The University of the Western Cape is a national university, alert to its African and international context as it strives to be a place of quality, a place to grow. It is committed to excellence in teaching, learning and research, to nurturing the cultural diversity of South Africa, and to responding in critical and creative ways to the needs of a society in transition
- #601 Ranking
- 81 Masters
- 675 Academic Staff
- 23,498 Students
- 1,175 Students (int'l)
- 14,569 Students (female)
- Public Institution Type
Master's Programmes
Medicine & Health (24)
- M.A. Biokinetics
- Master Clinical Pharmacy
- M.Sc. Forensic Dentistry
- M.Sc. Maxillofacial Radiology
- M.Sc. Medical Bioscience
- MNurs Nursing
- M.Sc. Nutrition
- M.Sc. Occupational Therapy
- M.Sc. Oral Medicine
- M.Sc. Oral Pathology
- M.Sc. Paediatric Dentistry
- M.Sc. Periodontology
- M.Sc. Pharmaceutical Science
- MPharm Pharmacy
- M.Sc. Pharmacy Administration
- M.Sc. Physiotherapy (Thesis)
- MPH Public Health
- Master Public Health Nutrition
- M.Sc. Restorative Dentistry
Social Sciences (18)
- M.A. Anthropology
- M.A. Arabic
- M.A. Arts
- M.A. Development Studies
- MCom Economics
- M.A. French
- M.A. Geography
- M.A. German
- MAdmin Industrial Psychology
- M.Sc. Pharmacy Administration
- M.A. Philosophy
- MAdmin Political Studies
- M.A. Psychology (Thesis)
- M.A. Sociology
- M.A. Structured
Humanities (16)
- M.A. Arabic
- M.A. Arts
- M.A. Creative Writing
- M.A. English
- M.A. French
- M.A. History
- M.A. Linguistics
- M.A. Philosophy
- M.Phil. Philosophy In Population Studies
- MTh Theology
- M.A. Xhosa
Natural Sciences & Mathematics (13)
- M.Sc. Bioinformatics
- M.Sc. Biotechnology
- M.Sc. Chemical Science
- Master Clinical Pharmacy
- M.Sc. Computational Finance
- M.Sc. Mathematical Science
- M.Sc. Nanoscience
- M.Sc. Pharmacy Administration
- M.Phil. Philosophy In Population Studies
- M.Sc. Physical Science
- M.Sc. Statistical Science
Law (10)
- LL.M. Comparative Labour Law
- LL.M. Corporate Law
- LL.M. Criminal Justice
- LL.M. Disability Law
- LL.M. Environment Law
- LL.M. Human Rights Protection
- LL.M. Mercantile Law
Business & Management (7)
- MCom Accounting
- M.Sc. Computational Finance
- MAdmin Industrial Psychology
- MCom Management
- MAdmin Public Administration
- M.Sc. Statistical Science
- M.A. Structured
Environmental Studies & Earth Sciences (6)
- M.Sc. Applied Geology
- M.A. Development Studies
- LL.M. Environment Law
- M.Sc. Medical Bioscience
Computer Science & IT (3)
- M.Sc. Computer Science
- MCom Information Systems
- M.Sc. Mathematical Science
Applied Sciences & Professions (2)
Education & Training (2)
- M.A. Psychology (Thesis)
Hospitality, Leisure & Sports (2)
Journalism & Media (1)
- MAdmin Public Administration
About
History
In 1959, Parliament adopted legislation establishing the University College of the Western Cape as a constituent college of the University of South Africa for people classified as "Coloured". The first group of 166 students enrolled in 1960. In 1970 the institution gained university status and was able to award its own degrees and diplomas
Research
UWC is a research-rich environment. The academic staff is highly qualified, with 50% holding doctorates. Most departments have graduate programmes, some with the largest intake in the country. There are many institutes and centres with a strong research emphasis.
And there are significant projects and programmes which draw on expertise across departments and faculties. There are also joint endeavours between the University of the Western Cape and the universities of Cape Town and Stellenbosch. 20% of all students at UWC are postgraduates
Career
To facilitate interactive career networking opportunities for students, faculty and prospective employers so as to prepare students for their entry into the world of work and thus increase their motivation to successfully complete their studies
University of the Western Cape Scholarships
Below you will find scholarships for University of the Western Cape. Distinction can be made between scholarships provided by the University and those provided by independent providers.
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
24 May 2024
The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000000 INR
Deadline
Anytime
Education Future International Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
01 Apr 2024
BeArt-Presets Academic Scholarship Program
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3500 USD
Deadline
15 Nov 2024
ACES Scholarships
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2023
ServiceScape Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
14 Oct 2024
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
90000 AUD
Deadline
Not specified
World Universities Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2025
Scholarship for students with disabilities
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2023
Med School Insiders Balance & Wellness Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2023
Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
28 Dec 2023
Ramage Law Group Adopted Child Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
08 Jan 2024
The Crowder Law Firm Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
19 Feb 2024
The Blossom Law Caregiver Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
10000 USD
Deadline
20 Aug 2024
Global Innovation Challenge
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
10000 USD
Deadline
06 Nov 2023
Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
8000 EUR
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarships
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3500 USD
Deadline
15 Nov 2024
The Bill Walsh Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 CAD
Deadline
31 Dec 2023
Pinsky Law New Venture Development Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
2000 USD
Deadline
20 Aug 2024
Dermadry Hyperhidrosis Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
2000 USD
Deadline
31 Jul 2024
The MyUS Community Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
05 Mar 2024
The Devadoss Law Firm Civil Rights Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
28 Dec 2023
Lawyers of Tomorrow Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
03 Oct 2023
NextLevel Student Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
24 May 2024
The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000000 INR
Deadline
Anytime
Education Future International Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
01 Apr 2024
BeArt-Presets Academic Scholarship Program
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3500 USD
Deadline
15 Nov 2024
ACES Scholarships
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2023
ServiceScape Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
14 Oct 2024
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
90000 AUD
Deadline
Not specified
World Universities Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2025
Scholarship for students with disabilities
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2023
Med School Insiders Balance & Wellness Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2023
Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
28 Dec 2023
Ramage Law Group Adopted Child Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
08 Jan 2024
The Crowder Law Firm Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
19 Feb 2024
The Blossom Law Caregiver Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
10000 USD
Deadline
20 Aug 2024
Global Innovation Challenge
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
10000 USD
Deadline
06 Nov 2023
Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
8000 EUR
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarships
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3500 USD
Deadline
15 Nov 2024
The Bill Walsh Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
500 USD
Deadline
01 Jun 2024
Save The Everglades Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
200 USD
Deadline
01 Apr 2024
Wiingy Future STEM Leaders Scholarship
General Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
24 May 2024
The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000000 INR
Deadline
Anytime
Education Future International Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
01 Apr 2024
BeArt-Presets Academic Scholarship Program
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3500 USD
Deadline
15 Nov 2024
ACES Scholarships
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2023
ServiceScape Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
14 Oct 2024
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
90000 AUD
Deadline
Not specified
World Universities Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2025
Scholarship for students with disabilities
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2023
Med School Insiders Balance & Wellness Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2023
Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
28 Dec 2023
Ramage Law Group Adopted Child Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
08 Jan 2024
The Crowder Law Firm Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
19 Feb 2024
The Blossom Law Caregiver Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
10000 USD
Deadline
20 Aug 2024
Global Innovation Challenge
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
10000 USD
Deadline
06 Nov 2023
Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
8000 EUR
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarships
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3500 USD
Deadline
15 Nov 2024
The Bill Walsh Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 CAD
Deadline
31 Dec 2023
Pinsky Law New Venture Development Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
200 USD
Deadline
01 Apr 2024
Wiingy Future STEM Leaders Scholarship
General Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
24 May 2024
The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000000 INR
Deadline
Anytime
Education Future International Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
01 Apr 2024
BeArt-Presets Academic Scholarship Program
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3500 USD
Deadline
15 Nov 2024
ACES Scholarships
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2023
ServiceScape Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
14 Oct 2024
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
90000 AUD
Deadline
Not specified
World Universities Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2025
Scholarship for students with disabilities
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2023
Med School Insiders Balance & Wellness Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2023
Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
28 Dec 2023
Ramage Law Group Adopted Child Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
08 Jan 2024
The Crowder Law Firm Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
19 Feb 2024
The Blossom Law Caregiver Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
10000 USD
Deadline
20 Aug 2024
Global Innovation Challenge
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
10000 USD
Deadline
06 Nov 2023
Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
8000 EUR
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarships
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3500 USD
Deadline
15 Nov 2024
The Bill Walsh Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 CAD
Deadline
31 Dec 2023
Pinsky Law New Venture Development Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
2000 USD
Deadline
20 Aug 2024
Dermadry Hyperhidrosis Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
200 USD
Deadline
01 Apr 2024
Wiingy Future STEM Leaders Scholarship
General Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
24 May 2024
The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000000 INR
Deadline
Anytime
Education Future International Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
01 Apr 2024
BeArt-Presets Academic Scholarship Program
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3500 USD
Deadline
15 Nov 2024
ACES Scholarships
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2023
ServiceScape Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
14 Oct 2024
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
90000 AUD
Deadline
Not specified
World Universities Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2025
Scholarship for students with disabilities
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2023
Med School Insiders Balance & Wellness Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2023
Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
28 Dec 2023
Ramage Law Group Adopted Child Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
08 Jan 2024
The Crowder Law Firm Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
19 Feb 2024
The Blossom Law Caregiver Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
10000 USD
Deadline
20 Aug 2024
Global Innovation Challenge
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
10000 USD
Deadline
06 Nov 2023
Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
8000 EUR
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarships
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3500 USD
Deadline
15 Nov 2024
The Bill Walsh Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 CAD
Deadline
31 Dec 2023
Pinsky Law New Venture Development Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
2000 USD
Deadline
20 Aug 2024
Dermadry Hyperhidrosis Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Global Student Satisfaction Awards 2023
GSSA 2023
The Global Student Satisfaction Awards empower students across the globe to determine the best universities of 2023. Universities with a score above 4.0 (out of 5) in any of the 8 award categories, receive Badges of Excellence. Congratulations!
University Ranking
World University Rankings by Times Higher Education
2024
601
2023
601
2022
601
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
QS World University Rankings by TopUniversities
2024
951 50
2023
1001
2022
1001
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report
2024
-
2023
625 104
2022
729
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
Services
Student services
We are committed to providing culturally sensitive services of the highest quality. As the campus office devoted to international students, we strive to create an environment that allows for successful educational and personal experiences through orientation, advising, programs and outreach
Housing services
Residence operations is responsible for all operational aspects relating to Residence buildings and services, which include but are not limited to maintenance issues, cleaning, security, pest control, transport, etc. The Residences are grouped into Clusters. Each cluster has a Cluster Coordinator who assumes responsibility for all operational aspects within his/her cluster
Library services
To those who wish to thrive in this Information Age; to learn how to find authoritative information efficiently, using technology or otherwise; for study, research, and practical daily or professional use; to augment existing knowledge; or to find a quiet refuge from daily existence, the University of the Western Cape Library is the place for you.
ICT services
Computer labs are available at the following Residences: Cassinga, Basil February, Chris Hani, Colline Williams, E. Dos Santos, Liberty, Ruth First, Hector Peterson, Kwikbake and DISA Residence. There are lab managers who are able assist you with the services available. Computer Labs are accessible after working hours to enable students to type assignments, do research and social networking
Medical services
To those of you who had to visit the Campus Health Centre during the renovations, we offer a big ‘thank you’ for putting up with the noise and dust that inevitably accompanies such a major process. However, we are sure that a repeat visit to the new and improved UWC Campus & Wellness Centre will justify the discomfort you have had to endure during that phase!
Student Life
Sports facilities
UWC Sport builds and profiles the image of the University through the support of both competitive and campus recreation sport as a contributor to the holistic development of the students and staff of the University.
- Aquatic
- Athletic
- Basketball
- Chess
- Cricket
- Dance Sport
- Football
- Hiking
- Hockey
- Karate
- Netball
Student Reviews
PhD, Climbing Mount Everest
George Tsiga rated 4 out of 5 stars
Very long and tiresome journey yet very rewarding emotionally, intellectually and socially.
Learning experiences thus far
Anonymous rated 3 out of 5 stars
I am really pleased to say that so far I have had an amazing experience learning as lecturers would go into detail with contents. However, the universities communication system really lacks communication. They take weeks to respond. <br><i> Review provided by EDUopinions (www.eduopinions.com)</i>
Education Student - UWC
Katelin rated 4 out of 5 stars
The University of the Western Cape is a really nice and welcoming place. All the students are friendly. They are very helpful and caring. I really like way in which learning takes place. The educators always have PowerPoints. They upload in onto the ikamva platform. It's the platform where we as students can find the the works that has been uploaded. I would really...
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