QS World Ranking
#226
Acceptance Rate
9%
Annual Tuition (USD)
$7,000
On-Campus Housing
Available
QS Best Student City
#37
Cape Town
Application Deadline
August 31
via Direct
Student Body
Total Enrollment
29,000
students
International Students
8%
US % data not publicly reported
Figures are approximate based on institutional reports and QS data.
Why This School
Africa's top-ranked university with a breathtaking Table Mountain campus and affordable world-class education.
QS Subject Rankings 2025
Rankings by academic subject — source: QS World University Rankings by Subject
Notes for US Students
Africa's top-ranked university. Stunning Table Mountain campus. Affordable fees. English instruction.
Admission Criteria
Key requirements for US students applying to University of Cape Town
Acceptance Rate
9%
Highly selective
Application System
Direct
Deadline
August 31
Instruction Language
English
School Type
Public
Annual Tuition
$7,000
Requirements Checklist for US Applicants
- Apply directly via UCT's online portal by September 30
- SAT 1250+ or ACT 27+ recommended
- IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 83+
- High school transcripts with certified translations if not in English
- Portfolio required for Architecture and Fine Art programs
- US students classified as 'international' — limited international quota
Class Size
Academic Calendar
Southern hemisphere: academic year starts in February.
Requirements may vary by program. Always verify with the university's official admissions page.
Admission Details
- Language of Instruction
- English
- Estimated Annual Tuition
- ~$7,000 / year
- Application Deadline
- August 31
- Application System
- Direct
- School Type
- Public
- Acceptance Rate
- 9%
- QS Best Student City (Cape Town)
- #37 globally
Programs Offered
Scholarships to Explore
- ✓UCT International Merit Scholarship
- ✓Emerging Africa Scholarship
Cost of Living — Cape Town, South Africa
Low CostEstimated monthly total
$825
vs. avg US college student
57% cheaper
US avg ~$1,900/mo
Cape Town is extraordinarily affordable for US students. Stunning scenery, vibrant culture, and world-class university at a fraction of US costs.
Estimates based on 2025–26 student budgets. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and housing choice.
About Studying at University of Cape Town as a US Student
University of Cape Town is located in Cape Town, South Africa and is ranked #226in the QS World University Rankings. The school offers programs in Medicine, Law, Business, Engineering, Sciences, and more. Instruction is offered in English. The estimated annual tuition for international students is ~$7,000 / year, with an acceptance rate of approximately 9%. Applications are submitted through Direct with a deadline of August 31. Scholarships available include the UCT International Merit Scholarship.