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Inaugural lecture by Professor Sheetal Silal

UCT Inaugural Lecture: Professor Sheetal Silal

On Tuesday, 12 May 2026 at 18:00 SAST, Professor Silal will deliver her inaugural lecture titled “Models, Policy and People: Predicting Health Impact in a Complex World”.

Applications for 2027 now open

Applications for admission to study at UCT in 2027 for all programmes are now open. Undergraduate applications close on 31 July and postgraduate applications on 30 September.

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Autumn 2026 Graduation

UCT celebrated autumn graduations from Saturday, 28 March until Thursday, 2 April 2026. Ceremonies were livestreamed.

Watch the recordings

UCT leads Africa in two major international rankings

Geography and Public Health stand out for UCT in the latest world rankings of academic subjects.

Strategy 2030: Shaping UCT’s Future Together

Strategy 2030 builds on our excellence, diversity, and resilience and hopes to shape UCT's future. Feedback from the UCT community is now being consolidated and considered, and further updates will be shared in the coming months.

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UCT achieves its highest ranking in a decade – now in the top 3% globally

Africa’s leading university is ranked in the top 3% globally. Climbing to its highest position in 10 years in the recently released Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings, UCT is now in 150th place worldwide.

View our rankings

Study at UCT

UCT produces graduates whose qualifications are internationally recognised and locally applicable, underpinned by values of engaged citizenship and social justice.

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Research & innovation news

UCT is committed to generating new knowledge in, for and from Africa. Our recent achievements include identifying a new heart-attack gene and a landmark restitution of human remains that allowed redress and social justice through science.

UCT and the Sustainable Development Goals

UCT is committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and contributes meaningfully to all 17 of them. As the leading university in Africa, we have a critical role to play in addressing global challenges through research.

A snapshot of research at UCT

Research at UCT is focused on addressing global challenges and realising both new opportunities within the social and natural world and new knowledge underpinning innovations of the future.

Short courses and lifelong learning

Unleash your potential by completing one – or more - of UCT’s short courses, workshops, seminars, lectures and conferences. These are offered in collaboration with the following UCT units and partners:

The Learning Store
2U/edX
Continuing Education Unit Health
Continuing Professional Development, EBE
Hasso Plattner d-school Afrika*
International Office
Judicial Institute for Africa (JIFA)

MOOCs
Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance
Summer School / Extra-Mural Studies
UCT English Language Centre
UCT Graduate School of Business UCT Law @ Work

Virtual Campus Tour of UCT’s general spaces

Ready for an exclusive journey into the vibrant life of a University of Cape Town student? Join us on a thrilling 360° virtual tour which unlocks the most exciting and iconic spaces across UCT campuses.

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Faculty of Commerce Virtual Campus Tour

Join us on an exhilarating 360° virtual tour of the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Faculty of Commerce where the future leaders of the business world are cultivated. If you’re eager to explore the pathways to business success then visit the Faculty of Commerce website for more information.

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Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment Virtual Campus Tour

Embark on a riveting 360° virtual journey through the epicentre of innovation at the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment (EBE). If you want to explore the realm of ground-breaking ideas than visit the Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment website for more information.

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Faculty of Health Sciences Virtual Campus Tour

Step into the forefront of medical excellence with our immersive 360° virtual tour of the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS)! Ready to explore the epicentre of ground-breaking discoveries? Visit the Faculty of Health Sciences website for more information.

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Faculty of Humanities Virtual Campus Tour

Step into the immersive world of knowledge and creativity with our exclusive 360° virtual tour of the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Faculty of Humanities. Embark on a journey spanning UCT’s Upper, Lower and Hiddingh campuses as we unveil the beating heart of intellectual exploration. Visit the Faculty of Humanities website for more information.

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Faculty of Law Virtual Campus Tour

Dive into the legal world with our virtual tour of UCT’s Faculty of Law, situated at UCT’s Middle campus. Experience the rich legacy of South Africa's oldest law faculty, ranked among the top 150 worldwide and leading in the continent! Visit the Faculty of Law website for more information about studying law at UCT.

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Faculty of Science Virtual Campus Tour

Join us on a virtual adventure through UCT's Faculty of Science, where we uncover the best spots to study, relax and connect. From high-tech labs to cozy study areas, this tour is your sneak peek into the Upper campus spaces that could shape your journey if you decide to dive into the world of science at UCT. Visit the Faculty of Science website for more information.

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Events

Argue Better! Ethical reasoning for healthcare professionals | Online

(Ends 15 December 2026)

More info

Healthcare professionals face competing obligations to their patients, employers, and themselves. Resolving these dilemmas optimally requires the skill to understand and critically engage with others' - and our own - positions.

Argue Better! Ethical Reasoning for Health Professionals

(Ends 15 December 2026)

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This short course aims to equip participants with the skills they need to deal with the complexities of the healthcare environment.

Law Expo 2026

(Ends 13 May 2026)

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Join us at Kramer Quad on 12 and 13 May 2026 to connect UCT’s top legal talent with top employers in the legal sector and learn more about the employers’ bursary, internship and graduate programmes.

UCT Law @ Work - Professional Development Project

Law of international financial institutions

13 May 2026

(Ends 14 May 2026)

More info

This twelve-hour remote short course is a comprehensive examination of the legal frameworks governing international financial institutions (IFIs) such as the African Development Bank, International Monetary Fund or the World Bank.

Events Calendar

Notices

Important information security notification

The University of Cape Town wishes to inform staff, students, alumni and stakeholders of a data security incident that may have involved limited personal information.

ICTS scheduled maintenance - 17 May 2026

ICTS will be conducting scheduled maintenance on Sunday, 17 May 2026. Limited ICT services will be available for the duration of the maintenance slot from 09:00–17:00, unless advised to the contrary. Please note: external connectivity to the UCT network (i.e. connecting to the UCT VPN) will be unavailable from 7:00 on the day.

UCT Shuttle stop in Claremont now on Newry Street

Due to the City of Cape Town’s construction of the new Claremont bus terminal, the UCT Shuttle stop in Claremont will be relocated for the 23-month duration of the project. Normally on Central Road, the stop is now located on Newry Steet.

Read the notice.

Updated: 29 September 2025

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