How to Apply to the University of the Western Cape: A Guide for Prospective Students
If you are looking for a research-led, learning and teaching African university with a legacy of social justice, community engagement and graduate employability, you might want to consider applying to the University of the Western Cape (UWC). UWC is one of the leading universities in South Africa, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across seven faculties. UWC also boasts a vibrant campus life, a diverse student body, and a commitment to excellence and innovation.
But how do you apply to UWC? What are the admission requirements, deadlines, and fees? And what can you expect from the application process? In this blog post, we will answer these questions and more, to help you prepare for your application to UWC.
Step 1: Choose your programme of study
The first step in applying to UWC is to choose your programme of study. UWC offers various degree and diploma programmes in the following faculties:
- Arts
- Community and Health Sciences
- Dentistry
- Economic and Management Sciences
- Education
- Law
- Natural Sciences
You can browse through the different programmes on the UWC website (https://www.uwc.ac.za/), or download the 2023 prospectus (https://www.uwc.ac.za/Prospectus/Pages/default.aspx) for more information. You should also check the admission requirements for each programme, as they may vary depending on the faculty and level of study. Some programmes may have additional criteria, such as portfolios, interviews, or tests.
Step 2: Apply online
The second step in applying to UWC is to apply online. UWC does not accept paper applications or walk-ins. You will need to have a valid email address to apply online, as all communication from the university will be sent via email. You can create an email account using Gmail, Yahoo Mail, or any other email provider you prefer.
To apply online, you will need to visit the UWC online application portal (https://www.uwc.ac.za/online-applications) and follow the instructions. You will need to register an account, fill in your personal details, academic history, programme choices, and supporting documents. You will also need to pay an application fee of R100 for South African applicants or R300 for international applicants.
You can apply for up to two programmes at UWC. However, you cannot change your programme choices once you have submitted your application. You should also note that selection decisions are final and not all applicants who meet the minimum admission requirements will be offered a place at UWC.
Step 3: Apply for residence (optional)
The third step in applying to UWC is to apply for residence if you wish to stay on campus. UWC has various residence options for students, including single rooms, double rooms, flats, and cottages. Residence placement is limited and not all applicants can be accommodated. Selection will only be done from those applicants who are made offers of study by the university based on placement criteria and availability of space.
To apply for residence, you will need to visit the UWC residence application portal (https://www.uwc.ac.za/apply-now/Pages/Residence-Application.aspx) and follow the instructions. You will need to register an account, fill in your personal details, residence preferences, and supporting documents. You will also need to pay a residence application fee of R100.
You can apply for up to three residence options at UWC. However, you cannot change your residence choices once you have submitted your application. You should also note that residence offers are not guaranteed and are subject to availability and demand.
Step 4: Track your application status
The fourth step in applying to UWC is to track your application status. You can do this by logging into your online application account and checking the status of your application. You will also receive email notifications from the university regarding your application progress.
There are four possible application statuses:
- Pending: Your application has been received but not yet processed.
- Provisional offer: You have been made a conditional offer of study subject to meeting certain requirements.
- Firm offer: You have been made a final offer of study with no further conditions.
- Unsuccessful: Your application has been declined.
If you receive a provisional or firm offer of study from UWC, you will need to accept or decline it within 14 days. If you accept it, you will need to pay a registration fee of R3000 for South African students
Founded in 2007, Universitas Occidentalis Capensia or UWC for shortest is an emerging university with five locations in the Cape metropolitan area, namely Athlone Campus, Bellville Campus, Cape Town Campus, Granger Bay Campus, and Mowbray Campus. Being situated geographically in an area ridden with historical inequality that still persists today, UWC holds fast to its principles of equity, fairness, dignity, and respect, striving towards an ideal society wherein all individuals - regardless of race, gender, religion, etcetera - can be educated equally without prejudice and discrimination. This mission statement can best summarised with UWC’s motto “Opening minds, shaping futures