Overview

South Africa preserves a rich fossil record of humankind’s early ancestors, and also of the remains of some of the world’s first modern humans – people like us. This material is of international interest and significance and attracts archaeologists from all over the world to come and work here.

Why study Archaeology?

Have you ever wondered…

How and when did our earliest ancestors evolve?

Where did South Africans come from?

What exactly is South African heritage?

How can we reconstruct past diets and environments?

What role did South Africa play in the emergence of modern humans?

What can I do with Archaeology?

Archaeology is very much an interdisciplinary subject, and a degree with archaeology as a major offers many opportunities. Some of our graduates become professional archaeologists based in museums or universities around the world. Some work in cultural resource management. Others pursue careers in education, tourism, heritage conservation, and training, or park management.

Do you like:

Working hands-on?

Spending time outdoors?

Using cutting-edge technologies?

Combining the rigors of science with the creativity of the humanities?

Solving complex puzzles?

If so, the Archaeology programme at the University of Cape Town may be for you!

Programme Structure

Courses include:

The Human Planet: Prehistory To Present

Towards A Decolonised Science In South Africa

Human Evolution

The First People

The Roots Of Recent African Identities

Global Diasporas & The Archaeology Of The Historical Past

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-02-16 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-07-31 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

88

Schedule TOEFL®

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Cape Town, South Africa

Disciplines

Archaeology View 10 other Bachelors in Archaeology in South Africa

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

88

Schedule TOEFL®

Other requirements

General requirements

Entry requirements for applicants with foreign schoolleaving examinations. To be considered for admission, applicants must qualify for a matriculation exemption from the Matriculation Board, and must meet certain minimum faculty entry requirements.

Some of the more common foreign school-leaving examinations submitted by international applicants include O and A-level examinations, HIGCSE and IGCSE examinations, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, and the Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE). Applicants who have written only the O-level or equivalent examination, and who are not writing any other school-leaving examination, are not eligible for admission to UCT. If you are writing a foreign school-leaving qualification, your application to UCT will be assessed individually.

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

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Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University of Cape Town and/or in South Africa, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

83000 ZAR / year

≈ 83000 ZAR / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

32500 ZAR / year

≈ 32500 ZAR / year

Additional Details

International students must add the relevant Administrative Service Fee (ZAR 5300) /International Term fee to the cost of the typical fee.

Living costs

Cape Town

South Africa

9088 - 15529 ZAR / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Archaeology.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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