Consistently ranked as Africa’s top university, the University of Cape Town (UCT) represents the pinnacle of academic excellence, groundbreaking research, and vibrant campus life on the slopes of Table Mountain. Gaining admission to this prestigious institution is a competitive and rewarding journey.
This comprehensive guide for the 2026 intake details every faculty, their renowned programs, and the specific entry requirements you need to meet to turn your ambition into reality.
Read also: University of Fort Hare Courses and Requirements 2026
List of Courses Offered at University of Cape Town
UCT’s academic structure spans six powerful faculties, each offering world-class programs designed to develop critical thinkers and global leaders. Below is the detailed breakdown of qualifications for the 2026 academic year.
Faculty of Commerce – UCT Courses
UCT’s Commerce faculty is a powerhouse for business, finance, and economics education in Africa, renowned for its rigorous programs and industry connections.
Bachelor of Business Science (BBusSc) – 4-year professional degree
- Actuarial Science
- Actuarial Science specialising in Quantitative Finance
- Statistics and Data Sciences
- Finance, Investment and Banking
- Finance with Accounting
- Computer Science
- Information Systems
- Economics
- Economics with Law
- Marketing
- Organisational Psychology
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) – 3-year degree
- Financial Accounting: General Accounting
- Financial Accounting: Chartered Accountant
- Financial Accounting: Accounting with Law
- Economics and Finance
- Economics and Statistics
- Economics with Law
- Information Systems and Computer Science
- Management Studies
- PPE: Philosophy, Politics & Economics
Extended & Augmented Programmes (Additional foundation year of support):
- Actuarial Science
- Financial Accounting
- Economics with Law
- Information Systems
- Management Studies
Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment – UCT Courses
This faculty drives innovation in infrastructure, technology, and design, with strong links to industry and a focus on sustainable development.
Engineering Degrees
- BSc in Engineering:
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electrical & Computer Engineering
- Mechatronics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechanical & Mechatronic Engineering
Built Environment Degrees
- Bachelor of Architectural Studies
- BSc in Geomatics
- BSc in Construction Studies
- BSc in Property Studies
Faculty of Health Sciences – UCT Courses
Based at the world-renowned Groote Schuur Hospital, this faculty trains the healthcare leaders of tomorrow through cutting-edge clinical and research programs.
- Bachelor of Medicine & Surgery (MBChB)
- BSc in Audiology
- BSc in Occupational Therapy
- BSc in Physiotherapy
- BSc in Speech-Language Pathology
- Higher Certificate in Disability Practice
- Advanced Diploma in Cosmetic Formulation Science
Faculty of Humanities – UCT Courses
The Humanities faculty fosters critical engagement with culture, society, language, and the arts, producing graduates who shape discourse and creativity.
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
- African Languages & Literatures, Afrikaans, Arabic, Business French, Classical Studies, Dance, Drama, English, Film Studies, French, German, History, Italian, Jazz Studies, Linguistics, Media & Writing, Music, Portuguese, Spanish, Visual & Art History, Xhosa Communication
Bachelor of Arts in:
- Film & Media Production
- Fine Art
- Theatre & Performance
- Communication Studies
- Translation & Linguistics
Bachelor of Social Science
- Psychology, Philosophy, Politics & International Relations, Public Policy & Administration, Gender Studies, Sociology, Social Anthropology, Social Development, Industrial Sociology, Economics, PPE: Philosophy, Politics & Economics
Other Programmes
- Bachelor of Social Work
- Bachelor of Music
- Dance Teacher’s Diploma
- Advanced Certificates in Education
- Performer’s Diploma in Opera & Theatre
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB): Available as a standalone undergraduate degree or postgraduate track.
Faculty of Science – UCT Courses
A leader in discovery and innovation, UCT’s Science faculty tackles global challenges from climate change to biotechnology.
BSc in:
- Applied Biology, Applied Mathematics, Biochemistry, Business Computing, Chemistry, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Ecology & Evolution, Environmental & Geographical Science, Genetics, Human Physiology, Marine Biology, Mathematics, Mathematical Statistics, Microbiology, Ocean & Atmosphere Science, Physics, Archaeology, Astrophysics, Statistics
Read also: University of Johannesburg Courses and Requirements 2026
Entry Requirements
Securing a place at UCT is highly competitive. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission, as selection is based on academic merit and program capacity. All requirements are based on the South African National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent.
National Benchmark Test (NBT) Requirement
- Compulsory for ALL South African NSC applicants: You must write the NBTs before the application deadline. The tests assess Academic and Quantitative Literacy (AQL) and Mathematics (MAT). Your scores form a crucial part of the selection process.
General Minimum Admission Requirements (NSC)
- Achieve an NSC pass with a Bachelor’s degree endorsement.
- Meet the Faculty Points Score (FPS) and Admission Points Score (APS). Your APS is calculated from your six best subjects, excluding Life Orientation.
- Mathematics Requirement: For Commerce, Engineering, and Science programs, Mathematics (not Mathematical Literacy) is mandatory, often at a high performance level (e.g., 70-80%).
- Language Requirement: A minimum rating of 4 (50-59%) in English Home Language or 5 (60-69%) in English First Additional Language.
Faculty-Specific Undergraduate Requirements (2026 Guide)
- Faculty of Commerce:
- BBusSc & BCom: Very competitive. Minimum APS typically 42-48+. Mathematics is compulsory (Level 5/60% minimum, but higher for Actuarial Science/Finance). NBT scores are critically important.
- Faculty of Engineering & Built Environment:
- BSc Engineering & Geomatics: Minimum APS typically 42-48+. Compulsory NSC: Mathematics (70-80% recommended) and Physical Science (70-80% recommended).
- Built Environment (Architecture, Property, Construction): Minimum APS typically 38-42+. Mathematics is compulsory (Level 5/60%+). Physical Science or Visual Arts may be required/recommended for Architecture.
- Faculty of Health Sciences:
- MBChB & Allied Health Programs (Physio, OT, etc.): Extremely competitive. Minimum APS often 45-50+. Compulsory NSC: Mathematics (Level 5/6+), Physical Science & Life Sciences (Level 5/6+). A rigorous selection process includes NBT scores and sometimes additional tests or interviews.
- Faculty of Humanities:
- BA, BSocSc, Social Work: Minimum APS typically 35-40+. Specific subjects may be recommended but are not always compulsory. The NBT AQL score is particularly important.
- Faculty of Science:
- BSc: Competitive. Minimum APS typically 40-45+. Compulsory NSC: Mathematics (Level 6/70%+ highly recommended). Physical Science is required for Physics, Chemistry, and Engineering streams; Life Sciences for Biological streams.
Due to limited space, UCT uses a weighted points system where points for Mathematics and Physical Science are often doubled. Excelling in these subjects significantly boosts your application.
