2026 University of Cape Town Online Application Form

By | October 6, 2023
0 Comment

UNDERGRADUATE APPLICANTS

The 2026 admission cycle is open. Applications close on 31 July 2026. We will not consider late applications.

The National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) have been a requirement for undergraduate admission at the University of Cape Town. Given the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the NBT testing programme, the NBTs will not be part of the admission criteria for admission to UCT in 2026.

As a result, UCT is considering amendments to the current criteria and expects this to be finalised soon. Prospective applicants are advised to submit their study applications without delay and to make sure that they submit their Grade 11 final school results to be considered for an early conditional offer of admission.

Applicants who need financial assistance must submit their applications on the NSFAS online application system. Applications are scheduled to open on 1 August and close on 30 November 2026. Applications must be completed at http://www.nsfas.org.za/content/how-to-apply.html.

POSTGRADUATE APPLICANTS

Most postgraduate programmes containing coursework close on 31 October, with the exception of a few programmes and faculties which start to close from May onward. Please refer to the 2026 Directions for Postgraduate Applicants for the closing dates applicable to you.

Applications for research-only postgraduate programmes do not close. Please select the year in which you wish to start your programme when applying.

SEMESTER STUDY ABROAD (SSA) APPLICANTS

The SSA programme is offered to international students who are pursuing a degree elsewhere and plan to study abroad at UCT for a semester or two for the purposes of international credit mobility. Upon completion of the UCT semester course-load, the credits can be transferred to their degree at their home university. SSA credits do not count toward a UCT qualification.

SSA application cycle:

First semester (which runs from late January to mid-June): applications open in the first week of August and close on 31 October of the preceding year.

Second semester (which runs from early July to late November): applications open in the second week of January and close on 30 April of the same year.

For further information, visit Semester Study Abroad.

Undergraduate application forms for admission in 2026

Postgraduate application information

All postgraduate applicants must apply online.

Important Dates

Please note: the University reserves the right to change these dates. Before acting on any of the dates below confirmation should be sought from the appropriate office.1 April 2026

  • Applications for admission in 2026 will open. Applications will close on 31 July 2026 for all undergraduate programmes. Please remember to apply online.
  • The National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) will open for registrations for the 2026 intake. You must apply online.

4 April 2026

  • Open Day is a good opportunity to access important information about the application process. (It’s also a good time for younger siblings to start thinking about UCT opportunities!)
    Please note: Following international advice on the hosting of large gatherings, we have taken the precautionary measure to cancel the 2026 Open Day, which was due to be held on Saturday, 4 April 2026. We apologise for any inconvenience.
    Read the VC Desk: COVID-19: Update on mass gatherings, graduation and travel.

31 July 2026

  • All undergraduate applications close. We do not accept late applications.
  • Applications for student housing close.
  • Last date to write the NBTs for admission to the Faculty of Health Sciences.

1 August 2026

  • National Student Funding Assistance Scheme (NSFAS) funding applications open. You must apply online.

31 August 2026

  • Closing date for undergraduate programme changes: 31 August 2026.

You do so by sending a request to admissions-ug@uct.ac.za or submitting a written request to the Admissions Office.30 September 2026

  • Final date to submit the Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) portfolio.

10 October 2026

  • Except for Health Sciences programmes, National Benchmark Tests must be written no later than 10 October 2026.

31 October 2026

  • For applicants finishing secondary school in 2026, all grade 12 interim results, or predicted scores in the case of non-NSC candidates, are due.
  • Interim and past transcripts for transferring applicants are due.

30 November 2026

  • Last date to apply for National Student Funding Assistance Scheme (NSFAS) funding. You must apply online.

31 December 2026

  • All final transcripts and non-NSC school-leaving results (except CIE, ZIMSEC and NSSC) must be submitted as certified paper documents.

15 January 2026

  • Final tertiary transcripts are due for students registered for tertiary studies in 2026.
  • Final CAIE, ZIMSEC and NSSC results from the November 2026 session are due.

15 February 2026

  • First quarter starts at UCT.