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.