UCT online application in 2026: Process, fee, requirements, courses

UCT online application in 2026: Process, fee, requirements, courses

The University of Cape Town (UCT) is a public research university in Cape Town, South Africa. It is the oldest university in the country. If you intend to enrol in the institution, it is crucial to acquaint yourself with the UCT online application in 2026, the available courses, and the annual fees.

The University of Cape Town logo and members of the academic staff in academic dresses during a university function
The University of Cape Town logo (L) and members of the academic staff in academic dresses during a university function (R). Photo: @University of Cape Town (modified by author)
Source: UGC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Key takeaways

  • The University of Cape Town has been ranked among the top universities in Africa and globally for years.
  • UCT offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
  • If you wish to submit an online application, know that all 2026 undergraduate applicants will start their studies in 2027.

UCT online application in 2026

The University of Cape Town (UCT) has made the application process transparent for anyone wishing to pursue their studies. The university accepts online applications.

UCT application 2026 opening date

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Applications for the 2026 intake at UCT have already closed. The application portal will be opened on 2 April 2026 for the UCT online application for the 2027 academic year. The UCT application closing date for 2026 was 31 July 2025 for the 2026 intake.

Requirements for UCT online application

Before you start the UCT online application for undergraduate studies, you must have the following:

  • A functional email address that does not belong to a student at the university.
  • South African students will be required to produce their national identification number.
  • Non-South African students will be required to provide their passport numbers.
  • Grade 11 or 12 results for matric applicants.

UCT online application for undergraduate studies

Follow the steps below to make your UCT online application for the 2027 undergraduate program.

  • Visit the UCT application portal.
  • Select Online Application under the Online Application tab in the left corner of your screen.
  • Click Create Account if you are a new user.
  • Fill out the form with your details and create a unique password.
The UCT account creation page
The UCT account creation page. Photo: publicaccess.uct.ac.za
Source: Original
  • Once done, click Create to receive a verification email. Verify and proceed.
  • Return to the main page and use your UCT online application 2026 login details to access your account.
  • Follow the prompts to make your application for undergraduate studies.
  • Once done, submit your form.

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UCT courses

UCT offers various undergraduate and postgraduate courses under various faculties, as explored below.

Faculty of Commerce

The courses offered under this faculty include:

  • Accounting
  • Finance and Tax
  • Economics
  • Education Development Unit
  • Information Systems
  • Management Studies
  • Actuarial Science
  • Marketing
  • Organisational Psychology (including Programme Evaluation)
  • Professional Communication Unit
  • Postgraduate Diplomas in Management (Applied Management)
  • Statistical Sciences
  • Commercial Law
  • Commerce I.T.

Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment

The programmes offered under this faculty include:

  • Chemical Engineering
  • Civil Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Architecture, Planning & Geomatics
  • Construction Economics & Management
Professor Mosa Moshabela and a graduate
L: Professor Mosa Moshabela on the day he was inaugurated as UCT's vice chancellor. R: UCT graduate. Photo: @University of Cape Town (modified by author)
Source: Instagram

Faculty of Health Science

The Faculty of Health Science offers various courses. They include the following:

  • Anaesthesia and Perioperative Medicine
  • Family, Community and Emergency Care
  • Health Sciences Education
  • Paediatrics and Child Health
  • Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
  • Human Biology
  • Integrative Biomedical Sciences
  • Medicine
  • Obstetrics and Gynaecology
  • Pathology
  • Psychiatry and Mental Health
  • Public Health
  • Radiation Medicine
  • Surgery

Faculty of Humanities

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The Faculty of Humanities houses many departments focusing on academic fields of the social sciences, arts, and the performing and creative arts. The courses offered include:

  • African Studies and Linguistics
  • African Feminist Studies
  • Anthropology
  • Education
  • English Literary Studies
  • Film and Media Studies
  • Fine Art
  • Historical Studies
  • Knowledge & Information Stewardship
  • Languages and Literatures
  • Music
  • Philosophy
  • Political Studies
  • Psychology
  • Social Work and Social Development
  • Sociology
  • Theatre, Dance and Performance Studies
  • The Study of Religions
University of Cape Town students in front of a wall with the institution's logo and happy students standing with Prof Mosa Moshabela
University of Cape Town students in front of a wall with the institution's logo (R) and happy students standing with Prof Mosa Moshabela (R). Photo: @University of Cape Town (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Faculty of Law

The Faculty of Law offers numerous undergraduate courses for the LLB programmes and electives. It also offers a range of postgraduate courses at the postgraduate diploma and LLM levels.

Faculty of Science

The Faculty of Science offers the following programmes:

  • Archaeology
  • Astronomy
  • Biological Sciences
  • Chemistry
  • Environmental & Geographical Science
  • Geological Sciences
  • Mathematics & Applied Mathematics
  • Molecular & Cell Biology
  • Oceanography
  • Physics
  • Computer Science and Information Systems
  • Statistical Sciences

University of Cape Town admission requirements

Admission requirements for the University of Cape Town vary depending on whether you are a South African applicant or an international student. The general requirements for undergraduate students are:

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  • South African National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a pass in at least 4 subjects at 50% or better (for Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Matriculation exemption certificate (for international students)

Is UCT free to apply?

The online application process at UCT is not free. Below is a breakdown of the UCT online application fee.

Category

Fee

Undergraduate and postgraduate applications from South Africa and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region

R100

Undergraduate and postgraduate applications from outside the SADC region

R300

Graduate School of Business (GSB) applications from South Africa and African citizens/residents

R1,000

GSB applications from outside of Africa

$100

Note: The application fee is non-refundable. Submission of the fee does not guarantee the success of your application.

UCT acceptance deposit

The acceptance deposit fee is paid by those accepted to pursue a programme offered by the Graduate School of Business. These fees are non-refundable and will be credited to your student fee account.

Category

Fee

Master of Business Administration: South African/African applicants

R25,000

Master of Business Administration: International applicants

R25,000

Executive Master of Business Administration: South African/African applicants

R25,000

Executive Master of Business Administration: International applicants

R25,000

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UCT tuition fees

The university charges fees depending on the course and programme that one is undertaking. The details concerning the University of Cape Town fees have been made available in the fees handbook.

It is important to note that the figures stated in the handbook are the exact amount that one is expected to pay.

The tuition fee encompasses registration, class charges, tutorial and laboratory expenses, standard university examinations, library privileges, mandatory personal accident insurance, access to general sports facilities, and, for medical students, clinical instruction the hospital fees.

NB: Tuition fees do not cover membership in clubs or societies.

UCT contact details

For any inquiries regarding admissions, you can contact the university through any of these contact details:

  • Phone number: +27 (0)21 650 2128
  • Email: admissions@uct.ac.za
  • Postal address: University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa

When is the UCT postgraduate application in 2026?

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The UCT postgraduate online application for the 2026 academic year is now closed. Most programmes closed during 2025, with deadlines varying by faculty. Applications for the 2027 academic year are expected to open in April 2026, as UCT typically opens applications on 1 April each year and generally closes on 31 July of that same year.

Can you register online for a UCT programme?

Online registration for UCT programmes is done through your PeopleSoft student account. Log in to your account and follow the prompts to complete the registration process.

When can you apply to UCT in 2026?

Applications for the 2026 intake are closed. You can apply for the 2027 intake between 2 April 2028 and 31 July 2026.

Is there a UCT online late application for 2026?

No, UCT does not accept late applications for the 2026 intake. The online application portal closed on 31 July 2025, and no submissions are allowed after the deadline. Applicants who missed it can apply when applications for the 2027 academic year open in April 2026.

How many programmes can you apply for at UCT?

You have the option to apply for a maximum of two programmes. Two choices are recommended to enhance your likelihood of admission to the university. Selections can be from either the same faculty or different faculties.

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The UCT online application in 2026 followed the standard April to July application cycle for the 2026 academic year. Both local and international students were eligible to apply if they met the minimum entry requirements set by their chosen faculty. Applicants who missed the deadline can prepare early for the next application cycle.

Briefly.co.za recently published all the details about the UKZN online application procedure. The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is among the premier institutions of higher learning in South Africa.

The university is known for offering quality education for all. The UKZN online application process for prospective students is fairly simple. Like other institutions, UKZN has digitised most of its processes.

Source: Briefly News

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Priscillah Mueni (Lifestyle writer) Priscillah Mueni is a lifestyle and entertainment content creator with more than 4 years of experience. She graduated from Meru University of Science and Technology with a Bachelor of Technology in Civil Engineering in 2019. In 2023, Priscillah finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. She has been writing articles on Briefly.co.za since 2019. Email: pshmueni@gmail.com

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Cyprine Apindi (Lifestyle writer) Cyprine Apindi is a content creator and educator with over six years of experience. She holds a Diploma in Mass Communication and a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Kenyatta University. Cyprine joined Briefly.co.za in mid-2021, covering multiple topics, including finance, entertainment, sports, and lifestyle. In 2023, she finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. She received the Writer of the Year awards in 2023 and 2024. In 2024, she completed the Google News Initiative course. Email: cyprineapindi@gmail.com