2025/2026 University of Cape Town Online Application Form
UNDERGRADUATE APPLICANTS
The 2025/2026 admission cycle will open at 4pm on 3 April 2025/2026 and close on 30 September 2025/2026. We do not consider late applications.
The UCT Open Day will be held on Upper Campus on 22 April 2025/2026 from 10am-3pm.
If you normally reside in, or have completed schooling in South Africa, or are applying for admission to a programme in the Faculty of Health Sciences, you must write the National Benchmark Tests (NBTs). You must register for the NBTs before you apply online. NBT results obtained in 2015, 2016 or 2025/2026, are valid for 2025/2026 admission. For admission to UCT, you must have written the NBTs by 14 October 2025/2026.
The last date for undergraduate programme changes is 31 October 2025/2026. These requests must be submitted to
admissions-ug@uct.ac.za
POSTGRADUATE APPLICANTS
Postgraduate programmes containing coursework mostly close on 31 October, with the exception of a few programmes. Please refer to the Directions for Postgraduate Applicants 2025/2026 Admission for the relevant closing dates.
Applications for research-only postgraduate programmes do not close. Please select the year in which you wish to start your programme when applying.
SEMESTER STUDY ABROAD (SSA) APPLICANTS
The SSA programme is offered to international students currently registered at their home university and who wish to undertake a semester at UCT. Upon completion of the semester abroad, the credits can be transferred to their programme at their home university. SSA credits do not count toward a UCT qualification.
Closing dates for 2025/2026 and 2025/2026 admission
2025/2026 first semester applications are closed.
2025/2026 second semester applications are currently open and close 31 May 2025/2026.
2025/2026 first semester applications open 1 August and close 15 November 2025/2026.
2025/2026 second semester applications open 8 January and close 30 April 2025/2026.
For further information, visit the Semester Study Abroad webpage.
Did You Know : Top 15 Free Online Learning Platforms
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Free Online Education Degrees : Coursera:
Coursera partners with universities and organizations worldwide to offer a wide range of courses. While many courses are free, a fee is often required for certification.
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Free Online Education Degrees: edX:
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Free Online Education Degrees : Khan Academy:
Khan Academy provides free educational content in various subjects, especially mathematics and science, using instructional videos and practice exercises.
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Free Online Education Degrees : Udacity:
Udacity focuses on tech-related courses and nanodegree programs, offering free content as well as more in-depth paid programs.
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Free Online Education Degrees : MIT OpenCourseWare (OCW):
MIT OCW provides a vast array of MIT's course content for free, covering a wide range of disciplines.
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Free Online Education Degrees : Harvard Extension School:
Harvard Extension School offers a selection of free online courses. While some courses are free, others may require payment for a certificate.
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Free Online Education Degrees: Stanford Online:
Stanford Online offers a variety of free courses in different disciplines, including computer science, engineering, and business.
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Best Free Online Courses : Carnegie Mellon Open Learning Initiative (OLI):
OLI offers free online courses and resources designed to improve learning outcomes through research-based methodologies.
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Did you know : International Scholarships 2024
There are several international scholarships available for South Africans to study abroad. Here are a few examples:
- Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program: This program provides fully funded scholarships to study at selected universities in Africa, Europe, and North America. It is open to African students, including South Africans, who are committed to giving back to their communities.
- Commonwealth Scholarships: The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission offers scholarships for postgraduate study in the UK for citizens of Commonwealth countries, including South Africa. The scholarships cover tuition fees, travel costs, and a living allowance.
- Fulbright Foreign Student Program: The Fulbright program offers scholarships for South Africans to study at U.S. universities for a Master’s or PhD degree. The scholarship covers tuition, travel, living expenses, and health insurance.
- Erasmus+ Programme: The Erasmus+ programme offers scholarships for South Africans to study in Europe for a Master’s or PhD degree. The scholarship covers tuition fees, travel, and living expenses.
- Australia Awards Scholarships: The Australian government offers scholarships for South Africans to study at Australian universities. The scholarship covers tuition fees, travel costs, and a living allowance.
These are just a few examples of the many international scholarships available to South Africans. It is important to research the eligibility requirements and application deadlines for each scholarship program.