About the University of Cape Town (UCT)
The University of Cape Town (UCT) is a diverse and multicultural institution with a community of around 5,000 academic and professional staff, as well as 29,000 students from over 100 countries worldwide. UCT offers degrees across six faculties: Commerce, Engineering & the Built Environment, Health Sciences, Humanities, Law, and Science. Every year, approximately 7,200 students graduate from the university.
UCT’s vision is to be a leading African university that tackles the challenges of today through innovative teaching, research, and state-of-the-art facilities. The university is committed to promoting transformation, ensuring its long-term sustainability, and striving for excellence in everything it does.
Academic Excellence
UCT has a strong tradition of academic excellence, and it currently holds the position as the top university in Africa, as well as one of the top universities globally. Its researchers continue to provide African-based solutions to global issues like climate change, urbanization, safety, security, education, and healthcare. Many of UCT’s researchers are recognized as world leaders in their fields, meaning if you choose to study or collaborate with UCT, you’ll engage with cutting-edge research.
Teaching and Learning
UCT not only offers outstanding teaching but also encourages students to develop leadership and service skills. Students have the opportunity to get involved in numerous volunteer projects in local communities, participate in over 100 societies and 40 sports clubs on campus, or contribute to student governance.
The university’s global connections and dedication to African scholarship attract students and academics from all over the world, making it a truly international institution.
UCT is committed to academic excellence, contributing to the broader community, and shaping the future of the institution and its people.
Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng, Vice-Chancellor, said, “The world is changing, and old certainties are unraveling. To face the uncertain future, we need three things: a relentless commitment to excellence, a focus on transformation, and the courage to do things differently. Among all these uncertainties, I’m confident that UCT’s research community is up to the challenge.”
Rankings Overview (2025)
Here are some of UCT’s rankings across various subjects:
- World University Ranking: 180th
- Arts & Humanities: 201-250th
- Business & Economics: 251-300th
- Medical & Health: 78th
- Computer Science: 601-800th
- Education: 91st
- Engineering: 601-800th
- Law: 101-125th
- Life Sciences: 151-175th
- Physical Sciences: 301-400th
- Psychology: 201-250th
- Social Sciences: 101-125th
Impact Rankings (2025)
UCT has been ranked for its efforts in addressing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Some key rankings include:
- No Poverty: 101-200th
- Good Health & Wellbeing: 201-300th
- Gender Equality: 201-300th
- Clean Water & Sanitation: 101-200th
- Decent Work & Economic Growth: 401-600th
- Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure: 86th
- Sustainable Cities & Communities: 80th
- Climate Action: 301-400th
- Life Below Water: 51st
- Life on Land: 201-300th
- Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions: 101-200th
- Partnership for the Goals: 101-200th
Key Student Statistics
- Gender ratio: 55% Female : 45% Male
- International student percentage: 13%
- Students per staff: 13
- Total students: 21,021
Subjects Offered at UCT
UCT offers a variety of subjects across its six faculties, including:
- Arts & Humanities: Archaeology, Architecture, Art, Performing Arts, History, Languages, Literature
- Business & Economics: Accounting, Business, Economics, Finance
- Computer Science: Computer Science
- Education Studies: Education
- Engineering: Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, General Engineering
- Law: Law
- Life Sciences: Biological Sciences, Sport Science
- Medical & Health: Medicine, Dentistry, Health Sciences
- Physical Sciences: Chemistry, Geology, Physics
- Psychology: Psychology
- Social Sciences: Media Studies, Geography, Politics, Sociology