University of Cape Town Faculty of Science Postgraduate Admissions

By | September 18, 2021
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University of Cape Town Faculty of Science Postgraduate Admissions

In brief, the admission requirements that must be met in order to register for a postgraduate degree in the Science Faculty are as follows:

Honours degree: 
A candidate entering an Honours degree must generally have a BSc degree in the discipline in which he or she proposes to proceed to Honours.

Master’s degree: 
A candidate entering a Master’s degree must have a BSc (Honours) degree or four-year undergraduate equivalent (i.e. a four-year degree post South African National Senior Certificate equivalent, which includes a research project).



Doctor of Philosophy (PhD):
A candidate entering the PhD must have a Master’s degree.

More details on the requirements for admission to postgraduate study to can be found in the Science Faculty Handbook and the UCT General Rules and Policies

Application Process

BSc(Honours) and Master’s degree (by coursework and minor dissertation)
Places on the BSc(Honours) and Master’s degree (by coursework and minor dissertation) programmes are limited by capacity, and applicants are accepted on a competitive basis. Students interested in applying for admission to one of these degree programmes should first consult the department concerned to determine closing dates for applications, and what documentation is required. The general closing dates for applications to UCT can be found here.

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PhD and research Master’s degree 
Prospective candidates wishing to register for a PhD degree or a Master’s degree (by dissertation) should have a discussion with the prospective supervisor and/or Head of Department prior to applying formally to the University. Once supported by the host department, a formal application will have to be submitted online at http://www.students.uct.ac.za/students/applications/apply/forms.

In addition to meeting the minimum entrance requirements, the following information will need to be provided:



  • a curriculum vitae which includes personal details, academic history and work experience;
  • an official transcript of university results (non-UCT students only);
  • in the case of an application for the PhD, a summary of the Master’s research undertaken with and any publications which have arisen from this;
  • names and contact details (including e-mail addresses) of two referees who are familiar the candidate’s recent academic studies;
  • a brief outline of the area of interest for research;
  • the names of UCT staff members who may have agreed to serve as supervisor/s for the research;
  • proof of English language proficiency, where English is not the applicant’s home language.

International Students

The Faculty of Science is proud of its diverse student and staff bodies. More than a third of students and staff in the Faculty are international. We believe that our learning and research environments are considerably enhanced by the rich exchange of ideas and experiences that transpire from this diversity. Links with other African universities and leading academic institutions around the world are strong, and there is a regular stream of world-class researchers and teachers visiting the Faculty on an annual basis, to the benefit of students and staff alike.

The International Academic Programmes Office (IAPO) provides specialist services for international students. These include a pre-registration service, assisting students with immigration issues, producing information booklets and pamphlets specifically for international students, liaising with the Department of Home Affairs regarding immigration legislation and compliance, and maintaining links with embassies and donor organizations that fund international students.

More information on the services offered to international students can be found at the IAPO website.

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