University of Cape Town (UCT) 2027 Applications Now Open | Dates, Requirements, Fees & How to Apply↓
The University of Cape Town (UCT) has officially opened applications for the 2027 academic year, giving prospective students the opportunity to apply to one of Africa’s top-ranked universities.
If you are planning to study at UCT, this guide provides everything you need to know about the UCT 2027 application process, including:
- Application opening and closing dates
- Admission requirements
- Application fees
- Required documents
- Financial aid, bursaries, and student funding
- Step-by-step guide on how to apply online
UCT 2027 Application Dates
UCT has released the official application timeline for the 2027 intake.
- Applications open: 1 April 2026
- UCT Open Day: 25 April 2026
- Undergraduate closing date: 31 July 2026
- Postgraduate closing date: 30 September 2026
- Last date to write NBTs: 3 October 2026
- Final Grade 12 results submission: 31 December 2026
Important:
- UCT does not accept late applications. Applicants must ensure that all applications are submitted before the closing dates.
Faculties at UCT
UCT offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across the following faculties:
- Faculty of Commerce
- Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment
- Faculty of Health Sciences
- Faculty of Humanities
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Science
Each faculty has specific admission requirements and APS/FPS thresholds.
Click here for the University of Cape Town Prospectus
UCT 2027 Admission Requirements
To qualify for admission, applicants must meet the minimum academic requirements.
South African Applicants
- National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a Bachelor’s pass
- At least 50% in four designated subjects
- English (Home or First Additional Language): Level 4 (50–59%)
- Meet the required Admission Point Score (APS) or Faculty Point Score (FPS)
International Applicants
Applicants with international qualifications (A-Levels, IB, Cambridge) must provide:
- Final school results
- A matriculation exemption certificate from Universities South Africa (USAf)
- Proof of English proficiency (if required)
Note: Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission due to limited space and high competition.
Required Documents for UCT Applications
Applicants must upload or submit certified copies of the following:
- South African ID or passport
- Grade 11 results or latest Grade 12 results
- Proof of application fee payment
- Academic transcripts (if transferring from another institution)
Important Guidelines
- Documents must be certified
- Submit clear and readable copies
- Incomplete applications may not be processed
National Benchmark Tests (NBTs)
Some UCT programmes require applicants to write the National Benchmark Tests (NBTs).
- Last writing date: 3 October 2026
Applicants should register early to avoid missing test dates.
Financial Aid, Bursaries and Student Funding
Studying at UCT can be expensive, but there are multiple funding options available.
UCT Financial Aid
- Based on household income (means-tested)
- Supports eligible South African students
Bursaries and Scholarships
- UCT Merit Awards
- Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships
- External bursaries (e.g. NSFAS, Allan Gray, Sasol, Funza Lushaka)
Student Loans in South Africa
- Bank student loans
- Private education finance options
- Sponsorship programmes
Applying for funding early improves your chances of securing financial support.
How to apply:
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Go to: https://applyonline.uct.ac.za
Step 2: Register an Account
Create your profile using a valid email address.
Step 3: Complete the Application Form
Fill in all required personal and academic details.
Step 4: Upload Supporting Documents
Submit all required documents in the correct format.
Step 5: Pay the Application Fee
Ensure payment is made and proof is uploaded.
Step 6: Submit Your Application
Review your application and submit before the deadline.
Final Thoughts
- The University of Cape Town 2027 applications are now open, and competition for space is high. Applying early and submitting a complete application can significantly improve your chances of admission.
Key Takeaways
- Applications open: 1 April 2026
- Undergraduate closing date: 31 July 2026
- No late applications accepted
- Application fee required before processing
- Funding options are available for eligible students
If you are serious about studying at UCT, start your application as soon as possible and ensure all requirements are met.
How to apply:
- Applications open for the 2027 admission cycle. Please apply online.
- UCT Open Day
- Undergraduate applications close. We do not consider late application requests.
- Housing applications close for undergraduates.
- Final date to request an undergraduate programme change. Send your request to admissions@uct.ac.za with the subject line “Programme Change request” and include your campus ID.
- Postgraduate applications close. We do not consider late application requests.
- Proof of English language proficiency is due.
- Supporting documents for all international applicants are 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.
- Last chance to write the NBTs for admission to UCT
- NSC Grade 12 interim results, or predicted scores for non-NSC candidates, are due for applicants finishing school in 2026.
- Interim and past transcripts or academic records must be submitted.
- Deadline for international applicants to attract an offer of admission. This is necessary to allow for sufficient time to obtain a study visa.
- Final transcripts and academic records are due.