The University of Cape Town (UCT) has officially opened its undergraduate application portal for the 2027 academic year. As the highest-ranking university in Africa, UCT receives thousands of applications annually.
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Grade 12 learners must ensure their submissions are accurate and completed well before the mid-year deadline to secure a spot.
UCT Application Dates for 2027 Intake
UCT does not accept late applications for undergraduate programs. You must submit your online form and all required supporting documents by the specified closing dates.
| Event | Closing Date |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Applications Open | April 1, 2026 |
| All Undergraduate Programs Close | July 31, 2026 |
| Student Housing Applications Close | July 31, 2026 |
| UCT Scholarship Applications Close | July 31, 2026 |
| Final Date to Change Program Choice | August 31, 2026 |
Minimum Admission Requirements
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission, but it allows your application to be considered.
1. National Senior Certificate (NSC)
You must obtain a Bachelor’s degree pass on your NSC. This requires a minimum achievement rating of 4 (50–59%) or better in four recognized 20-credit subjects.
2. Language Proficiency
All applicants must prove proficiency in English. For NSC students, this means achieving a rating of 2 (30–40%) or higher in either English Home Language or English First Additional Language.
3. Admission Points Score (APS)
UCT calculates your APS by summing the percentages of your six best subjects.
- English is always included.
- Required subjects for your chosen degree (e.g., Mathematics or Physical Sciences) are included.
- Life Orientation is excluded from the calculation.
- Scores below 40% do not contribute to the APS.
4. National Benchmark Tests (NBTs)
Most faculties require applicants to write the NBTs. You must write the Academic Literacy and Quantitative Literacy (AQL) test. If you apply to a program in the Science, Engineering, or Commerce faculties, you must also write the Mathematics (MAT) test. Schedule your tests at nbt.ac.za.
How to Apply to UCT Online: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Research Your Degree Choices
You may select up to two academic programs. Use the 2027 UCT Undergraduate Prospectus to check the specific faculty points required for your choices.
Step 2: Prepare Supporting Documents
Have digital copies (PDF format) of the following ready:
- A certified copy of your ID or passport.
- Your Grade 11 final results.
- Your Grade 12 mid-year results (if already available).
- Proof of payment for the application fee.
Step 3: Complete the Application Portal
Access the UCT Online Application Portal. Follow the prompts to create an account. You will receive an application number via email; keep this safe as it is required for all future correspondence.
Step 4: Pay the Application Fee
The application fee for South African citizens and permanent residents is R100. For international applicants from outside the SADC region, the fee is R300. Use your application number as the payment reference.
Step 5: Submit Housing and Funding Requests
The UCT application serves as your application for on-campus residence. Ensure you tick the housing box before the July 31 deadline. For financial aid, you must apply separately through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) at nsfas.org.za.
UCT Contact Details
For assistance with your application or technical support on the portal, contact the Admissions Office.
- Physical Address: Admissions Office, University of Cape Town, Middle Campus, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa.
- Phone Number: +27 (0)21 650 2128
- Email: admissions@uct.ac.za
- WhatsApp Support: 087 240 6965
- Application Portal: applyonline.uct.ac.za
Tracking your status regularly through the self-service portal is necessary to ensure no additional documents are requested. UCT communicates primarily through email, so check your inbox and spam folders frequently.