University of Cape Town: what to know

Last checked 10 October 2026. Dates, forms and phone numbers change; always confirm on the linked official page.

Closing this month

• NSFAS applications for 2027 close at the end of October 2026 (reported as 31 October). Details below.
• UCT undergraduate applications and housing applications for 2027 closed on 31 July 2026, and UCT says no late applications will be considered. See Residences below.

Funding: NSFAS and UCT financial aid

• Apply for NSFAS on the myNSFAS portal. UCT students needing aid apply to NSFAS, not to UCT. Household income up to R350,000 a year qualifies for bursary funding. R350,001–R600,000 may be offered the "missing middle" loan. Funding is limited, so apply early. Source: EWN report, 22 Sept 2026 · News report
• NSFAS contact centre: 0800 067 327, info@nsfas.org.za
• UCT Student Financial Aid Office: 021 650 3545, financialaid@uct.ac.za, Level 3, Kramer Law Building, Middle Campus.
• UCT Gap funding: for NSFAS-eligible students who weren't funded, roughly household income R350,001–R600,000. Questions go to UCTGapApplication@uct.ac.za.

Source: UCT Student Financial Aid · UCT Gap funding · Official

Residences

UCT treats the application for admission and the application for housing as two separate applications. Housing is handled by Student Housing Admissions and Advocacy Services (SHAAS). The 2027 housing deadline was 31 July 2026, with no late applications. For 2028 entry, expect applications to open around April 2027 and apply well before July. If you missed this year's date, ask SHAAS whether anything is possible.

Source: UCT: 2027 directions for undergraduate applicants (PDF) · Official

If you've been excluded

Each UCT faculty has a Readmission Appeals Committee (RAC). Key points from UCT's published material:

• You may submit one appeal, to one faculty's RAC.
• Appeals are judged on whether you can finish within the maximum permitted time without taking more than a standard load in each remaining year, whether extraordinary personal circumstances held back your progress, and whether you have a reasonable chance of succeeding if readmitted. UCT's 2024 forms say an appeal must meet all three.
• If your exclusion depends on supplementary or deferred exams, you can submit a pre-emptive appeal by the faculty's deadline. It's only considered if the exclusion is confirmed.
• If you're refused, you're entitled to written reasons. UCT material from 2017 also refers to a right to seek a review of the decision.

Deadlines differ by faculty and are published each year (the 2026 mid-year deadlines were in early to mid July). Check your faculty's readmission page.

Source: Statement by members of the Science RAC · UCT news: Readmissions and FEC processes · Official (2017 pages; check current forms)

Counselling and crisis support (Student Wellness Service)

• SWS hotline (weekdays 08:30–16:00): 021 650 1020
• Bookings and alternative resources (SWS Practice Manager): 021 650 1017. You can also book through the online counselling booking form.
• SADAG UCT Student Careline, 24/7, toll-free: 0800 24 25 26, or SMS 31393 for a call back
• After-hours crisis line for psychiatric emergencies: 021 650 1271

Source: UCT: Counselling services · Official

Safety and emergencies

• Campus Protection Services (CPS), 24-hour hotline: 021 650 2222. Call this for medical emergencies too; CPS contacts the UCT paramedics.
• Ambulance: 10177

Source: UCT: Emergency contacts · Official