With full costs for an undergraduate degree running at around R200 000 per year, many UCT students struggle to fund their higher education from their household income. Undergraduate students who come from households that generate less than R350 000 a year can qualify for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) a government student funding programme.

Did you know?

• In 2021 38% of UCT first-year students were on NSFAS bursaries.
• Almost 48% of UCT’s first year students in 2021 came from households with a high disadvantage rating.
• Close to 50% of first-year students in 2021 were the first in their family to attend university.
• The consequences of carrying fee debt at the time of graduation are that:
  • academic transcripts and degree certificates are held back until the fee debt is settled
  • lack of proof of academic qualifications hinders entry into the world of work, jeopardises employment opportunities and the ability to earn a salary because most employers look for verification of qualifications.

Each year, UCT has a list of students who have completed the full academic requirements but cannot receive their degree certificates. They have worked hard and deserve the bright future that a UCT qualification will give them. The amount they owe varies between R1 000 and R150 000.

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Empower the next generation by lifting the burden of student debt

With your help, we can ensure Graduation Day for all qualifying UCT students because Together, we are UCT. Make a once-off gift or, consider a monthly donation. From as little as R200 per month, you can help a deserving UCT student attain their graduation dream. A single, larger donation of between R1 000 and R5 000 will help multiple students to succeed. Your contribution matters. Help UCT ensure that South Africa’s brightest young minds get their careers off to a great start.