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University of the Western Cape

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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

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.

Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
07 Oct 2026
Fulbright U.S. Student Program

Read more about eligibility

U.S. government
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
24 May 2026
The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships

Read more about eligibility

The Association of Commonwealth Universities
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2026
ServiceScape Scholarship

Read more about eligibility

ServiceScape
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
3500 USD
Deadline
15 Nov 2026
ACES Scholarships

Read more about eligibility

ACES Education Fund
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

OeAD, Austria's Agency for Education and Internationalisation
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
28 Aug 2026
Women Scholarship for International Students
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

educations.com
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
13 Jul 2026
Dream Chaser Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Salvado Law
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
10000 USD
Deadline
01 Sep 2026
The PhD Prep Fellowship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Admit Lab
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2026
$1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

IvyPanda
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2026
Scholarship for students with disabilities
Need-based

Read more about eligibility

Anonymous Hope Fund
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Jun 2026
$1,500 Annual Students’ Presentation Crafting Scholarship

Read more about eligibility

IvyPanda
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
12000 USD
Deadline
11 Jan 2027
Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme

Read more about eligibility

The Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
20 May 2026
PlagiarismSearch Essay Contest
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

PlagiarismSearch
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
Not specified
The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship

Read more about eligibility

IELTS from 6 to 9
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
AAPG Foundation Grants-in-Aid

Read more about eligibility

American Association of Petroleum Geologists Foundation
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
22 Jun 2026
Lawyers of Tomorrow Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Law Offices of James F. DiQuattro
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
01 Nov 2026
Francesca Norris Memorial Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

International Society of Women Airline Pilots
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
01 Nov 2026
Financial Scholarships
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

International Society of Women Airline Pilots
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2026
Creative BioMart Scholarship Program
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Creative BioMart
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2026
BOC Sciences Chemistry Scholarship Program
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

BOCSCI Inc.
Location not available

Complete overview of scholarships

University of the Western Cape Rankings

Study Portals Meta Ranking

Top 11.6% South Africa
Top 22.9% Worldwide

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

601

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

Best Global Universities Rankings

714

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

QS World University Rankings

951

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

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

#1 Main Campus
South Africa Country
Cape Town City

University of the Western Cape Student Reviews & Awards

4.1

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
5/5

They are really good I’m very seticified

I want learn more on chef I would love to learn how i will cook

Posted by Susan Tarugarira
Studied from Jun 2025 - Nov 2025
Posted on Dec 2025
5/5

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.

Posted by Anonymous
Studied from Feb 2020 - Nov 2025
Posted on Oct 2025
4/5

theoretical and practical experience

innovation, communication skills, leadership and goal oriented

Posted by Anonymous
Studied from Mar 2021 - Dec 2025
Posted on Jan 2026
Studied here? Share your experience

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 Satisfaction badge
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  • Student Teacher Interaction badge
    Student Teacher Interaction

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  • Student Diversity badge
    Student Diversity

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  • Career Development badge
    Career Development

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