University Of Cape Town Bursaries
University Of Cape Town Bursaries, There are various categories of funding that provide support towards the cost of study for UCT postgraduates.
With the exception of a small number of prestigious full-cost fellowships, UCT is not able to provide full financial support to postgraduates, but aims to provide financial assistance that contributes towards the cost of tuition and accommodation. We recommend you find additional support: this may take the form of a combination of scholarships and bursaries, part-time employment on or off campus, private loans, personal savings and help from families.
Note: To qualify for postgraduate funding, prospective postgraduates must first formally apply for an academic place at UCT. Only students registered for honours, master’s and doctoral degrees are eligible.
You can find out more about funding requirements, applications and opportunities on the UCT student website’s postgraduate degree funding page. Or see what opportunities are currently available on the postgraduate degree funding noticeboard.
Postgraduate funding office
The Postgraduate Funding Office is within easy walking distance of most faculties and departments on Upper Campus. The staff are there to advise you on the diverse funding opportunities available to postgraduates and to help with the submission of applications for funding.
Address: Upper Level, Otto Beit Building, University Avenue North, Upper Campus
Tel: +27 (0)21 650 3622
Email: [email protected]
Merit awards
Merit awards are funded from a variety of sources. The primary awards for honours, master’s and doctoral students are available through the National Research Foundation (NRF) and Medical Research Council (MRC). (See Research scholarships.)
University-sourced merit awards can be applied for only by students who have applied to the NRF. For application procedures see UCT merit and need awards.
International and Refugee students are required to please see the International and refugee scholarships page.
The Postgraduate Funding Office (PGFO) administers several other merit awards that are sourced from various donations and investment funds. These awards are independently advertised via the electronic noticeboard and VULA pages. You are encouraged to familiarise yourself with such opportunities. You may also request a one-on-one session with PGFO staff by emailing [email protected].
December scholarships
UCT awards scholarships each December to graduating students who have performed exceptionally well. Recipients are identified by the university and an application form is not required. Please see the December scholarships.
Departmental scholarships
Scholarships and bursaries funded from a variety of other sources are available. These may be awarded by heads of departments or supervisors to students working on specific projects or programmes. Find out more about these awards from your supervisors, course convenors or heads of academic departments. Please see the Departmental scholarships pages.
For a detailed list of scholarships refer to booklet 14 (see right column).
| Notice | Closing date |
| Department of Mineral Resources Bursary Opportunity for 2019 | 31 October 2018 |
| ISFAP Online Funding Application for 2019 | |
| Career Services: Bursaries/Scholarships Opportunities | |
| Handbook 13 – Bursary and Loan Opportunities for Undergraduate Study |