UWC Online Applications for 2026 Academic Year Now Open

University of the Western Cape has officially opened applications for the 2026 academic year, starting on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. This is available to all prospective students, regardless of their nationality, qualification level, or language proficiency. Applicants can access the university’s online application portal to begin their application process.

The application portal will remain open until varying deadlines depending on the program chosen. Students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, particularly for popular courses, as they may fill up quickly. With UWC’s competitive admission process, it is advisable to submit applications early to increase the chances of securing a place.

UWC 2026 Application Timelines

The University of the Western Cape is now accepting applications for the 2026 academic year, starting from April 1, 2025. This opportunity is available to both new applicants and those who have applied in the past. All applications, along with the necessary supporting documents, must be submitted by September 30, 2025.

What You Need to Apply for Admission at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) for 2026

This applies to transfer applicants from another university. Here are the documents you’ll need to submit for your online application to UWC:

Certified copy of your NSC Certificate or Senior Certificate
Certified copy of your Identification document
Certified Certificate of good conduct from your current/previous institution
Certified Official Academic Transcript
Module content / Yearbook descriptor from your institution for all modules completed
Certified Degree certificate (if applicable)

Post-Matric Learners: If you have written the NSC examination already, you need to submit the following:

Certified copy of your NSC certificate or Senior Certificate
Certified copy of your identification document
Proof of any studies with academic records, if applicable, you may have completed
If applicable, proof that you are currently improving your NSC results
In an affidavit a brief description of activities post-matric/NSC

International Students: From countries other than South Africa

You need to submit your final school results to Universities South Africa (USAf) for an evaluation
Application for Exemption is to be done with Universities South Africa (USAf) formerly Higher Education South Africa (HESA).
UWC unfortunately will not be able to respond to your application until you submit a confirmation letter issued by USAf stating that you qualify to study at a South African University.
Certified copy of your passport.

UWC Application Fee For 2025-2026

There is NO Application fee.

Steps to Apply for UWC 2026?

University of the Western Cape accepts both online and manual applications. To apply online, follow the guidelines below:

Go to www.uwc.ac.za.
Select Online Applications.
Select and Click on NEW APPLICATIONS.
Agree to POPI Act
Read and Accept the Rules.
Fill in all required fields, including personal and academic details
Enter your address and phone number.
Select your qualification type (e.g., undergraduate or postgraduate).
Enter your ID number
Enter your last school leaving certificate number and matriculation/Grade 12 year.
Enter the name of your most recent high school.
Choose the qualifications and campus
Complete Qualification Fields
Upload all supporting documents.
Double-check all entered details for accuracy.
Confirm accuracy and submit your application.
You will receive application confirmation via email
You can track the progress of your application through the portal

UWC Paper-based Application for 2026

You can print a hard copy of the application form from the official website and fill it out by hand with a pen. Application forms and supporting documentation must be submitted to the Admissions Office. You have two options for submitting your application form and supporting documents:

Forms can be hand-delivered to the Central Admissions Office
Forms can also be posted to the Admissions Office.

UWC Admission and Entry Requirements for the 2026 Academic Year

UWC admission requirements for entry-level programmes adhere to national legislation and therefore the following are required:

The minimum admission requirement is a National Senior Certificate (NSC)
Bachelors pass – an achievement rating of 4 (adequate achievement 50-59%) or better in four subjects chosen from the recognized 20-credit NSC subjects.

UWC Contact Centre

Contact Number: +27 21 959 3900/01
Email Address: admissions@uwc.ac.za

For more information, visit the official website here.

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