UCT's spring graduands ready to shape a fair and just society

Dear colleagues and students

From Monday, 7 September to Wednesday, 9 September 2026, the University of Cape Town (UCT) will celebrate approximately 2 320 graduates who are ready to shape a fair and just society as they cross the stage during the university's Spring Graduation ceremonies.

Across eight ceremonies, UCT will confer 125 undergraduate diplomas and certificates, 693 bachelor's degrees, 189 honours degrees, 202 postgraduate diplomas and certificates, 955 master's degrees and 155 doctoral degrees. Each qualification represents years of hard work, perseverance and resilience, while marking the beginning of a new chapter of leadership, service and impact.

Graduation is one of the university's most cherished traditions. It celebrates academic achievement and reflects UCT's commitment, through Strategy 2030, to unleashing human potential for a fair and just society. Every graduate who receives a qualification this spring carries forward that vision, equipped with the knowledge, skills and values to make a meaningful difference in their communities, across Africa and around the world.

• See the full schedule of Spring 2025 graduation ceremonies.

An academic qualification is more than a personal accomplishment. It is an opportunity to use the knowledge, creativity and compassion to improve the lives of others and help build a more equitable, sustainable and prosperous future. As the Spring graduands embark on the next chapter of their journey, I have no doubt they will continue to pursue excellence with purpose and to use their talents in service of society.

This graduation season also comes at a time when UCT continues to strengthen its position as a leading African university with global impact. Our position as Africa's leading university in the latest QS World University Rankings reflects the excellence of our teaching, learning and research. Equally, our outstanding performance in the Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Rankings, including a global top 10 ranking for Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17), demonstrates our commitment to advancing sustainable development through collaboration, innovation and research that serves society. These achievements reinforce our shared purpose of creating knowledge for the public good.

To our graduands, congratulations on reaching this important milestone. Your success is the result of determination, discipline and perseverance. It also reflects the encouragement and sacrifices of your families, friends, mentors and lecturers, who have supported you throughout your journey.

As you join UCT's global community of alumni, remember that your degree carries both privilege and responsibility. The world you enter is changing rapidly and presents complex challenges, but it also offers immense opportunities to lead with integrity, embrace innovation and make a lasting contribution. I encourage you to remain lifelong learners, to be guided by curiosity and compassion, and to use your education to help build a fairer and more just society.

I extend my sincere appreciation to our all our staff whose support has been instrumental in our graduands’ journey. Your expertise, commitment and dedication make the UCT experience possible and create an environment where our students can flourish. Thank you for the role you play in advancing excellence in teaching, research, innovation and social responsiveness.

To the parents, guardians, families, partners and friends who have walked this journey with our graduands, thank you for your unwavering support, encouragement and sacrifice. Your belief in our students has helped make this achievement possible, and this celebration belongs to you as much as it does to them.

For those unable to attend the ceremonies in person at Sarah Baartman Hall, these will all be live-streamed on the UCT graduation feature page and on the university's Facebook and X social media platforms. Recordings will also be available on UCT's YouTube channel.

As we celebrate this Spring graduation, let us also celebrate what is possible when talent is nurtured, opportunity is created and communities come together in pursuit of knowledge. I look forward to sharing this special occasion with our graduands, their loved ones and the entire UCT community.

Sincerely

Professor Mosa Moshabela
Vice-Chancellor

Read previous communications:

• From the UCT Executive
• Campus Announcements