Applications Overview | University of Cape Town

Congratulations on selecting UCT Faculty of Humanities! Did you know that we are the premier Humanities faculty in Southern Africa?

  1. Humanities is the largest Faculty at UCT with over 7 000 students and 18 academic departments.
  2. We offer students a diverse range of academic programmes designed to stimulate and engage.
  3. Humanities is the most popular destination for international students visiting UCT and we are host to a vibrant community of Semester Study Abroad students each year. This means that Humanities students are exposed to a rich diversity of culture and global perspectives.
  4. The Faculty of Humanities offers students over 40 academic majors at the undergraduate level. This means greater choice in tailoring your academic experience.
  5. We produce graduates who possess insight, imagination, skills of analysis and critical argumentation.

Interested in applying to Humanities?

We have compiled guides to help you navigate the admission process, as well as familiarise yourself with the various programmes we have on offer in the Humanities Faculty:

You can also visit our Contacts page for the appropriate channel to ask your questions.

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Undergraduate applications

View our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information on the Faculty of Humanities undergraduate admissions processes. To be considered for admission to Undergraduate study, applicants normally resident in South Africa are required to:

  1. Possess a matriculation exemption (Senior Certificate) or a NSC endorsed for degree studies (NSC); or for a Diploma, a school leaving certificate) or NSC endorsed for diploma studies.
  2. Write the NBT Academic and Quantitative Literacy Test (AQL).

Matriculants applying to Humanities must submit at least two sets of interim school results, which may include your Grade 11 final results and Grade 12 April, Grade 12 June or Grade 12 September school results.

Postgraduate applications

For applicants who wish to be considered for admission to a postgraduate programme in the Humanities, the following document describes the various application, registration and examination processes and procedures.

What happens when I apply for postgraduate study in the Humanities?:

  • Similar to the Undergraduate application process, after completing your online application, UCT Admissions Office will inform you via email that your application has been received and request accompanying documents. Please note that your application cannot be considered if you do not supply your latest academic transcripts (even if you are still completing your studies).
  • Please note that applications for the academic year close on 31 October in the preceding year.
  • If you decide to change your degree choice after your application has been submitted, you should contact Central Admissions to update your choice (not the Faculty office). UCT Admissions Office uploads your details onto the computer database.
  • If your selected programme is owned by the Faculty of Humanities, the Humanities Faculty Office staff will send your application to the relevant department for consideration.
  • Once the department notifies the Faculty's Postgraduate Office of their decision, you will be sent a letter informing you whether you have been offered a place, a conditional place, if your application has been refused, or if you are on a waiting list.
  • You can monitor the progress of your application online.
  • While you can apply for a residence place or financial aid in your online application, the Faculty of Humanities does not deal with these applications. You will have to contact either UCT Student Housing or the UCT Student Financial Aid Office directly if you have any queries in this regard.

Related Contact Information

Student Recruitment and Engagement Manager

[advice on the application process and course choices]

Tel: 021 650 5235

Email us

Faculty Office

[administrative issues]

Tel: 021 650 2717

Email us: 

Undergraduate inquires

Postgraduate inquires

UCT Admissions Office

[application forms and general enquiries]

Tel: 021 650 4556

       021 650 2128

Email us

The Alternative Admissions Research Project (NBT)  

[information on admissions test dates and processes]

Tel: 021 650 3523

       021 650 5462

Email us