The University of Cape Town (UCT) is South Africa's oldest university, and is one of Africa's leading teaching and research institutions.
4.1 out of 5 (142 ratings / 115 reviews) Cape Town, South Africa
Bachelor's programmes
Arts, Design & Architecture (2)
Humanities (1)
Social Sciences (1)
About
History
UCT was founded in 1829 as the South African College, a high school for boys.The College had a small tertiary-education facility that grew substantially after 1880, when the discovery of gold and diamonds in the north – and the resulting demand for skills in mining – gave it the financial boost it needed to grow.
Education
One of UCT's strategic goals is contribute to South Africa's development challenges.
The aim is to share knowledge that will benefit society. By fostering civic literacy in students, and providing them with knowledge and skills, UCT aims to build a more just, equitable and unified South African society.
Global Student Satisfaction Awards 2019
GSSA 2019
The Global Student Satisfaction Awards empower students across the globe to determine the best universities of 2019. By rating institutions on a scale from 1 to 5, on multiple studies-related questions, we found the top educators in the world.
Learn more about the Global Student Satisfaction AwardsUniversity Ranking
Academic Ranking of World Universities by Shanghai Jiao Tong University
2020
201
2019
201 100
2018
301
ARWU World University rankings is the first world university ranking. It ranks the world's top 1000 colleges and universities based on objective indicator. They look at the number of award-winning (Fields Medals and Nobel Prize) scientists who are located there, how much of their research is cited and referenced around the world, and how much they've contributed to different academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, ARWU ranks the universities accordingly.
QS World University Rankings by TopUniversities
2021
220 -22
2020
198 2
2019
200
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
World University Rankings by Times Higher Education
2021
-
2020
136 20
2019
156
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report
2021
-
2020
121 -7
2019
114
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
Services
Student services
These societies are organisations whose primary aim is either to enhance the learning and understanding of students at UCT or to bring students in contact with the leaders in their field of studies. Many of these societies hold seminars on various topics and bring industry leaders to UCT while others concentrate on community development programmes.
Housing services
UCT has a three-tier residence system that provides different services, governance and management to support undergraduate and postgraduate students on and off campus.
Generally speaking, a student will initially enter a fist-tier residence (full catering), move to a second-tier residence (senior catering or self-catering) in subsequent years, and then on to third-tier accommodation (semi-autonomous self-catering).
Library services
UCT Libraries offer state-of-the-art technology, vast collections of reading and research material, and the specialized services of friendly, efficient, and helpful staff.
In keeping with its central role in the academic life of the university, the Chancellor Oppenheimer Library lies at the heart of Upper Campus, while its eight branch libraries are set in locations convenient to the faculties.
ICT services
Information and Communication Technology Services (ICTS) is a support organisation that helps staff and students to use information and communication technologies to enhance their work.ICTS offers different services and support for staff and students.
Medical services
The Student Wellness Service offers a comprehensive outpatient medical service by both medical practitioners and nurses, who are dedicated to helping students to remain healthy, and to make the correct life choices while pursuing their academic goals. Students are encouraged to seek assistance and guidance as early as possible.
Student Life
Campus life
The GSB's Breakwater Campus is situated in the heart of Cape Town's most popular tourist attraction, the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. The campus derives its name from the fact that the site once housed convicts who built the breakwater for the Cape Town harbour in 1861.The present building dates from 1901. It was built and used as an industrial prison until 1926 when it became a hostel for migrant workers. By the 1990s, the building had been left empty and derelict, In 1991, it was extensively renovated to accommodate the GSB. At that time two new buildings were added to the complex to house the Breakwater Lodge hotel and restaurant facilities.
Sports facilities
UCT offers more than 40 sporting codes, with a total membership of around 9 000 students and staff. So, this is a great opportunity to carry on with the sport you loved at school or to try your hand at something completely new.
Whether you’re interested in athletics, rugby, netball and soccer or archery, paragliding, skydiving and yachting, there will be something for you.
Student clubs
There are more than 100 student societies and organisations at UCT reflecting a wide range of interests, including academic, religious, cultural, social and political activities.Each society is run by students and any student may be a member. Societies hold a number of events every year including an AGM where the new leadership is elected for the New Year.Each society is partially funded by the University and partially by subscription fees which the societies charge.
Student Reviews
Close but not quite
Anonymous rated 3 out of 5 stars
I felt very grateful to be accepted to UCT as it is one of the best universities in Africa. Overall, the lectures and tutorials were of a satisfactory level but the administration processes were very slow. I think that there was nothing really 'wrong' with the university (to me), I just feel as though it is not the right fit for me.
My time at UCT
Anonymous rated 5 out of 5 stars
My experience at the university was great. I did find it challenging throughout which is to be expected from any university degree. The level of education is up to standard and my degree will have an international presence. I did find that the amount of free time seemed to be less than what other universities had in similar degree programs such as in the UK. However, the...
The experience of previous University
Anonymous rated 3 out of 5 stars
I learned in competitive and conducive environments
Other programmes from this university
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