2026 UCT FEES AND PAYMENT DATES

By | March 6, 2024
0 Comment

2026 UCT FEES AND PAYMENT DATES

Please note that fees and payment requirements differ for local and international students. A further distinction is made between international students from the SADC region, international students from elsewhere in Africa, and international students from outside Africa.

The following information does not apply to students registering at the Graduate School of Business (GSB) in 2026. The GSB initial payments and deadlines will be published in the 2026 Student Fees Handbook which will be available towards the end of 2016.

South African citizens and South African permanent residents

An initial payment of fees (for tuition and residence) is due by Friday 03 March 2026. If payment is not received on or before the due date, a one-off late payment fee of 10% of the unpaid amount will be charged. You will be allowed to register if the initial payment has not been received by the due date.

The amounts due are:

∙Tuition cost initial payment R21,500 (or the full fee where this is lower than the initial payment), plus if applicable;

∙Residence (catering) initial payment R25,500, or

∙Residence (self-catering) initial payment R16,500

This is not the full cost. Final payment is due 31 July 2026.

International students from the SADC region

An initial payment of fees (tuition and residence and the administrative service fee) is due before registration or by Friday 03 March 2026, whichever date is earlier. If payment is not received on or before the due date,

a one-off late payment fee of 10% of the unpaid amount will be charged. Allow a minimum of 14 working days for the payment to reflect in UCT’s bank account.

The amounts due are:

∙Tuition cost initial payment R21,500 (or the full fee where this is lower than the initial payment), plus

∙Non-refundable administrative service fee R3,500

plus if applicable

∙Residence (catering) initial payment R25,500, or

∙Residence (self-catering) initial payment R16,500

This is not the full cost. Final payment is due 31 July 2026.

International Students

International students must make a minimum initial payment towards the tuition fees, international term fees and residence fees (where applicable), prior to registration or before Friday 03 March 2026, whichever date

See also  UNISA Short Course in Care for the Caregiver

is earlier. If payment is not received on or before the due date, a one-off late payment fee of 10% of the unpaid amount will be charged. Allow a minimum of 14 working days for the payment to reflect in UCT’s bank account.

Payment due prior to registration for:

∙UCT full-time international fee-paying students (except Master’s & PhD students): R83,000

∙Master’s full-time international students (Coursework & Dissertation): R53,800

∙Master’s full-time international students (Dissertation only): Full fees + R3,500 non-refundable international service fee

∙PhD full-time international students: Full fees + R3,500 non-refundable international service fee

This is not the full cost. Final payment is due 31 July 2026. plus if applicable:

∙Residence (catering) initial payment R25,500, or

∙Residence (self-catering) initial payment R16,500

This is not the full residence cost. Final payment is due 31 July 2026.

Click here to go to the UCT International website or to view the Student fees handbook, go back to Fees website, and click on the link to the appropriate handbook.

Need Information or Confused about Something ?

Ask a Question

 

Sponsored Guide

Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.

📌 What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

  • Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
  • Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.
See also  Apply 2026 Application at the University of Pretoria

✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?

To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
  • Have a valid South African ID.
  • Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
  • Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).

📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

If you’re studying:

  • Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
  • Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.

📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
  2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
  3. Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
  4. Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

    • Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
    • You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
    • Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.

  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.

  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

    • Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
    • Provide household income information and living arrangements.

  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
    • Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.

  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
    • Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.

  7. Track Your Application

    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
    • You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.

🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.

💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

NSFAS funding typically includes:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation (if living away from home)
  • Meals and transport
  • Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)

For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).

🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment

Repayments are:

  • Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
  • Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
  • Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.

You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.

🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 NSFAS Contact Information

📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
  • Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
  • Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.

By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.

 

Related Posts: