Why UCT? Prospective students answer at the 2026 Open Day

Despite the cold Mother City weather, campus was alive with activity and excitement as prospective students and their families arrived for the 2026 University of Cape Town (UCT) Open Day on Saturday, 25 April.

The annual Open Day lays out the undergraduate offerings at the institution. There were lectures from the deans of all six faculties, and heads of department took prospective students through disciplines such as astronomy and archaeology; civil engineering and construction economics; anthropology and African feminist studies, among others. Medicine ran three concurrent sessions in the Anatomy Building, the Wolfson Lecture Theatre, and the Jolly Lecture Theatre. The Faculty of Law Faculty offered admissions clinics and Q&As on the hour from 10:00 until 14:00.

The infrastructure supporting both access to and accommodation at UCT was also in place. Tasneem Salasa from the Student Funding Office spoke on financial aid. Tsebo Litabe and Sean Abrahams from Student Housing covered residence eligibility. Edwina Ghall presented on Disability Services. The Centre for Educational Assessments ran National Benchmark Tests (NBT) sessions in the morning and again in the early afternoon. Library tours left every half hour from 10:30, outside the Molly Blackburn Hall. Walking tours to Fuller Hall residence ran every hour from 11:00.

Who came, and why

Samuel Mulamba (21), originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), was drawn by what he had heard about UCT through the news and through his cousins. He wants to study chemical or civil engineering. Daniel Muya, also 21 and from the DRC, was there because of his interest in geology and mining. “It’s a very big university and the level is very high,” he said. “That’s why I want to study geology here.”

“I’m really excited to attend UCT just because of the environment; aesthetically, socially, academically – it’s all amazing.”

Many of the prospective students had not yet decided on what they wanted to study. Zara Sutner (17) is considering medicine or chemical engineering. Isabelle Martin, also 17, is leaning toward chemical engineering. “I enjoy chemistry and physics,” she said. Justine Simpson (17) is also interested in chemical engineering. “I’ve heard a lot about the different possibilities that can come out of it and what I can learn here at engineering and in this environment.”

Wade Lincoln (18) from Mitchells Plain is considering pursuing either chemical or civil engineering. “One of my close family members recommended UCT,” he said. “Being here right now, it’s actually a very nice place to be, and the people are very nice.” Emily Chillin (17) had come all the way from Gqeberha because of her interest in mechanical engineering and mechatronics. Ulrich Waai (18) came from Johannesburg, and is considering studying mechatronics. “I think the lecture halls are great. The view is fantastic,” he noted. Junaid Peck (18) originally from Australia and now living in Cape Town, has a keen interest in engineering and computer sciences. “[The university is] really close by and has a good reputation.” Roger Johnson (17) from Kraaifontein also wants to study civil engineering. “It’s about constructing roads and building bridges for communities,” he said.

From across the country, and beyond

Hlenele Tshanyela (18) from Gugulethu wants to pursue a BCom in Law. “[UCT] offers many options; it’s a broad institution with many opportunities.” Kino Mone (17) from Athlone wants to pursue a BCom in Economics. “The infrastructure [at UCT] is gorgeous and it’s a great institution,” he said. Shaik Rigby (17) from Mitchells Plain is interested in law. “I really want to come here,” he said. “There’s a lot to explore.”

Waseen Barnabas (18) from Mitchells Plain is deciding between occupational therapy and physiotherapy. He had been on campus the previous Thursday too. “The experience was just very nice, and I really look forward to going here, possibly,” he said.

Chantal van der Merwe (18) from Durbanville is interested in studying commerce or business. “I’m really excited to attend UCT just because of the environment; aesthetically, socially, academically – it’s all amazing. To meet people, to network my way through, and get opportunities … it gives you a foot in every door.”