How to Apply to UCT

Apply online

All postgraduate applicants must apply online. Visit http://applyonline.uct.ac.za/ to begin your application before the deadline date.

The Directions for Postgraduate Applications document can help guide you through this process.

If you’re a first-time visitor to the UCT online admissions website, you will need to create a new account. The only requirement for creating a new account is to have a valid email address that is not shared with another UCT applicant that you monitor regularly.

• 10-step processThere are 10 steps in the online application process:
  1. Personal details – you will need to upload a copy of your South African ID or passport.
  2. Programme of study – at this stage you will need supporting documentation such as a CV, non-UCT transcript, motivation for your choice of study, and proof of English proficiency if required.
  3. Contact details
  4. Secondary school details
  5. Post-school activities
  6. Tertiary education details
  7. Housing application
  8. Funding application
  9. Parent/guardian and fee-payer details
  10. Submit – once the application is submitted, it cannot be changed online. Changes can only be made by contacting the Admissions Office via email: [email protected] or phone: +27 (0)21 650 2128.
  There are several easy-to-follow prompts and guidelines given during the online application process. You can also revisit the website before submitting your final application.
• If you have problems

Application fee

Once you have submitted your application and received your acknowledgment email with your applicant details, you must pay an application fee.

UCT graduates and current UCT students are exempt from paying the application fee. Details of this fee and how to pay can be found in the Directions for Postgraduate Applications document.

Supporting documents

If you completed some or all of your undergraduate degree at another institution, you will need to provide your non-UCT transcript. UCT transcripts are not required.

The deadline for providing documents is outlined in the Directions for Postgraduate Applications document. Academic records must be submitted as certified, paper* copies.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are not able to receive paper submissions. All supporting documents must be submitted as certified electronic documents.

Recognition of prior learning

Some students have work and life experiences that should be considered when applying as a postgraduate student.

Learn more about RPL here.

You may also contact them via email: [email protected] or phone: +27 (0)21 650 3478.

Confirmation of application submission

You will receive an email confirming online submission of your application immediately.

Within three working days, you should receive formal acknowledgment of your application along with your applicant number and PeopleSoft log-in details.

Once you’ve logged in to PeopleSoft here, you can track your application online.

Note this acknowledgement does not mean you’ve been accepted or admitted to UCT.

Notification of outcome

If your application is successful, you will be sent an offer of admission. This may only be received two months or more after submitting your completed application.

You may also be asked to submit further information and/or documentation. Communication about your application will be sent to you by email.

If you haven’t been notified about your application outcome after three months, contact your postgraduate faculty manager.