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UWCUniversity of the Western Cape
Traditional universityEst. 1960Cape Town (Bellville)
About UWC
The University of the Western Cape was established during apartheid as a college for so-called "Coloured" students, and grew into a leading centre of anti-apartheid academic and political thought — a legacy the university is openly proud of and one that still shapes its identity as an engaged, socially conscious institution.
UWC is particularly recognised for dentistry, pharmacy and law, and has built a strong reputation for community-engaged research that speaks directly to South African social and health challenges. Its School of Public Health and its Dental Faculty are among the busiest and most respected in the country.
Based in Bellville on Cape Town's northern outskirts, UWC has grown into one of the more accessible research-intensive universities in the province, drawing a large number of first-generation university students from across the Western Cape and beyond.
Why students choose UWC
Fields of study
What you'll need to apply
Every South African public university sets its own admission point score and subject requirements per programme, so the details below are general guidance rather than UWC-specific rules — always confirm exact requirements on the official site before applying.
- A National Senior Certificate (NSC) that meets the minimum admission point score for your chosen programme.
- Specific subject and mark requirements, which vary by faculty — competitive programmes like medicine or engineering typically set higher thresholds.
- An online application through the university's own portal, usually opening the year before you intend to start.
- Supporting documents such as certified copies of your ID and academic records, and proof of application fee payment where applicable.
Ready to look closer?
Visit the official UWC website for admissions, fees and application dates.