UCT GAP Funding Overview

GAP funding is available for applicants who do not meet the NSFAS eligibility criteria but still require financial assistance to cover their study costs.

Who Can Apply?

  • NSFAS applicants who are unsuccessful in the missing middle undergraduate funding programme can contact the Student Financial Aid Office for assistance with a UCT GAP funding application.
  • Students with a gross family income between R350,000 and R600,000 are eligible for GAP funding consideration.

Funding Breakdown

UCT Administered Bursaries towards Course Fees

GAP funded students will receive a non-repayable course fee bursary ranging from 70% to 50% based on gross family income. For example, a first-year BCom student may receive as much as R45,000 as a course fee bursary.

UCT Student Loan Offer

GAP funded students qualify for a UCT loan offer of either R54,500 or R15,200 (2024 loan offer amounts), depending on whether they are local or from out of town. Out-of-town students receive the higher loan offer. These loans are underwritten by UCT and may be adjusted annually to account for inflation and budget availability.

GAP Funding Rules

The following rules apply to ensure equitable and fair allocation of GAP funding resources:

  • If students pay all their fees, GAP funding will be withdrawn pro rata to any credits in their account.
  • If students receive sponsorship or scholarships, their UCT tuition bursary will be reduced, and any loan offer will be reduced or cancelled in proportion to the external funding received.
  • Students will not receive UCT GAP funding if other funding exceeds the determined GAP funding package.
  • All GAP funded students must contribute towards their study costs.
  • Loan conditions apply, and loans are repayable once a student completes or stops their studies.
  • Loan offers are applied towards outstanding fees. Students will only receive funding for private accommodation if they have a credit. No refunds are permitted.

How to Apply for GAP Funding

UCT is part of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) student-centred application model. All students needing financial support must first apply to NSFAS. If your NSFAS application for missing middle funding is unsuccessful, contact the Student Financial Aid Office to assess your eligibility for GAP funding.

NSFAS Online Application

Application Outcome

Once your GAP funding application is received, it will be evaluated, and the outcome will be communicated to you. It is essential to submit a properly completed application with all supporting documents to avoid delays.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for GAP funding, you must meet the following criteria:

  • South African citizenship or permanent residency (proof required).
  • First undergraduate qualification.
  • Financial eligibility within the GAP funding range.
  • Unsuccessful NSFAS application for the missing middle undergraduate programme cap.
  • No administrative order against the applicant.
  • Compliance with the N+1 Rule: Minimum duration of the programme plus one year. All years of study are counted to determine N+1, regardless of the funding sources.

Note: The post-degree law programme (LAWP01), PGDA, and PGCE programmes are no longer funded.

UCT will confirm your eligibility for GAP funding via email.