Categories: University Application

How Do I Apply for UCT 2026 Intake

The 2026 UCT General Application window is now open! Don’t wait—apply today and take a step closer to studying your dream course. Parents, applicants, and prospective students are encouraged to read this guide to learn how to apply to the University of Cape Town.

UCT Application Dates and Requirements for 2026

University of Cape Town (UCT) applications open on April 1, 2025. Whether South African or international, future students are encouraged to apply online for undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The deadline for undergraduate applications is midnight SAST on Thursday, July 31, 2025—late submissions will not be accepted. Applicants will need a valid email address, a South African ID number (for SA applicants), or a passport number (for international applicants) to complete the process.

How to Successfully Submit Your UCT Online Application

If you want to study at UCT, apply for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate studies 2026. To apply, follow the steps below:

Go to UCT’s official website at www.uct.ac.za.
From the top menu, select “Applicants & Students.”
Review the provided material.
From the list, choose “Prospective Students.”
After reading the welcome message, click “Continue.”
Select the “Applications” tab.
Click on Apply Now
Select your application year and qualifications.
Review and read the application instructions carefully.
To begin, click “Apply Online.”
Complete the online application form.
Upload certified copies of the following documents:
- Examination results from Grade 11 and up to September of Grade 12
- All transcripts and academic records (Transfer students)
Review your application and submit it.
Pay the non-refundable application fee

Please Note: Remember to submit your application as soon as possible after starting the online application.

Read Also: UCT Prospectus 2026 PDF Download

UCT Application Fees for 2026

The University of Cape Town (UCT) application fees for 2026 are as follows:

Undergraduate and Postgraduate Applications (South Africa & SADC): R100
Undergraduate and Postgraduate Applications (Outside SADC): R300
Graduate School of Business (GSB) Applications (South Africa & African citizens): R1940
GSB Applications (Outside Africa): USD 300

Note: For payment methods, click here

UCT Admission Selection Criteria

The requirements for admission vary based on what you wish to study. The following are the requirements for certificate courses, diplomas, and degrees:

Bachelor’s Degree Study

To be eligible for admission to degree study, applicants need to meet the minimum requirements for eligibility:

Applicants holding a South African National Senior Certificate (NSC) need to pass a minimum of 4 subjects at a rating of 4 (Adequate Achievement, 50-59%) or better in any four 20-credit NSC subjects.
Applicants holding a South African Senior Certificate need matriculation endorsement.
Applicants holding non-South African school-leaving certificates must qualify for a matriculation exemption certificate

Undergraduate Certificate Study

To confirm eligibility for admission to undergraduate certificate study, applicants must consult the Admissions Office or the faculty concerned.

Undergraduate Diploma Study

The minimum requirement for admission to undergraduate diploma study is a National Senior Certificate (NSC) as certified by Umalusi with an achievement rating of 3 (Moderate Achievement, 40-49%) or better in 4 recognized NSC 20-credit subjects.