Studying at UCT brings you to a cosmopolitan city that has topped ‘best travel destination’ lists many times.
The mountains, beaches, heritage, arts and culture of Cape Town help enrich the academic experience. It is also a city that welcomes reflection, as its turbulent apartheid past is still evident today.
Postgraduate study in Cape Town offers an exciting way to enjoy top attractions, discover nature and explore how history shapes a global city.
Cape Town attractions
You’ll never get bored in Cape Town and many must-do experiences fit a student budget.
Your student card also gives you access to various discounts and freebies, from tourist hotspots and restaurants, to personal grooming and shopping.
- Beaches. You can swim, surf, stand up paddle board, kite surf, build a sandcastle or just relax by the sea at one of Cape Town’s 72 beaches.
- Table Mountain. It’s listed as one of the new seven wonders of nature - the only one in Africa, and the view from the top is incredible. You can take the cableway up – students get a discount and South Africans get a free ride on their birthday. If you’re up for a challenge, you could hike one of the many routes to the top.
- Art. First Thursdays is a great way to experience amazing art for free. The Cape Town CBD is abuzz every first Thursday of the month with many galleries open for free. The awe-inspiring Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA) also offers free entry to African citizens every Wednesday.
- Sea Point promenade. The promenade is a vibrant seaside spot to walk, jog, cycle, skateboard, rollerblade or just meet up with friends. The pavilion has an Olympic-sized outdoor swimming pool and a few food and drink stalls. There is also public art, a putt-putt course and a lighthouse.
- Botanical gardens. Cape Town boasts one of the greatest botanic gardens in the world. Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden offers a dazzling array of nature, access to hiking routes and rolling lawns perfect for a picnic. Don’t miss the boomslang canopy walkway through the trees. Show your student card for a discount on entry fees.
- Theatre. The Baxter Theatre is an institution for UCT students, with live comedy, drama, musical and dance performances on our doorstep. The Little Theatre and the Arena Theatre at UCT’s Hiddingh Campus showcase student and professional productions. If it’s a film you want, the Labia Theatre, Cape Town’s oldest independent cinema, shows arthouse, foreign, historical and independent cinema and other alternative films. They also offer student discounts.
- Hike. Hiking is a must in mountainous Cape Town. Lions Head is one of the most popular hikes, while Platteklip and India Venster take you up Table Mountain. Newlands Forest is also close to UCT’s main campus and has many shady routes. Remember to always follow basic mountain safety rules.
- Museums. Cape Town’s Iziko Museums offer free entry to students on Fridays, and discounts on admission on all other days. There are 14 fascinating museums all over the city. You can also learn more about the city’s divisive past with a visit to the District Six Museum.
- Coffee. Cape Town is home to Truth Coffee, which has been voted the best coffee shop in South Africa and has a worldwide reputation. If you explore the streets of Cape Town you will find many coffee shops offering an incredible coffee experience.
- Heritage. A great way to learn about Cape Town’s colourful heritage, history and culture is on a free walking tour. Many of these take off from the city centre. The V&A Waterfront also offers a free audio tour, which starts at the area’s information centre.