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Strategy 2030: Shaping UCT’s Future Together

Strategy 2030 builds on our excellence, diversity, and resilience and hopes to shape UCT's future. Feedback from the UCT community is now being consolidated and considered, and further updates will be shared in the coming months.

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UCT achieves its highest ranking in a decade – now in the top 3% globally

The latest Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings show UCT ranked 150th globally, up from 171st in the last rankings. This move places UCT firmly within the top 3% of of 8 467 institutions evaluated and top in Africa again.

UCT joins forces with French university to launch first dual degree programme in Africa

International Office Director Quinton Johnson, PhD, is delighted to announce that UCT has launched a groundbreaking collaborative dual degree programme with French university Sciences Po.

Celebrating the graduates of 1974 and 1975 at Golden Graduation

Alumni who graduated 50 years ago (and more!), came back to UCT to celebrate their golden graduation.

50th Reunion of UCT Medical Class of 1975

The UCT medical class of 1975 recently celebrated their 50th reunion with a week of gatherings and celebrations, including attending UCT's Golden Graduation. It was a special week of connection and renewing friendships.

UCT Official Merchandise

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Latest news

Legacy, laughter and lifelong bonds

UCT threw a double celebration that had alumni, students, and staff grinning from ear to ear over the weekend. Kopano Residence marked its 80th anniversary on Saturday night, while Leo Marquard Hall celebrated its golden jubilee the night

Thelma Nyarhi: Weaving a Tapestry of Belonging in a World of Incompleteness

Thelma Nyarhi, author, researcher, teacher and PhD candidate at UCT describes her journey of identity and heritage.

Tee off for good: UCT's Johannesburg Golf Day Drives Change

UCT's 2025 Golf Day series teed off at Steyn City Johannesburg in August. The event successfully brought together corporate partners and supporters, combining a day of golf with a focus on fundraising for key university initiatives.

UCT retains African lead in 2025 global rankings

UCT maintained its place in the top 201–300 band in the 2025 Shanghai Academic Ranking of World Universities, released in August 2025. This marks another year as the highest-ranked university in South Africa and on the African continent.

Shaping academic success: the transformative work of the National Benchmark Tests at UCT

The National Benchmark Tests (NBT's), which have their home at UCT, play a pivotal role in advancing equity and excellence in South African higher education. They have an impact by providing fair access for all and offer tailored support.

Ethics in Action: UCT’s EthicsLab charts a bold path for health and AI in Africa

The EthicsLab, a transformative initiative, bridging the humanities and health sciences, is changing the way we think about health, technology and moral responsibility. They urgently need funding to sustain and expand their work.

Videos

UCT Ikey Tigers — their passion, perseverance, and potential

UCT Food Sovereignty Fund

UCT Unlocking Futures Bursary

UCT Day: Khayelitsha Cervical Cancer Research

UCT DAY: Evergreen Seed Fund

Alumni at UCT

As the oldest university in South Africa, the University of Cape Town has over 200 000 alumni on record, located in 164 countries around the world. This vibrant, global community share memories of time spent at Africa's top-ranked higher education institution, one of the most iconic campuses in the world. Did you know that UCT is alma mater to no less than 5 Nobel Laureates along with numerous distinguished alumni? The university's international offices located in North America, Canada, the United Kingdom and in Australia serve as vital contact points for leveraging alumni and donor engagement as well as research relationships. Each year, generous funding from our alumni, donors and friends, helps fund university priority projects that include student bursaries, scholarships and support programmes. Join our community. Partner with excellence and support UCT into the future.

Upcoming Events

24th Schock Foundation Prize for Singing

28 October 2025

(Ends 28 October 2025)

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Now in its 24th year, the Schock Foundation Voice Competition celebrates the vocal talents of full-time students at UCT.

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Laura Searle Prize for Piano Concerto Playing

31 October 2025

(Ends 31 October 2025)

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Now in its 22nd year, the Laura Searle Prize for Piano Concerto Playing showcases outstanding pianists from the South African College of Music. Open to all piano students, this competition celebrates excellence in concerto performance.

SACM Piano Competitions

11 November 2025

(Ends 11 November 2025)

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This annual event celebrates excellence in piano performance at the South African College of Music, with three distinct prizes.

Psychological First Aid

12 November 2025

(Ends 12 November 2025)

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Psychological first aid is a simple, yet powerful way of helping someone in distress.

1st

IN AFRICA

UCT leads, in Africa, in all five of the major world university rankings: Times Higher Education, Quacquarelli Symonds, Center for World University Rankings, U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities Rankings and ShanghaiRanking’s Academic Ranking of World Universities.

183rd

IN THE WORLD

UCT is ranked as 183rd in the world by the latest 2022 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings.

109th

IN THE WORLD

The recent 2022 edition of the U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities Rankings saw UCT ranked at 109th globally.