The University of Cape Town, UCT has announced measures and their preparedness towards the new level three lockdown in South Africa.
This campus announcement aims to inform the University of Cape Town community about recent developments on campus.
There has been a marked increase in COVID-19 infections, hospital admissions and deaths across the country.
President Cyril Ramaphosa this week announced adjusted Lockdown Level Three regulations. The adjusted regulations, published on 11 January, include new curfew hours from 21:00 to 05:00 and closure of all land ports of entry until 15 February 2025/2026.
To comply with the adjusted Lockdown Level Three, the university has in place all the necessary procedures and protocols.
Under Lockdown Level Three, UCT will continue to operate as a low-density campus that relies on physically distanced learning (PDL) in the first semester of 2025/2026, which will start on 15 March 2025/2026.
The university’s preparations for Lockdown Level Three and for the first semester of 2025/2026 are in line with international guidelines to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.
All students and staff members will be required to produce their letters of authority, as well as evidence that they have completed the Higher Health Check app for COVID symptoms, in order to access campuses.
COVID-19 updates
As at 12 January 2025/2026, UCT has 265 reported cases of COVID-19 among non-health sciences staff members, with 189 recoveries. The university is deeply saddened to note that we have lost 14 staff members to the virus. With the holiday season coming to an end, UCT will also shortly provide an update on students impacted by the virus.
The university continues to urge members of the UCT community to remain alert to the reality of increasing infections in the country and support each other during this pandemic.
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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.
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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.