Campus Life 2022
Photo Je’nine May.

Welcome

Campus Life 2022
Photo Lerato Maduna.

Molweni nonke en 'n hartlike welkom to the University of Cape Town (UCT)!

We know there are many options for someone seeking a higher education programme. Thank you for choosing this great institution. We offer you not only life-changing learning, but also opportunities for personal growth, leadership training, relationship-building and personal transformation.

Thanks to COVID-19, the last two years of your high school experience were extremely challenging. Even without a pandemic, it’s normal for any new university student to feel nervous about what their first year will hold. I want you to remember this: UCT has very high standards. You have been offered a place here because of the hard work and perseverance you have demonstrated so far. And those same qualities will help you earn your degree!

Studying at university is hard work. But every faculty has programmes and people in place to help you succeed, because your success is UCT’s success. So don’t be afraid to ask questions and to seek help when you need it. We are here to assist you.

UCT is consistently ranked as the top-rated university in Africa and one of the top-rated in the world. We strive for excellence, and are committed to the kind of transformation that will allow each of you to fulfil your true potential. We want you to realise your goals, to graduate, and to go on to contribute to the socio-economic development of South Africa and the African continent. At UCT, this hope is captured in Vision 2030, where we aim to inspire everyone at UCT to ‘unleash human potential to create a fair and just society’. Many of our alumni become leaders in their chosen fields, in South Africa, other African countries, or in international companies and organisations. Through our alumni, UCT’s influence is felt across the world.

UCT remains the top-rated university in Africa and one of the top-ranking in the world. We strive for excellence, and are committed to the kind of transformation that will allow each of you to fulfil your true potential. We want you to realise your goals, to graduate, and to go on to contribute optimally to the global economy and the socio-economic development of South Africa and the continent. At UCT, this hope is captured in our new vision, a vision to ‘unleash human potential to create a fair and just society.’

While the pandemic makes it necessary to exercise caution – by wearing masks, social distancing, sanitising or washing hands frequently and avoiding crowded spaces – we are finding ways to provide you with a full university experience, where you can have access to the many support facilities at UCT, join in the wide range of extracurricular activities and clubs on campus, and spend time getting to know other students and making friendships that can last a lifetime. There will still be teaching and learning sessions conducted remotely, while face-to-face sessions, lab work and practical activities take place under strictly controlled conditions to keep you safe and healthy. I assure you that you will experience the best of our trusted academic excellence.

Your physical and mental health and well-being are very important to us. Please don’t struggle alone. If you need any assistance, please reach out to our Student Wellness Service, which offers online and telephonic counselling and support, or contact the UCT Student Careline (0800 24 25 26 or SMS 31393 for a call-back), which is available 24/7.

We want you to feel at home at UCT while you complete your programme of study. One way to do that is to take individual and collective responsibility to keep yourself and those around you safe. It is important to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to help prevent the spread and impact of the virus while you participate in campus life. Wear your masks, wash your hands, maintain social distancing and engage with others with positive energy.

I’m so glad you have chosen to come to UCT. My colleagues and I look forward to getting to know you, celebrating your accomplishments and walking beside you every step of the way on this new and exciting journey!

Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng
Vice-Chancellor

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