Securing a scholarship or bursary at the University of Cape Town (UCT) in 2026 can make higher education much more accessible for South African students. UCT offers a variety of scholarships and bursaries for both new and returning students, designed to reward academic excellence while promoting equitable access to education. Understanding how these awards work and who qualifies can significantly improve your chances of receiving funding.
Overview of Scholarships and Bursaries at UCT
UCT provides merit-based and redress-aware scholarships for both new and returning students. These opportunities aim to:
- Reward academic excellence
- Promote transformation and access to higher education
- Support students with strong academic potential
Scholarships at UCT fall into two main categories:
- Entrance Scholarships – for first-time undergraduate students
- Faculty Scholarships – for returning undergraduate students
Each type has its own eligibility criteria and selection process.
How Entrance Scholarships at UCT Work
What Are Entrance Scholarships?
Entrance Scholarships are awarded to new undergraduate students entering UCT for the first time. These scholarships are primarily based on National Senior Certificate (NSC) results. Eligible applicants are automatically considered, so no separate application is required.
Entrance Scholarship Selection Criteria
UCT selects Entrance Scholarship recipients from two main pools:
- Open Pool: Evaluates applicants purely on academic merit based on NSC results.
- Redress Pool: Considers both academic achievement and a disadvantage factor, which accounts for historical and socio-economic disadvantage.
This dual approach ensures fairness and provides broader access to students from varied backgrounds.
Understanding the Disadvantage Factor
The disadvantage factor helps UCT assess eligibility for redress scholarships by considering:
- School background
- Socio-economic context
- Historical disadvantage
Applicants with higher disadvantage factors can compete successfully, even if their marks are slightly lower than those in the open pool.
Minimum Academic Requirements
While UCT does not publish fixed cut-off marks, successful applicants usually have:
- Excellent NSC results
- Strong performance in subjects relevant to their chosen degree
- High admission point scores
Entrance Scholarships are highly competitive and awarded to top-performing students nationwide.
Faculty Scholarships at UCT
What Are Faculty Scholarships?
Faculty Scholarships are aimed at returning students who have completed at least one year at UCT. These awards recognise ongoing academic excellence and are specific to each faculty.
Selection Criteria
Faculty Scholarships are awarded based on:
- Academic performance in the previous year
- Ranking within a specific faculty or programme
- Consideration in both open and redress pools, similar to Entrance Scholarships
Consistently high academic results are essential for eligibility.
Application Requirements
Most returning students are automatically considered based on their academic performance. While a separate application is usually not required, students should keep an eye on faculty communications for updates.
Scholarships vs. Bursaries
Students may qualify for both types of financial support:
- Scholarships: Merit-based, awarded for academic performance
- Bursaries: Means-tested, awarded based on financial need
UCT manages bursaries through its Student Financial Aid Office (SFAO) to ensure students receive the correct funding.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
To maximise your chances of receiving a UCT scholarship or bursary in 2026:
- Achieve high NSC marks
- Excel in subjects related to your intended degree
- Submit your UCT application on time
- Provide accurate personal and academic information
- Submit financial aid documents promptly if eligible
Important Things to Know
- Entrance Scholarships are awarded automatically
- Scholarship values vary and may cover full or partial tuition
- Some scholarships are renewable based on continued academic performance
- Funding decisions are competitive and final
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need to apply separately for UCT Entrance Scholarships?
No. Eligible applicants are automatically considered based on NSC results.
Are scholarships only for top achievers?
Yes. Scholarships are merit-based and awarded to high-performing students.
What is the difference between open and redress pools?
The open pool considers academic performance only, while the redress pool also accounts for disadvantage factors.
Can returning students qualify?
Yes. Returning students may receive Faculty Scholarships based on their academic achievement.
Do scholarships cover full tuition?
Some scholarships cover full tuition, while others provide partial support.
Final Thoughts
Qualifying for a UCT scholarship or bursary in 2026 requires strong academic performance, careful planning, and an understanding of the selection process. Entrance Scholarships reward top NSC achievers, while Faculty Scholarships recognise continued excellence among returning students.
For prospective UCT students, maintaining high academic standards and submitting all required documentation on time is key. Always follow official UCT communications for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
