Quick Summary
University of the Western Cape is a public founded in 1960, located in Cape Town, South Africa. Ranked #741-750 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 24500 students including 6% from outside South Africa. Known for strengths in Development Studies, Life Sciences, Arts and Humanities, it maintains an acceptance rate of 25%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
Historically significant institution with a strong commitment to social justice and high-impact research
Subject Strengths
Development StudiesLife SciencesArts and HumanitiesLaw
Founded1960
TypePublic
Total Students24500
Intl Students6%
Faculty Ratio24
CampusSuburban
Campus Size150 hectares
Affiliated HospitalsTygerberg Hospital, Mitchells Plain Hospital, New Somerset Hospital
AccreditationDepartment of Higher Education and Training (DHET), Council on Higher Education (CHE)
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#741-750
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#601-800
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#601-700
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Arts, Community and Health Sciences, Dentistry, Economic and Management Sciences, Education, Law, Natural Sciences
Programs
Available across all seven faculties
PhD Programs
Limited distance learning and hybrid postgraduate modules
Online Programs
Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies (PLAAS), DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Food Security, South African Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry
Research Centers
High
Research Output
Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), Council on Higher Education (CHE)
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate25%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL88
Min GPA2.5
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · September 30
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Focus on maintaining high APS scores (Academic Performance Score). Early applications are critical for health science programs.
05
Cost Ledger
Amounts in South African Rand
UG Tuition
R58,000/yr
per year · ZAR
Living Cost
R100,000/yr
per year · ZAR
PG Tuition
R51,000/yr
per year · ZAR
Total Estimated Annual Cost
R158,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials · ZAR
Scholarships AvailableNSFAS, NRF, UWC Merit Awards, Funza Lushaka
Avg Scholarship$2,500
Financial AidExtensive support via Financial Aid Office and NSFAS
Work-StudyAvailable through the Student Development and Support division
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Arts, Community and Health Sciences, Dentistry, Economic and Management Sciences, Education, Law, Natural Sciences programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Dentistry | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Law | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Biotechnology | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Public Health | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Pharmacy | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$15,000
Average Salary After Graduation
78%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong partnerships with Western Cape Health Department and law firms
Industry Connections
Standard BankNaspersSouth African Medical Research Council
Notable Alumni
Danny Jordaan, Pravin Gordhan, Zoe Wicomb, Malusi Gigaba
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus and off-campus residences available
Sports Facilities
UWC Stadium, swimming pool, cricket oval, gym, squash courts
Student Clubs
Over 50 clubs including UWC Creative Arts, Debate Society, and various sports codes
Library Resources
Main Library, Dentistry Library, Electronic Resource Centre with extensive digital archives
Exchange Programs
Erasmus+ partnerships, ISEP network
Summer Programs
UWC International Relations Office seasonal schools