University of the Western Cape
A well-established university providing quality higher education. Offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs with dedicated faculty and supportive learning environment.
- Acceptance Rate
- 66.6%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.4
- Size
- Large (23,760 students)
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- 1:19
- Setting
- suburban
- Graduation Rate
- 78.0%
- Retention Rate
- 81.0%
- Tuition (In-State)
- $5,000
- Tuition (Int'l)
- $8,000
Academic Programs
STEM
Business
Social Sciences
Humanities
Health
Arts
English Proficiency Requirements
Student Life & Environment
Student organizations reflect the university's activist history and continued engagement with social issues. Political discussion and debate occur openly, with student government playing a meaningful role in campus life. Cultural organizations celebrate the many traditions represented in South Africa's population, from various African ethnic groups to Cape Malay culture to other communities. Sports clubs compete in various codes including rugby, football, cricket, and netball, with facilities that support both recreational and competitive activity. Community service and outreach form important parts of student life, connecting university resources to needs in surrounding townships. The student center provides space for gathering, dining, and events that bring the community together. Academic support programs help students who may be returning to education after years away or who need assistance with particular subjects. Financial pressures affect many students, leading to part-time work and sometimes delayed completion of degrees. The student experience differs markedly based on whether one lives on campus, commutes from family homes in the region, or travels from elsewhere in South Africa.
Location & Surroundings
The campus occupies land in Bellville, connected to central Cape Town by road and rail though removed from the city center by about 25 kilometers. Cape Town's spectacular setting, with Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean providing backdrop, makes this one of the most beautiful regions anywhere. The campus itself features a mix of older buildings and newer facilities constructed as the university expanded. Security remains a concern given crime rates in South Africa, and the university maintains measures to protect students and staff. Public transportation connects campus to the rest of the Cape Town metropolitan area, though many students who can afford vehicles prefer driving. The Western Cape wine country lies a short drive away, offering scenery and recreation for weekend excursions. Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, sits visible from Cape Town's waterfront, a constant reminder of the history that shaped UWC's identity. Student housing exists on campus, though capacity cannot accommodate all who would prefer to live there, leading many to rent in surrounding areas.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Graduates from UWC enter careers across South African society, from health professions to law to education to business. The dental school produces practitioners who establish practices or work in public health facilities throughout the country. Law graduates enter firms, government positions, and NGOs, continuing the tradition of using legal training for public benefit. Education graduates address critical needs in South African schools, often returning to underserved communities. Health sciences prepare nurses, pharmacists, and other professionals for the healthcare sector. Business and management graduates find positions in Cape Town's growing economy, from finance to retail to tourism. Many graduates pursue further study, either at UWC for advanced degrees or at other institutions in South Africa and abroad. The alumni network has grown as the university's reputation has improved, providing connections that help recent graduates find opportunities. Career services provide support for job searching, though employment challenges in South Africa mean that not all graduates find positions immediately in their chosen fields.
Campus Location
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