English proficiency is a requirement for study at UCT.
South African applicants
As part of your application to study at UCT, you must submit one of the following:
- either a pass in English Home Language or First Additional Language if you hold the National Senior Certificate (NSC), or
- 40% in English on the Higher Grade (first or second language) if you hold the Senior Certificate.
International applicants
All international students for whom English is not a first/home language or have not passed English at NSC Grade 12, AS-level, IGCSE, NSSC level or equivalent secondary school-leaving qualification from an English medium-of-instruction institution must provide proof of English language proficiency.
As part of your application to study at UCT, you must submit one of the following:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): A valid (no more than 2 years old) TOEFL iBT Score Report with an overall score of 88 or above, with at least 19 in Listening, 19 in Writing, 20 in Reading and 22 in Speaking.
- IELTS: A valid (no more than 2 years old) IELTS Academic Test Report Form with an overall score of band 6.5 or above, with at least 6.0 in each component.
- Pearson PTE Academic test: A valid (no more than 2 years old) PTE Academic Score Report with an overall score of 67 or above, with at least 59 in each communicative skills component.
- National Benchmark Test (NBT): A valid (no more than 3 years old) NBT Academic Literacy Plus score report with an overall score in the Intermediate Upper range or above.
English language proficiency can also be demonstrated through successful completion of the UCT International English Pathway programme.
These are the minimum levels of English proficiency required for consideration for admission to UCT. For programme-specific requirements, please consult the relevant Faculty handbook.