University of Cape Town

Photo courtesy Danie van der Merwe

Take in the stunning architecture that typifies South Africa’s oldest university.

The University of Cape Town – known throughout South Africa as “UCT” – is South Africa’s oldest university, founded in 1829 as the South African College, a high school for boys.

It is one of Africa’s most prestigious universities, and is situated in beautiful old buildings high on the slopes of Devil’s Peak, with impressive views out over the Cape Flats, towards Somerset West and Stellenbosch.

The university has six faculties - Commerce, Engineering and the Built Environment, Law, Health Sciences, Humanities, Law and Science.

At the main campus visitors can sit on “Jammie steps”, the popular student hangout outside Jameson Hall, to soak up student life or enjoy a walk around the campus overlooking Rondebosch and Newlands.

You can also access the pedestrian path to the Rhodes Memorial, which offers striking views of Cape Town, and pop in to the restaurant for a welcome cuppa and home-made treats.

The Hiddingh Campus in the City houses the Drama and Fine Arts departments, including the Michaelis Gallery (+ 27 (0)21 480 7170) which exhibits local and international art. At the end of each academic year, fourth-year student art is displayed and the event is a highlight of the local art scene.

Among UCT’s more than 100 000 alumni are the late Professor Christiaan Barnard, the world-renowned heart surgeon, and three Nobel laureates, Sir Aaron Klug, the late Professor Alan MacLeod Cormack and JM Coetzee.

Contact the University for more information on foreign students, short courses and lecturing positions. Contact Cape Town Tourism for more information on educational tourism.

Did you know?

The University of Cape Town, founded in 1829,  is South Africa’s oldest university.

Walking in Cape Town

Many visitors want to explore nature on higher ground as soon as they arrive in Cape Town and with Lion’s Head and Table Mountain beckoning, many do get to experience the local flora and fauna on foot. However, the entire peninsula can be enjoyed by avid walkers. From Blouberg Beach, with its picture perfect views from its sandy shores, to the more adventurous guided Hoerikwaggo Trails along the spine of Table Mountain, visitors have an expanse of ground to cover.

Castle Military Museum

The Castle Military Museum is housed in the oldest building in South Africa, the Castle of Good Hope, which was declared a national monument in 1936.

The Castle Military Museum is a tribute to the brave regiments of the past, providing an insight into the political history of the country and celebrating the rich military history of the Cape. Then Minister of Defence Joe Modise officially opened the Castle Military Museum on August 1, 1995.

South African Rugby Museum

Cape Town sport enthusiasts are lucky enough to live in the city that is home to the South African Rugby Museum. Located just a drop kick away from the Newlands Rugby Stadium in the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town, home of the Stormers, the South African Rugby Museum is a full of tokens, collector’s items, memorabilia and history of one of the country’s most watched sports.

Historic buildings and architecture in Cape Town

As the oldest city in South Africa, Cape Town boasts a number of historical buildings, many of which are still in use today and open to visitors. The city’s architecture is a testament to the many varying influences in South Africa’s unique history.

Art galleries in Cape Town

More than 100 art galleries – as diverse as the colours daubed on an artist’s palette – await discovery in and around Cape Town.

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