Occasional studies
Occasional studies is a programme for students wanting to take courses or do research for non-degree purposes. This could be for general interest, to supplement a degree you already hold, or for credit towards your programme of study at another university.
Occasional students are not awarded a UCT qualification.
Students must typically have completed a degree or be registered for a degree at another university. Students seeking admission to the programme at undergraduate level must be eligible for South African matriculation exemption.
Occasional studies for general interest
Students wanting to supplement a degree you already hold, or to take courses for general interest, can apply for admission to the Occasional Studies programme.
You can apply online. For further details, please read the Directions for Undergraduate Applicants or Directions for Postgraduate Applicants.
Details about each faculty’s offerings can be found in the Faculty fact sheets or on each faculty’s website. Queries should be directed to the hosting Faculty Office.
Occasional studies for general interest
International students wanting to study at UCT for credit transfer towards a degree programme at a non-South African university should visit the International Academic Programmes Office website for more information about fees, requirements and how to apply.
UCT offers the following occasional studies programmes for international credit transfer:
- The Semester Study Abroad programme is for international exchange and study abroad students wanting to spend one or two semesters at UCT whilst completing a degree programme at a non-South African university. The Semester Study Abroad programme is offered across five of UCT’s faculties: Commerce, Engineering & the Built Environment, Humanities, Law and Science. (Write directly to the Graduate School of Business or Faculty of Health Sciences for details about their occasional studies programmes for international credit transfer.)
- International occasional studies for course enrolment is for international study abroad students wanting to take one or two courses only while completing a degree programme at a non-South African university. Applications are through the Semester Study Abroad programme.
- International occasional studies for research is for visiting international or exchange students who are not taking UCT taught courses but wish to pursue research towards studies at their own university by using UCT’s libraries and other facilities.
International Affiliates
Visiting researchers wanting to pursue research by using UCT’s libraries and other facilities can apply as International Affiliates.
Contact the International Academic Programmes Office for details.