The University of Cape Town started as a high school for boys in 1829. It was called South African College. In the late 19th century, with the help of government and private funds, the college has officially become a university. Over the course of almost two centuries, UCT has become the top university in South Africa. It has also produced some world-renowned and award-winning graduates in different fields. The university has six faculties: Law, Health Sciences, Humanities, Commerce, Science, and Engineering.
UCT is a research university that aims to encourage an inclusive learning environment that supports equality and social responsibility. It has almost 30,000 students—5,000 of whom are international students, which makes up 18% of the population. Here, we will be looking at some of the scholarships available for international students at the University of Cape Town. The university has over 100 clubs and societies available to the diverse student body.
Related Scholarships
How do I apply to the University of Cape Town Scholarships?
International students at UCT can find several funding opportunities from the university and external sources. The university releases a comprehensive list of funding opportunities annually in its Student Handbook 14. Students may check the list to see which scholarship best suits them.
As an international student, you must undergo pre-registration procedures before applying for a program at the University of Cape Town. The university has an International Academic Programs Office (IAPO), which helps students with funding and scholarship applications. They can also help with admission requirements, assist with visa processing, and provide counsel for adjustment to life in Cape Town.
Since most scholarships at Cape Town require students to first register or enroll in an eligible degree at the UCT, interested applicants must plan their applications early. It is common for prospective international students to process their requirements six months to one year in advance.
Incoming undergraduate students may check the application FAQs and guidelines on this page. Meanwhile, international and postgraduate students may check this link.
If you have already decided on and registered for a degree program, you may contact your potential supervisor for research funding. You may also reach out to the head of the department for possible faculty-specific scholarships.
Students applying for a need-based scholarship must justify the funding request through a statement letter or submitting additional requirements to the sponsor. For merit-based scholarships, students must present evidence of academic success and meet the grade requirements set by the university or the private sponsors.
For research-based scholarships, you must create a proposal that matches your course of study. You must also clearly explain your future research or career goals and how they can contribute to South Africa or your home country.
Check the university’s notice board for available scholarships and beat the deadlines indicated for the scholarship you wish to apply for.
University of Cape Town Scholarships for International Students
1. National Research Foundation Scholarship
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: comprehensive
- Degrees Offered: Master, Doctoral
International students pursuing a Master’s or a Doctoral degree at the UCT may apply for an NRF scholarship. It is valid for two years for Master’s Degree applicants and three years for Doctoral Degree students. Scholars may apply for an extension of 6-12 months.
This scholarship at the University of Cape Town covers the tuition fees and provides living, transport, food, and accommodation allowances. Additional funding may also be available for electronic devices and technology assistance allowance.
Interested applicants must check the call for applications when it becomes available to check the eligibility details and comply with the requirements.
2. International and Refugee Scholarships
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: R25,000 – R35,000
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Master, Doctoral
Incoming international students and those who hold refugee status may apply for a scholarship at the UCT. It is valid for one year for an undergraduate degree, two years for a Master’s, and three years for a Doctoral.
The value of this Universitsy of Cape Town scholarship varies depending on the level of the degree. Undergraduate scholars may receive R25,000, while Master’s and Doctoral degree scholars may receive R30,000 and R35,000, respectively.
3. Sports Scholarship
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: R4,000 – R8,000
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Master, Doctoral
The University of Cape Town offers a sports scholarship worth R4,000 to R8,000 to international students who have represented their respective countries in sports.
Interested applicants may contact the Sports and Recreation Department to apply for the scholarship. You may also check the list of sports available at the UCT on the scholarship link.
4. Margaret McNamara Education Grant (MMEG)
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: up to USD7,000
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Master, Doctoral
The MMEG is available for female students currently enrolled at the UCT. The applicant must be at least 25 years old and hails from a country on the MMEG country eligibility list. You may find the list of eligible countries on this page.
The value of the grant varies depending on the funding availability and exchange rates. Based on previous awards, the value offered at the UCT can reach up to USD7,000 per student.
If you are interested in this educational scholarship at the University of Cape Town, be sure to comply with all the requirements listed on this page to have a better chance of receiving the award.
5. Spirit of 68
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: R10,000
- Degrees Offered: Master, Doctoral
Registered Master’s and Ph.D. students specializing in research on innovations to help reduce poverty and social exclusion in South Africa may apply for the Spirit of 68 Scholarship. The UCT awards R10,000 to cover research costs.
More details about the scholarship are available on page 70 of the UCT Student Handbook.
6. Jagger, JW Trust and Centenary Scholarship
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: R25,000 – R35,000
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Master, Doctoral
Incoming UCT students in any field may apply for the Jagger, JW Trust and Centenary Scholarship. Undergraduate scholars may receive R25,000, Master’s Degree scholars R30,000, and Doctoral Degree scholars R35,000.
This scholarship available at the University of Cape Town is valid for one year. However, Master’s Degree students may apply for renewal for one year, while Doctoral Degree students may apply for a two-year extension. The approval of the renewal requests depends on the scholars’ academic performance.
You may find more information about this scholarship on the UCT Student Handbook.
More postgraduate scholarships and funding opportunities at the University of Cape Town are available on the university’s online notice board.
