in Music, Dance or Theatre will be required to perform satisfactorily in an audition, and applicants for the Fine Art degree are required to complete a supplementary application questionnaire (part of the application booklet, and downloadable from the online application screens) as well as submit a portfolio 51 52 of work for consideration. As long as the FPS and NBT scores meet the minimum requirements for admission, the leading indicator for admission is performance in the audition/ portfolio submission, and places are awarded on merit. DANCE https://humanities.uct.ac.za/centre-ctdps The following qualifications are offered: • Bachelor of Arts in Theatre & Performance (BA T&P) – 4 years • Diploma in Theatre & Performance (DTP) – 3 years These qualifications are designed to cater equally for aspirant professional dancers, choreographers, designers, dance teachers and academics. An audition is required for admission. The Head of the Centre for Theatre, Dance and Performance Studies may motivate for consideration of other qualifications or experience in lieu of the NBT requirement where an applicant shows exceptional talent in the audition. Please refer to the specific admission requirements in the tables on pages 55 - 56. THEATRE https://humanities.uct.ac.za/centre-ctdps The following qualifications are offered: • Bachelor of Arts in Theatre & Performance (BA T&P) – 4 years • Diploma in Theatre & Performance (DTP) – 3 years These qualifications are intended for those who wish to work professionally in the theatre as performers, makers, designers, teachers, and facilitators or as academics and researchers. An audition is required for admission. The Head of the Centre for Theatre, Dance and Performance. Studies may motivate for consideration of other qualifications or experience in lieu of the NBT requirement where an applicant shows exceptional talent in the audition. Please refer to the specific admission requirements in the tables on pages 54 - 56. Students in the general Bachelor of Arts degree may choose to study Theatre and Dance Studies academic courses as part of a general degree curriculum. Auditions are not required to register for these courses. FINE ART https://michaelis.uct.ac.za The qualification is offered as: • Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art (BA FA) – 4 years The BA(FA) is a four-year degree that offers specialist and interdisciplinary training in all aspects of visual art. The Michaelis School of Fine Art has well-equipped studios offering photography, new media, painting, print media, sculpture and curatorship. The degree also equips students with the critical and theoretical skills necessary for the context-specific understanding of contemporary art practice. The degree is designed to enable students to develop as artists at a level of best practice. Studio work practical concentrations offered are: painting, sculpture, photography, printmedia and new media. In the fourth year of study, students follow individual study streams that have been chosen in consultation with members of the teaching staff. Students are expected to produce a body of work to a professional standard in their final year. MUSIC https://sacm.uct.ac.za The following qualifications are offered: • Bachelor of Music (BMus) - 4 years • Diploma in Music Performance (DMP) - 3 years The South African College of Music offers training in the entire range of orchestral instruments, piano, organ, voice, African percussion and jazz. The College boasts several string, wind, jazz and percussion ensembles, as well as choirs, a symphony orchestra and the Jazz Big Band. In addition, the Opera School annually presents a season of opera performances. All students are required either to play in the orchestras or ensembles, or sing in the choirs, at the discretion of the Director of the College of Music. Students who complete diploma or degree courses are ready to enter the professional world of music as performers, teachers, composers, researchers and audio technologists. BACHELOR OF MUSIC This degree is offered in the following subject focus or streams: General, Performance, Music Technology and Composition. Please refer to the specific admission requirements in the tables on pages 55 - 56. In addition to the general Bachelor of Music, students can pursue the following curriculum specialisations or streams. BACHELOR OF MUSIC STREAMS African Music Performance General Jazz Studies Music Technology Opera Classical Composition Classical PerformanceDIPLOMA IN MUSIC PERFORMANCE This qualification offers a similar practical curriculum to that of the Bachelor of Music but excludes some of the academic subjects prescribed for the degree programme and is of three years’ duration only. It is designed to prepare students for careers in particular practical curriculum specialisations or streams. Please refer to the specific admission requirements in the tables on pages 55 - 56. The Diploma in Music Performance is available in the following five curriculum specialisations or streams. DIPLOMA IN MUSIC PERFORMANCE STREAMS African Music Jazz Studies Opera Classical World Music EDUCATION https://education.uct.ac.za The School of Education is located within the Faculty of Humanities. An initial teacher education qualification is offered only at postgraduate level. To follow a career in teaching it is necessary to obtain an undergraduate degree in the Faculties of Humanities, Commerce or Science before applying for admission to a one-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). Undergraduate requirements for primary and secondary school teachers vary and applicants are encouraged to contact the School of Education for advice before planning their degree curriculum. The School of Education offers the following two undergraduate programmes in Adult and Community Education and Training (ACET): an entry level qualification (the Higher Certificate in ACET) and the post-professional qualification (the Advanced Diploma in ACET). UCT does however not offer any initial professional teaching qualifications in ACET, which lead to professionally qualified status which is necessary for teaching in a Community Learning Centre (CLC). Our ACET programmes are designed to create bridges and ladders into formal study particularly for adult learners who have practice experience within the non-formal sector or CLC but who may not have all the requirements to enter a learning programme. Alternative admission is done through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), which was introduced in 1994 as a formal process, particularly for people who fall short of entry qualifications but have the necessary experience and knowledge to enter a programme. LAW https://law.uct.ac.za Students may pursue a BA/BSocSc with a major in Law from their second year of study. To be considered for admission to the Law major in the general BA/BSocSc degrees, candidates must have performed well enough in their school-leaving examinations and the NBTs to gain admission to the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) OR must have passed all the courses from their first year of study at the first sitting and have achieved an average of at least 65% in a standard first year curriculum (i.e. eight semester courses, excluding summer and winter term courses). Candidates can apply for admission to graduate LLB study through the Faculty of Law during their final year in the BA/ BSocSc either with or without a Law major. The graduate LLB comprises at least a further two years of study depending on the undergraduate majors. Applicants who complete their first degree will be considered on a competitive basis, taking into account UCT’s admissions policy. To be considered for admission to the Law major, students in the extended (4-year degree) programme for the general BA/BSocSci degrees must have passed all their courses in their first and second years of registration on a standard courseload (i.e. 6 semester courses per year, excluding corequisite Augmenting courses) on a first sitting and have obtained a cumulative weighted grade point average (GPA) of at least 65% after completion of the second year of the extended programme. The 65% GPA is the minimum requirement for candidates to be eligible for consideration for a place on a competitive basis. It does not guarantee a place. Given the large number of candidates who apply for the law major and the fact that places are limited and are offered on a competitive basis to candidates with the highest GPA, it is likely that a candidate will require a GPA well above 65% in order to actually receive a place. Results in supplementary examinations are not included when calculating the first-year average but the results of deferred examinations are included. Please note that the Law Faculty retains the discretion to admit Humanities students with an average of less than 65% on redress grounds. 53 MAJORS WITH QUANTITATIVE REQUIREMENTS Admission to major subjects with a strong quantitative component in the curriculum carry additional entrance requirements. To pursue courses with quantitative requirements as part of the curriculum, applicants must meet subject-specific requirements in either NSC Mathematics (or equivalent). NSC Mathematical Literacy or specified achievement in the Quantitate Literacy (QL) component of the NBT may be considered in lieu of NSC Mathematics for some subjects. ECONOMICS https://commerce.uct.ac.za/school-economics Students require NSC results of at least 60% in Mathematics for admission to the Economics major. The equivalent Cambridge results are at least a B at AS-level or D at A-level. PSYCHOLOGY https://psychology.uct.ac.za Students wishing to pursue a major in Psychology require NSC results of at least 50% in NSC Mathematics or a score of Proficient for the Quantitative Literacy (QL) component of the NBT. Students who meet neither the NSC Mathematics nor QL requirement may be required to enrol for Mathematics foundation courses as a pre-requisite or co-requisite to their first year Psychology courses. Evaluation and placement into these courses is done during Orientation. MAJORS FALLING UNDER THE FACULTY OF SCIENCE Students should refer to the relevant entries under the Faculty of Science section in this prospectus for specific admission requirements to their course majors. APPLICANTS TRANSFERRING FROM ANOTHER HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTION The Faculty of Humanities has a limited number of places for those applicants who wish to transfer from another institution. These places are reserved for students who have not been excluded from the other institution and have achieved a high average. Normally, an average of at least 65% across a full load of courses is required with offers typically made at 70% and above. The admission decision is based on both the FPS and the tertiary record. Further advice for applicants in this category can be found on the Faculty website: https://humanities.uct.ac.za/hum/apply/undergraduate/ transtudents ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND THE CALCULATION OF POINTS For applicants writing the National Senior Certificate, consult page 16 for information on the calculation of scores. Specific subject requirements: all applicants must have achieved a minimum of 50% for English Home Language or 60% for English First Additional Language (FAL). For applicants completing the National Senior Certificate, Life Orientation must be passed at 50%, but is not included in the points calculation. Applicants with an international or non-NSC school-leaving qualification are considered on an individual basis. Details of the minimum admission criteria, and how to calculate your Admission Point Score (APS), can be found in the table on page 16. NATIONAL BENCHMARK TESTS (NBTS) Applicants to the Faculty of Humanities need only write the Academic & Quantitative Literacy test and not the Mathematics test unless they intend to take courses in Mathematics. The NBT scores are used to complement the Faculty Point Score (FPS) in making admissions decisions. As the NBT assesses entry-level academic proficiency, an applicant with a Lower Intermediate or Basic score on the Academic Literacy (AL) portion of the NBT will not normally be considered for admission to degree studies in the Faculty of Humanities. The results of the Quantitative Literacy (QL) section are usually only used for entry into Humanities degrees that have Psychology or any other course which has quantitative requirements as part of the curriculum. The NBT test is also used as a placement indicator to identify applicants in need of language development courses, or other additional academic support; and as an indicator, along with the FPS, of eligibility for an early offer or an Entrance Scholarship. South African applicants will usually not be considered until an NBT score is available. Applicants who are unable to write the NBT test during the scheduled sessions in the year preceding admission (for example an applicant who is out of the country on a gap year) may be made a conditional offer on the basis of excellent results, on condition that the NBT test is written, and results available, prior to Orientation and Registration. No Entrance Scholarship will be awarded without an NBT score. NSC REQUIREMENTS SELECTION PROCEDURES Applicants are considered on the basis of final secondary schoolleaving results and the NBT score. Where final secondary schoolleaving results are not available, the Faculty will initially consider an application for a provisional or conditional offer on the basis of internal examination results and the NBT score. In addition to the selection process and admission points requirements, admission to the Performing and Creative Arts degrees includes the assessment of a portfolio and/or a successful audition. Please refer to the specific admission requirements stipulated for Fine Art, Theatre & Performance, Dance and Music. These are in the tables on pages 55 - 56. Applicants for the Performing and Creative Arts are advised to liaise with the relevant departments for assistance in preparing for the audition or portfolio. You are also advised to consult the following websites for information pertaining to current selection procedures: Michaelis School of Fine Art: https://michaelis.uct.ac.za South African College of Music: https://music.uct.ac.za / https://sacm.uct.ac.za 54 55 FACULTY OF HUMANITIES ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS BY QUALIFICATION BACHELOR OF ARTS (BA) AND BACHELOR OF SOCIAL SCIENCE (BSocSc) Minimum requirements: NSC endorsed for degree study/ matric exemption. FPS 380 with Academic Literacy NBT score at Intermediate Level. 50% for English (HL) or 60% for English (FAL). ELIGIBLE BAND ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS All applicants Band A FPS Guaranteed admission FPS 450 or above NBT AL: Proficient Band B WPS Likely Admission WPS 450 or above NBT AL: Upper Intermediate or above Only SA applicants in targeted redress categories Band C FPS Possible admission FPS 380 or above NBT AL: Intermediate or above BACHELOR OF SOCIAL SCIENCE IN PHILOSOPHY, POLITICS AND ECONOMICS (BSocSc) (PPE) Minimum requirements: NSC endorsed for degree study/ matric exemption. FPS 450 with Academic Literacy NBT score at Upper Intermediate and Quantitative Literacy NBT score at Upper Intermediate. NSC Mathematics 60%. 50% for English (HL) or 60% for English (FAL). ELIGIBLE BAND ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS All applicants Band A FPS Guaranteed admission FPS 450 or above NBT AL: Proficient NBT QL: Upper Intermediate or above Subject requirements: Mathematics 60% or above BACHELOR OF SOCIAL WORK (BSW) Minimum requirements: NSC endorsed for degree study/ matric exemption. FPS 380 with Academic Literacy NBT score at Intermediate Level 50% for English (HL) or 60% for English (FAL). Additional Minimum requirements: Applicants may be required to attend an admissions interview and demonstrate successfully that they will meet the professional requirements of the South African Council for Social Service Professionals. ELIGIBLE BAND ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS All applicants Band A FPS Guaranteed admission FPS 450 or above NBT AL: Proficient All applicants Band B WPS Likely Admission WPS 450 or above NBT AL: Upper Intermediate or above Only SA applicants in targeted redress categories Band C FPS Possible admission FPS 380 or above NBT AL: Intermediate or above BACHELOR OF ARTS IN FINE ART (BA(FA)) Minimum requirements: NSC endorsed for degree study/ matric exemption. FPS 380 with Academic Literacy NBT score at Intermediate Level. 50% for English (HL) or 60% for English (FAL). Satisfactory performance in a portfolio evaluation. NOTE: The leading indicator for admission is performance in the portfolio submission, and places are awarded on merit. ELIGIBLE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS All applicants Possible admission FPS 380 or above NBT AL: Intermediate or above Satisfactory performance in a portfolio evaluation Only SA applicants in targeted redress categories Possible Admission Applicants below the minimum requirements who excel in the portfolio evaluation maybe considered for admission BACHELOR OF ARTS IN THEATRE & PERFORMANCE (BA(T&P)) Minimum requirements: NSC endorsed for degree study/ matric exemption. FPS 380 with Academic Literacy NBT score at Intermediate Level. 50% for English (HL) or 60% for English (FAL). Satisfactory performance in an audition. NOTE: The leading indicator for admission is performance in the audition, and places are awarded on merit. ELIGIBLE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS All applicants Possible admission FPS 380 or above NBT AL: Intermediate or above Satisfactory performance in an audition Only SA applicants in targeted redress categories Possible admission Applicants below the minimum requirements who excel in the audition evaluation may be considered for admission to the Diploma in Theatre and Performance.DIPLOMA IN MUSIC PERFORMANCE (DMP) BACHELOR OF MUSIC (BMUS) Minimum requirements: NSC endorsed for degree study. FPS 380 with Academic Literacy NBT score at Intermediate Level. 50% for English (HL) or 60% for English (FAL). Satisfactory performance in an audition, interview and music theory test. NOTE: The leading indicator for admission is performance in the audition, and places are awarded on merit. ELIGIBLE All applicants Only SA applicants in targeted redress categories ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Possible admission FPS 380 or above NBT AL: Intermediate or above Satisfactory performance in an audition, interview and music theory test. Subject requirements: NSC Music 60% or above Unisa Music Theory Grade V or above Unisa Music Practical Grade VII or above Possible admission Applicants below the minimum requirements who excel in the audition evaluation may be considered for admission to the Diploma in Music Performance. ADVANCED DIPLOMA IN MUSIC (AdvDip(Music)) Minimum requirements: Successful completion of the Diploma in Music Performance or equivalent qualification. Satisfactory performance in an audition and music theory test. Note: The leading indicator for admission is performance in the audition, and places are awarded on merit. ELIGIBLE All applicants ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Possible Admission Diploma in Music Performance or equivalent qualification with an average of 65% or above. Satisfactory performance in an audition and music theory test or a first-class pass in the performance course(s) which forms part of the Diploma in Music Performance. ADVANCED DIPLOMA IN OPERA (AdvDip(Opera)) Minimum requirements: Successful completion of the Diploma in Music Performance specialising in Opera. Satisfactory performance in an audition and music theory test. Note: The leading indicator for admission is performance in the audition, and places are awarded on merit. ELIGIBLE All applicants ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Possible Admission Diploma in Music Performance or equivalent qualification with an average of 65% or above. Satisfactory performance in an audition and music theory test or a first-class pass in the performance course(s) which forms part of the Diploma in Music Performance. ADVANCED DIPLOMA IN THEATRE (AdvDip(Theatre)) Minimum requirements: Successful completion of the Diploma in Theatre & Performance or equivalent qualification. ELIGIBLE All applicants ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Possible Admission • A Diploma in Theatre and Performance with an average of 65% in third year Studiowork (TDP3041W or TDP30143W) and 60% average in second year Theatre & Dance Studies major courses (TDP2010F and TDP2011S) Minimum requirements: NSC endorsed for diploma study. Academic Literacy NBT score at Intermediate Level. 50% for English (HL) or 60% for English (FAL). Satisfactory performance in an audition, interview and music theory test. NOTE: The leading indicator for admission is performance in the audition, and places are awarded on merit. ELIGIBLE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Possible admission All applicants NSC endorsed for diploma studies. NBT AL: Intermediate or above Satisfactory performance in an audition, interview and music theory test DIPLOMA IN THEATRE & PERFORMANCE (DTP) Minimum requirements: NSC endorsed for diploma study. Academic Literacy NBT score at Intermediate Level. 50% for English (HL) or 60% for English (FAL). Satisfactory performance in an audition. NOTE: The leading indicator for admission is performance in the audition, and places are awarded on merit. ELIGIBLE All applicants ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Possible admission NSC endorsed for diploma studies NBT AL: Intermediate or above Satisfactory performance in an audition 56 2027 UNDERGRADUATE PROSPECTUS 57 ADMISSION CRITERIA FOR APPLICANTS WITH NONSOUTH AFRICAN SCHOOL-LEAVING QUALIFICATIONS Applications are also invited from those who have successfully completed a non-South African secondary school-leaving qualification. To be considered for admission, all applicants must qualify for matriculation exemption from the Matriculation Board. The criteria specified for matriculation exemption are the minimum entry requirements and do not guarantee admission. The sole subject requirement for all qualifications is English for which a pass is required for admission. Some qualifications may carry additional subject requirements, and particular subjects may also be required for matriculation exemption. Admission is competitive and each application is evaluated individually on its merits. Assessment is based on performance in the top six secondary school leaving subjects beginning with the most senior subject passed. A points rating system is used to guide admission decisions. The APS in the tables on page 58, reflect the level at which you are likely to receive an offer. While your application is assessed with reference to your APS, additional factors may be taken into account HIGHER CERTIFICATE IN ADULT AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION AND TRAINING (ACET) Minimum requirements: It is an entry level, non-professional qualification for those who have at least two-years practitioner experience but no education and training at this level. ELIGIBLE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS All applicants Possible admission A National Senior Certificate or A Level 4 National Certificate (Vocational) or An appropriate Level 4 Certificate in Adult Education and Training or Community Education and Training or Early Childhood Education or via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). NOTE: Preference will be given to persons with two years’ experience in adult education. ADVANCED DIPLOMA IN ADULT AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION AND TRAINING (ACET) ELIGIBLE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS All applicants An approved and recognised level 6 Diploma in ACET; or a level 7 Postgraduate Certificate in Education; or a BEd degree in ACET; or a historically equivalent qualification in adult education; or an Advanced Diploma in Adult and Community Education and Training Teaching; or a new Advanced Certificate (Level 6 on the current 10-level NQF) which followed a former Diploma in Education (including a National Professional Diploma in Education) may also be presented for admission to an Advanced Diploma; or via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) AND at least two years of experience as adult community educators and trainers. and each application is considered on its individual merits, particularly for admission to qualifications in the performing and creative arts. All applicants who are normally resident, or at school, in South Africa must write the NBT. As the NBT assesses entry-level academic proficiency, applicants are expected to attain a Proficient score on the Academic Literacy portion of the test. The following information is a guide for applicants with Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma school-låeaving qualifications. CAIE applicants with only International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) or General Certificate of Secondary Education (GSCE) subjects are not eligible for admission. GENERAL CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION ADVANCED AND ADVANCED SUBSIDIARY (GCE A-LEVEL AND AS-LEVEL) APPLICANTS To meet the minimum requirements for matriculation exemption, applicants must hold at least two A-level subjects at grade E or above and at least three IGSCE/ GSCE subjects at grade C or above including English Language and an approved second language. Where an applicant does not hold A-levels, at least four AS-levels are required at grade D or above and at least one approved IGSCE/ GSCE subject at grade C or above including English Language and an approved second language. It is important to note that matriculation exemption requires specific subject combinations and that certain subjects are not recognised. To qualify for admission to Humanities qualifications, applicants should have passed two A-level subjects at grade C or above. Where an applicant has not completed A-level subjects, AS-levels may be accepted at the rate of two AS-levels for each required A-level. To calculate your Admission Point Score (APS), combine your best A-level subjects with your best relevant IGSCE subjects to reach a total of six subjects. Each subject can only be counted once at A-level or IGSCE.58 ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS BY QUALIFICATION MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION LEVEL AT WHICH YOU ARE LIKELY TO RECEIVE AN OFFER English language (for all qualifications) A-Level: E AS-Level: D NSSC: Grade 3 GCSE/ IGCSE: C IB HL: Grade 3 IB SL: Grade 4 A-Level: D AS-Level: B NSSC: Grade 2 GCSE/ IGCSE: A IB HL: Grade 4 IB SL: Grade 6 Bachelor of Arts Bachelor of Social Science Bachelor of Social Work Admission Point Score 32 Admission Point Score 38 Bachelor of Social Science (Philosophy, Politics and Economics) Admission Point Score 32 Minimum Mathematics requirement A-Level: E AS-Level: C NSSC: Grade 3 IB HL: Grade 3 IB SL: Grade 5 Admission Point Score 39 Minimum Mathematics requirement A-Level: E AS-Level: C NSSC: Grade 3 IB HL: Grade 3 IB SL: Grade 5 MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION Bachelor of Arts (Fine Art) Bachelor of Arts (Theatre & Performance) Bachelor of Music Admission Point Score 32 Satisfactory performance in the portfolio/ audition evaluation For Bachelor of Music: Satisfactory performance in a music theory test and interview Diploma in Music Performance Diploma in Theatre and Performance School-leaving qualification endorsed for Diploma studies Satisfactory performance in an audition For Diploma in Music Performance: Satisfactory performance in a music theory test and interview Higher Certificate in Adult and Community Education and Training A National Senior Certificate or A Level 4 National Certificate (Vocational) or An appropriate Level 4 Certificate in Adult Education and Training or Community Education and Training or Early Childhood Education or via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).FACULTY OF LAW WHY STUDY LAW? Students who wish to become legal practitioners require an LLB (Bachelor of Laws) degree. An LLB is the universal general qualification for the practice of law, although the content of the LLB programme differs from country to country. During the course of the LLB degree students are taught the fundamentals of South African law and the South African legal system. At the same time, they are equipped with the skills necessary to be successful legal practitioners. 2027 UNDERGRADUATE PROSPECTUS SOME OF THE SKILLS THE UCT LLB STRIVES TO IMPART ARE: The ability to read, comprehend, and critically evaluate complex documents, including cases and legislation; the ability to write clearly, logically, coherently, and succinctly; and the ability to analyse and solve problems. By the end of their LLB degrees, graduates are able to assess, interpret and apply the law, and have the historical, comparative and jurisprudential background that is essential for a thorough and critical understanding of legal institutions, the law and its application. CAREER OPPORTUNITIES LLB graduates are employed in the legal profession and in a wide variety of positions in the judiciary, government, NGOs, companies and other enterprises. ACADEMIC An LLB degree is the first step to an academic career. UCT’s Master of Laws and Postgraduate Diploma programmes offer a very broad range of postgraduate courses from which to select a specialisation. ADVOCATE LLB graduates undergo one year’s training in pupillage with a practising member of the Bar. After an admission examination, the work of an advocate generally involves research, drafting opinions and pleadings, and presenting cases in court, most often though not exclusively in the High Court. Advocates must be briefed or instructed by attorneys; they do not take instructions directly from members of the public. Obtaining the LLB does not automatically entitle non-citizens and non-permanent residents of South Africa to be admitted to practise in this country. ATTORNEYS An LLB graduate must serve as a candidate attorney with a practising attorney and then write a professional examination set by the relevant provincial law society to become an attorney. Attorneys’ work includes drafting legal documents, negotiating settlements of disputes, and preparing cases for presentation in court. Attorneys take instructions from members of the public and, if necessary, may brief or seek an opinion from an advocate. Obtaining the LLB does not automatically entitle non-citizens and non- permanent residents of South Africa to be admitted to practise in this country. BUSINESS Law graduates are to be found across the whole business spectrum, from small firms to large corporations. They are legal advisors in tax, real estate, labour relations, contracts, public information, and acquisitions; they are forensic auditors and ombudsmen, ethics and employment officers, and policy and legislative analysts. Publishing firms look for legal editors, researchers, and writers. GOVERNMENT The Department of Justice employs state attorneys, prosecutors, legal drafters and of course magistrates and judges. Law graduates interested in international law can join the Department of Foreign Affairs or Department of Trade and Industry. Other government departments at both national and provincial levels employ lawyers, as do the National Parliament, provincial legislatures and municipal councils. In fact, there is no sector of government in which lawyers do not play a role! NGOS AND PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATIONS Researchers and lobbyists are in demand and many law graduates who are committed to the transformation of South African society work in such organisations. THE LLB PROGRAMME There are three routes to obtaining an LLB degree: • The undergraduate LLB route (minimum of four years in duration) • The combined Humanities and LLB or Commerce and LLB route (minimum of five years in duration) • The graduate LLB route (minimum of three years in duration) Choosing the appropriate route is important. There are advantages to each. However, the legal education offered by each route is identical i.e. there is no difference between the routes as far as the law courses are concerned, and each of the routes leads to the same endpoint, the award of an LLB degree. In choosing between the different routes, it may be helpful for you to consider how well prepared you are for university studies (i.e. how serious you are about studying law, amongst other 60 2027 UNDERGRADUATE PROSPECTUS things) and the amount of higher education you wish to receive in addition to a legal education. The best approach in choosing your route is to be realistic about your current ability to deal with a large workload and lots of reading. In addition, ask yourself whether you prefer to enter training for a professional qualification immediately or whether you are interested in other disciplines too. THE DIFFERENT ROUTES EXPLAINED THE UNDERGRADUATE LLB (4 YEARS MINIMUM) The undergraduate LLB is aimed at candidates who do not already hold a university degree. Most candidates are school leavers. The admission requirements for this degree are high. This is because all three LLB streams are taught together in the same class and school leavers must be able to manage the workload. As the description indicates, this route can be completed in four years, but as a result only a limited number of non-law courses can be fitted into the curriculum. THE COMBINED HUMANITIES/COMMERCE LLB (5 YEARS MINIMUM) This route allows candidates who do The combined Law and Humanities or Law and Commerce route allows candidates to do what is described as an accelerated combined Humanities/Commerce and LLB degree. This means that students receive two degrees by the end of their combined programme; a bachelor’s degree in the Humanities or Commerce faculty (BA/BSocSci or BCom) which is awarded at the end of their first three years of study, and a bachelor’s degree in law (LLB), which is awarded at the end of a further two years of study. It is also possible to do a combined BBusSci LLB programme which requires at least 6 years of study. At the end of their Humanities/ Commerce degrees, students will graduate with a degree in which they have a major in a commerce or humanities subject and a major in law. Please note that students must apply for admission to the twoyear graduate LLB degree at the end of their undergraduate Humanities or Commerce degree. Performance in the Law courses may be taken into account and students must obtain a minimum cumulative GPA of at least 60% to be considered on a competitive basis for possible admission. not meet the requirements for admission to the undergraduate LLB to apply for a Humanities or Commerce degree, to adapt to university studies, and, if they perform satisfactorily in their first year of study, to join the law stream in their second or third year at university. The advantage of this route over the undergraduate LLB route is that a full major in a discipline other than law is possible, thus resulting in a more rounded higher education experience. THE GRADUATE LLB (3 YEARS MINIMUM) The graduate LLB route is for students who have completed an undergraduate degree in any discipline without having majored in law. This route allows candidates to complete a full degree in a discipline other than law and then add the LLB. This route can be completed in a minimum of six years (3 + 3). In order to be admitted to the 3-year graduate LLB, applicants must meet certain advertised admission requirements and are offered places on a competitive basis. The advantage of this route over the combined route is that candidates obtain a broad education in the Humanities, Commerce or Sciences in addition to their education in law. 61 No more than ten international applicants will be accepted into the undergraduate LLB programme. This applies to international applicants completing international schooling or the National Senior Certificate (NSC). ELIGIBLE All SA applicants All SA applicants Only SA applicants in targeted redress categories BAND Band A FPS Band B WPS ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Guaranteed admission 500 FPS or above NBT scores of proficient for AL and intermediate or above for QL Likely Admission 500 WPS or above NBT scores of proficient for AL and intermediate or above for QL Band C FPS International applicants Possible admission 470 FPS or above NBT scores of proficient for AL and QL Probable admission 510 FPS or above NBT scores of proficient for AL and intermediate or above for QL ADMISSION CRITERIA FOR APPLICANTS WITH NON-SOUTH AFRICAN SCHOOL-LEAVING CERTIFICATES For applicants in possession of, or writing, other than South African qualifications, offers of places may only be made subject to the equivalent bachelor’s exemption being obtained from the Matriculation Board (refer to mb.usaf.ac.za/exemption-process/ for further information and online assessment and application). In addition, candidates writing A-level, AS-level, NSSC or IB Diploma examinations* must meet the following minimum requirements, obtained using the scoring table in the admissions prospectus. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee admission which is limited by available capacity. PROBABLE ADMISSION International applicants All SA applicants 46+ APS points MINIMUM ADMISSION 44+ APS points 44+ APS points SA applicants in targeted redress categories 39+ APS points 40+ APS points 38+ APS points * Applicants writing other international authority examinations will be assessed on their individual merits. NOTE: As explained in the section on ‘career opportunities’ above, obtaining the LLB does not automatically entitle non-citizens and non-permanent residents of South Africa to be admitted to practise as attorney or advocates in this country. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL APPLICANTS The Faculty cannot admit all those who apply to study law, as applications vastly exceed the available places. If there are more applicants who meet the admission criteria than there are places, only the best applicants will be made an offer. ADMISSION TO THE 4-YEAR UNDERGRADUATE LLB Applications are assessed on the basis of the applicant’s results in the National Senior Certificate (NSC) or other school-leaving examination, together with the applicant’s results in the Academic Literacy and Quantitative Literacy components of the National Benchmark Tests (NBTs). 62 FACULTY OF LAW ADMISSION TO THE COMBINED LAW AND HUMANITIES OR LAW AND COMMERCE LLB STREAMS Applicants to the Humanities and Commerce Faculties must meet the admission requirements of those faculties in order to commence their undergraduate Humanities or Commerce degree. Students who wish to do a combined degree begin taking law subjects in their second year of study as an undergraduate major. Students are not automatically permitted to do these law subjects. The number of places available on the law major stream is limited and varies from year to year. Places are offered on a competitive basis to candidates with the highest results and in accordance with the Law Faculty’s redress enrolment targets. In order to be eligible for consideration for possible (but not guaranteed) admission to the law major stream of the BA/BSocSc or BCom/BBusSci degrees, candidates must have attained an average of at least 65% in the case of Humanities students and 63% in the case of Commerce students on a first sitting of a full first year course load totalling at least 144 credits for Humanities students and 164 credits for Commerce students. In order to be eligible for consideration for possible (but not guaranteed) admission to the law major stream, candidates in the extended (4-year degree) programme for the general BA/ BSocSci degrees must have passed all their courses in their first and second years of registration on a standard course-load (i.e. 6 semester courses per year, excluding co-requisite Augmenting courses) on a first sitting and have obtained a cumulative average of at least 65% after completion of the second year of the extended programme. Results in supplementary exams are not included when calculating the average but results in deferred exams are included. IMPORTANT NOTES: The 65% first year GPA for Humanities students and 63% first year GPA for Commerce students is the minimum requirement for a candidate to be eligible for consideration for a place on the law major on a competitive basis. It does not guarantee a place. Given the large number of candidates who apply for the law major and the fact that places are limited and are offered on a competitive basis to candidates with the highest GPAs, it is likely that a candidate will require a GPA well above 65% or 63% in order to actually receive a place. The Law Faculty retains a discretion to admit Humanities students with an average of less than 65% and Commerce students with an average of less than 63% to meet redress category targets. Once students have completed their Humanities or Commerce degrees with law courses, they must apply to the Law Faculty for admission to the 2-year graduate LLB degree. Performance in the Law courses may be taken into account and students must obtain a minimum cumulative GPA of at least 60% to be considered on a competitive basis for possible admission, taking into account the UCT’s admissions policy. ADMISSION TO THE GRADUATE LLB Applicants must obtain a minimum cumulative average of at least 65% in a standard undergraduate degree to be considered for possible admission to the graduate LLB (This average is calculated from your results over of all years of your undergraduate degree), and, secondary school-leaving results will also be considered. Places are limited and are allocated to applicants with the highest cumulative GPA and Weighted Point Score (WPS) on a competitive basis and in accordance with the University’s admissions policy. Given the large number of applicants and the limited number of places, it is likely that applicants will require a higher cumulative GPA and WPS to actually receive place. TRANSFERRING STUDENTS A UCT student (who has not been excluded) may apply to transfer to the LLB degree but must satisfy the requirements for admission to the LLB on a competitive basis. Transferring applicants will be considered for admission on the basis of their secondary school-leaving results, their post-school academic record, their NBT scores (where required) and may be required to submit a letter of motivation. Successful applicants may be granted credit or exemption or both for courses already completed, up to a maximum of four full courses (or the equivalent). A non-UCT student who has not been excluded from another university may apply to transfer to UCT as an LLB student but must satisfy the requirements for admission to the LLB on a competitive basis. Successful applicants may be granted credit or exemption or both for courses already completed, up to a maximum of four full courses (or the equivalent). Credits and exemptions will only be granted for courses taken at another institution if the Law Faculty is satisfied that the courses are substantially equivalent, in both content and standard, to the courses offered at UCT. Such transferring students will be required to complete the remaining courses prescribed for the LLB at UCT over a period of not less than two years. 63 FACULTY OF SCIENCE ABOUT THE FACULTY The Faculty of Science at UCT is, by various measures, the best in the country: it has the largest number of scientists who have been rated through a rigorous process of international evaluation, and within this group it has the largest number of those who are acknowledged to be world leaders in their fields, and who hold an “A” rating. Thus, undergraduate and postgraduate programmes benefit by being developed and taught side by side with cutting-edge research. The Faculty of Science offers an exciting suite of majors (details of which follow), leading to the Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree. 64 64 2027 UNDERGRADUATE PROSPECTUS The courses offered within the degree structure are characterised by their coherence, a good balance between breadth and depth, and their inter-disciplinary nature. The degree is structured in such a way as to provide graduates with the range of skills that the job market demands. In addition, a variety of opportunities exist for postgraduate study in all Departments; the BSc degree leads to Honours, Master’s and Doctoral degrees. All degrees in the Faculty of Science enjoy a high reputation in the private and public sectors in South Africa, as well as internationally. WHAT WE OFFER The Faculty of Science offers one undergraduate degree, the Bachelor of Science (BSc). Below are the possible majors available in the faculty. While it is recommended that every BSc student take 2 Science majors, it is possible to complete the degree with a single Science major, or add one approved major from a different faculty. APPLIED MATHEMATICS Applied mathematicians transfer mathematical knowledge and methods into other fields, such as Physics, Computer Science, Engineering, Biology and the Social Sciences. In this way mathematics has become one of the most powerful promoters of scientific developments, since all modern sciences are founded essentially on mathematical principles. Many technological developments such as mobile phones, computers, cars, airplanes and large telescopes were unthinkable without mathematical progress. Visit www.math.uct.ac.za APPLIED STATISTICS Applied Statistics at UCT straddles the fields of Statistics, Operational Research and Data Science, covering a range of quantitative methods for the analysis of data to solve real-world problems and support decision making and policy development. The field of statistics often attracts those interested in the analysis of patterns in data: developing, understanding, abstracting, and packaging analytical methods for general use in other subject areas. Statisticians are employed in many fields, including Biology, Finance, Economics, the Engineering Industry, Medicine, Public Health, Psychology, Marketing, Government, Education and Sport Science. Statisticians are key players in the analytics environment, using their skills to transform large amounts of data into credible, usable information. Visit www.stats.uct.ac.za ARCHAEOLOGY The Department of Archaeology, taking advantage of its location in a region rich in archaeological heritage, with evidence of human occupation for the last half million years, offers courses that focus on the prehistory of Africa, with a particular focus on Southern Africa. Specific research interests include issues related to human evolution, the emergence of modern humans, and the history of hunter-gatherer, pastoralist and farming communities in southern Africa, as well as the archaeology of more recent colonial settlement. Visit www.archaeology.uct.ac.za ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE The current pace of development in Artificial Intelligence (AI) is unprecedented. The aim of this major is to provide a strong educational foundation for students wanting to pursue AI as a career. Students will gain an understanding and be able to contribute to the fundamental architecture, regulation and application of AI. To foster crossdisciplinarity and flexibility, the major is designed to be completed as a co-major with either Computer Science, Mathematical Statistics or Mathematics, but other options may be possible depending on the curriculum. Visit www.sit.uct.ac.za/our-degrees ASTROPHYSICS The Astrophysics major requires a strong mathematics and physics foundation. The astronomy courses offered are general introductory first-year courses which includes the ‘Starfinder’ course held in the Iziko Planetarium as well as night-sky viewing. Second-year courses cover nearly all aspects of modern observational astronomy while third-year courses enter into the physical processes that lie at the origin of the observed astronomical phenomena. Visit www.ast.uct.ac.za BIOLOGY This major is about life on Earth in all its forms - the adaptations of living organisms, how they live and interact, and how they originated. With a focus on organismal biology, this major examines how organisms interrelate with each other and with their environment, provides the processes by which organisms 65 2027 UNDERGRADUATE PROSPECTUS 66 and communities are shaped, and how living organisms affect and/or are affected by humans. This major aims to explain and account for the patterns that make up the diversity of terrestrial life that surrounds us. As human influence on the environment escalates, there are new challenges as to how biodiversity can be protected while societies meet their needs. An understanding of organismal biology is essential in order to comprehend the intricacies of living systems and to predict the future under different global change scenarios. The southern tip of Africa holds a treasure house of unusual plant and animal communities alongside pressing human needs, which provides exciting and unique examples from which to learn about ecology, evolution and biodiversity conservation. Visit www.biologicalsciences.uct.ac.za BIOCHEMISTRY Biochemistry is the study of the molecules and chemical processes which occur in all living organisms. Biochemistry is fundamental to understanding mechanisms in molecular and cell biology, and straddles the medical, biological, chemical and physical sciences. The Biochemistry major at UCT includes the study of the structures, physical properties and functions of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids; the mechanisms of enzyme action, the biochemical regulation of metabolism and energy utilization, and can include a more in-depth study of the molecular basis of cell signalling and gene expression, disease as well as biotechnology. Visit www.mcb.uct.ac.za CHEMISTRY Chemistry is often called the ‘central science’ because it forms the basis of every living and non-living entity in the universe. It has evolved from the time of the 16th century alchemist to the present-day chemist who uses advanced scientific and computational methods. It is the interface between the mathematical, physical and biological sciences. Courses offered for this major cover the fundamental areas of organic, inorganic and physical chemistry. Theoretical concepts are underpinned by practical training in modern chemical techniques, including the use of state-of-the-art analytical instrumentation. The chemistry major offers a wide variety of employment opportunities, from laboratory work to field work. Visit www.chemistry.uct.ac.za COMPUTER SCIENCE, COMPUTER ENGINEERING & BUSINESS COMPUTING A computer science graduate is trained in the principles underlying computing, including the structure and nature of computers, the development and use of programming languages and the application of computers as tools in problem solving. The specific majors of Computer Engineering & Business Computing are linked to the primary Computer Science major and focus on the application of computer science to these particular fields. They will be complemented by courses in the related fields. Visit www.sit.uct.ac.za/our-degrees ENVIRONMENTAL & GEOGRAPHICAL SCIENCE The interaction between humans and their environment and the variability of this environment is a common theme in the department’s teaching and research initiatives. The student gains an integrated approach to the study of the complex relationships between humans and their social, biological, and physical lifesupport systems. Interdisciplinary research areas within the department include atmospheric science, climate-change science, quaternary environmental change, land degradation, integrated environmental management, urban issues, disaster risk science, developing world issues, sustainability studies, political geography and remote sensing. Visit www.egs.uct.ac.za GENETICS Students taking the major in Genetics will be taught fundamental concepts in classical, molecular and evolutionary genetics. Classical genetics is the study of heritability and variation in living organisms, whilst molecular genetics is concerned with understanding the structure and function of genes at the molecular level. Genomics considers the comparative study of genomes of living organisms. In the Genetics major, emphasis is placed on understanding the core biological processes of gene regulation and cell signalling in plants, animals and microbes, integrating this knowledge into our understanding of disease, development and evolution. Visit www.mcb.uct.ac.za 2027 UNDERGRADUATE PROSPECTUS GEOLOGY Geology is the science of the Earth’s origin, structure and composition. Geology is the basis for understanding the Earth: how it evolved, what forces have shaped its oceans, mountains, rivers and lakes, how and where its resources are stored, how it first became a pleasant place for humans to live and, more recently, how to manage and keep it so. Geology probes research frontiers from mineral physics to the origin of life, from the evolution of planets to the climate changes affecting our present environment. It is about mountain building, volcanoes, moving continents, the death of the dinosaurs, diamonds and gold, soil erosion, earthquakes, and atoms in a crystal. Visit www.geology.uct.ac.za HUMAN ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY The major in Human Anatomy & Physiology focuses on the structure and function of the human body. The courses for this major start at second-year level, and cover and integrate the traditional scientific disciplines of anatomy, cell biology and physiology. The second-year courses include the introduction to human anatomy, basic structure and function of cells, tissues, organs and systems, homeostasis, the cardio-vascular, respiratory, digestive, excretory, immune, reproductive and locomotor systems as well as the regulatory endocrine and nervous systems, and an introduction to ageing and disease. In third-year there is a strong emphasis on metabolism and exercise physiology during the first semester and a focus on neurophysiology in the second semester. The Human Anatomy & Physiology major aims to provide an understanding of how the human body functions, how we learn new behaviour and how we change our behaviour. A series of practical and tutorial sessions are designed to develop technical skills, using computers to record and analyse cardiac, skeletal muscle and brain function, as well as improving oral and writing skills. Visit www.health.uct.ac.za/physiological-sciences MARINE BIOLOGY Marine biology is the study of life in the sea in all its aspects. The world’s oceans cover 71% of the surface of the planet, and have a mean depth of 3 800m, meaning that they make up well over 95% of the ‘living space’ on earth. They are also the least known of the environments on earth; indeed, an estimated half of all marine species have yet to be discovered! Cape Town is one of the best locations in the world to study marine biology, as it is situated at the confluence of three of the world’s major oceans – the Atlantic, Indian and Southern Oceans. Students taking this major will learn about the diversity of marine life in all its forms and about the structure and function of various marine ecosystems, ranging from coral reefs to polar seas and from estuaries to the abyssal depths. Students also learn about management and conservation of marine resources, a field that provides the most employment opportunities for marine biologists. The courses include field trips, tutorials and practical sessions that introduce students to the experimental and analytical methods used by professional marine biologists. Visit www.biologicalsciences.uct.ac.za MATHEMATICS Mathematics is the science of structure, quantity, change, space and the interactions between them. While mathematical ideas can be inspired by everyday observations, it is a characteristic feature of mathematical truth that it is derived with logical reasoning on the basis of sound definitions. Each day mathematicians all over the world prove hundreds of new theorems and solve numerous open problems. In this way they contribute to the systematic body of knowledge that comprises modern mathematics. Visit www.math.uct.ac.za MATHEMATICAL STATISTICS Mathematical Statistics is the study of the mathematical principles, theory and methods underpinning the interrogation and analysis of data. Statisticians contribute to scientific enquiry by applying their mathematical and statistical knowledge to the design of surveys and experiments; the application of quantitative problem-solving methods and the analysis of data. Statisticians are employed in many fields, including Biology, Finance, Economics, the Engineering Industry, Medicine, Public Health, Psychology, Marketing, Government, Education and Sport Science. Statisticians are key players in the analytics environment, using their data science skills to transform large amounts of data into credible, usable information. Visit www.stats.uct.ac.za OCEAN & ATMOSPHERE SCIENCE This major deals with the physical attributes of the oceans and covers the extent of the oceans, the physical, chemical and biological properties of sea water, including salt and heat budgets, sea surface fluxes and ocean climatology. The principal force on the ocean is from the atmosphere and the response by the sea is to produce tides and many types of waves. Aspects of currents and water masses in the oceans of the world and coastal oceanography around South Africa provide the focus of regional oceanography. Located in the subtropics, South Africa experiences both tropical and mid-latitude influences 67 QUANTITATIVE BIOLOGY on its weather, climate and oceanic environments. The Ocean and Atmosphere Science major deals with the circulation and properties of the global ocean, their regional variations, and how the ocean interacts with the atmosphere to produce the various marine and atmospheric environments we experience. A fundamental knowledge of Ocean and Atmosphere Science is necessary for understanding the distributions of the various marine and terrestrial ecosystems, climate change and variability, severe weather such as tropical cyclones and thunderstorms, as well as the properties of the world oceans. The trans-disciplinary skills developed in this major offer graduates opportunities to branch out into many other areas of Earth System Science or to specialise in a field of Oceanography, Atmospheric Science or Climate up to a PhD level. UCT is ideally placed to offer such a major given our proximity to the world’s strongest western boundary current (the Agulhas), a cold upwelling current system (the Benguela) and the highly dynamic Southern Ocean. Visit www.sea.uct.ac.za PHYSICS Physics is about understanding the nature of matter and radiation in the language of mathematics, and as such is a central fundamental discipline in science. A major in physics teaches you how to apply your knowledge of fundamental principles in a range of contexts. Applications of the principles of physics are everywhere: transistors, computers, optical fibres, quantum computing. Physicists discovered the structure of DNA and the genetic code, and invented X-ray machines and the World Wide Web. Visit www.phy.uct.ac.za This major is aimed at training biologists with quantitative skills, preparing them for the emerging fields of ‘Data Science’ and ‘Biological Modelling’, which are used to address big scientific questions. The Quantitative Biology major is packaged as an interdisciplinary stream, to allow students among three major disciplinary fields (Biology, Statistics and Mathematics) into the major, and for graduates taking this major to be prepared to enter into the Data Science and Quantitative Ecology fields. Visit www.biologicalsciences.uct.ac.za STATISTICS & DATA SCIENCE The Statistics and Data Science major offers intensive, mathematically and computationally rigorous studies that aims to train graduates to solve complex real-world problems through the analysis and interpretation of data. Students learn how to manipulate data, and how to use the appropriate statistical methods to summarise and analyse data. They are exposed to different computing platforms, including the creation of databases, the extraction of data from databases, and the programming skills to implement the statistical analysis. Visit www.stats.uct.ac.za ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS NSC results are the primary guide for admission to the BSc degree. However, all applicants to the Science Faculty are required to write the NBTs (Academic Literacy, Quantitative Literacy and Mathematics). ADMISSION CRITERIA FOR APPLICANTS HOLDING THE NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE (NSC) Besides taking the NSC results into account for admission, other factors including, availability of places and educational or social/ home background, may be considered. 68 FACULTY POINTS SCORE (FPS) PLACEMENT The FPS (a score out of 800) is calculated as the sum of the percentages achieved in the best six NSC subjects, including English but excluding Life Orientation, and doubling the percentages achieved in Mathematics and Physical Sciences. Admission to the Faculty of Science requires a minimum FPS of 550, but this does not guarantee admission. Refer to the table below. Note: most offers are made to applicants with points in the guaranteed admission band. Subject entrance requirements • Mathematics at 70% or above • Physical Sciences at 60% or above (refer to notes 2 and 3 below). • Where an applicant has not completed Physical Sciences, doubling of the results for Information Technology or Life Sciences may be applied, in specific cases only (refer to notes 2 and 3 below). ELIGIBLE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Guaranteed Admission Band A FPS All applicants SA applicants in targeted redress categories Band B WPS FPS of 660 or above Mathematics 70% or above and Physical Sciences 60% or above (see Notes 2 & 3) NBTs in Mathematics, AL & QL to be written* Likely Admission WPS of 640 or above Mathematics 70% or above and Physical Sciences 60% or above (see Notes 2 & 3) NBTs in Mathematics, AL & QL to be written* Possible Admission Band C FPS FPS of 550 or above Mathematics 70% or above and Physical Sciences 60% or above (see Notes 2 & 3) NBTs in Mathematics, AL & QL to be written* * The results of the NBTs are not taken into account for admission to the Science Faculty but must be written as they are used for placement into the Extended Degree Programme. NOTE 1: Acceptance into the Science Faculty does not guarantee acceptance into a chosen major because some majors (currently Biochemistry, Computer Science (and associated majors), Genetics, and Human Anatomy & Physiology) have limits on the number of students that can be accommodated. Selection for these is based on academic criteria which will be clearly communicated to students during the first year of study. Students will be advised in their first year to take courses which could lead to several majors. NOTE 2: Where applicants have not completed Physical Sciences or Information Technology in the secondary school-leaving examinations, the choice of majors will be restricted to Archaeology and Environmental & Geographical Science. NOTE 3: For the major combination of Computer Science and Business Computing only the Physical Sciences requirement may be replaced by Information Technology (only where Physical Sciences was not taken). Admission to the Science Faculty will be directly onto the three-year degree programme. All students will be required to write a set of formal class tests at mid-term of the first semester and on the basis of the results of these tests, together with NSC and NBT results, selected students will be counselled to convert to the four-year Extended Degree Programme (EDP). The EDP is structured such that students entering the programme will receive additional academic and general support to improve the chances of graduating in minimum time. The EDP is run in association with the Academic Development Programme (ADP) and offers students the opportunity to establish a sound educational foundation, with an appropriate distribution of their academic load over a four-year period. The minimum time for a student on the EDP to complete the BSc degree is four years. ADMISSION CRITERIA FOR APPLICANTS WITH NON-SOUTH AFRICAN SECONDARY SCHOOLLEAVING CERTIFICATES For applicants in possession of or writing other than South African qualifications, offers of places may only be made subject to the equivalent bachelor’s exemption being obtained from the South African Higher Education (Matriculation) Board (refer to mb.usaf.ac.za/exemption-process/ for further information and online assessment and application). In addition, candidates must meet the following minimum requirements; meeting these requirements does not guarantee admission which is limited by available capacity: APPLICANTS MUST TAKE AT LEAST: • English, Mathematics and Chemistry and/or Physics (or Physical Science) • Chemistry is required for the following majors: Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Genetics, Geology, Human Anatomy & Physiology, Marine Biology and Ocean & Atmosphere Science • Physics is required for the majors in Applied Mathematics, Applied Statistics, Artificial Intelligence, Astrophysics, Computer Engineering, Geology, Mathematics, Mathematical Statistics, Ocean & Atmosphere Science, Physics, Quantitative Biology and Statistics & Data Science. • Chemistry/Physics may be replaced by Computer Science for majors in Computer Science and Business Computing only. • Chemistry/Physics may be replaced by Geography for the major in Environmental & Geographical Science 69 FACULTY POINTS SCORE (FPS) FOR NON NSC EXAMINATIONS Admission to the Faculty of Science requires an applicant to have achieved a FPS of 34 points or above, based on the five best subjects (including the required subjects), obtained using the scoring table in the section of this prospectus titled “Applying to UCT”. Applicants writing other international authority examinations will be assessed on their individual merits. CAIE English: C at IGCSE level Mathematics: B at A/AS level Physical Science (or Chemistry or Physics): C at A/AS level Namibian Senior Secondary Certificate (NSSC) English: C at Ordinary Level Mathematics: 70% (or level 1 Higher level) Physical Science (or Chemistry or Physics): 60% Bachelor of Science (or level 1 Higher level) International Baccalaureate English: Grade 5 at SL Mathematics Analysis & Approaches: Grade 5 at HL or Grade 6 at SL (Maths Applications and interpretation /Maths Studies is not accepted) Physical Science (or Chemistry or Physics): Grade 5 at HL or Grade 6 SL NOTE: Due to capacity constraints offers are unlikely to be made to applicants who only meet the minimum admission requirements. ENGLISH PROFICIENCY All international students for whom English is not a first/ home language or have not passed English at Grade 12, ASlevel, IGCSE level or equivalent, must provide proof of English language proficiency. Applicants are required to achieve one of the following: • A score of at least 51% for the Academic Literacy (AL) component of the National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) • A pass in the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) with a score of at least 570 on the paper-based test, or 230 on the computer-based test; or 88 on the internet-based test • An overall band score of 7.0 (with no individual element of the test scoring below 6.0) on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) • A score of 64 on the Pearson PTE Academic test. The tests must be taken at your own expense, before submitting an application. These are the minimum levels of English proficiency required for consideration for admission to UCT. TRANSFERRING STUDENTS Transferring applicants are required to write the National Benchmark Test (NBT), submit certified copies of secondaryleaving and tertiary transcripts of results and a letter of motivation in support of the application, providing details of activities since leaving school and reasons for wanting to transfer to the Faculty of Science. We have a limited number of academic places in the Faculty of Science, so offers will be made to the best candidates in this category. Particular attention will be given to courses relevant to the Science Faculty and to the proposed majors. It is unlikely that students who have failed one or more courses will be accepted and/or who have an overall percentage below 60 for subjects completed at tertiary level. Transferring students are expected to have school-leaving and NBT results competitive with the current applicant pool and must have: a) passed all first-year courses in their first year at another institution, and bring with them at least 108 credits, including a mathematics course, that earn “credit and exemption” at the University of Cape Town; b) not been academically excluded by another tertiary institution; and c) not been registered at another tertiary institution for more than two years; All students who transfer from other Universities must register for a minimum of two years for the BSc degree, and complete all the senior courses of their majors, at the University of Cape Town. They must be able to complete the degree in a maximum of four years, which includes the time registered at the current/ previous university. Note: Transferring of credits • The University of Cape Town may give credit for, and/ or exemption from, a maximum of 180 credits completed elsewhere if these courses are recognised by the University of Cape Town. • It is the applicant’s responsibility to obtain, from the relevant UCT departments, signed approval of credit and exemption for the courses they wish to transfer, before their applications will be considered. • Senior major courses may not be transferred for credit or exemption. • Tertiary courses required for matriculation exemption purposes will not be credited. 70 STUDENT HOUSING Staying in residence is an extension of your university education, and you can benefit from a range of facilities and services including PC labs, network connections, social and sporting activities. ON-CAMPUS ACCOMMODATION UCT has a three-tier residence system that provides different services, governance and management in each tier. The policy and criteria for admission to UCT student housing assume that a new student will initially enter a first-tier (catering) residence and subsequently move to a second-tier (senior catering or selfcatering) residence or into third-tier (semi-autonomous selfcatering) accommodation. This section gives some information on each of these tiers, and the residence halls, flats or houses within each tier. FIRST-TIER ACCOMMODATION First-tier residences provide accommodation for undergraduate students, who are usually under the age of 21. These residences provide students with up to three meals a day in a dining hall. FIRST-TIER RESIDENCES FOR WOMEN Baxter Hall, on the Lower Campus, is located near UCT’s swimming pool, gym and squash courts. The Rondebosch shopping area is five minutes’ walk away. Baxter Hall can accommodate 233 students in mainly single rooms arranged in “flats” of three to six rooms. Each flat shares a bathroom. Fuller Hall, on the Upper Campus, is situated close to the main library, near Sarah Baartman Hall and is near Upper Campus Residence. All Upper and Middle Campus venues are within walking distance. Graça Machel Hall, on the Lower campus, is located near to Baxter and Tugwell Halls, close to the university swimming pool, gym and squash courts and is within walking distance of Rondebosch shopping area. The residence can accommodate 382 students, with first-year students sharing double rooms. Most returning and senior students are allocated single rooms. Tugwell Hall, on the Lower Campus, is a 1970s eleven-storey residence. It can accommodate 406 students and is located near UCT’s swimming pool, gym and squash courts. First-year students share partitioned, double rooms. Most returning students are accommodated in single rooms. The Rondebosch shopping area is five minutes’ walk away. FIRST-TIER RESIDENCES FOR MEN Carinus is situated behind Groote Schuur Hospital, and can accommodate 301 students in mainly single rooms. Students are able to travel by shuttle between the residence and campuses. College House was the first men’s residence in Southern Africa. The present building is situated on the Lower Campus in Main Road, Rosebank and can accommodate 119 students in single and double rooms. Meals are taken at Leo Marquard Hall next door. Kilindini, on the Lower Campus, can accommodate 32 students in single rooms. It is located on Main Road, Rosebank, close to College House, and about five minutes’ walk from Mowbray shopping area. Kilindini students take their meals at Tugwell Hall. Kopano, on the Middle Campus, is located close to a variety of sports facilities including an all-weather soccer field, UCT’s cricket oval, swimming pool, gym and squash courts. It has single rooms for 366 students. Leo Marquard Hall, on the Lower Campus, is an eleven-storey residence. It is located near UCT’s swimming pool, gym and squash courts. This 1970s residence can accommodate 419 students. First year students share partitioned double rooms. Most returning students are accommodated in single rooms. Upper Campus Residence is situated on the Upper Campus, near to Fuller Hall. It can accommodate 235 students, mostly in single rooms and a small number in inter-leading rooms. It provides easy access to the Library, Students’ Union and all the departments based on the Upper Campus. Students take their meals in Fuller Hall. University House can accommodate 84 students. There are six residential buildings and meals are taken in the Avenue Road residence dining hall. Situated off Rhodes Avenue, the residence is within easy walking distance of the Upper Campus and Mowbray 71 2027 UNDERGRADUATE PROSPECTUS SECOND-TIER ACCOMMODATION shopping area. FIRST-TIER RESIDENCES FOR BOTH WOMEN & MEN Avenue Road Residence is a new state of the art residence which has been awarded “Green status”. It can accommodate 550 students in single and double rooms. Situated off Rhodes Avenue, the residence is within easy walking distance of the Upper Campus and Mowbray shopping area. Glendower Residence (Glenres) can accommodate 138 residents. It is situated on the Lower Campus in Main Road, Rosebank, less than five minutes’ walk from the Mowbray shopping area. Students take their meals at Tugwell Hall. There are separate facilities for male and female students. Rochester House is a purpose-built residence situated just north of Groote Schuur Hospital and can accommodate 795 female and male students in single rooms. It has excellent on-site facilities, including a swimming pool, computer lab and 24-hour security. Varietas in Matopo Road, off Rhodes Avenue, can accommodate 146 students. About half the residents share rooms. Students take their meals at Avenue Road residence dining hall. The residence is situated on the periphery of the Main Campus, two shuttle-stops away from the lecture halls. The hockey field lies adjacent to the residence and there is access to a swimming pool in Forest Hill. Flats are either for male or female students. These are all served by the free shuttle bus. CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION TO FIRST-TIER ACCOMMODATION Meeting some admission criteria may guarantee you an offer of residence, while meeting others may make you eligible for an offer. The minimum criteria for admission to student accommodation is that you must have: a. applied for student housing in your UCT application, or amended your application to include an application for student housing no later than 31 July 2026; b. been made an offer (conditional or firm) of admission, at any time, for the 2027 academic year. Please visit uct.ac.za/dsa/student-housing-applying-residence/ new-applications for more information about criteria for admission to first-tier student accommodation. Second tier accommodation is a largely self-catering sector, with some catering options, generally for more senior undergraduate and postgraduate students. All rooms in Second Tier residences are single. Most of the Second Tier residences are 2–4 bedroom flats. SECOND-TIER CATERING Groote Schuur Residence is a mixed-gender residence and can accommodate 64 students, with men and women on separate floors. During term times, breakfast and supper are served at the residence and lunch at Leo Marquard Hall. Medical Residence can accommodate 103 male and female students who are usually clinical year medical students. SECOND-TIER SELF-CATERING Groote Schuur Flats can accommodate 64 students in Main Road, Rondebosch, is close to supermarkets and other shops and within easy walking distance of the Upper Campus. Liesbeeck Gardens can accommodate 434 students in mainly two- and three-bedroom flats. Situated on Liesbeeck Parkway, Mowbray. A free shuttle service operates on weekdays and weekends. The Woolsack is on Middle Campus and can accommodate 206 male and female students. Accommodation is arranged in pavilions or courts with an average of 25 students in each. Forest Hill is a large complex off Main Road, Mowbray. It is made up of five separate blocks of flats which can accommodate 822 students. Obz Square is both a second and third tier residence, it is situated on the Main Road, Observatory, it is the latest addition to UCT residence system and it can accommodate 880 senior and postgraduate students in en-suite rooms. Eight to ten students share a kitchen. The complex is close to most shops and the Faculty of Health Sciences. THIRD-TIER ACCOMMODATION Third-tier residences provide accommodation for post-graduate students. They also provide limited family accommodation for postgraduate students. 72 73 LIVING IN RESIDENCE All student rooms in residences, houses and flats are equipped with basic furniture – a bed, cupboard, desk, chair, bookcase, wastepaper bin, curtains and notice board. No sheets, blankets, pillows or towels are provided. Catering residences prepare three meals per day in a dining hall. Students choose a meal plan. Students are expected to provide and launder their own bed linen, and clean their own rooms. Vacuum cleaners and other cleaning materials are provided. No cooking is permitted in bedrooms. Students in self-catering accommodation have access to a fridge and stove, but need their own cooking utensils and crockery. SHARING A ROOM IN RESIDENCE Half of all first-year students in catering residences are accommodated in double rooms. It may be possible for you to share a room with a friend who has been accepted into the same residence. The warden of your allocated residence should be informed in advance of your arrival. If you or your roommate decides that you would prefer to share a room with someone else in the same residence, talk to your warden or sub-warden, who will, where possible, make arrangements suitable to all. Normally room changes are only allowed in March to allow for settling in and to help avoid confusion in the room allocation process. UCT SHUTTLE SERVICE The UCT shuttle service is for the sole use of UCT staff and students. A scheduled service is available 7 days a week, during term times and vacation, and includes a late-night service. It operates between all campuses, most residences, and local public transport terminals, so you can connect from train and bus or park ‘n ride. The UCT shuttle service is free to all UCT students. Just show your valid student card when getting on. Timetables are available from the Traffic Office, Visitors Reception and Information Centre or on the UCT website via the Staff and Student Portal. For more information contact the Transport Administrator at - Tel: +27 (0)21 685 7135 TRANSFERRING FROM ONE RESIDENCE TO ANOTHER DURING THE ACADEMIC YEAR Residence transfers/swops will only be considered if it is a request from a catering or self-catering option to the other, motivation on medical grounds and seeking a cheaper room rate. These requests require the approval from the wardens concerned. OFF-CAMPUS ACCOMMODATION Many students in their second or subsequent years of study stay in leased or private accommodation close to UCT. Our Off Campus Student Accommodation Services advertises vacancies in private accommodation. Details of vacancies can be obtained at: uct.ac.za/dsa/student-housing-campus-studentaccommodation-services-ocsas/about-ocsas or at the Off Campus Student Accommodation Services - Tel: +27 (0)21 650 4934. APPLYING FOR STUDENT HOUSING If you wish to be considered for a place in student housing, you must apply when submitting an online application, or a paper application. You must apply by 31 July 2026. If you have a disability, please email disabilityservice@uct.ac.za to inform them about your application so that they can assist in securing a room best suitable to your needs. If your conditional offer is not confirmed by a faculty (ie. if you do not meet the conditions of your offer), your student housing application is automatically cancelled. ALLOCATION TO SPECIFIC RESIDENCES, HOUSES OR FLATS All offers of student housing places will be made in terms of the student housing admissions and residence allocation policy. Please consult the Student Housing webpage on the UCT website for details of the 2022- 2027 allocation policy, visit: www.uct.ac.za/sites/default/files/content_migration/ uct_ac_za/39/files/RES_Policy_Student_Housing_ Admission_2022-2027.pdf74 2027 UNDERGRADUATE PROSPECTUS SPORT & RECREATION UCT provides many opportunities for you to participate in sports or physical recreation of your choice. Traditional sports are all well catered for, but you also have the option of exciting individual pursuits such as sailing, water skiing and scuba diving. Our Sport & Recreation Department provides for all levels of sport from social programmes through to high performance sport. UCT has a proud record of achievement both in the local Western Province leagues and at the national Student Tournaments. Year after year, UCT has produced a number of sports people who achieve the highest honour of representing South Africa. For more information, visit www. dsa.uct.ac.za/student-development/sport-clubs/overview Sports development and transformation are taken very seriously at UCT. Our students are actively engaged in promoting sport in the local communities and within their clubs on campus. Every club welcomes new members from novices to the more experienced athletes, and the clubs are equipped to deal with the needs of each individual. Most clubs engage the services of top-level coaches, many of whom coach at provincial level. In order to leave no one behind, we have ensured that our sport program is inclusive to persons with disabilities by welcoming the UCT ParaSports Society to the list of societies available at UCT. UCT ParaSports hosts a variety of inclusive sports such as wheelchair rugby, blind soccer and goal ball. For more Information, email uctparasports@gmail.com Sports facilities include an artificial hockey field, an indoor sports complex, and excellent tennis, squash, soccer, rugby, cricket and fitness centre facilities. Our rowing club is one of the better equipped university clubs in South Africa. In addition, UCT owns a mountain near Ceres, a L26 Keelboat, sailing dinghies, and a wakeboard boat. SPORTS, STUDENT SOCIETIES & STUDENT GOVERNANCE SPORTS SCHOLARSHIPS & BURSARIES 2027 UNDERGRADUATE PROSPECTUS With an excellent record in a wide variety of sports, UCT is keen to continue attracting top sports people to the campus. If you have played provincial or national representative sport at any level, you could be eligible for a Sporting Scholarship to assist in financing your studies at UCT. Eligible applicants need to apply to the Sports & Recreation Department to be considered for these awards. For information and application forms, contact sport@uct.ac.za STUDENT SOCIETIES At UCT a number of societies cater for academic, faith, special interests, political and cultural. These are outside of the formal academic programme and are open to all registered students. Societies’ activities are directed by students, and there are many opportunities to get involved at an organisational level. Through such activities you will develop valuable skills in leadership and organisation. Listed on page 77 are societies at UCT. Visit uct.ac.za/dsa/student-development-student-societiesorganisations/overview STUDENTS’ REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL The Students’ Representative Council (SRC) is a statutory structure consisting of a minimum of 15 members who are elected annually in a general UCT-wide election. The SRC represents the interests of students at UCT, and does this through active participation in UCT committees as well as through a range of programmes and projects. As the highest student governance decision-making structure, the SRC also co-ordinates the work of student structures such as, clubs, societies, student faculty councils, residence committees, development agencies and student organisations. Given the wide choice of student clubs, societies, and other governance structures, there is literally something to capture the interest of everyone. In this regard you will have a host of opportunities to continue activities you already have an interest in, or to get involved in something new. With several hundred students joining societies each year, you are assured of meeting other students with similar interests. For more information contact the DSA Helpdesk on Level 4, Steve Biko Students Union or +27 (0)21 650 3541. For more information, visit www.src.uct.ac.za DEVELOPMENT AGENCIES UCT RAG (Remember and Give) is the student fundraising sector of SHAWCO. RAG volunteers organise a number of student and corporate fundraising events throughout the year, with all the proceeds going to SHAWCO. To learn more about RAG, visit www.rag.uct.ac.za Ubunye is a student run development agency operating on campus as an SRC-recognised body, providing a range of opportunities for student social engagement. Green Campus Initiative (GCI) focusses on environmental sustainability activities on campus and beyond. GCI provides workshops, sustainability programmes looking at waste management, recycling and transport amongst others. To learn more about GCI, visit www.facebook.com/uct.gci UCT RADIO is a campus-community station staffed by fellow students and teaching a wide range of broadcasting and media skills. Our focus is news, music and entertainment based on UCT campus culture. If you’d like to know more visit us at www.radio.uct.ac.za or check out our social media pages on FB, Twitter and IG. Varsity is the official student-run news source at UCT. Established in 1942, Varsity has grown into a creative and multimedia developmental agency. Producing new content every Tuesday, the publication alternates between its print newspaper and website. The online presence spans various social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Read Varsity online: varsitynewspaper.co.za 75 76 Apostolic Faith Church of Portland Oregon Abantu Zambian Society ACTS Kolbe Catholic Society African Students for Liberty Altum Sonatur Amnesty International Art of Living – Hartha Yoga Society Asian Students Association Association of Black Securities and Investment Professionals Association of Built Environment Student Association of SA Black Actuaries Ballroom Dancing Believers Loveworld Bhakti Yoga Society Biological Society Biomimicry Society Birding UCT Black Law Students’ Forum Black Lawyer’s Association Black Management Forum Businesswomen’s Association Student Chapter Cape Legion of Adventurers and War Gamers Cape Town Globalist Cardiac Society Chabad UCT Christian Medical Fellowship Christian Revival Church Christians on Campus Church On Main Cortex Club Crypto currency Debating Union Deeper Life Campus Fellowship Democratic Alliance Students’ Organisation DJ’s Production Society DR Congo East African Students Society Economic Freedom Fighters Student Command EDU Student Organisation Effective Altruism Enactus Engineers Without Borders Fashion Society Film Society Gender & Sex Project Genshiken Ghana Society Golden Future Project Grace Bible Church Green Campus Initiative Habitat for Humanity Hellenic Students’ Association Her Campus Initiative Hillsong Church Hindu Students’ Society Hip Hop Club His People Human Upliftment Project Ikey Ability InkuluFreeHeid Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers Internal medicine Investment Society Jubilee Society Korean Student Association Leanin Lesotho Students’ Association Malawi Students Society Moot Society Muslim Students’ Association Muslim Youth Movement Namibian Students’ Organization Nazareth Tertiary Student’s Association Nigerian Students’ Society Organisational Psychology Students’ Society Paediatrics society Palestine Solidarity Forum Pan Africanist Student Movement of Azania Photographic Society Poetry Preclinical society Psychology Society RAG Rainbow Organisation RAPHA Church REACH Society Redeemed Christian Fellowship Rural Support Network Seventh Day Adventist Movement SHAWCO Education SHAWCO Health Shofar Church South African Medical Students’ Association South African students’ congress South African Union of Jewish Students Space and Astronomy Association Student Christian Fellowship Student Psychiatry society Student YMCA Students for a Free Tibet UCT Students for Law and Social Justice Students for Life Surgical Society Swazi Students Society TEDxUCT The Collective The Twelve Apostle Church in Christ Thinking Club Trees of Life Multiracial Church Tsonga society Ubunye UCT African Choral UCT Baha’i Society UCT Choir UCT Consulting Club UCT Developers’ Society UCT Entrepreneur’s Society UCT Marketing Association UCT Mathematics society UCT Radio United Nations Association of South Africa Vegilicious We Are Animals Wine and Cultural Society Winners Camp Fellowship Women in computer Science Women in Property Network World Mission Society (Church of God) Zimbabwe Society Zion Christian Students’ Fellowship CLUBS & SOCIETIES AT UCT SPORTS ON OFFER Aikido Archery Athletics Badminton Basketball Canoeing Capoeira Chess Cricket Fitness centre Cycling Fencing Golf Gymnastics Hockey Ju jitsu Karate Kickboxing Mountain & ski Netball Rowing Rugby Soccer Squash Supa pool Surfing Table tennis Taekwondo Tennis Tai chi Ultimate frisbee Underwater hockey Volleyball Water polo Water-skiing YachtingINTERNATIONAL STUDENTS There are various ways that you can study as an international student at UCT. The International Office supports international students and researchers by issuing letters in support of visa applications, advising on immigration-related requirements, and advocating for students’ visa challenges. Students are informed about international tuition and housing fees, the costs of living in Cape Town and support services available to them. Before you start your Semester Study Abroad (SSA) or full-degree programme, the International Office will provide comprehensive information and a dedicated orientation programme to welcome you to UCT. Queries about academic qualifications and specific course requirements should be directed to the relevant faculty office. SEMESTER STUDY ABROAD EXCHANGE (SSA) STUDENTS UCT offers a vibrant study abroad programme for students wanting to spend one or two semesters experiencing life in Cape Town while completing a degree elsewhere. SSA students are taught alongside other UCT students and are fully integrated into academic and social life at UCT. To be accepted into the SSA programme, you should be a current student of a higher education institute outside South Africa, be of good academic standing at your home university, have a grade point average of 65% in your current studies (this is 3.0 for academic systems using the 4.0 scale or an upper range ‘B’ on the ECTS scale), have completed two semesters towards your degree and have met UCT’s English language admission requirements (see page 17). The programme offers a wide range of courses and students can select from subjects established in the Faculties of Commerce, Engineering & the Built Environment, Humanities, Law and Science. Applications for course admission are assessed by academic selectors in the relevant discipline who will pay particular attention to your academic record and courses already taken towards your home university degree. SSA students pay a semester package fee covering tuition, orientation activities and membership of 3 student clubs and societies. Students receive comprehensive pre-arrival information and assistance in finding suitable accommodation close to campus. Students on the programme have an opportunity to join student societies and clubs, and to participate in the community service and volunteering programmes run by these studentled organisations. 77 APPLICATION DEADLINES: For First Semester (February – June): 31 October prior to the year of study. For Second Semester (July – November): 30 April of the year of study Apply online at applyonline.uct.ac.za It can take up to 8 to 12 weeks to obtain a South African study visa, early applications are encouraged. For further information, contact the: THE INTERNATIONAL OFFICE Tel: Email: +27 (0)21 650 2822 ssa@uct.ac.za Website: https://studyabroad.uct.ac.za FULL-DEGREE INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS UCT considers suitably qualified international applicants who wish to study for a full undergraduate degree programme. SADC (STUDENTS CITIZENS OF SADC COUNTRIES) The Southern African Development Community countries are Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The minimum initial fee payment for academic and residence fees plus the non-refundable Administrative Fee must be paid prior to registration or entering student accommodation. No international levy (International Term Fee) will be charged. As an International, student fees are determined by citizenship. We will require a valid SADC passport as proof of citizenship. NON-SADC STUDENTS As an international student (non-SADC) coming to UCT, you will be charged an international levy, called the International Term Fee (per annum), and the non-refundable full tuition fee comprise of the individual fee for each course taken and the nonrefundable administrative fee. Administrative Fee, in addition to the individual fees for all courses taken. The International Term Fee, the Administrative Fee plus the individual course fees must be paid prior to registration. MATRICULATION EXEMPTION If you wish to study at UCT and you are writing or have written a foreign secondary school-leaving examination, you will need to obtain a matriculation exemption certificate from the Matriculation Board. Before making you an offer, the faculty will ensure that you are eligible for matriculation exemption. Once you have been registered but before the end of your first year, you will need to apply through your faculty office to the Matriculation Board for a certificate of exemption. https://uct.ac.za/sites/ default/files/media/documents/2026-initial-fee-paymentsfor-international-students.pdf To apply take the prescribed form, your original school leaving certificate (the faculty will make a certified copy for the Matriculation Board) and the prescribed fee (made out to the Matriculation Board) to the faculty office who will submit your application to the Matriculation Board.Details of fees payable and the form are available on the Matriculation Board website at mb.usaf.ac.za. The onus remains on you, as a student, to check that the faculty office has received your certificate from the Matriculation Board. Enquiries about certificates of exemption should be addressed to the: Universities South Africa, P O Box 27392, Sunnyside, Pretoria, 0132 Tel: +27 (0)10 591 4401/2 Fax: +27 (0)86 680 5727 Website: mb.usaf.ac.za ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICANTS WITH FOREIGN SECONDARY SCHOOL-LEAVING EXAMINATIONS To be considered for admission, applicants must qualify for a matriculation exemption from the Matriculation Board and must meet certain minimum faculty entry requirements. Some of the more common foreign secondary school-leaving examinations submitted by international applicants include CAIE, NSSC and ZIMSEC examinations, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, and the Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE). Applicants who have written only the IGCSE level or equivalent examination, and who are not writing any other secondary school-leaving examination, are not eligible for admission to UCT. If you are writing a foreign secondary school78 2027 UNDERGRADUATE PROSPECTUS leaving qualification, your application to UCT will be assessed individually. ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS English is used both for teaching and for examinations at UCT. All applicants must show evidence of proficiency in English and must submit evidence of this as part of their application to study at UCT. The English Language admission requirements can be found on page 17. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE UCT does not offer bursaries/scholarships to international undergraduate applicants. American citizens undertaking full degree studies may apply for US Federal Aid (Direct Loans) - For more information iapo-finance@uct.ac.za. UCT is also an accredited institution for Canadian Federal Aid, but application is made directly to https://www.canada.ca/en/services/ benefits/education/student-aid.html The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program is available to citizens of an African country. Please refer to The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the UCT website for information on how to apply: www.mcfsp.uct.ac.za E-mail: Tel: info_mcfsp@uct.ac.za +27 (0) 21 650 2822 STUDY VISAS In terms of the Immigration Act No. 13 of 2002, if you are resident outside of South Africa and are not a South African citizen or do not have permanent residence for South Africa, you are required to obtain a study visa to enter the Republic of South Africa for the purpose of attending UCT. It is important that your visa is endorsed specifically for study at UCT. If you hold refugee or asylum seeker status issued by the South African Government you are exempt from needing a study visa to attend UCT, however, you are required to produce a valid South African Government issued refugee or asylum seeker permit. The offer of a study place by UCT does not bind the Department of Home Affairs in any way to allow you to study in South Africa, nor does it remove the need for you to obtain permission to enter the country. If you are offered a study place, please apply immediately for a study visa. You can apply for a study visa with a conditional or a firm study place offer. Your application must be made to the nearest South African Embassy, Consulate or High Commission in your home country. This procedure could take from 8 to 12 working weeks or longer to be processed, so apply without delay. Please review the website for the South African Embassy/ Mission or Consular Office for the country where the application will be made regarding all visa application requirements and operations. You should await the outcome of your application before making any travel arrangements to South Africa. If you have studied at another South African University or attended high school in South Africa, then your study visa needs to be changed for studies at UCT. It is very important that your study visa is valid for studies at UCT. Please note that you may not take up studies at UCT with a study visa issued for another institution. The onus is on you to make sure that your study visa is valid for the duration of your studies at UCT. You are advised to apply for a change in visa conditions so that your study visa is endorsed for UCT. The Department of Home Affairs has officially outsourced the submission of applications to a company called Visa Facilitation Services (VFS). Applications accepted for processing by the relevant VFS office are then forwarded to the Department of Home Affairs for adjudication. Once the application has been finalised, the Department of Home Affairs will issue an outcome to the VFS office where the application was submitted. Application forms are completed online but submitted in hardcopy and in person at the VFS Office. You can apply for a study visa renewal or change in visa conditions through VFS services. Internationals who hold a valid Refugee or Asylum Seeker -permits for South Africa will not be required to apply for a study visa. We will accept certified copies of either of these documents for preregistration. Internationals who hold valid permanent residence permits for South Africa will be required to submit a certified copy of their permit together with a valid passport for their country of citizenship. 79 2027 UNDERGRADUATE PROSPECTUS PRE-REGISTRATION FOR IMMIGRATION AND FEES CLEARANCE Pre-registration is the administrative process for verifying you have the required immigration documents to study in South Africa and that your academic fees have cleared into the UCT bank account before registration. As per the University’s General Rules & Policies, Handbook 3, G5.1, Notes (1): “Before proceeding to the Faculty concerned for registration, international students must pre-register with the Academic Programmes Office (IAPO) for each academic year of study in order to comply with all Immigration Rules. The submission of fraudulent immigration documentation constitutes a criminal offence under the laws of the Republic of South Africa. If there are any irregularities, the student will not be permitted to register at UCT, and existing registration may be terminated.” INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS must complete immigration and fees clearance before proceeding to academic registration. You will need the following documents: • Certified copy of valid passport personal details page • Certified copy of study visa endorsed for study at UCT • Medical aid cover from a medical aid scheme registered in South Africa and valid for the full duration of your Study visa • Proof that you have paid the minimum initial academic fee (and residence fee where applicable) International students who also hold SADC citizenship status or South African permanent residence are not eligible for fee adjustments if the relevant SADC documents (certified and verified) are not submitted before 31 July 2026. CERTIFICATION & COMMISSIONERS OF OATH To pre-register we will require that all immigration documentation, including passport personal details page, study visa (or other permit type) is certified and/or notarised by a Commissioner of Oaths or Notary. The certified copy must not be older than 6-months and must include the date, name and signature of the Commissioner of Oaths or Notary. If you are residing in another country and you are unable to certify your documents prior to departure for South Africa, kindly note that certification services are available at the International Office. For more information, contact: The International Office Tel: +27 (0)21 650 2822 Email: iapo@uct.ac.za Website: www. international.uct.ac.za/ 80 81 TUITION FEES & RESIDENCE COSTS UCT publishes a booklet, which is updated every year, giving the fee for each academic course and accommodation in different types of student housing. UCT uses a course-based fee structure. The fee booklet, together with the relevant Faculty handbook, will enable students to calculate the cost of their academic studies at UCT. The Faculty handbook will indicate the courses that can be taken in pursuing a programme of study and the relevant course code. Use this code to look up the all-inclusive cost of the course in the fee booklet. The sum of these costs will give you the total cost for the set of chosen courses. There are no levies. Faculty handbook information is available on the UCT website: www.uct.ac.za You can obtain a Fees booklet at uct.ac.za/students/fees-funding-fees/fees-handbook TUITION FEES The table below lists fees in 2026 for a “typical” first year undergraduate degree programme for South African applicants. It will give you an idea of what the fees are likely to be in 2027. Actual 2027 fees will be published on UCT’s website towards the end of 2026. PAYMENT OF FEES Full details of tuition and accommodation fees are sent to students before registration, as well as dates by when payment must be made. A variety of payment methods are available. An initial payment for both tuition fees and student accommodation must be made before registration. So, for example, for 2026 the first payment was due by Friday, 06 February 2026 and the balance of the fees by 31 July 2026. For tuition costs the first payment in 2026 was R34 500 (or the full fee, where the full fee was less than R34 500). For residence costs, the initial payment in 2026 was R44 500 for catering residences or R29 500 for self-catering. For SADC applicants an international administrative fee of R5 600 was payable prior to registration. For more information, please contact the Fees Office or visit the UCT website. Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Business Science R62 340 - R110 580 R77 460 - R110 580 Bachelor of Business Science Actuarial Science R110 580 Bachelor of Architectural Studies R75 610 Bachelor of Science (Construction Studies) R94 600 Bachelor of Science (Property Studies) R92 270 Bachelor of Science (Geomatics) R73 930 Bachelor of Science (Engineering) R82 820 - R89 780 Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) R113 510 Bachelor of Science (Audiology) R96 070 Bachelor of Science (Speech-Language Pathology) R96 900 Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy) R85 600 Bachelor of Science (Physiotherapy) R84 000 Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Social Science R79 000 Bachelor of Arts (Fine Art) R88 100 Bachelor of Music R75 500 - R78 400 Bachelor of Arts (Theatre and Performance) R85 300 Bachelor of Laws (LLB) R80 410 Bachelor of Science R87 000 2026 RESIDENCE COSTS Fees for 2027 for UCT’s residences, houses and flats will be determined in November 2026. About 40% of the total fee for 2026 must be paid to UCT before the start of the academic year. The balance must be paid by the end of July 2026. The average charge for a single room in a first-tier residence is R89 520 in 2026. If the meal option of 3 meals each day is added, the charge is R127 460. Students have a choice of four meal options. The cost of the meal option is not included in the residence fee. The chosen meal option must be added to the residence fee. MEAL OPTIONS AT 2026 PRICES ARE: Add the cost of your selected MEAL OPTION 1 (BLD): 3 MEALS PER DAY FOR SEVEN DAYS PER WEEK First Tier R37 940 Groote Schuur and Forest Hill G R41 100 Health Sciences R45 390 MEAL OPTION 2 (LAD): LUNCH AND DINNER SEVEN DAYS PER WEEK First Tier R28 340 Groote Schuur and Forest Hill G R30 940 Health Sciences R34 100 MEAL OPTION 3 (BAD): BREAKFAST AND DINNER SEVEN DAYS PER WEEK First Tier R25 520 Groote Schuur and Forest Hill G R27 890 Health Sciences R30 170 MEAL OPTION 4 (MOW): 3 MEALS PER DAY, WEEK DAYS ONLY First Tier R28 230 Groote Schuur and Forest Hill G R29 810 Health Sciences R33 090 2027 UNDERGRADUATE PROSPECTUS FUNDING YOUR STUDIES Most prospective students have concerns about funding. Coming to UCT may be your first experience away from home, and it is natural to wonder how you will manage. We understand your financial concerns and in this section we provide some information on sources of funding and guidelines on how to finance your studies. A student, you will find that careful financial planning and management is essential. This is even more important if you are meeting the cost of studying yourself, or if you are studying away from home. When your personal expenses, accommodation and travel are included, a single year at UCT can cost over R150 000. A significant number of students fund their studies through a combination of scholarships, bursaries (either administered by UCT or by organisations outside UCT), loans, help from parents, sponsorship by companies, and through part-time and vacation work. There are many kinds of financial support available to South African students: entrance scholarships; sports scholarships; bursaries, loans and financial assistance packages. We encourage you to explore all of these possibilities. For instance, although you may obtain an entrance or sports scholarship from UCT, you can still apply for other funding. 82 APPLYING FOR FINANCIAL AID potential. Entrance scholarship offers are based on considerations of how UCT wishes to constitute its new undergraduate class. As of 1 August 2016, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) opened its student-centred application model. First-time applications for financial aid, as well as funding renewal for those students who are already recipients of NSFAS funding, will be handled centrally via NSFAS. Although applicants may have applied to multiple institutions for admission to study, only one financial aid application directly to NSFAS will be required. All students and learners who need financial assistance should apply to NSFAS via the latter’s online application system. The NSFAS makes funding available for students from families with a gross income up to R600 000 per annum, through providing either a bursary or a loan depending on the family income. However, NSFAS funding Is not full cost, and it Is therefore important to apply to other sponsors or even banks to help cover your NSFAS funding shortfall. It is important to check the NSFAS website and their social media for details of when applications open and close for submission of applications. Ensure that your application is submitted before the closing date. If you think you may need to be assisted financially, our advice is to submit a completed financial aid application to NSFAS, since late applications will not be accepted. In addition, you can apply to other sponsors and funders. You should not wait for the outcome of one bursary application before applying for another. Application closing dates are strictly adhered to by all funders. Funders, like NSFAS, close their applications for funding before you are likely to receive information from a university on your academic application. It is vital that you apply for funding even if you don’t have an academic offer yet. Persons with disabilities can apply for the NSFAS Disability Grant which has a higher income cap as it takes into consideration (when applicable) the possible costs of assistive devices, human support and medical practitioners. When applying for NSFAS on the website, select the disability box and remember to have the Annexure A form filled in and stamped by your medical practitioner. Scan and upload your completed Annexure A form along with your medical documents to be considered for the grant. It is very important that you consider how you will fund your studies and do the required funding applications to enable you to achieve your academic ambitions. SCHOLARSHIPS FOR SCHOOL-LEAVERS Each year, UCT allocates over R8 million as entrance scholarships to school-leavers who are coming to study at UCT for the first time. South African citizens and permanent residents are eligible for these awards. The awards range from R20 000 to R100 000. No application for a UCT entrance scholarship is necessary. Entrance scholarships are for the first year after which students are eligible for consideration for a faculty scholarship. Each faculty specifies academic criteria that you need to meet in order to be eligible for a faculty scholarship in subsequent years. This does mean that UCT is not able to make offers to each of the many deserving cases that we consider, nor do we guarantee entrance scholarships on the basis of secondary school academic performance. Secondary school-leaving applicants are considered for the following entrance scholarships: Entrance Scholarships: Each faculty has its own criteria against which school-leavers are considered for the award of an entrance scholarship. No application is necessary applicants are automatically considered. Criteria for entrance scholarship for holders of the National Senior Certificate are available at www.uct.ac.za/dsa/student-funding-administrationscholarships/entrance-scholarships Sports Scholarships: These scholarships are available to applicants who have represented their Province at a national or age-group level. For details on how to apply, see page 75. VICE-CHANCELLOR’S SCHOLARSHIPS: These scholarships may be offered to: • The top ten achievers who are in grade 12 of the year of the Olympiad, in each of the Mathematics Olympiad, Computer Science Olympiad and English Olympiad - Home Language, provided they applied for admission to UCT and are awarded a place to study at UCT. • The winners of the Computer Applications Olympiad and the English Olympiad - First Additional Language, provided they are in grade 12 of the year of the Olympiad and that they applied for admission to UCT and are awarded a place to study at UCT. • Any of the Top 10 NSC achievers in the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) who applied for admission to and are awarded a place to study at UCT. • Any of the top 15 achievers in the National Senior Certificate (NSC) final examinations (but excluding candidates from schools in the Western Cape) administered by the Department of Basic Education, who applied for admission to and are awarded a study place at UCT. • Any of the Top 5 NSC achievers from the Independent Examination Board (IEB), who applied for admission to and are offered a study place at UCT. NOTE: UCT Council has determined that students who qualify for both a tuition fee at the staff tuition rate, and a UCT-funded scholarship (entrance, faculty, VC, Achievement), will have their scholarship adjusted equivalent to the staff tuition rate percentage. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE NSFAS and UCT try to assist as many financially needy students as possible, subject to available funds. Applicants are assessed, and the minimum criteria for eligibility are: • financial need studying for a first undergraduate qualification that is funded • be a South African citizen or a permanent resident of South Africa 83 UCT’s entrance scholarships are for students who show academic • Gross family Income under R600 000 per annum 2027 UNDERGRADUATE PROSPECTUS APPLYING FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE NOTE: Applying for financial assistance will have no impact on your chances of being admitted for study at UCT. How do I apply? All applications for financial aid and NSFAS funding will be managed centrally by NSFAS for all higher education institutions. You can apply online at www.nsfas.org.za Will my application for financial aid affect my chances of academic admission? No. Your application for admission is not related to your application for financial assistance. These are separate and independent processes. However, if you are eligible for financial assistance the assistance is subject to academic admission and registration at UCT. Is there a deadline for my application for financial assistance? Yes. NSFAS has an application window. Ensure that you check for the application opening and closing date. Why must I apply before I have an academic study offer? It takes time to assess the eligibility of all applications received. Knowing how you will pay for your studies, helps you to make an informed decision about where you accept a study offer. How will my financial eligibility be assessed? The NSFAS assists first-time entering students from families with a gross income below R600 000 and applicants can apply for a bursary or loan depending on the gross family income. It is important to note that gross family income is not the only criteria, applicants must be South African citizens or South African permanent residents that intend to register in an approved funded programme (note that the PGCE, PGDA and LAWP01 programmes are no longer funded). Information on all NSFAS funding rules is available on their website at www.nsfas.org.za When will I know if I am eligible? NSFAS will inform you of your eligibility for NSFAS. You can track your NSFAS application status on the MyNSFAS portal on which you applied for NSFAS funding. It is therefore important that you keep your username and password safe so that you can continue to access the MyNSFAS portal. Will all my costs be covered if I am successful? Costs are covered based on funding policy. NSFAS applies an accommodation cap for private accommodation and university residences. For 2025, the accommodation cap was R52 000 and may be revised annually by NSFAS. It is important to therefore apply for other funding to help meet the funding shortfall for residence accommodation charges, to prevent having a fee debt-It is important that you discuss this with your family and make an informed decision regarding covering the NSFAS funding shortfall. www.uct.ac.za/dsa/studentfunding-administration-financial-assistance/financial-aid NSFAS Bursary. The NSFAS bursary funding provided to those that meet the criteria is non-repayable. The bursary funding covers tuition, set book allowance, and accommodation costs to a cap, with a meal allowance to those staying in private accommodation or self-catering residence, students who live at home or with a relative receive a travel allowance. 84 NSFAS Loan. The NSFAS loan funding provided to those that meet the criteria is repayable once you are no longer a student. NSFAS loan funding covers tuition, set book allowance and accommodation to a cap. It is therefore important to apply to other sponsors to meet your study cost shortfall. Can I hold other awards along with the UCT financial assistance? Yes. Funds are limited, and we therefore encourage students to look for other sources of funding. It is especially important to apply to as many funders as possible, as NSFAS funding for accommodation and residence is capped, and will result in a balance of accommodation fees that must be covered. You are obliged to inform UCT immediately of any other financial assistance you receive. Is NSFAS financial assistance renewable? Eligible students are automatically considered for renewal based on academic performance each year, continued financial eligibility and the number of years of study. No student will be funded for longer than the minimum duration of the programme plus 1 year. NSFAS advises the academic criteria for funding renewal annually. The NSFAS also reserves the right to re-evaluate financial eligibility. Transferring students must be aware that they are required to reapply for NSFAS funding if they transfer to another institution and that all years of study at universities is counted as well as academic performance criteria is applied. How can I get more information about financial assistance at UCT? Please visit the UCT website, phone the Student Financial Aid Office at +27 (0)21 650 3545, or email FinancialAid@uct.ac.za, or visit the UCT financial aid website for more information. How can I get more information about NSFAS? You can visit the NSFAS website at www.NSFAS.org.za, via their social media platforms or on: Telephone Toll-Free Line: 08000 NSFAS (08000 67327) • •Email: info@nsfas.org.za • •WhatsApp: +27 78 519 8006 • USSD: 12067327# The official NSFAS social media handles: • Facebook: facebook.com/nsfas.org.za • Twitter (X): twitter.com/myNSFAS • Instagram: instagram.com/myNSFAS They use @myNSFAS as their primary handle across platforms. These accounts share updates, deadlines, and respond to student queries. All queries about NSFAS funding and your NSFAS funding application must be directed to NSFAS. The university is unable to assist with NSFAS application processes as these are managed by NSFAS. 2027 UNDERGRADUATE PROSPECTUS STUDENT LIFE AT UCT LEARNING RESOURCES Lectures, seminars, tutorials and laboratory classes form part of the academic programme. In all of these settings students work and learn together. The most formal of these is the lecture, which may be attended by several hundred students, while tutorials offer contact between small groups of students and a tutor. Being at university is primarily about learning to work by yourself and for yourself. In this section we describe some of the resources that are available at UCT to help you succeed. COMPUTING FACILITIES UCT provides an extensive network of computer workstations for use by students. All students are allocated a personal email address and have access to UCT’s computer network as soon as they register. Wireless coverage extends to all campuses. Software applications available on campus range from basic word-processing to advanced statistical and design packages. In addition to the extensive network of computers available to all students in UCT’s Library, Student Learning Centres and faculty computer laboratories, several departments have their own facilities with specialised software to support teaching and learning in their degree programmes. UCT LIBRARIES UCT’s main library, the Chancellor Oppenheimer Library, and its seven branch libraries offer a diverse array of study and research materials, as well as professional and expert assistance in finding information and carrying out research. Library Buddies (student assistants) wearing the green ASK ME bibs are found in the library ready to assist with any library or general questions. In keeping with its central role in the academic life of UCT, the Chancellor Oppenheimer Library is centrally located on the upper campus, while the branch libraries are spread across UCT’s various campuses, close to the academic departments they serve. The Libraries’ webpage provides 24/7 on- and off-campus access to more than 84 000 electronic journals, a growing collection of electronic books and 190 databases. There are approximately 1,2 million print volumes, with more than 16 700 print journal titles. The modern design of the main library draws on the very best models of university libraries world-wide, offering spacious reading areas, numerous computer workstations, audio-visual viewing areas, group project rooms, wireless internet access and plug points, as well ample photocopying, printing, and scanning facilities. The Vincent Kolbe Knowledge Commons, our fullyequipped undergraduate learning facility, provides both professional help and high-end IT facilities for researching, writing, and printing assignments to students. In addition, the 24/7 study area offers a safe and comfortable space for those who need to burn the midnight oil. A recent learning 85 facility for all students is the Library Learning Lounge which is a library space without books but with amazing virtual services and Library Buddies (student assistants) on hand to support students in finding information. This is a “bring-your-own-device” space in the Snape Building on upper campus. CONTACT US: Tel: Email: Website: +27 (0)21 650 3703/3704 libraries@uct.ac.za www.lib.uct.ac.za Facebook: www.facebook.com/uctlibraries Twitter: @uctlibrary Instagram: @uctlibraries ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT The Academic Development Programme (ADP), based in the Centre for Higher Education Development (CHED), runs a range of Extended Curriculum Programmes (ECPs) and individual courses and workshops that support students academically by offering extra material, more class time in smaller groups, more contact with lecturers and more social support than in other programmes. An ECP can be regarded as a somewhat longer (usually up to a year longer), but safer and more supported route to qualifying for a degree. In fact, many students not on ECPs take longer anyway to complete their degrees because of failing some of their courses and being unable to continue. Failure could be avoided by following an ECP instead. Each Faculty at UCT has its own ADP unit, and the faculty-based ECPs are fully integrated with later years of study in the Faculty. There is no difference between a qualification obtained following the ECP route and those obtained following the usual route. ADP also helps to develop innovative curricula and courses developing students’ language and quantitative literacy skills. The Writing Centre on Upper Campus and the Writing Lab on the Health Sciences campus form part of ADP. At both these writing centres students can book individual consultations to work with a consultant on their academic writing. ADP also offers short courses supporting postgraduate students. For more information or contact details for your Faculty’s ADP unit or the Writing Centres, visit the ADP page on the CHED website: www.ched.uct.ac.za/ched/adp CAREERS SERVICE UCT Careers Service supports students to take ownership of and make informed decisions about their futures through a broad range of career development - and employability consulting services, and networking opportunities. The award-winning, future-focused, and innovative service has been commended by both UCT students and employers locally and internationally for its professional service and for its effort to connect students to opportunities and support them on their career journeys. Careers Service offers free, one-on-one consultations, events, and resources to all UCT students to enable them to become career ready and enhance their employability. By visiting the online careers portal, MyCareer, at mycareer.uct.ac.za/students/ login, students have 24/7 access to a broad range of information such as career events, bursaries and employment opportunities. Students can personalise their MyCareer account to receive customised notifications about information and opportunities relevant to them. Up-to-date information is also available on the website and social media. See social media links in the Contact Us box below. First year students are able to access MyCareer from March, once the registration process is complete. During those first weeks, first year students who are curious about what career option they can pursue with their degree or are unhappy with their choices can book a virtual or phone appointment with a Careers Development Consultant via email, careers.service@uct.ac.za, or phone +27 (0)21 650 2497. Careers Service supports students’ career development throughout their time at UCT to enable them to navigate the changing world of work. Apart from a commitment to create career-ready graduates, Careers Service also has a strong focus on empowering entrepreneurs. Students use the Careers Service online portal, https://mycareer.uct.ac.za/students MyCareer, after their registration is finalised. The portal provides 24/7 access to: • keep up to date with Careers Service news and events; 86 • access internship and job opportunities; • source bursaries, scholarships; • book career consultations; • mock interviews; • job search strategies; • industry insights and trends; and • meeting space for employers interview Alumni can access Careers Service for up to three years after they graduate from UCT. CONTACT US: Enquiries: Tel: Email: Website: Twitter: Instagram: YouTube: Careers Service reception, Level 1, Hoerikwaggo, North Lane, Upper Campus +27 (0)21 650 2497 careers.service@uct.ac.za www.careers.uct.ac.za @uctCareers @UCTcareersservice www.youtube.com/UCTCareersService UCT Mobile App: UCT- Careers Service ORIENTATION Orientation at UCT is a process through which you learn about UCT. The purpose of this process is to assist you in your transition and adjustment to your new learning environment. It also ensures that you are accustomed to life at UCT, so that you can make friends and feel at home on campus, succeed at whatever you do (academic work, sports, student societies, etc.), and develop pride in your accomplishments. Orientation is offered through a series of programmes. Each faculty provides an orientation programme for its own students, as does the International Academic Programmes Office (IAPO) for international students, whilst students in residence have residence orientation programmes. Faculty orientation includes academic advice (about courses and programmes), computer training, campus and library tours, as well as introductions to student services. IAPO’s programme covers a wide range of issues relevant to international students: study visas; fees; medical-aid cover; where to go to when in Cape Town and personal safety. Residence Orientation helps students adjust to their new living and learning environment and this includes both the social and learning aspects and responsibilities of living in a UCT residence. www. dsa.uct.ac.za/student-orientation/welcome STUDENT ORIENTATION AND ADVOCACY SERVICE (SOAS) SOAS is a student friendly, walk-in, advocacy and referral office. SOAS deals with students’ needs and queries ranging from directions (finding offices, buildings, people, venues, etc.) to services offered by the Department of Student Affairs. The SOAS provides access to printed information (brochures, pamphlets, forms, notices, handbooks and other university publications) and assistance with using these. 87 2027 UNDERGRADUATE PROSPECTUS Students will be assisted and guided in processes relating to an effective and manageable university life. An effective referral system is in place that ensures sufficient support and care to all students. SOAS works closely with faculties and departments within UCT and where appropriate would refer students to the relevant sector. Referral processes are closely monitored to ensure students receive appropriate and timeous assistance. CONTACT US: Computer Science Building, Room 2.01, Level 2, Upper Campus. Email: UCTOrientation@uct.ac.za Tel: +27 (0)21 650 5082 STUDENT WELLNESS SERVICE The Student Wellness Service (SWS) provides general medical services and counselling during office hours throughout the year and the service is located in various campuses of UCT as clinics and satellite service points. Primary Health Care services offered includes common ailments, manageable medical conditions, minor surgical procedures, reproductive health and pregnancy advise, travel advise, sports injuries and a confidential HIVtesting service with pre-test and post-test counselling. An onsite dispensary in the main clinic provides essential medication at low cost. Psychological services offered include individual therapy group therapy, long term support groups, trauma debriefing and mental health education. Counselling services are offered in most campuses of the university; the various service locations can be found on the Department of Student Affairs website. Appointments can be made on the SWS online system on the website or the UCT App, however; emergencies can be accessed without an appointment at the main clinic. The service charges nominal fees for consultations (medical, nursing and counselling) and minor procedures however; students who are on financial aid are not charged. CONTACT US: Tel: +27 (0)21 650 1020 or +27 (0)21 650 1017. Website: uct.ac.za/dsa/student-wellnessservice/welcome-student-wellness-service-sws DISABILITY SERVICE The Disability Service strives to create an environment in which persons with disabilities and neurodiversity can participate equitably in all aspects of university life. Our primary goal is to facilitate access to UCT services and facilities for students, staff and visitors with disabilities. It is important that you contact the Disability Service if you are considering studying at UCT. Knowing about your access and reasonable accommodations requirements well in advance also enables us to ensure that a support system is in place by the time you arrive. We can also provide support with the UCT online application process, guidance on your NSFAS application process, , as well as provide vital information about writing the National Benchmark Test (NBT) which most applicants need to take. CONTACT US: Steve Biko Students Union Building Level 6, Upper Campus Tel: +27 (0)21 650 2427 Email: disabilityservice@uct.ac.za 88 CONTACT INFORMATION FACULTIES Commerce Engineering & the Built Environment Health Sciences Humanities Law Science OFFICES & SERVICES Admissions Office NBT Office Disability Service Fees Office International Academic Pre-Admissions Careers Service Sport & Recreation Student Housing EMAIL ADDRESS com-faculty@uct.ac.za ebe-faculty@uct.ac.za fhs-ug-admiss@uct.ac.za hum-ugrad@uct.ac.za law-studies@uct.ac.za sci-science@uct.ac.za admissions@uct.ac.za TEL NUMBER 021 650 4375 021 650 2699 021 406 6346 021 650 2717 021 650 3086 021 650 2712 021 650 2128 nbt@uct.ac.za dsa-disabilityservice@uct.ac.za fnd-feeenq@uct.ac.za iapo@uct.ac.za careers.service@uct.ac.za sport@uct.ac.za res@uct.ac.za Student Orientation and Advocacy Student Financial Aid Office orientation@uct.ac.za financialaid@uct.ac.za OFFICE HOURS - MONDAY – FRIDAY* Admissions Office Fees Office Student Housing 08h30 – 16h30 09h00 – 15h30 08h30 – 16h30 * UCT offices may be closed on Thursdays from 08h30 – 09h30 for staff training. VISIT THE UCT HOME PAGE AT www.uct.ac.za We have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information in this Prospectus and other handbooks. We reserve the right at any time, if circumstances dictate, to: (i) make alterations or changes to any of the published details in this Prospectus, as well as the courses and curricula on offer or (ii) add to or withdraw any of the courses or programmes on offer. We give students every assurance that changes to courses and curricula will only be made under extraordinary and compelling circumstances and we will inform students as soon as possible of any changes. 021 650 3523 021 650 2427 021 650 1704 021 650 2822 021 650 2497 021 650 3563/3564 021 650 2977 021 650 5082 021 650 3545/5094 8
