UCT Online Application 2026 Undergraduate

UCT Online Application 2026 is your step-by-step guide to applying for first-year study at the University of Cape Town. This page explains the process in clear language, from minimum requirements and fees to score calculations and application statuses. It is written for learners, parents, and advisers who want a simple path from start to finish.

This page is organised so you can scan and act quickly. First you will see what is required to be considered, then how UCT ranks applicants, the application fee, the documents to prepare, the exact online steps, what happens after you submit, how APS, FPS and WPS work, and a short FAQ. Everything here is focused on UCT Online Application 2026 and undergraduate entry.

Last updated: 29 August 2025

UCT gets more than 90 000 applications for just over 4 000 first-year spaces.

Medicine, Commerce, and Law are among the hardest degrees to get into at UCT.

Only top-performing matriculants with strong NBT results are considered for high-demand programmes.

@_tendayii A beautiful war indeed!💙 #uct #capetown #firstquarter #unilife #universityofcapetown #4u #fypシ゚ #tendayiim #blowthisupforme #beautifulwar #engineering #civilengineering ♬ original sound – _tendayii | Content Creator

Important Dates:

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What this page covers

• Who should use UCT Online Application 2026 and what to prepare
• How selection works, including FPS, the disadvantage factor and WPS
• Application fee and how to pay
• A documents checklist to avoid delays
• The online submission steps and how to track your status
• Status meanings after you submit
• APS, FPS and WPS explained for NSC applicants
• Early conditional offers and what confirms them
• Short FAQs with direct answers

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Who should apply

• Current Grade 12 learners and recent school leavers who meet the faculty minimum subject and performance levels for their chosen programme.
• Applicants with international school-leaving systems who can provide the required certified results and any requested predicted scores.

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How selection works at UCT

UCT builds each class using merit, redress and diversity. Three parts are used together:

1. Faculty Points Score (FPS). Each faculty calculates FPS to rank academic performance. A small number of top applicants receive offers on FPS alone.
2. Disadvantage factor. For South African citizens and permanent residents, UCT calculates a percentage based on school and family background. The range is 0 to 10 percent for most programmes, and up to 20 percent in Health Sciences.
3. Weighted Points Score (WPS). WPS is calculated as WPS = FPS + (disadvantage% × FPS). This applies redress fairly and consistently.

Selection is then finalised in three bands:
Band A uses FPS only. Band B uses WPS with allowance for disadvantage. Band C completes the class in FPS rank order from redress categories to meet programme diversity targets.

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Application fee

• South African and SADC applicants: R100
• Other international applicants: R300
  The fee is non-refundable. Paying the fee does not guarantee a place. Currently registered UCT students, UCT graduates and Semester Study Abroad applicants do not pay an application fee.

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Documents checklist

Prepare clear, legible copies before you start UCT Online Application 2026:

• South African ID or passport
• Latest school results or predicted scores, as applicable
• Any programme-specific documents requested by the faculty
• Proof of payment for the application fee

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How to submit the UCT Online Application 2026

1. Create your applicant profile and start an undergraduate application.
2. Choose up to two programme options that match your subjects and marks.
3. Upload the required documents exactly as requested.
4. Pay the application fee and keep proof of payment.
5. Submit your application and note your applicant number and password.
6. Use Student Self-Service to track your status and to upload any updates.

Apply Here

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What happens after you submit

Your application will move through clear statuses:

• Application submitted
• Decision deferred when more information is needed
• Conditional offer once conditions are specified
• Firm offer with no conditions attached
• Deny if the application is not successful
• Waitlisted if you meet criteria but space is limited

All updates are sent to your registered email and shown in Student Self-Service.

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Early conditional offers

Conditional offers can be issued during the cycle. They are confirmed once final required results are available and all programme conditions are met.

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Score calculations for NSC applicants

UCT uses three scores for NSC applicants:

• APS out of 600. Add English and the best five other subjects’ percentages. Exclude Life Orientation and AP subjects. Results below 40 percent do not score.
• FPS. Faculty Points Score used to rank applicants.
• WPS. WPS = FPS + (disadvantage% × FPS). A zero disadvantage factor means WPS equals FPS.

Programme-specific subject requirements still apply. Always check the subjects needed for your chosen programme.

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FAQs

When should I start UCT Online Application 2026?

Start as soon as applications open. Early preparation helps you upload complete documents and avoid a deferred decision.

How many programme choices can I include?

Two programme choices are allowed on one application. Choose sensible alternatives that fit your subjects and likely results.

What if I make a mistake on my application?

Correct it in Student Self-Service and upload the updated document. Keep your contact details current.

How is the disadvantage factor used?

It is a percentage that reflects school and family background. The percentage is added to your FPS to produce your WPS, which supports fair redress.

Can I get an early offer?

Yes. A conditional offer may be made during the year. It becomes firm once final required results confirm the admission criteria.

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Conclusion: Use UCT Online Application 2026 to apply with confidence. Prepare your documents, select two suitable programme choices, submit early, and track your status in Student Self-Service.