University of Cape Town (UCT) campus

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University of Cape Town (UCT)

University of Cape Town (UCT) is a public university in Cape Town, South Africa, founded in 1829.

Type
Public university
Location
Cape Town, South Africa
Founded
1829
Teaching language
English

Data from the official website · last checked 18 Oct 2026 · How we collect data · Report an error · Is this your university? Claim it to update

The University of Cape Town (UCT) is a public research university in Cape Town, South Africa. Its origins lie in the South African College, founded in 1829, making it the oldest university in South Africa; it gained full university status in 1918.

The main Upper Campus sits on the slopes of Devil's Peak on the Groote Schuur estate, with additional campuses including the Faculty of Health Sciences beside Groote Schuur Hospital, where the world's first human heart transplant was performed in 1967, and the Hiddingh campus for fine art, drama and dance. UCT's faculties are commerce, engineering and the built environment, health sciences, humanities, law and science, plus the Graduate School of Business.

Teaching is in English. Admission is based on National Senior Certificate or equivalent results and, for some programmes, the National Benchmark Tests. UCT offers financial aid and scholarships, and residences are available for undergraduate and postgraduate students.

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Key Information

Programs
Commerce Engineering Built Environment Medicine Health Sciences Humanities Law Sciences Business
Commerce
Engineering & Technology
Built Environment
Medicine & Health Sciences
Health Sciences
Humanities
Law & Legal Studies
Sciences
Business & Management
Language English
Established 1829
University Type public
Degree Levels Bachelor, Master, PhD, MBA
Research Output Very High

Frequently asked questions

What language are courses taught in at University of Cape Town (UCT)?

Courses at University of Cape Town (UCT) are taught in English.

When was University of Cape Town (UCT) founded?

University of Cape Town (UCT) was founded in 1829.

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