The DSA KSAs are vehicles through which the DSA intends to realise its vision and to humanise the DSA Strategic Framework 2035, the DSA Culture and hopefully the UCT institutional culture.
The DSA leadership includes Mr. Pura Mgolombane (Executive Director), Dr. Memory Muturiki (Director of Student Wellness Services), Mr. Loki Manise (Director of Student Housing), and Ms. Tasneem Salasa (Director of Student Financial Aid).
Students can contact the Student Treasury Unit for assistance with purchasing, mobile payments, and fund receipting. They are located at Level 5, Steve Biko Students’ Union Building, Upper Campus, UCT.
To provide students and DSA staff with transformative spiritual and emotional human encounters, fostering empowerment, personal growth, and academic success.
Motto & 3Rs
Rekindle Dying Embers - Rehabilitate & Radiate the Soul for Mutual Healing & Human Flouring
Mr. Pura Mgolombane is the Executive Director of Student Affairs. His vision is to create a supportive UCT community founded on shared values, prioritising care, inclusivity, and student growth through all services offered by the DSA.
The DSA is organised to provide comprehensive support, with departments dedicated to student leadership, wellness, housing, and financial aid, fostering a well-rounded university experience for students.
The DSA provides comprehensive support to UCT students. We have departments dedicated to student development, wellness, housing and financial aid to foster a well-rounded university experience for students in support of their empowerment, personal growth and academic success. For more information on what we do, see our page DSA at a glance.
Normally NSFAS finalises funding decisions at the same time the NSC results are released. Check the NSFAS website and their social media accounts for updates.
Deposits may be made into the university's bank account.
The university's banking details are:
Standard Bank Rondebosch
Branch code: 025009
Account number: 270689982
Swift address: SBZAZAJJ
Your name and student number must be quoted when using this method of payment.
Credit card payments can be made online, directly to the student fee account.
You can now generate a pro forma invoice via online service. Log into the Student Self-Service system and click on Self Service Proforma to get such an invoice. Please ensure that you have a copy of your applicant ID (known as your Campus ID) to access the self-service pro forma page.
If you are experiencing any problems, please contact the Fees Office at fnd-feeenq@uct.ac.za.
The University uses a course-based fee structure. Tuition fees vary per academic programme. View the Fees web pages to find out more about the full costs of study at UCT.
For a pro forma invoice of the estimate tuition fees and associated costs log into the Student Self-Service system and click on Self Service Proforma. Please ensure that you have a copy of your applicant ID (known as your Campus ID) to access the self-service pro forma page.
The NSFAS funding makes provision for the cost of tuition, a set book allowance, a home allowance for those living at home and an accommodation allowance of R50 000 for students living in residence or private accommodation, and a meal allowance for those in self-catering residence or private accommodation.
Students are encouraged to apply other sponsors for funding to help meet any residence accommodation cost shortfall.
University residence is the first choice of accommodation for NSFAS funded students. Students that wish to stay in private accommodation must ensure that the accommodation is accredited by UCT or NSFAS.
Private accommodation that is not accredited will not be paid for.
It is funding for siblings who are studying undergraduate programmes at UCT and are not eligible for NSFAS or UCT GAP funding. Application forms are available after registration on the UCT Sibling Rebate page.
The following requirements must be met:
- The siblings must be South African citizens or have South African permanent residency
- The sibling of an undergraduate student at UCT must simultaneously be studying towards a full-time undergraduate degree
- The total gross family income must be between R600 000 and R750 000 pa
- The siblings must not be in receipt of financial assistance, sponsorship or the UCT Staff Tuition rate
Successful applicants will receive a bursary equivalent to 20% of their tuition fees for the second sibling only.
As of 1 August 2016, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) opened its student-centered application model. First-time applications for financial aid, as well as funding renewal for those students who are already recipients of NSFAS funding, will be handled centrally via NSFAS. The NSFAS applications cycle is normally opens in October. Please check the NSFAS website for the application cycle opening and closing dates.
UCT will inform all applicants (that apply for a NSFAS funded programme) by email when the NSFAS application cycle opens.
A considerable number of students fund their studies through a combination of scholarships, bursaries (either administered by the University or by organisations outside the University), loans, help from parents, sponsorship by companies, and through part-time and vacation work.
- First an academic offer is made
- Housing offer either by institutional auto offer, or
- Faculty makes a housing offer
- Email confirming that a housing offer has been made
- Followed by an offer letter from SHAAS that specifies your residence allocation
Note: You may also receive an unspecified offer (Transit)
Before we make an offer of housing, we first need to assess several criteria. Housing offers to new undergraduate applicants will be made according to the criteria as set out below:
- Financial Aid: All students who are made an academic offer and are awarded financial aid will be made an offer for housing
- Minors: All students who are minors on 1 February in the year of registration and are made an academic offer will be made an offer for housing
- Excellence: all entering undergrad applicants who score 540 APS will be made an offer of housing.
- Faculty criteria will also be used and are based on strategic priorities in the faculties. These priorities are approved annually by the Admissions Committee.
- Medical needs: To be confirmed (ratified) by Disability Service and Student Wellness
- Director’s Discretion: These are high level special requests to which the director must apply his/her mind when considering a request for housing
View the full housing eligibility criteria.
UCT accommodates 6 800 students in its residence system which is organised into three tiers. The first tier is for first- and second-year undergrads and includes catering. The second tier is for senior undergrads and can either include catering or be self-catering. The third tier is for Post grads and are all self-catering. Some limited family accommodation is also available.
You will be required to pay an annual residence fee as well as a meal plan fee (where applicable) and such amenities and laundry levies as may be defined by the University Council. The full amount due will depend on the residence, house or flat to which you are eventually allocated. You are liable for the applicable fees when you have accepted an accommodation offer.
UCT publishes a booklet, which is updated every year, giving the fee for each academic course and accommodation in different types of student housing. You can obtain a Fees booklet from the Fees Office by calling or emailing to request one Tel: +27 21 650 1074, email: fnd-feeenq@uct.ac.za.
Also see the Fees web pages.
For any general queries about student housing offers, please contact +27 21 650 2977 or res@uct.ac.za.
Yes, you can direct all appeals, based on special circumstances, with a full motivation and supporting documents where appropriate, to the Student Housing Accommodation & Advocacy Services (SHAAS) office. The Independent Appeals Committee of Student Housing and Residence Life considers all appeals.
If you have applied for residence and have not been successful, your name will be on the waiting list; this is, however, not a guarantee of accommodation. We advise you to also visit the Off-Campus Student Accommodation Service. Off-campus accommodation has properties located in the vicinity of the university.
Transit housing is a temporary, dormitory type accommodation in a residence. If you are offered transit accommodation, you will be notified in writing prior to arriving at the university.
SWS offers support for substance use and addiction, including counselling and access to relevant resources on managing and overcoming addiction.
Reach out to SWS for support, and try breathing exercises or journaling.
Join a peer programme and establish a consistent bedtime routine and limit screen time before bed.
Plan meals in advance, choose affordable staples, and avoid processed foods.
Yes, walk-in services are available for students with high-risk symptoms during office hours. However, a confirmed booking is required for other services.
SWS offers mental health support including counselling, access to the UCT Student Careline, and mental health apps like Panda and Vimbo.
Basic consultations and mental health support are typically provided free of charge to UCT students, but additional fees may apply for specific tests or external referrals.
Practice mindfulness, take regular breaks, and seek counselling when needed.
The cluster provides proactive support and capacity-building for the Student Representative Council (SRC), Student Parliament, and faculty councils, reinforcing co-operative governance and promoting collaboration between student leaders and university management.
Student Development consists of two primary subdivisions: Student Orientation, Leadership & Governance, and Student Sport & Recreation, each offering tailored programmes for student enrichment.
Yes, UCT encourages community engagement, offering programmes that allow you to work on social impact projects, volunteer initiatives, and collaborative partnerships that benefit local communities.
UCT offers leadership development through training sessions, workshops, and student-led organisations, focusing on building skills such as project management, public speaking, and team leadership.
Many UCT councils and organisations, like the Health Sciences Council, welcome students across different academic backgrounds to participate, fostering an inclusive community for shared interests and development.
Through UCT Radio, you can acquire hands-on training in studio skills, including presenting, news reading, and production. This platform is open to new members eager to develop these skills.
UCT hosts various student councils and societies, such as the Health Sciences Council and Science Students' Council. These organisations provide platforms for leadership, academic support, and community outreach.
We offer a variety of programmes, including leadership workshops, career preparation training, personal development seminars, and mentorship opportunities, all designed to support your growth both academically and professionally.
You can find the criteria for undergraduate admission on the official UCT website, specifically on the page Eligibility for admission. This page outlines the minimum academic requirements, the NBT score requirements, and any additional criteria needed for specific programmes.
You cannot apply to UCT based on your Grade 11 results, but you can begin preparing for your application during this year. UCT accepts applications based on your final Grade 12 results, and it’s important to have a strong academic foundation before entering Grade 12. You can also start researching programmes and admission requirements to plan ahead.
To improve your chances of being accepted at the University of Cape Town (UCT), ensure that you meet or exceed the minimum admission criteria for your chosen programme. Perform well in your final school exams, and if required, take the National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) seriously as they form part of the selection process. Participation in extracurricular activities and a strong personal statement can also add value to your application.
Yes, the National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) are a requirement for most undergraduate programmes at UCT. Your NBT results, along with your academic performance, will be used to assess your application for admission. Check the specific requirements for your chosen degree to see if the NBTs are required.