Disability Service and exam concessions
Register with the Disability Service online as soon as possible after registering at UCT. The registration deadline is the first Friday of the semester. Office: Level 6, Steve Biko Building, Upper Campus. Contact: disabilityservice@uct.ac.za.
- Extra time is processed by the Deferred Exams Committee. UCT grants it for Specific Learning Disorder (dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, dyspraxia). ADHD, autism or mental health conditions may be considered with a psychometric report showing an effect on working memory, processing speed, reading or writing.
- Report rules: the psychometric report must be from a psychologist, be no more than 3 years old, and include intellectual plus reading and writing assessments.
- Closing dates (2026 examples): extra-time applications went to the Disability Service by 27 March (semester 1) and 28 August (semester 2), and secluded-venue applications closed 24 April and 18 September. 2027 dates were not published, so check.
- Other support depending on funds and diagnosis: notetakers, readers, scribes, prompters, read-and-write software, enlarged print, braille and computer use. Extra time for a physical disability goes through the Student Wellness Service.
- Mental health: for a condition present for more than a year that causes significant impairment, you can apply for a Verified Accommodations Letter (secluded venue, flexible deadlines, adjustments to lectures and tutorials) using a form completed by your psychologist or psychiatrist (psychologist.disabilityservice@uct.ac.za).
Source: UCT Disability Service · Extra time applications and mental health · Official