Summer School returns in January  2026

The University of Cape Town’s (UCT) flagship Summer School programme will be back in January. This is the only programme of its kind on the continent.

Hosted by UCT’s Centre for Extra Mural Studies, the 2026 programme is emblematic of outstanding scholarship and intellectual rigour; presented by staff, postgraduate students, past and retired university staff; as well as thought leaders, authors, luminaries and scholars from South Africa and across the world, many with deep ties to the university.

The programme will run from 19 January until 31 January. It is open to the public, staff and students and includes lectures, excursions, campus tours, performances, and – for the first time – a ballet.

The annual Stuart Saunders Lecture, which honours the contribution made by the late Dr Stuart Saunders in a lifetime dedicated to the university, will be offered in partnership with UCT’s Development and Alumni Department. There is also the Distinguished Alumni lecture, which will be presented by Advocate Geoff Budlender.

Browse through the 2026 brochure.

Buy your tickets.