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GUIDELINES FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS
INTERNATIONAL ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES OFFICE (IAPO) 4
POSTGRADUATE STUDIES AT UCT 5
APPLICATION PROCEDURES 6
FULL DEGREE POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA, HONOURS, MASTERS 6
AND PHD APPLICANTS
Application deadlines
Application orms
Application ee
Degrees and academic transcripts
Statement o research interest
Programme-specifc requirements
Language requirements
Assessment o qualifcations
Oer o study
INTERNATIONAL AFFILIATES 9POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWS 10
ADDITIONAL ACADEMIC INFORMATION 10
Academic calendar
Supervision o study (research programmes)
Leave o absence
Withdrawal rom studies
Deerral o studiesFUNDING YOUR STUDIES 12
Tuition ees
Payment o ees
International postgraduate academic scholarships
Postgraduate Funding Ofce
IMMIGRATION MATTERS 14
Study permitsHealth insurance
Part-time work during studies
CONTENTS
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GUIDELINES FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS
Please read careully through this inormation booklet, as many o the questions
you may have about applying to UCT will be answered here.
I you have any concerns or queries that arent addressed, please contact Carol
Ojwang (Manager: International Full Degree Students)
Tel +27 (0)21 650 2822, Fax +27 (0)21 650 5667 or Email [email protected]
WHAT TO DO UPON ARRIVAL IN CAPE TOWN 16
1. Arrange / confrm accommodation
2. Clearance / pre-registration with IAPO
3. Register with your aculty
4. Attend orientation
5. Obtain a student card
6. Activate your email account
7. Open a bank account
8. Register with your Embassy
SUPPORT STRUCTURES FOR POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS 18
Orientation
Student Housing
UCT Writing Centre
Postgraduate Students Association (PGSA)
Postgraduate Centre
UCT Board or Graduate Studies
Postgraduate Student Councils
All Arica House Postgraduate Student Seminar Series
IAPO Programmes
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 21
STEP-BY-STEP PROCEDURAL GUIDE TO COMING TO UCT AND SOUTH AFRICA 25
CONTACT DETAILS FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 27
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THE INTERNATIONAL ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES OFFICE
The International Academic Programmes Oce (IAPO) is the rst port o call or all international
students and will gladly assist you or help you nd appropriate assistance. We aim to give all
students a multicultural experience and contribute to meeting UCTs goal o ensuring that all
our graduates are able to compete globally.
In addition to looking ater the special needs o international students, IAPO leads the
development o internationalisation at UCT by acting as the central coordinator and acilitator
o all internationally-related initiatives and activities. IAPO is also UCTs organisational structure
mandated to develop and implement its policy on internationalisation.
IAPO has a wide range o responsibilities:
Provides a central contact point or all international students, sta and visitors
Advises all international students on a variety o issues that may aect them during their
stay at UCT and in Cape Town
Assists with renewing study permits
Facilitates pre-registration o all international students at UCT
Administers international term ees
Liaises with the UCT Student Clubs and Societies
Produces inormation booklets and pamphlets specically or international students
Facilitates and manages international, inter-institutional agreements
Provides a resource centre on international universities and education opportunities
Manages the University Science, Humanities, and Engineering Partnerships in Arica
(USHEPiA) Programme and other collaborative programmes in Arica
Runs a dynamic Semester Study Abroad Programme
Promotes interaction between international and local students
IAPOs services to international postgraduate students include:
Advice on international postgraduate student application procedures
Postgraduate student orientation
International student pre-registration
Advice on immigration issues
Developing opportunities or interaction amongst international and local postgraduate
studentsAssistance with placement
General counselling and advice
THE INTERNATIONAL ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES OFFICE
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POSTGRADUATE STUDIES AT UCT
POSTGRADUATE STUDIES AT UCT
The University o Cape Town is South Aricas oldest university, and has established a tradition
o academic excellence which is recognised worldwide. As one o Aricas leading research
universities, UCT is committed to building on its international reputation by oering exciting
opportunities or postgraduate research and learning with a wide range o postgraduate
degrees in all disciplines. Particular emphasis is placed on postgraduate students and 30% o
our 21 000 students are enrolled in postgraduate programmes (18% Masters and Doctoral).
The University employs 4,300 people, 56% o whom are administrative and support sta and
44% academic and research sta. 60% o UCT academic sta hold doctorates.
UCT has six aculties (Commerce, Engineering & the Built Environment, Law, Health Sciences,
Humanities and Science) incorporating over 100 academic departments and research units.
Masters degrees are oered by dissertation or taught courses and a minor dissertation.
Doctoral degrees are research degrees only. Graduate diplomas and one year o Honours study
normally ollow a three-year Bachelors degree. A ull listing o postgraduate programmes can
be ound under each aculty on the UCT website http://www.uct.ac.za
Each aculty publishes its own handbook, which lists its rules or degrees, descriptions o its
programmes, and entrance requirements. A handbook may be requested directly rom the
aculty concerned.
The University is spread over our campuses around Cape Town. The Groote Schuur Campus,
situated on the lower slopes o Devils Peak in Rondebosch, is the main campus and
accommodates the major sector o the University. The Health Sciences Campus is located
nearby in Observatory, next to Groote Schuur Hospital. The Hiddingh Campus in Gardens
near the city centre houses the Michaelis School o Fine Art and the Drama School, and theGraduate School o Business is located at the Breakwater Campus near the V&A Waterront.
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APPLICATION PROCEDURES
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
MASTERS AND PHD APPLICANTS
Application deadlines
Selection or most postgraduate courses at UCT takes place in November and early December
each year. Applicants or taught degree programmes (Honours, diplomas, coursework Masters)
must submit their applications by 30 September o the year preceding the intended year o
registration.
Masters by thesis only (research) or PhD applicants intending may submit their application at any
time o the year, in agreement with a supervisor.
Certain individual programmes have other deadlines. I in any doubt about course commencement
and application closing dates, please contact the relevant UCT aculty or department directly.
Beore submitting an application to the University, you are advised to access the UCT website
to conrm that the course you intend to take is oered by the University and i intending to
register or a research programme, to conrm with the relevant aculty that a supervisor will
be available or your area o research.
I you wish to apply or a place in a UCT residence, an option provided on UCT application
Form 1, you must submit your application beore 30 October o the year preceding the
intended year o study, regardless o later closing dates or your study programme.
I you intend to apply or an international postgraduate scholarship, note that the closing
date or submission o applications is 31 July each year or unding in the subsequent year.
(See page 13 or more details.)
Application orms
UCT application orms may be downloaded rom the UCT website:
www.uct.ac.za/apply/applications/orms/ or obtained rom UCTs Admissions Oce.
Physical address:
Admissions Oce, Level 3, Kramer Law Building, Middle Campus, Rondebosch
Postal address:
Admissions Oce, University o Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Arica
Tel:(+27(0)21)6502128Fax:(+27(0)21)6503736Email:[email protected] applications must be returned to the Admissions Oce together with all necessary
attachments, as hard copy via post or courier axed documents are not accepted.
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APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Your application will be reviewed by both the Admissions Oce and your prospective aculty.
Once the application is processed, you will receive an acknowledgement o receipt rom the
Admissions Oce. Further correspondence will emanate rom your prospective aculty or
department.
Departmental application orms
Some departments at UCT have supplementary departmental application orms but applicants
are still required to submit the ocial UCT application orm. Please contact your department
directly or access your departmental webpage via UCTs website to nd out i there is an
additional application orm to be completed. Ensure that you liaise directly with your intended
aculty on the status o your application thereater.
Application eeAn application ee is payable with your application. The current ee payable can be obtained
rom http://www.uct.ac.za/apply/ees/structure/ or requested rom the Admissions Oce
byemailing [email protected]. DONOT PAY THIS FEE INTO THE UNIVERSITYS BANK
ACCOUNT. From outside the Rand currency area, a bank drat made to University o Cape
Town should be sent with your application. From South Arica, cheques drawn on local banks
or postal orders made out to University o Cape Town may be sent. Do not send cash in the
post. Cash payments may only be made at the cash oce (Receipts Cashier), Kramer Law
Building, 09h00 to 15h30 Monday to Friday. Proo o payment o the application ee needs
to be attached to your application beore it can be processed.
Degrees and academic transcripts
Certied copies o original academic transcripts covering all periods o registration at every
university that you have attended must be attached to an application. Any documentation
not in English must be translated and sworn to by an authorised translator.
Statement o research interest
Research Masters and Doctoral degree applicants must attach a statement indicating their
proposed area o specialisation or research to their application. Please conrm with youraculty the length o statement required. You will also be required to make contact with your
prospective department to ensure the availability o a supervisor in your eld.
Programme-specifc requirements
The criteria or admission to Postgraduate Diplomas and Honours, Masters and Doctoral
degrees varies rom one programme to another. Prospective applicants are advised to consult
the aculty concerned directly in order to determine the requirements or admission, beore
submitting an application. Some departments have special requirements like the GMAT
test or the MBA or a portolio o creative work or the MA in Creative Writing. Furtherinormation on specic requirements can be ound in UCT handbooks obtainable rom the
relevant aculties, or rom UCTs website.
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APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Language requirements
The medium o instruction and examination at UCT is English. International applicants or
whom English is a second language are required to submit one o the ollowing: a recentscore (obtained within 3 - 5 years beore application or admission) o at least 570 (paper-
based test) on the Test o English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL); or a recent overall band
score o 7.0 (with no individual element o the test scoring below 6.0) on the International
EnglishLanguageTestingSystem(IELTS).InformationonTOEFLisavailablefromtoe@ets.
org or http://www.toef.org. Inormation on the IELTS is available through the British Council
at the British Embassy or Consulate in your country. You may also access the IELTS website
on http://www.ielts.org
Assessment o qualifcations
The assessment o applications and selection or admission to postgraduate programmes is
done by aculties / departments and based on the inormation supplied in your application.
To allow time or the assessment o your qualications and or obtaining a study permit,
applicants or coursework programmes beginning in January or February are required to
submit an application beore 30 September o the preceding year.
Applicants who hold a our-year or Honours Bachelors degree with the required specialisation
would normally be considered as having an adequate background to be accepted into a
Masters programme. However, this decision rests with the aculty and is only determined
ater the applicants qualications have been assessed. Please note that IAPO neither
processes nor evaluates international applications and qualications.
Oer o study
All applications will be acknowledged by UCTs Admission Oce and sent to the relevant
aculty or evaluation. Successul applicants will be sent an oer o admission letter with
details o acceptance procedures. Please ensure that you conrm acceptance o the oer
with your department as soon as possible.
INTERNATIONAL AFFILIATES
International Aliates are usually postgraduates or researchers who do not take UCT
courses, but wish to be aliated to UCT whilst pursuing their own research towards studies
at their own university. International Aliates must rst make contact with a specic
department to obtain an assurance o the necessary resources to accommodate them in the
host department.
Aliate status generally entitles a student to a physical space in a department, library useand limited access to academic advice as negotiated with each department. A visitors visa
is sucient or entry into the country. Please be sure to ascertain exactly what your host
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INTERNATIONAL AFF IL IATES
department can and is willing to oer you. Note that a host department may not oer you
employment.
An aliate may not take part in any taught classes; this includes auditing classes. You willthereore not be registered or UCT courses. As an aliate you may however be invited to
attend departmental sta seminars at the discretion o the host department.
Procedures
The person seeking to be an aliate must send a request to the head o the academic
department with which he / she wishes to be aliated asking them i they are prepared to
host you in their department.
Ask i the department has the desire, resources and space to welcome you.1.I accepted, ask the head o department to email or write you a letter o invitation.2.
Ensure that the length o your aliation and the acilities available to you (as agreed3.
upon by you and the department) are clearly stated in this letter o invitation.
Complete the aliates orm which is available on UCTs website or may be requested4.
rom UCTs Admissions Oce via post. Please note that IAPO does not arrange
accommodation or international aliates. You will be required to make your own
accommodation arrangements (see pages 16 and 19 or options).
Send the completed application orm together with a copy o your letter o acceptance5.rom the department to IAPO. I IAPO does not receive a letter o invitation we cannot
process your application.
Application orms will be processed by IAPO through the Admissions Oce and the6.
relevant aculty.
Once your application has been processed, you will receive an invoice detailing the cost7.
ee o your aliation. Note that this ee is payable beore registration.
As international aliates do not attend courses they are required to apply or a visitors8.
visa endorsed or research at UCT. Upon receipt o completed orms above, IAPO will issue
a letter addressed to the visa issuing authorities in your country, so that you may apply or
a visitors visa. Please make sure that the visa is endorsed or research at UCT.
Payment should then be made to UCT (see page 12 or details).9.
On arrival at UCT the International Aliate must rst report to IAPO to activate the10.
registration process.
There are no application deadlines or this category o student and a commencement date is
to be agreed upon with your prospective academic host at UCT. However, please note that theuniversity vacations all over December and January at year-end and approximately three weeks
at mid-year during June and July. Be aware that a visa can take up to 2 months to obtain.
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POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWS
POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWS
Postdoctoral Fellows are research ellows and not students. However, or administrative
purposes and to access UCT acilities such as libraries and computer centres, they arerequired to submit an application to UCT and thereater issued with a student number and
a student card.
Upon arrival at UCT, Fellows should proceed to the Postgraduate Funding Oce or
registration. See IAPOs pre-registration requirements on page 16. Postdoctoral ellows do
not pay ees but, in addition to the other pre-registration requirements, they should present
a copy o the oer o ellowship instead.
For urther inormation on postdoctoral ellows application and registration procedures,
contact UCTs Postgraduate Centre and Funding Oce, Tel: +27 (0)21 650 5075, email
[email protected],oraccesshttp://www.pgfo.uct.ac.za
ADDITIONAL ACADEMIC INFORMATION
Academic calendar
UCTs academic year is divided into two semesters: February to June and July to December.
Examinations are written in June and November, and graduation ceremonies are held inJune and December. A detailed academic calendar is published on UCTs website under
Calendar.
Supervision o study (research programmes)
Once students have decided on the broad research area they wish to pursue, it is necessary to
identiy a supervisor. Student-supervisor relationships are normally established through one
o our processes:
The prospective student directly approaches a sta member;
The prospective student approaches the head o department who will suggest a
supervisor;
The prospective student approaches the head o a research unit working in the broad eld
o interest who will suggest a supervisor;
A sta member (usually with access to research unding) will approach the student,
in order to encourage the student to undertake research in the sta members area o
research interest.
Prospective students are also advised to access UCTs Research web page to identiy andassess the Universitys research oci (www.research.uct.ac.za). Contact details are provided
or the heads o various research projects and team leaders o the research groupings, and
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ADDITIONAL ACADEMIC INFORMATION
they can be contacted directly or urther inormation regarding postgraduate studies with
the groups. Note that not all departments and available research opportunities at UCT are
represented on this website.In the nal instance, the Department allocates supervisors to students. For guidelines or
the appointment o supervisors or doctoral candidates access: http://www.uct.ac.za/uct/
policies/supervisors_doc_candidates.pd
Leave o absence
The University Senate may grant leave o absence to a student or a specied period. An
application or leave o absence must be put in writing to the dean o the aculty concerned.
A student who is granted leave o absence will not be excused rom written work, tests,examinations or completing the requirements o the course unless Senate specically excuses
a student rom one or more o these requirements at the time leave o absence is granted.
Withdrawal rom studies
Should you decide to withdraw rom your studies this must be put in writing to the Registrar
o the university. Notice o intention to discontinue studies must also be put in writing to the
UCT ees oce. Failure to do so will render you liable or ull ees. Fee reduction is dependent
upon the date o withdrawal.
Deerral o studies
I you received an oer o admission to study at UCT and conrmed acceptance o the oer,
then subsequently decide to deer your studies to the next academic year, the Admissions
Oce must be inormed o this in writing. The onus is also on every student to ensure that they
inorm the relevant UCT department o their change o plan, and check that arrangements
such as availabilty o a supervisor will still stand.
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FUNDING YOUR STUDIES
FUNDING YOUR STUDIES
Tuition ees
UCT charges students rom the SADC member countries local ees, i.e. the same as South
Arican students. The SADC countries are Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic o Congo,
Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Arica,
Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Rwandan students and ocial Reugees (once
they have their ID Reugees Book) are also charged local ees. Students who are nationals or
permanent residents o South Arica, or an accredited diplomatic representative o a oreign
government in South Arica or his/her dependant are also liable or local ees upon proo o
their status. Students rom SADC countries and non-South Arican students who do not have
permanent residence but pay local ees, must pay the minimum initial payment or academic
and residence ees prior to registration.
Non-SADC students/all other students who do not all into the abovementioned categories
pay an international term ee which is charged in addition to the individual course ees (in
South Arican Rands). Both the international term ee plus the individual course-based ees
must be paid prior to registration. Accounts are managed and sent out by IAPO, except or
MBA studies which are billed directly by the Graduate School o Business.
International non-SADC students who intend to study or a ull degree/diploma should
consult the aculty section o the UCT ees booklet or the costs per course. The total amount
calculated rom the courses selected must be added to the international term ee. 100%
o the international term ees plus course-based ees are to be paid prior to registration. In
addition, the minimum initial residence payment is required beore registration.
For a ull listing o ees applicable please access: http://www.uct.ac.za/apply/ees/
You may also contact UCT Fees Oce directly:Email:[email protected]:+27216509111Fax:+27(0)216504768
Payment o ees
Where payment o ees is being made rom outside the Rand currency area, payment must
be made by telegraphic transer (direct deposit or Internet transer) into the Universitys bank
account (details below). Allow 7 working days or such oreign payments to reach the UCT
bank account.
Account name: University o Cape TownBank Name: Standard Bank o South Arica
Bank Address: Riverside Centre, Main Road, Rondebosch, 7700, South Arica
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FUNDING YOUR STUDIES
Account No: 270689982
Branch Code: Rondebosch Branch, 025009
Swit Code: SBZAZAJJ
Important: Please ax or post a legible copy o the ofcial bank transer advice so
that we can trace your payment on our bank statement. (Fax: +27 21 650 5667)
International postgraduate academic scholarships
UCT oers scholarships to international applicants via the aculty concerned. These
scholarships reduce the international term ee either entirely or partially and are awarded
at the discretion o the Faculty Dean, based on academic merit, nancial need and aculty
requirements. International terms o payment will still apply. Please contact your aculty oce
or more inormation on these scholarships. International postgraduate academic scholarships
are only available to Masters and PhD students.
Postgraduate Funding Ofce
UCTs Postgraduate Centre and Funding Oce (PFO) oers a limited number o scholarships
or international postgraduate students taking Honours, Masters and PhD programmes. While
the University undertakes to assist as many students as possible, the scholarships are not
guaranteed. The closing date or submission o applications is 31 July each year or unding in
the subsequent year. Please note that the international postgraduate scholarships are not ull
cost scholarships, thereore you would still have to ensure that you come to South Arica with
enough money to cover your tuition, accommodation and general living costs. Funding is also
available or reugee students (postgraduate) and is awarded on a yearly basis. The country
o origin is irrelevant, but proo o reugee status is required. Students interested in the
International and Reugee Students Scholarships can download the application requirements
and orms via http://www.uct.ac.za/apply/unding/postgraduate/awards/international
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IMMIGRATION MATTERS
IMMIGRATION MATTERS
Study permits
Under the provisions o the Immigration Act 2002 (No. 13 o 2002), an international student
may not enter, or reside in South Arica, to take up degree studies without a valid study
permit. A study permit application should be submitted as soon as possible as the process
takes 4 6 weeks. The application is to be submitted to the nearest South Arican Embassy
or Consulate.
Once granted, it is essential that a student conrms that he / she has been issued with the
correct visa valid or studies at UCT BEFORE proceeding to South Arica. IAPO will not pre-register any student with an invalid study visa.
To apply or a study permit you will need:
1. An ocial letter conrming provisional acceptance and the duration o the course rom
the relevant institution
2. In the case o a person under the age o 21 years:
(i) the particulars o the person in the Republic who will act as that learners guardian
and a conrmatory letter rom that intended guardian; and
(ii) proo o consent or the intended stay rom both parents or rom the custodian
parent, along with proo o sole custody in the latter case
3. A police clearance certicate less than 6 months old
4. Medical and radiological reports
5. Documents relating to marital status i applicable
6. A yellow ever vaccination certicate i that person travelled or intends travelling rom or
through a yellow ever endemic area
7. In the case o a oreign state accepting responsibility or the applicant in terms o a
bilateral agreement, a written undertaking in respect o the departure o the applicant
8. Proo o medical cover with a medical scheme registered in terms o the Medical
Schemes Act, 1998 (Act No. 131 o 1998), or other medical insurance cover recognised
in the Republic (access www.medicalschemes.com or a list o medical schemes
recognised in South Arica)
9. Proo o sucient nancial means
10. Payment o a deposit, which will be reunded to the depositor ater the nal departureo the applicant or ater a permit has been issued to the applicant. The payment o the
deposit must be in the orm o a bank guaranteed cheque or credit card at places where
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IMMIGRATION MATTERS
such acilities exist. In the case o students rom Arica, the payment o the deposit may
not be required, provided that the government o the relevant Arican country submits
a written undertaking to pay all costs relating to the deportation o the student, shouldthis become necessary. Contact the relevant Government department in your country
or more inormation.
11. Other requirements as may be prescribed by the Consulate/Embassy.
We recommend that you contact the nearest South Arican Consulate/Embassy beore
sending in your application, in order to nd out exactly what documents are needed, because
requirements may change.
Health insuranceThe South Arican Immigration regulations make it a requirement that international students
studying in South Arica must have:
Proo o medical cover with a medical scheme registered in terms o the medical
schemes Act, 1998 (Act no. 131 o 1998) or other medical insurance cover recognised
in the Republic.
Proo o health insurance cover is thereore a requirement or your study permit application.
Proo o medical insurance is also a condition or pre-registration and registration. Mostinternational students at UCT choose the INGWE or Protea Health insurance options.
Application orms or these providers are available at the IAPO Oces or on the ollowing
websites http://www.ingwehealth.co.za and http://www.proteamas.co.za. Students are not
limited to these providers and may choose any provider recognized in South Arica. Should
you have an alternative provider rom your home country, please ensure that your provider
o choice is recognized in South Arica. A list o the registered medical insurance schemes
in South Arica can be ound on http://www.medicalschemes.com The onus is on every
student to keep their medical insurance valid or the academic year. Please ensure that the
provider that you choose provides repatriation cover.
Part-time work during studies
The Immigration Act o 2002 allows international students to work or a maximum o 20
hours per week during the academic term and ull time during academic vacations. In order
or international students to work in South Arica they need to obtain a permission to work
letter rom IAPO. For IAPO to issue you with the letter you will need to present (i) a copy o
your oer o employment rom your prospective employer stipulating that you will not workmore than 20 hours per week during term time, (ii) a copy o your study visa valid or studies
at UCT and (iii) proo o registration.
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ON ARRIVAL IN CAPE TOWN
WHAT TO DO UPON ARRIVAL IN CAPE TOWN
1. Arrange / confrm accommodation
In case you did not make accommodation arrangements beore leaving your home country, it
is essential that you secure accommodation on arrival BEFORE proceeding to UCT. The guest
houses listed below oer reasonably-priced temporary accommodation while you look or
more permanent accommodation ater you arrive:
Ivydene,GlebeRoad,Rondebosch7700Tel:+27(0)216851747
Email:[email protected]
TheGreenElephant,57MiltonRoad,Observatory7935Tel:+27214486359Email:[email protected]
TheLodge,36MiltonRoad,Observatory7935Tel:+27(0)214486536
Email:[email protected]
CarmichaelHouse,11WolmunsterRoad,Rosebank7700Tel:+27216898350
Email:[email protected]
2. Clearance / pre-registration with IAPO
All international students (including aliates and postdoctoral ellows) are required togo through a clearance / pre-registration process with IAPO BEFORE aculty registration.
International students cannot register with their aculties without clearance rom IAPO. For
pre-registration, you need to produce your passport with your valid UCT study permit, proo
o medical insurance/aid and proo o payment o your ees.
International students pre-registration usually takes place at the IAPO Oce or an arranged
venue. We encourage you to complete the process as early as possible. Academic registration
dates are set per aculty. Please contact your respective aculty directly or more inormation
regarding your registration date/s. In case you have opted to pay your ees in Cape Town, thismust be done beore pre-registration with IAPO.
3. Register with your aculty
Details o registration dates and venues will be available rom your aculty during orientation.
Note: you can only register with your aculty once youve obtained clearance rom IAPO.
4. Attend orientation
During the rst week o February, IAPO runs an orientation programme or new international
ull degree students. The orientation sessions are a great way to meet other internationaland local students and amiliarise yoursel with UCT, Cape Town and South Arica in general.
IAPOs orientation programme comprises inormation sessions on immigration regulations,
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ON ARRIVAL IN CAPE TOWN
South Arica in context, culture shock, saety and UCT student services. The programme also
involves a number o social events including a tour around the Cape Peninsula and a welcome
reception or new students. During orientation, IAPO is assisted by orientation leaders who
are UCT students as well. Remember to look out or IAPOs riendly orientation leaders in blue
T-shirts should you require some assistance. Details o IAPOs ull degree students orientation
programme can be ound on the IAPO website in early January every year. http://www.uct.
ac.za/about/iapo/overview/welcome/
Alongside IAPOs orientation programme each aculty at UCT runs an orientation programme.
You are strongly advised to attend the IAPO orientation as it will assist with easing your
transition to UCT.
5. Obtain a student card
The card centre is in the basement o the Leslie Social Sciences Building (next to Campus
Protection Services), located on University Avenue South, Upper Campus. The centre is open
rom Monday to Friday 08h30 to 16h00. You must produce proo o registration in order to
be issued with a student card. You will be given a document conrming proo o registration
ater academic registration with your aculty. The primary purpose o the card is to serve as
a means o identication throughout your studies. The card is also used as a library, UCT
residence and computer lab access card. A student card will also acilitate your opening a
bank account.
6. Activate your email account
Once you have registered and have a student card, this will give you access to the Universitys
computing acilities where you can activate your email account.
7. Open a bank account
It is advisable to open a bank account during your studies. There are a ew banks on UCTs
Upper Campus but you would need to go to the main branches situated at Rondebosch
Main Road to open an account. The ollowing banks are located on the Main Road: StandardBank, ABSA, First National Bank (FNB) and Nedbank. You will need your UCT student card,
passport, proo o accommodation (in the orm o a lease or letter rom UCT student housing
i applicable) and a minimum o about R70 to open the account.
8. Register with your embassy
Some countries require their nationals to register with their embassies upon arrival in
a dierent country. Should this be a requirement or your country, IAPO can assist you in
orwarding your details to the Embassy or Consulate. Your details must be submitted to IAPO
beore the last working day o February in the current academic year i you would like IAPO todo this on your behal. It is recommended that you register with your embassy as it will enable
the embassy to communicate with you or locate you in the event o an emergency.
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SUPPORT STRUCTURES FOR POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS
SUPPORT STRUCTURES FOR POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS
All international postgraduate students can access various support services at UCT. The
International Academic Programmes Oce provides specialist guidance on immigration
issues, cultural integration and other related international student matters. Other services are
oered through the Department o Student Aairs and individual aculties.
Orientation
The Student Orientation and Advocacy Centre (SOAC) is the centre rom which university-
wide orientation activities or undergraduate and postgraduate students are developed,
organised and co-ordinated. SOAC deals with students needs and queries ranging rom
giving directions in the navigation o the campus (e.g. nding oces, buildings, people,
venues etc.) to curriculum advice and reerrals to other Department o Student Aairs (DSA)
services. SOAC is located in the Otto Beit Building on UCTs Upper Campus.
The International Academic Programmes Oce also holds an orientation programme each
year in February to help new international students become acquainted with UCT, the city
o Cape Town and South Arica in general. Certain aculties/departments oer a graduate
orientation programme/day. Please contact your aculty directly or conrmation on whetherthey have a graduate orientation programme. The University also hosts a campus-wide
welcome unction or all new postgraduate students.
Student housing
UCTs residence system comprises undergraduate rst tier residences (catering), second tier
residences (catering and sel-catering) and third tier sel-catering accommodation (usually
allocated to senior and postgraduate students). Unortunately, places in UCT residences are
very limited, but I you wish to apply or a place in a UCT residence, you need to complete theStudent Housing section on the main UCT application orm (which allows you to request a
residence o your choice). This orm must be received by the Admissions Oce no later than
30 October o the year beore you intend to register or study at UCT.
Student Admissions and Advocacy Services (SAAS) will get in touch with you regarding
the outcome o your application. Their contact details are Tel: +27 (0)21 650-1045/1040,
Fax:+27(0)21650-4014,oremail:[email protected]
I you are oered a place in a UCT residence and then decide to deer your studies to the nextacademic year, and still want to be considered or residence, SAAS must be inormed o this
in writing.
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SUPPORT STRUCTURES FOR POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS
IAPO does not allocate on- or o-campus housing or students, but beore or on your arrival in
Cape Town will willingly advise on o-campus accommodation. It is important to ensure that
you have somewhere to stay on arrival, even i you book into temporary accommodation whileyou secure something more permanent (see page 16 or some temporary accommodation
options).
UCT has an o-campus accommodation bureau which helps students nd accommodation
outside the UCT residence system. The bureau does not own or control these places, but
only advertises them or students convenience, compiling a wide variety o short- and long-
term acommodation oered by the general public into a list that is updated weekly. Details
o accommodation vacancies and taris can be viewed at www.cal.uct.ac.za. You may also
contactthebureauformoreinformationviaemailatcaloca@protem.uct.ac.za.
To assist you urther, IAPOs website provides links to housing options managed by real estate
agents. Access http://www.uct.ac.za/apply/intlapplicants/degree/services/ocampus/ or more
inormation.
UCT Writing Centre
The Writing Centre is a project within the Language Development Group (LDG) which ocuses
on research-driven developmental work, particularly through curriculum involvement. TheCentre provides a walk-in, one-on-one consultancy service or both undergraduate and
postgraduate students rom all aculties and all academic levels. For more inormation contact
thematTel:+27(0)216505021,Fax:+27(0)216505045orEmail:[email protected]
Postgraduate Students Association (PGSA)
The Postgraduate Students Association (PGSA) is an academic association o all postgraduate
students at the UCT. It aims to oster an active, vibrant and diverse postgraduate culture
which contributes towards the development o the University o Cape Town as a world-classresearch-driveninstitution.ContactthePGSAviaemailatgradcentre@uct.ac.za
Postgraduate Centre
UCTs Postgraduate Centre is located on the upper level o the Otto Beit Building on the
Upper Campus, adjacent to the Postgraduate Funding Oce. The services oered by
the Postgraduate Centre are intended to promote the interests o postgraduate students
and postdoctoral research ellows in synergy with aculty and departmental acilities and
services. A private, peaceul space has been created that can be used as a orum or largeor small discussions, to accommodate and encourage inter-departmental and inter-aculty
communication and association, or just to relax, read or use the internet stations.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
SOME FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I apply or a postgraduate programme at UCT?
All applicants must complete UCT application Form 1, the Universitys primary application
orm. The application orm, along with the Directions or Applicants booklet, can be obtained
rom the ollowing sources:
The Admissions Oce1.
University o Cape T own, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Arica
Physical address:
Third Floor, Kramer Building, Middle Campus, University o Cape Town, Rondebosch
Tel:+27(0)216502128Fax:+27(0)216505189Email:[email protected]
The University website: http://www.uct.ac.za/apply/applications/orms/2.
(download as a PDF document)
For MBA applicants:3.
The Graduate School o Business, University o Cape T own, Private Bag X3,
Rondebosch 7701, South Arica
Physical address:Breakwater Campus, Portswood Road, Green Point, Cape Town
Tel:+27(0)214061338/9or4061175Fax:+27(0)2140615693
Email:[email protected]
In addition to Form 1, departmental application orms may also have to be submitted.
Faculties and departments will correspond with applicants on necessary requirements, and
more inormation may also be ound on departmental websites.
How do I pay UCTs application ee?
UCTs current application ee can be ound on this web page: http://www.uct.ac.za/apply/
ees/structure/. It can be paid by cheque, postal order or bank drat made to the University o
Cape Town. Proo o payment o the application ee should be attached to your application
to the University.
To what address should I send my completed application orm?
Your UCT application orm together with the application ee and any additional documents
should be sent by post to: The Admissions Oce, University o Cape Town, Private Bag X3,Rondebosch 7701, South Arica
They may also be couriered directly to the Admissions Oces physical address (see page 21).
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Application orms, together with supporting documentation, should not be axed under any
circumstances. Once the application is processed, applicants will receive an acknowledgement
o receipt rom the Admissions Oce. Further correspondence will emanate rom the aculty
or department. Please note that IAPO does NOT process applications.
When is the application deadline?
UCTs application date or international applicants is 30 September o the year preceding
intended registration. However, the application date or taught programmes varies rom
programme to programme. Please see UCTs directions or applicants at http://www.uct.
ac.za/downloads/uct.ac.za/apply/orms/directions.pd or the closing dates o various
programmes.
How can I check the status o my application and who should I contact i I have any
queries regarding applying to UCT?
You will be able to check on the status o your application by accessing
http://www.uct.ac.za/apply/applications/postgraduates/status/ on the UCT website. Any
queries relating to applications can be directed to your prospective aculty oce. In addition,
UCTs online postgraduate prospectus contains contact details o UCT sta members you can
contact i you have specic queries relating to a specic programme.
Am I required to veriy my qualifcations with the South Arican QualifcationsAuthority (SAQA) beore submitting my application to UCT?
Your prospective aculty will let you know whether they require your qualications to be
veried by SAQA. More on SAQA can be ound on http://www.saqa.org.za
When does the academic year commence at UCT?
UCTs academic year usually begins rom late January to mid- February, depending on
each acultys schedule. Very ew programmes commence mid-year. I in doubt about the
commencement date o your programme, contact your prospective aculty.
Throughout my undergrauduate degree, I acquired credits or courses through three
dierent colleges. Should I submit my application with transcripts rom each o these
or just the fnal outcome rom my last university?
All transcripts rom any college / university you have previously attended must be attached to
you application to UCT.
What postgraduate programmes does UCT oer?
UCT oers a wide range o postgraduate programmes. Details on the programmes canbe ound in UCTs online postgraduate prospectus at http://www.uct.ac.za/apply/student/
postgradpros/
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What tuition ee am I liable or as an international student at UCT? Whom can I
contact at UCT regarding ees?
As a non-Southern Arican Development Community (SADC) student you will pay aninternational term ee in addition to individual course ees. You can request a proorma
invoice on your estimated ees rom the International Oces Finance section. In order to
obtain the invoice please provide the relevant course codes. These can be obtained rom your
prospective aculty. Without the course codes we cannot generate the proorma invoice.
Please ensure that you nd out this inormation rom your prospective aculty beorehand.
SADC students should contact the general UCT ees oce regarding their ee liability.
Email:[email protected]
General Enquiries +27 (0)21 650-9111
Accounts and Fees +27 (0)21 650-1704
Fax: +27 (0)21 650-4768
Website: http://www.uct.ac.za/apply/ees
Do I need to obtain medical cover to study at UCT? Should I obtain South Arican
medical insurance or rom an international health provider?
Proo o medical insurance is a requirement or a study permit application; thereore you
would need to apply or it prior to submitting your permit application. You can only submityour permit application once you have been accepted to the University. The medical insurance
must be one that is recognised in South Arica. A list o the schemes recognised in South
Arica can be ound on http://www.medicalschemes.com
What are my accommodation options and am I guaranteed a place in a UCT
residence?
UCT has over 21,000 students, but unortunately can only oer residence accommodation
to 4,500 students (including new and returning students). This means that there is heavydemand or accommodation and nding a place is not guaranteed. Residence allocation is
managed by UCTsStudent Admissions and Advocacy Services (SAAS). The UCT Application
Form 1 contains a section or applying or a place in residence, which must be submitted
beore the end o Octobero the year preceding study. I you have applied or a place in
residence and are still unsure whether your application is successul or not, contact SAAS
directly (contact details on page 27). Note that IAPO does not deal with accommodation
allocation procedures and thereore cannot answer queries in this regard.
For both temporary and more long-term o-campus accommodation options, consultUCTs o-campus accommodation bureau website at www.cal.uct.ac.za, or email them at
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I am currently employed in South Arica and hold a work permit. Can I register or
studies at UCT?
Work permit holders can register or studies at UCT. Anyone on a work permit who has
received an oer to study at UCT must approach the Department o Home Aairs to obtain
an endorsement to study at UCT, prior to commencing studies.
Beore submitting an application to UCT, do I need to contact a supervisor/aculty
member and request an inormal approval that they would be supervising my
Masters/PhD degree?
Yes i you intend to study or a research degree at UCT is advisable to do this beorehand to
conrm that there is an academic to supervise your intended research project.
Is there a website where I can view the various aculty members and research them
individually in order to approach one to be my supervisor?
Yes - http:/www.uct.ac.za and click on aculties and departments menus
or: http://www.uct.ac.za/about/management/hods/
Is the Masters degree oered at UCT an internationally recognised degree?
Yes all UCT degrees are internationally recognised.
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STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
Below is a list o key steps in the process o coming to study at UCT, in the order in which
you should proceed, as well as some general advice and guidelines. This is intended only as
a quick reerence much o what is listed here is dealt with in more detail in other sections
o this booklet, so please reer back i necessary.
APPLYING TO COME TO UCT AND SOUTH AFRICA
Establish whether the course you intend to apply or is oered at UCT. Access the UCT
website http://www.uct.ac.za and look under the relevant aculty and its departments
or a list o all the courses on oer.
I you intend to undertake a research programme, establish i a suitable supervisor will
be available.
Complete UCT application Form 1 one and attach necessary documentation beore
mailing it to UCT. Contact your prospective department or access their website to check
i you also need to submit a departmental application orm.
I or when you receive a letter o oer rom UCT, ensure that you have ormally
accepted your academic oer rom UCT and that it has been received.Arrange suitable health insurance cover, and ensure your documentation o sucient
nancial means is in order; you must provide proo o both to obtain a study permit.
Apply or a study permit at your nearest South Arican Embassy or Consulate, ensuring
it is valid or studies at UCT. Only once the permit has been issued should you begin to
make arrangements to travel to Cape Town.
Ensure that your passport is valid or the duration o your studies at UCT. You will need
it to open a bank account in South Arica, and it is the recognised orm o identication
or international students.
MAKING PREPARATIONS FOR YOUR DEPARTURE TO CAPE TOWN
It is important to arrange at least temporary accommodation beore leaving or Cape
Town (see page 16).
I you have been oered a place in a UCT residence, inorm UCTs Student Admissions and
Advocacy Services oce o your arrival date and times.
Pack a good mix o winter and summer clothes. Cape Town has a mediterranean climatewith winter rainall. Average minimum and maximum summer temperatures are 15
27C (although it can get hotter), and 8 18C in winter.
A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO GETTING TO UCT
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STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
Pack bed linen and towels and other items that you will need; these can also be purchased
once in Cape Town.
Pack some cultural garments i possible. Some university unctions request that you
represent your own culture and people.
Check that you are carrying your UCT letter o acceptance, proo o payment o your ees
(including receipts o any payments made to the University) and proo o sucient unds
to sustain yoursel in South Arica.
Carry any necessary medical records/medication/prescriptions.
Carry some SA currency or immediate use or taxis etc. Money can be changed at orex
bureaus at the Cape Town International Airport and various banks/bureaus in the city;
remember to have your passport handy.
Keep this booklet handy and bring it with you as it contains important inormation that
will assist you in settling at UCT.
It is advisable to photocopy all your essential documents, retain a set o copies or yoursel,
storing it in a sae place separately rom the originals, and to leave another set o copies
with a amily member or riend.
The inormation in this booklet was sourced rom:
http://www.uct.ac.zahttp://www.studysa.co.za
UCT General Rules and Policies Handbook 3
UCT Faculty o Engineering & the Built Environment:
Research Based Education or Masters and PhD Students A Handbook
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CONTACT DETAILS
CONTACT DETAILS FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
For urther inormation please access UCTs website: http://www.uct.ac.za
You could also write, or contact us via telephone, ax or email. All correspondence mailed
to us should have the name o the designated oce or department rst, ollowed by the
Universitys postal address:
University o Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Arica
FACULTY OFFICES
Commerce
Tel: +27 (0)21 650-2696Fax: +27 (0)21 650-4369
Email:[email protected]
Graduate School o Business
Tel: +27 (0)21 406 1338/9 or 406 1175
Fax: +27 (0)21 406 15693
Email:[email protected]
Engineering & the Built Environment
Tel: +27 (0)21 650-2699
Fax: +27 (0)21 650-3782
Email:[email protected]
Health Sciences
Tel: +27 (0)21 406-6634
Fax: +27 (0)21 404-7652
Graduate School in Humanities
Tel: +27 (0)21 650-2691Fax: +27 (0)21 650-5751
Email:[email protected]
Law
Tel: +27 (0)21 650-3086
Fax: +27 (0)21 650-5608
Email:[email protected]
Science
Tel: +27 (0)21 650-2712/3023Fax: +27 (0)21 650-2710
E il i i @
International Academic
Programmes Ofce
Tel: +27 (0)21 650-2822Fax: +27 (0)21 650-5667
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
Admissions Ofce
Tel: +27 (0)21 650-4555
Fax: +27 (0)21 650-3736
Email:[email protected]
Postgraduate Centre and
Funding Ofce
Tel:+27 (0)21 650-5065
Fax:+27 (0)21 650-4352
Email:[email protected]
Student Fees Ofce
Tel:+27 (0)21 650-9111/1704
Fax:+27 (0)21 650-4768Email:[email protected]
Student Admissions and Advocacy
Services (Student Housing)
Tel: +27 (0)21 650-1045/1040
Fax: +27 (0)21 650-4014
Email:[email protected]
NB: WHEN PHONING FROM OUTSIDE SA, THE (0) INTHE DIALLING CODE IS OMITTED. WITHIN SA, THE
DIALLING CODE FOR CAPE TOWN IS 021 FOLLOWED