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 Key Statistics & Highlights
- #601 Ranking
- 24 Scholarships
- 675 Academic Staff
- 23,498 Students
- 1,175 Students (int'l)
- 14,569 Students (female)
- Public Institution Type
University of the Western Cape Overview
University of the Western Cape Scholarships
University of the Western Cape Scholarships
Below you will find scholarships related to University of the Western Cape. Distinction can be made between scholarships provided by the University and those provided by independent providers.
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
University of the Western Cape Rankings
Study Portals Meta Ranking
Studyportals ranking look at the scores of the most used ranking systems and present you with one number of how well this University performs.
World University Rankings
By Times Higher Education
The university hasn’t moved up or down in the rankings over the past year.
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.
3 year trend World University Rankings
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 601 | 601 | 601 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Best Global Universities Rankings
By U.S. News & World Report
Climbed 12 places compared to 2025
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.
3 year trend Best Global Universities Rankings
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 625 | 726 | 714 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
QS World University Rankings
By TopUniversities
The university hasn’t moved up or down in the rankings over the past year.
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.
3 year trend QS World University Rankings
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 951 | 951 | 951 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
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!
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
University of the Western Cape Campus Locations
University of the Western Cape Student Reviews & Awards
Based on 92 reviews
- 5 Star 41 Reviews
- 4 Star 30 Reviews
- 3 Star 16 Reviews
- 2 Star 2 Reviews
- 1 Star 3 Reviews
How Students Rated This University
- Overall Satisfaction 4.2
- Student Teacher Interaction 4.1
- Student Diversity 4.2
- Career Development 4.1
They are really good I’m very seticified
I want learn more on chef I would love to learn how i will cook
Great
Studying law has been a transformative experience, offering a unique blend of intellectual challenge and personal growth. I've particularly enjoyed delving into complex legal concepts, analyzing landmark cases, and developing my critical thinking skills. The diversity of topics, from constitutional law to international human rights, has kept my studies engaging and thought-provoking. To improve, I would suggest incorporating more practical experiences, such as moot courts, internships, or case studies, to complement theoretical knowledge. Additionally, enhanced support systems for managing stress and workload would be beneficial. Overall, my experience studying law has been enriching, and I feel well-prepared for a career in the legal field.
theoretical and practical experience
innovation, communication skills, leadership and goal oriented
Global Student Satisfaction Awards 2025
The Global Student Satisfaction Awards empower students across the globe to determine the best universities of 2025. Universities with a score above 4.0 (out of 5) in any of the 7 award categories, receive Badges of Excellence. Congratulations!
-
Overall SatisfactionHow would you rate your overall study experience?
-
Student Teacher InteractionHow helpful were your teachers?
-
Student DiversityHow diverse was the atmosphere at your university?
-
Career DevelopmentDid the university provide support for your career development?