3.8 out of 5 (102 ratings / 100 reviews) Cape Town, South Africa
The University of the Western Cape is a national university, alert to its African and international context as it strives to be a place of quality, a place to grow. It is committed to excellence in teaching, learning and research, to nurturing the cultural diversity of South Africa, and to responding in critical and creative ways to the needs of a society in transition
- #1001 Ranking
- 21 Bachelors
- Public Institution Type
Bachelor's programmes
Medicine & Health (7)
- B.Sc. Dental Surgery
- B.Sc. Dietetics
- B.Sc. Oral Health
- B.Pharm Pharmacy
Natural Sciences & Mathematics (4)
- BCom Accounting
- B.Sc. Applied Geology
- B.Sc. Chemical Science
Computer Science & IT (3)
- B.Sc. Applied Geology
- B.Sc. Computer Science
Environmental Studies & Earth Sciences (3)
- B.Sc. Applied Geology
Applied Sciences & Professions (2)
Business & Management (2)
- BCom Accounting
- B.Sc. Commerce
Hospitality, Leisure & Sports (1)
Humanities (1)
- B.Th Theology
Law (1)
- L.L.B. Law
About
History
In 1959, Parliament adopted legislation establishing the University College of the Western Cape as a constituent college of the University of South Africa for people classified as "Coloured". The first group of 166 students enrolled in 1960. In 1970 the institution gained university status and was able to award its own degrees and diplomas
Research
UWC is a research-rich environment. The academic staff is highly qualified, with 50% holding doctorates. Most departments have graduate programmes, some with the largest intake in the country. There are many institutes and centres with a strong research emphasis.
And there are significant projects and programmes which draw on expertise across departments and faculties. There are also joint endeavours between the University of the Western Cape and the universities of Cape Town and Stellenbosch. 20% of all students at UWC are postgraduates
Career
To facilitate interactive career networking opportunities for students, faculty and prospective employers so as to prepare students for their entry into the world of work and thus increase their motivation to successfully complete their studies
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
QS World University Rankings by TopUniversities
2022
1001
2021
-
2020
801
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
2022
-
2021
601
2020
601
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
2022
-
2021
729 -7
2020
722
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
We are committed to providing culturally sensitive services of the highest quality. As the campus office devoted to international students, we strive to create an environment that allows for successful educational and personal experiences through orientation, advising, programs and outreach
Housing services
Residence operations is responsible for all operational aspects relating to Residence buildings and services, which include but are not limited to maintenance issues, cleaning, security, pest control, transport, etc. The Residences are grouped into Clusters. Each cluster has a Cluster Coordinator who assumes responsibility for all operational aspects within his/her cluster
Library services
To those who wish to thrive in this Information Age; to learn how to find authoritative information efficiently, using technology or otherwise; for study, research, and practical daily or professional use; to augment existing knowledge; or to find a quiet refuge from daily existence, the University of the Western Cape Library is the place for you.
ICT services
Computer labs are available at the following Residences: Cassinga, Basil February, Chris Hani, Colline Williams, E. Dos Santos, Liberty, Ruth First, Hector Peterson, Kwikbake and DISA Residence. There are lab managers who are able assist you with the services available. Computer Labs are accessible after working hours to enable students to type assignments, do research and social networking
Medical services
To those of you who had to visit the Campus Health Centre during the renovations, we offer a big ‘thank you’ for putting up with the noise and dust that inevitably accompanies such a major process. However, we are sure that a repeat visit to the new and improved UWC Campus & Wellness Centre will justify the discomfort you have had to endure during that phase!
Student Life
Sports facilities
UWC Sport builds and profiles the image of the University through the support of both competitive and campus recreation sport as a contributor to the holistic development of the students and staff of the University.
- Aquatic
- Athletic
- Basketball
- Chess
- Cricket
- Dance Sport
- Football
- Hiking
- Hockey
- Karate
- Netball
Student Reviews
UWC Institute for Social Development
Anonymous rated 5 out of 5 stars
Good and very informative
Self discovery
Anonymous rated 5 out of 5 stars
The university gave me an opportunity to be tutor for two my modules that I had in my first year and had passed really well. That boosted my confidence in my knowledge of accounting even more. I enjoy studying at the university of Western cape.
Impression of Universities in South Africa
Anonymous rated 2 out of 5 stars
Poor campus community, political strikes and riots, accommodation of the lowest standard however lectures and professors where great
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