University of Cape Town: Message from the Vice-Chancellor

Welcome to the University of Cape Town. I am delighted that you are considering studying at UCT, an institution renowned for the quality of its teaching and learning, and for its commitment to engaging with society's challenges through research and active citizenship.

UCT offers a full range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in six faculties: Commerce, Engineering & the Built Environment, Health Sciences, Humanities, Law and Science. Our undergraduate programmes have been carefully designed to ensure that each student is well prepared for the working environment of the 21st century.

There are five important reasons why you should opt to study at UCT. First, you will have the opportunity to get an internationally recognised qualification. Many of our graduates have jobs before they qualify and almost all have jobs within a few months after graduating, unless they choose for a specific reason not to enter formal employment.

Second, we will expose you to some of the best researchers and teachers in the world. The quality of your education is directly related to the quality of the faculty staff teaching you. At UCT, researchers of outstanding quality teach, and teachers of outstanding quality do research, so that the latest scholarly work, teaching methods and practical experience are incorporated into your curriculum.

Third, we aim to prepare leaders for the future. You will acquire an education that extends beyond the classroom curriculum. At UCT you will have the opportunity to hone your leadership skills through engagement in societies, clubs, residence committees, the Students' Representative Council (SRC) and Student Parliament.

Fourth, we will prepare you for the globalised world of work. We shape opportunities for students to engage internationally with student groups. You will study with students from over a hundred different countries, and you will make new and lasting friendships. There are curricular opportunities for learning about global issues.

Fifth, to support you, we offer a range of student services, including services and facilities for students with disabilities, the student wellness service, HIV/Aids prevention and treatment, and a career development office. There are also dozens of sports clubs, cultural societies and social activities to enable your all-round development and ensure you have lots of fun. We also have many academic support programmes to assist students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

We recognise that tertiary education is unaffordable to many. We undertake to provide financial assistance to ensure that any student who is accepted academically, whether poor or middle class, will be able to afford to come to UCT.

The UCT prospectus has been designed to help you explore different degree requirements, financial aid options, and provides information about admission testing, accommodation and so on. If you still have questions, please call UCT's admissions office for help.

We are keen to attract talented, motivated students and, in particular, students who value social justice and engaged citizenship. We encourage you to choose UCT, and look forward to welcoming you to UCT in 2015.

Yours sincerely

Dr Max Price, Vice-Chancellor