uct hhandbook

8/8/2019 UCT Hhandbook

1/27


2/27

2

GUIDELINES FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS

INTERNATIONAL ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES OFFICE (IAPO) 4

POSTGRADUATE STUDIES AT UCT 5

APPLICATION PROCEDURES 6

FULL DEGREE POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA, HONOURS, MASTERS 6

AND PHD APPLICANTS

Application deadlines

Application orms

Application ee

Degrees and academic transcripts

Statement o research interest

Programme-specifc requirements

Language requirements

Assessment o qualifcations

Oer o study

INTERNATIONAL AFFILIATES 9POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWS 10

ADDITIONAL ACADEMIC INFORMATION 10

Academic calendar

Supervision o study (research programmes)

Leave o absence

Withdrawal rom studies

Deerral o studiesFUNDING YOUR STUDIES 12

Tuition ees

Payment o ees

International postgraduate academic scholarships

Postgraduate Funding Ofce

IMMIGRATION MATTERS 14

Study permitsHealth insurance

Part-time work during studies

CONTENTS


3/27

3

GUIDELINES FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS

Please read careully through this inormation booklet, as many o the questions

you may have about applying to UCT will be answered here.

I you have any concerns or queries that arent addressed, please contact Carol

Ojwang (Manager: International Full Degree Students)

Tel +27 (0)21 650 2822, Fax +27 (0)21 650 5667 or Email [email protected]

WHAT TO DO UPON ARRIVAL IN CAPE TOWN 16

1. Arrange / confrm accommodation

2. Clearance / pre-registration with IAPO

3. Register with your aculty

4. Attend orientation

5. Obtain a student card

6. Activate your email account

7. Open a bank account

8. Register with your Embassy

SUPPORT STRUCTURES FOR POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS 18

Orientation

Student Housing

UCT Writing Centre

Postgraduate Students Association (PGSA)

Postgraduate Centre

UCT Board or Graduate Studies

Postgraduate Student Councils

All Arica House Postgraduate Student Seminar Series

IAPO Programmes

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 21

STEP-BY-STEP PROCEDURAL GUIDE TO COMING TO UCT AND SOUTH AFRICA 25

CONTACT DETAILS FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 27


4/27

4

THE INTERNATIONAL ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES OFFICE

The International Academic Programmes Oce (IAPO) is the rst port o call or all international

students and will gladly assist you or help you nd appropriate assistance. We aim to give all

students a multicultural experience and contribute to meeting UCTs goal o ensuring that all

our graduates are able to compete globally.

In addition to looking ater the special needs o international students, IAPO leads the

development o internationalisation at UCT by acting as the central coordinator and acilitator

o all internationally-related initiatives and activities. IAPO is also UCTs organisational structure

mandated to develop and implement its policy on internationalisation.

IAPO has a wide range o responsibilities:

Provides a central contact point or all international students, sta and visitors

Advises all international students on a variety o issues that may aect them during their

stay at UCT and in Cape Town

Assists with renewing study permits

Facilitates pre-registration o all international students at UCT

Administers international term ees

Liaises with the UCT Student Clubs and Societies

Produces inormation booklets and pamphlets specically or international students

Facilitates and manages international, inter-institutional agreements

Provides a resource centre on international universities and education opportunities

Manages the University Science, Humanities, and Engineering Partnerships in Arica

(USHEPiA) Programme and other collaborative programmes in Arica

Runs a dynamic Semester Study Abroad Programme

Promotes interaction between international and local students

IAPOs services to international postgraduate students include:

Advice on international postgraduate student application procedures

Postgraduate student orientation

International student pre-registration

Advice on immigration issues

Developing opportunities or interaction amongst international and local postgraduate

studentsAssistance with placement

General counselling and advice

THE INTERNATIONAL ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES OFFICE


5/27

5

POSTGRADUATE STUDIES AT UCT

POSTGRADUATE STUDIES AT UCT

The University o Cape Town is South Aricas oldest university, and has established a tradition

o academic excellence which is recognised worldwide. As one o Aricas leading research

universities, UCT is committed to building on its international reputation by oering exciting

opportunities or postgraduate research and learning with a wide range o postgraduate

degrees in all disciplines. Particular emphasis is placed on postgraduate students and 30% o

our 21 000 students are enrolled in postgraduate programmes (18% Masters and Doctoral).

The University employs 4,300 people, 56% o whom are administrative and support sta and

44% academic and research sta. 60% o UCT academic sta hold doctorates.

UCT has six aculties (Commerce, Engineering & the Built Environment, Law, Health Sciences,

Humanities and Science) incorporating over 100 academic departments and research units.

Masters degrees are oered by dissertation or taught courses and a minor dissertation.

Doctoral degrees are research degrees only. Graduate diplomas and one year o Honours study

normally ollow a three-year Bachelors degree. A ull listing o postgraduate programmes can

be ound under each aculty on the UCT website http://www.uct.ac.za

Each aculty publishes its own handbook, which lists its rules or degrees, descriptions o its

programmes, and entrance requirements. A handbook may be requested directly rom the

aculty concerned.

The University is spread over our campuses around Cape Town. The Groote Schuur Campus,

situated on the lower slopes o Devils Peak in Rondebosch, is the main campus and

accommodates the major sector o the University. The Health Sciences Campus is located

nearby in Observatory, next to Groote Schuur Hospital. The Hiddingh Campus in Gardens

near the city centre houses the Michaelis School o Fine Art and the Drama School, and theGraduate School o Business is located at the Breakwater Campus near the V&A Waterront.


6/27

6

APPLICATION PROCEDURES


MASTERS AND PHD APPLICANTS

Application deadlines

Selection or most postgraduate courses at UCT takes place in November and early December

each year. Applicants or taught degree programmes (Honours, diplomas, coursework Masters)

must submit their applications by 30 September o the year preceding the intended year o

registration.

Masters by thesis only (research) or PhD applicants intending may submit their application at any

time o the year, in agreement with a supervisor.

Certain individual programmes have other deadlines. I in any doubt about course commencement

and application closing dates, please contact the relevant UCT aculty or department directly.

Beore submitting an application to the University, you are advised to access the UCT website

to conrm that the course you intend to take is oered by the University and i intending to

register or a research programme, to conrm with the relevant aculty that a supervisor will

be available or your area o research.

I you wish to apply or a place in a UCT residence, an option provided on UCT application

Form 1, you must submit your application beore 30 October o the year preceding the

intended year o study, regardless o later closing dates or your study programme.

I you intend to apply or an international postgraduate scholarship, note that the closing

date or submission o applications is 31 July each year or unding in the subsequent year.

(See page 13 or more details.)

Application orms

UCT application orms may be downloaded rom the UCT website:

www.uct.ac.za/apply/applications/orms/ or obtained rom UCTs Admissions Oce.

Physical address:

Admissions Oce, Level 3, Kramer Law Building, Middle Campus, Rondebosch

Postal address:

Admissions Oce, University o Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Arica

Tel:(+27(0)21)6502128Fax:(+27(0)21)6503736Email:[email protected] applications must be returned to the Admissions Oce together with all necessary

attachments, as hard copy via post or courier axed documents are not accepted.


7/27

7


Your application will be reviewed by both the Admissions Oce and your prospective aculty.

Once the application is processed, you will receive an acknowledgement o receipt rom the

Admissions Oce. Further correspondence will emanate rom your prospective aculty or

department.

Departmental application orms

Some departments at UCT have supplementary departmental application orms but applicants

are still required to submit the ocial UCT application orm. Please contact your department

directly or access your departmental webpage via UCTs website to nd out i there is an

additional application orm to be completed. Ensure that you liaise directly with your intended

aculty on the status o your application thereater.

Application eeAn application ee is payable with your application. The current ee payable can be obtained

rom http://www.uct.ac.za/apply/ees/structure/ or requested rom the Admissions Oce

byemailing [email protected]. DONOT PAY THIS FEE INTO THE UNIVERSITYS BANK

ACCOUNT. From outside the Rand currency area, a bank drat made to University o Cape

Town should be sent with your application. From South Arica, cheques drawn on local banks

or postal orders made out to University o Cape Town may be sent. Do not send cash in the

post. Cash payments may only be made at the cash oce (Receipts Cashier), Kramer Law

Building, 09h00 to 15h30 Monday to Friday. Proo o payment o the application ee needs

to be attached to your application beore it can be processed.

Degrees and academic transcripts

Certied copies o original academic transcripts covering all periods o registration at every

university that you have attended must be attached to an application. Any documentation

not in English must be translated and sworn to by an authorised translator.

Statement o research interest

Research Masters and Doctoral degree applicants must attach a statement indicating their

proposed area o specialisation or research to their application. Please conrm with youraculty the length o statement required. You will also be required to make contact with your

prospective department to ensure the availability o a supervisor in your eld.

Programme-specifc requirements

The criteria or admission to Postgraduate Diplomas and Honours, Masters and Doctoral

degrees varies rom one programme to another. Prospective applicants are advised to consult

the aculty concerned directly in order to determine the requirements or admission, beore

submitting an application. Some departments have special requirements like the GMAT

test or the MBA or a portolio o creative work or the MA in Creative Writing. Furtherinormation on specic requirements can be ound in UCT handbooks obtainable rom the

relevant aculties, or rom UCTs website.


8/27

8


Language requirements

The medium o instruction and examination at UCT is English. International applicants or

whom English is a second language are required to submit one o the ollowing: a recentscore (obtained within 3 - 5 years beore application or admission) o at least 570 (paper-

based test) on the Test o English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL); or a recent overall band

score o 7.0 (with no individual element o the test scoring below 6.0) on the International

EnglishLanguageTestingSystem(IELTS).InformationonTOEFLisavailablefromtoe@ets.

org or http://www.toef.org. Inormation on the IELTS is available through the British Council

at the British Embassy or Consulate in your country. You may also access the IELTS website

on http://www.ielts.org

Assessment o qualifcations

The assessment o applications and selection or admission to postgraduate programmes is

done by aculties / departments and based on the inormation supplied in your application.

To allow time or the assessment o your qualications and or obtaining a study permit,

applicants or coursework programmes beginning in January or February are required to

submit an application beore 30 September o the preceding year.

Applicants who hold a our-year or Honours Bachelors degree with the required specialisation

would normally be considered as having an adequate background to be accepted into a

Masters programme. However, this decision rests with the aculty and is only determined

ater the applicants qualications have been assessed. Please note that IAPO neither

processes nor evaluates international applications and qualications.

Oer o study

All applications will be acknowledged by UCTs Admission Oce and sent to the relevant

aculty or evaluation. Successul applicants will be sent an oer o admission letter with

details o acceptance procedures. Please ensure that you conrm acceptance o the oer

with your department as soon as possible.

INTERNATIONAL AFFILIATES

International Aliates are usually postgraduates or researchers who do not take UCT

courses, but wish to be aliated to UCT whilst pursuing their own research towards studies

at their own university. International Aliates must rst make contact with a specic

department to obtain an assurance o the necessary resources to accommodate them in the

host department.

Aliate status generally entitles a student to a physical space in a department, library useand limited access to academic advice as negotiated with each department. A visitors visa

is sucient or entry into the country. Please be sure to ascertain exactly what your host


9/27

9

INTERNATIONAL AFF IL IATES

department can and is willing to oer you. Note that a host department may not oer you

employment.

An aliate may not take part in any taught classes; this includes auditing classes. You willthereore not be registered or UCT courses. As an aliate you may however be invited to

attend departmental sta seminars at the discretion o the host department.

Procedures

The person seeking to be an aliate must send a request to the head o the academic

department with which he / she wishes to be aliated asking them i they are prepared to

host you in their department.

Ask i the department has the desire, resources and space to welcome you.1.I accepted, ask the head o department to email or write you a letter o invitation.2.

Ensure that the length o your aliation and the acilities available to you (as agreed3.

upon by you and the department) are clearly stated in this letter o invitation.

Complete the aliates orm which is available on UCTs website or may be requested4.

rom UCTs Admissions Oce via post. Please note that IAPO does not arrange

accommodation or international aliates. You will be required to make your own

accommodation arrangements (see pages 16 and 19 or options).

Send the completed application orm together with a copy o your letter o acceptance5.rom the department to IAPO. I IAPO does not receive a letter o invitation we cannot

process your application.

Application orms will be processed by IAPO through the Admissions Oce and the6.

relevant aculty.

Once your application has been processed, you will receive an invoice detailing the cost7.

ee o your aliation. Note that this ee is payable beore registration.

As international aliates do not attend courses they are required to apply or a visitors8.

visa endorsed or research at UCT. Upon receipt o completed orms above, IAPO will issue

a letter addressed to the visa issuing authorities in your country, so that you may apply or

a visitors visa. Please make sure that the visa is endorsed or research at UCT.

Payment should then be made to UCT (see page 12 or details).9.

On arrival at UCT the International Aliate must rst report to IAPO to activate the10.

registration process.

There are no application deadlines or this category o student and a commencement date is

to be agreed upon with your prospective academic host at UCT. However, please note that theuniversity vacations all over December and January at year-end and approximately three weeks

at mid-year during June and July. Be aware that a visa can take up to 2 months to obtain.


10/27

10

POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWS

POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWS

Postdoctoral Fellows are research ellows and not students. However, or administrative

purposes and to access UCT acilities such as libraries and computer centres, they arerequired to submit an application to UCT and thereater issued with a student number and

a student card.

Upon arrival at UCT, Fellows should proceed to the Postgraduate Funding Oce or

registration. See IAPOs pre-registration requirements on page 16. Postdoctoral ellows do

not pay ees but, in addition to the other pre-registration requirements, they should present

a copy o the oer o ellowship instead.

For urther inormation on postdoctoral ellows application and registration procedures,

contact UCTs Postgraduate Centre and Funding Oce, Tel: +27 (0)21 650 5075, email

[email protected],oraccesshttp://www.pgfo.uct.ac.za

ADDITIONAL ACADEMIC INFORMATION

Academic calendar

UCTs academic year is divided into two semesters: February to June and July to December.

Examinations are written in June and November, and graduation ceremonies are held inJune and December. A detailed academic calendar is published on UCTs website under

Calendar.

Supervision o study (research programmes)

Once students have decided on the broad research area they wish to pursue, it is necessary to

identiy a supervisor. Student-supervisor relationships are normally established through one

o our processes:

The prospective student directly approaches a sta member;

The prospective student approaches the head o department who will suggest a

supervisor;

The prospective student approaches the head o a research unit working in the broad eld

o interest who will suggest a supervisor;

A sta member (usually with access to research unding) will approach the student,

in order to encourage the student to undertake research in the sta members area o

research interest.

Prospective students are also advised to access UCTs Research web page to identiy andassess the Universitys research oci (www.research.uct.ac.za). Contact details are provided

or the heads o various research projects and team leaders o the research groupings, and


11/27

11

ADDITIONAL ACADEMIC INFORMATION

they can be contacted directly or urther inormation regarding postgraduate studies with

the groups. Note that not all departments and available research opportunities at UCT are

represented on this website.In the nal instance, the Department allocates supervisors to students. For guidelines or

the appointment o supervisors or doctoral candidates access: http://www.uct.ac.za/uct/

policies/supervisors_doc_candidates.pd

Leave o absence

The University Senate may grant leave o absence to a student or a specied period. An

application or leave o absence must be put in writing to the dean o the aculty concerned.

A student who is granted leave o absence will not be excused rom written work, tests,examinations or completing the requirements o the course unless Senate specically excuses

a student rom one or more o these requirements at the time leave o absence is granted.

Withdrawal rom studies

Should you decide to withdraw rom your studies this must be put in writing to the Registrar

o the university. Notice o intention to discontinue studies must also be put in writing to the

UCT ees oce. Failure to do so will render you liable or ull ees. Fee reduction is dependent

upon the date o withdrawal.

Deerral o studies

I you received an oer o admission to study at UCT and conrmed acceptance o the oer,

then subsequently decide to deer your studies to the next academic year, the Admissions

Oce must be inormed o this in writing. The onus is also on every student to ensure that they

inorm the relevant UCT department o their change o plan, and check that arrangements

such as availabilty o a supervisor will still stand.


12/27

12

FUNDING YOUR STUDIES


Tuition ees

UCT charges students rom the SADC member countries local ees, i.e. the same as South

Arican students. The SADC countries are Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic o Congo,

Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Arica,

Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Rwandan students and ocial Reugees (once

they have their ID Reugees Book) are also charged local ees. Students who are nationals or

permanent residents o South Arica, or an accredited diplomatic representative o a oreign

government in South Arica or his/her dependant are also liable or local ees upon proo o

their status. Students rom SADC countries and non-South Arican students who do not have

permanent residence but pay local ees, must pay the minimum initial payment or academic

and residence ees prior to registration.

Non-SADC students/all other students who do not all into the abovementioned categories

pay an international term ee which is charged in addition to the individual course ees (in

South Arican Rands). Both the international term ee plus the individual course-based ees

must be paid prior to registration. Accounts are managed and sent out by IAPO, except or

MBA studies which are billed directly by the Graduate School o Business.

International non-SADC students who intend to study or a ull degree/diploma should

consult the aculty section o the UCT ees booklet or the costs per course. The total amount

calculated rom the courses selected must be added to the international term ee. 100%

o the international term ees plus course-based ees are to be paid prior to registration. In

addition, the minimum initial residence payment is required beore registration.

For a ull listing o ees applicable please access: http://www.uct.ac.za/apply/ees/

You may also contact UCT Fees Oce directly:Email:[email protected]:+27216509111Fax:+27(0)216504768

Payment o ees

Where payment o ees is being made rom outside the Rand currency area, payment must

be made by telegraphic transer (direct deposit or Internet transer) into the Universitys bank

account (details below). Allow 7 working days or such oreign payments to reach the UCT

bank account.

Account name: University o Cape TownBank Name: Standard Bank o South Arica

Bank Address: Riverside Centre, Main Road, Rondebosch, 7700, South Arica


13/27

13


Account No: 270689982

Branch Code: Rondebosch Branch, 025009

Swit Code: SBZAZAJJ

Important: Please ax or post a legible copy o the ofcial bank transer advice so

that we can trace your payment on our bank statement. (Fax: +27 21 650 5667)

International postgraduate academic scholarships

UCT oers scholarships to international applicants via the aculty concerned. These

scholarships reduce the international term ee either entirely or partially and are awarded

at the discretion o the Faculty Dean, based on academic merit, nancial need and aculty

requirements. International terms o payment will still apply. Please contact your aculty oce

or more inormation on these scholarships. International postgraduate academic scholarships

are only available to Masters and PhD students.

Postgraduate Funding Ofce

UCTs Postgraduate Centre and Funding Oce (PFO) oers a limited number o scholarships

or international postgraduate students taking Honours, Masters and PhD programmes. While

the University undertakes to assist as many students as possible, the scholarships are not

guaranteed. The closing date or submission o applications is 31 July each year or unding in

the subsequent year. Please note that the international postgraduate scholarships are not ull

cost scholarships, thereore you would still have to ensure that you come to South Arica with

enough money to cover your tuition, accommodation and general living costs. Funding is also

available or reugee students (postgraduate) and is awarded on a yearly basis. The country

o origin is irrelevant, but proo o reugee status is required. Students interested in the

International and Reugee Students Scholarships can download the application requirements

and orms via http://www.uct.ac.za/apply/unding/postgraduate/awards/international


14/27

14

IMMIGRATION MATTERS

IMMIGRATION MATTERS

Study permits

Under the provisions o the Immigration Act 2002 (No. 13 o 2002), an international student

may not enter, or reside in South Arica, to take up degree studies without a valid study

permit. A study permit application should be submitted as soon as possible as the process

takes 4 6 weeks. The application is to be submitted to the nearest South Arican Embassy

or Consulate.

Once granted, it is essential that a student conrms that he / she has been issued with the

correct visa valid or studies at UCT BEFORE proceeding to South Arica. IAPO will not pre-register any student with an invalid study visa.

To apply or a study permit you will need:

1. An ocial letter conrming provisional acceptance and the duration o the course rom

the relevant institution

2. In the case o a person under the age o 21 years:

(i) the particulars o the person in the Republic who will act as that learners guardian

and a conrmatory letter rom that intended guardian; and

(ii) proo o consent or the intended stay rom both parents or rom the custodian

parent, along with proo o sole custody in the latter case

3. A police clearance certicate less than 6 months old

4. Medical and radiological reports

5. Documents relating to marital status i applicable

6. A yellow ever vaccination certicate i that person travelled or intends travelling rom or

through a yellow ever endemic area

7. In the case o a oreign state accepting responsibility or the applicant in terms o a

bilateral agreement, a written undertaking in respect o the departure o the applicant

8. Proo o medical cover with a medical scheme registered in terms o the Medical

Schemes Act, 1998 (Act No. 131 o 1998), or other medical insurance cover recognised

in the Republic (access www.medicalschemes.com or a list o medical schemes

recognised in South Arica)

9. Proo o sucient nancial means

10. Payment o a deposit, which will be reunded to the depositor ater the nal departureo the applicant or ater a permit has been issued to the applicant. The payment o the

deposit must be in the orm o a bank guaranteed cheque or credit card at places where


15/27

15

IMMIGRATION MATTERS

such acilities exist. In the case o students rom Arica, the payment o the deposit may

not be required, provided that the government o the relevant Arican country submits

a written undertaking to pay all costs relating to the deportation o the student, shouldthis become necessary. Contact the relevant Government department in your country

or more inormation.

11. Other requirements as may be prescribed by the Consulate/Embassy.

We recommend that you contact the nearest South Arican Consulate/Embassy beore

sending in your application, in order to nd out exactly what documents are needed, because

requirements may change.

Health insuranceThe South Arican Immigration regulations make it a requirement that international students

studying in South Arica must have:

Proo o medical cover with a medical scheme registered in terms o the medical

schemes Act, 1998 (Act no. 131 o 1998) or other medical insurance cover recognised

in the Republic.

Proo o health insurance cover is thereore a requirement or your study permit application.

Proo o medical insurance is also a condition or pre-registration and registration. Mostinternational students at UCT choose the INGWE or Protea Health insurance options.

Application orms or these providers are available at the IAPO Oces or on the ollowing

websites http://www.ingwehealth.co.za and http://www.proteamas.co.za. Students are not

limited to these providers and may choose any provider recognized in South Arica. Should

you have an alternative provider rom your home country, please ensure that your provider

o choice is recognized in South Arica. A list o the registered medical insurance schemes

in South Arica can be ound on http://www.medicalschemes.com The onus is on every

student to keep their medical insurance valid or the academic year. Please ensure that the

provider that you choose provides repatriation cover.

Part-time work during studies

The Immigration Act o 2002 allows international students to work or a maximum o 20

hours per week during the academic term and ull time during academic vacations. In order

or international students to work in South Arica they need to obtain a permission to work

letter rom IAPO. For IAPO to issue you with the letter you will need to present (i) a copy o

your oer o employment rom your prospective employer stipulating that you will not workmore than 20 hours per week during term time, (ii) a copy o your study visa valid or studies

at UCT and (iii) proo o registration.


16/27

16

ON ARRIVAL IN CAPE TOWN

WHAT TO DO UPON ARRIVAL IN CAPE TOWN

1. Arrange / confrm accommodation

In case you did not make accommodation arrangements beore leaving your home country, it

is essential that you secure accommodation on arrival BEFORE proceeding to UCT. The guest

houses listed below oer reasonably-priced temporary accommodation while you look or

more permanent accommodation ater you arrive:

Ivydene,GlebeRoad,Rondebosch7700Tel:+27(0)216851747

Email:[email protected]

TheGreenElephant,57MiltonRoad,Observatory7935Tel:+27214486359Email:[email protected]

TheLodge,36MiltonRoad,Observatory7935Tel:+27(0)214486536


CarmichaelHouse,11WolmunsterRoad,Rosebank7700Tel:+27216898350


2. Clearance / pre-registration with IAPO

All international students (including aliates and postdoctoral ellows) are required togo through a clearance / pre-registration process with IAPO BEFORE aculty registration.

International students cannot register with their aculties without clearance rom IAPO. For

pre-registration, you need to produce your passport with your valid UCT study permit, proo

o medical insurance/aid and proo o payment o your ees.

International students pre-registration usually takes place at the IAPO Oce or an arranged

venue. We encourage you to complete the process as early as possible. Academic registration

dates are set per aculty. Please contact your respective aculty directly or more inormation

regarding your registration date/s. In case you have opted to pay your ees in Cape Town, thismust be done beore pre-registration with IAPO.

3. Register with your aculty

Details o registration dates and venues will be available rom your aculty during orientation.

Note: you can only register with your aculty once youve obtained clearance rom IAPO.

4. Attend orientation

During the rst week o February, IAPO runs an orientation programme or new international

ull degree students. The orientation sessions are a great way to meet other internationaland local students and amiliarise yoursel with UCT, Cape Town and South Arica in general.

IAPOs orientation programme comprises inormation sessions on immigration regulations,


17/27

17

ON ARRIVAL IN CAPE TOWN

South Arica in context, culture shock, saety and UCT student services. The programme also

involves a number o social events including a tour around the Cape Peninsula and a welcome

reception or new students. During orientation, IAPO is assisted by orientation leaders who

are UCT students as well. Remember to look out or IAPOs riendly orientation leaders in blue

T-shirts should you require some assistance. Details o IAPOs ull degree students orientation

programme can be ound on the IAPO website in early January every year. http://www.uct.

ac.za/about/iapo/overview/welcome/

Alongside IAPOs orientation programme each aculty at UCT runs an orientation programme.

You are strongly advised to attend the IAPO orientation as it will assist with easing your

transition to UCT.

5. Obtain a student card

The card centre is in the basement o the Leslie Social Sciences Building (next to Campus

Protection Services), located on University Avenue South, Upper Campus. The centre is open

rom Monday to Friday 08h30 to 16h00. You must produce proo o registration in order to

be issued with a student card. You will be given a document conrming proo o registration

ater academic registration with your aculty. The primary purpose o the card is to serve as

a means o identication throughout your studies. The card is also used as a library, UCT

residence and computer lab access card. A student card will also acilitate your opening a

bank account.

6. Activate your email account

Once you have registered and have a student card, this will give you access to the Universitys

computing acilities where you can activate your email account.

7. Open a bank account

It is advisable to open a bank account during your studies. There are a ew banks on UCTs

Upper Campus but you would need to go to the main branches situated at Rondebosch

Main Road to open an account. The ollowing banks are located on the Main Road: StandardBank, ABSA, First National Bank (FNB) and Nedbank. You will need your UCT student card,

passport, proo o accommodation (in the orm o a lease or letter rom UCT student housing

i applicable) and a minimum o about R70 to open the account.

8. Register with your embassy

Some countries require their nationals to register with their embassies upon arrival in

a dierent country. Should this be a requirement or your country, IAPO can assist you in

orwarding your details to the Embassy or Consulate. Your details must be submitted to IAPO

beore the last working day o February in the current academic year i you would like IAPO todo this on your behal. It is recommended that you register with your embassy as it will enable

the embassy to communicate with you or locate you in the event o an emergency.


18/27

18

SUPPORT STRUCTURES FOR POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS


All international postgraduate students can access various support services at UCT. The

International Academic Programmes Oce provides specialist guidance on immigration

issues, cultural integration and other related international student matters. Other services are

oered through the Department o Student Aairs and individual aculties.

Orientation

The Student Orientation and Advocacy Centre (SOAC) is the centre rom which university-

wide orientation activities or undergraduate and postgraduate students are developed,

organised and co-ordinated. SOAC deals with students needs and queries ranging rom

giving directions in the navigation o the campus (e.g. nding oces, buildings, people,

venues etc.) to curriculum advice and reerrals to other Department o Student Aairs (DSA)

services. SOAC is located in the Otto Beit Building on UCTs Upper Campus.

The International Academic Programmes Oce also holds an orientation programme each

year in February to help new international students become acquainted with UCT, the city

o Cape Town and South Arica in general. Certain aculties/departments oer a graduate

orientation programme/day. Please contact your aculty directly or conrmation on whetherthey have a graduate orientation programme. The University also hosts a campus-wide

welcome unction or all new postgraduate students.

Student housing

UCTs residence system comprises undergraduate rst tier residences (catering), second tier

residences (catering and sel-catering) and third tier sel-catering accommodation (usually

allocated to senior and postgraduate students). Unortunately, places in UCT residences are

very limited, but I you wish to apply or a place in a UCT residence, you need to complete theStudent Housing section on the main UCT application orm (which allows you to request a

residence o your choice). This orm must be received by the Admissions Oce no later than

30 October o the year beore you intend to register or study at UCT.

Student Admissions and Advocacy Services (SAAS) will get in touch with you regarding

the outcome o your application. Their contact details are Tel: +27 (0)21 650-1045/1040,

Fax:+27(0)21650-4014,oremail:[email protected]

I you are oered a place in a UCT residence and then decide to deer your studies to the nextacademic year, and still want to be considered or residence, SAAS must be inormed o this

in writing.


19/27

19


IAPO does not allocate on- or o-campus housing or students, but beore or on your arrival in

Cape Town will willingly advise on o-campus accommodation. It is important to ensure that

you have somewhere to stay on arrival, even i you book into temporary accommodation whileyou secure something more permanent (see page 16 or some temporary accommodation

options).

UCT has an o-campus accommodation bureau which helps students nd accommodation

outside the UCT residence system. The bureau does not own or control these places, but

only advertises them or students convenience, compiling a wide variety o short- and long-

term acommodation oered by the general public into a list that is updated weekly. Details

o accommodation vacancies and taris can be viewed at www.cal.uct.ac.za. You may also

contactthebureauformoreinformationviaemailatcaloca@protem.uct.ac.za.

To assist you urther, IAPOs website provides links to housing options managed by real estate

agents. Access http://www.uct.ac.za/apply/intlapplicants/degree/services/ocampus/ or more

inormation.

UCT Writing Centre

The Writing Centre is a project within the Language Development Group (LDG) which ocuses

on research-driven developmental work, particularly through curriculum involvement. TheCentre provides a walk-in, one-on-one consultancy service or both undergraduate and

postgraduate students rom all aculties and all academic levels. For more inormation contact

thematTel:+27(0)216505021,Fax:+27(0)216505045orEmail:[email protected]

Postgraduate Students Association (PGSA)

The Postgraduate Students Association (PGSA) is an academic association o all postgraduate

students at the UCT. It aims to oster an active, vibrant and diverse postgraduate culture

which contributes towards the development o the University o Cape Town as a world-classresearch-driveninstitution.ContactthePGSAviaemailatgradcentre@uct.ac.za

Postgraduate Centre

UCTs Postgraduate Centre is located on the upper level o the Otto Beit Building on the

Upper Campus, adjacent to the Postgraduate Funding Oce. The services oered by

the Postgraduate Centre are intended to promote the interests o postgraduate students

and postdoctoral research ellows in synergy with aculty and departmental acilities and

services. A private, peaceul space has been created that can be used as a orum or largeor small discussions, to accommodate and encourage inter-departmental and inter-aculty

communication and association, or just to relax, read or use the internet stations.


20/27


21/27

21

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

SOME FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I apply or a postgraduate programme at UCT?

All applicants must complete UCT application Form 1, the Universitys primary application

orm. The application orm, along with the Directions or Applicants booklet, can be obtained

rom the ollowing sources:

The Admissions Oce1.

University o Cape T own, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Arica

Physical address:

Third Floor, Kramer Building, Middle Campus, University o Cape Town, Rondebosch

Tel:+27(0)216502128Fax:+27(0)216505189Email:[email protected]

The University website: http://www.uct.ac.za/apply/applications/orms/2.

(download as a PDF document)

For MBA applicants:3.

The Graduate School o Business, University o Cape T own, Private Bag X3,

Rondebosch 7701, South Arica

Physical address:Breakwater Campus, Portswood Road, Green Point, Cape Town

Tel:+27(0)214061338/9or4061175Fax:+27(0)2140615693


In addition to Form 1, departmental application orms may also have to be submitted.

Faculties and departments will correspond with applicants on necessary requirements, and

more inormation may also be ound on departmental websites.

How do I pay UCTs application ee?

UCTs current application ee can be ound on this web page: http://www.uct.ac.za/apply/

ees/structure/. It can be paid by cheque, postal order or bank drat made to the University o

Cape Town. Proo o payment o the application ee should be attached to your application

to the University.

To what address should I send my completed application orm?

Your UCT application orm together with the application ee and any additional documents

should be sent by post to: The Admissions Oce, University o Cape Town, Private Bag X3,Rondebosch 7701, South Arica

They may also be couriered directly to the Admissions Oces physical address (see page 21).


22/27

22


Application orms, together with supporting documentation, should not be axed under any

circumstances. Once the application is processed, applicants will receive an acknowledgement

o receipt rom the Admissions Oce. Further correspondence will emanate rom the aculty

or department. Please note that IAPO does NOT process applications.

When is the application deadline?

UCTs application date or international applicants is 30 September o the year preceding

intended registration. However, the application date or taught programmes varies rom

programme to programme. Please see UCTs directions or applicants at http://www.uct.

ac.za/downloads/uct.ac.za/apply/orms/directions.pd or the closing dates o various

programmes.

How can I check the status o my application and who should I contact i I have any

queries regarding applying to UCT?

You will be able to check on the status o your application by accessing

http://www.uct.ac.za/apply/applications/postgraduates/status/ on the UCT website. Any

queries relating to applications can be directed to your prospective aculty oce. In addition,

UCTs online postgraduate prospectus contains contact details o UCT sta members you can

contact i you have specic queries relating to a specic programme.

Am I required to veriy my qualifcations with the South Arican QualifcationsAuthority (SAQA) beore submitting my application to UCT?

Your prospective aculty will let you know whether they require your qualications to be

veried by SAQA. More on SAQA can be ound on http://www.saqa.org.za

When does the academic year commence at UCT?

UCTs academic year usually begins rom late January to mid- February, depending on

each acultys schedule. Very ew programmes commence mid-year. I in doubt about the

commencement date o your programme, contact your prospective aculty.

Throughout my undergrauduate degree, I acquired credits or courses through three

dierent colleges. Should I submit my application with transcripts rom each o these

or just the fnal outcome rom my last university?

All transcripts rom any college / university you have previously attended must be attached to

you application to UCT.

What postgraduate programmes does UCT oer?

UCT oers a wide range o postgraduate programmes. Details on the programmes canbe ound in UCTs online postgraduate prospectus at http://www.uct.ac.za/apply/student/

postgradpros/


23/27

23


What tuition ee am I liable or as an international student at UCT? Whom can I

contact at UCT regarding ees?

As a non-Southern Arican Development Community (SADC) student you will pay aninternational term ee in addition to individual course ees. You can request a proorma

invoice on your estimated ees rom the International Oces Finance section. In order to

obtain the invoice please provide the relevant course codes. These can be obtained rom your

prospective aculty. Without the course codes we cannot generate the proorma invoice.

Please ensure that you nd out this inormation rom your prospective aculty beorehand.

SADC students should contact the general UCT ees oce regarding their ee liability.


General Enquiries +27 (0)21 650-9111

Accounts and Fees +27 (0)21 650-1704

Fax: +27 (0)21 650-4768

Website: http://www.uct.ac.za/apply/ees

Do I need to obtain medical cover to study at UCT? Should I obtain South Arican

medical insurance or rom an international health provider?

Proo o medical insurance is a requirement or a study permit application; thereore you

would need to apply or it prior to submitting your permit application. You can only submityour permit application once you have been accepted to the University. The medical insurance

must be one that is recognised in South Arica. A list o the schemes recognised in South

Arica can be ound on http://www.medicalschemes.com

What are my accommodation options and am I guaranteed a place in a UCT

residence?

UCT has over 21,000 students, but unortunately can only oer residence accommodation

to 4,500 students (including new and returning students). This means that there is heavydemand or accommodation and nding a place is not guaranteed. Residence allocation is

managed by UCTsStudent Admissions and Advocacy Services (SAAS). The UCT Application

Form 1 contains a section or applying or a place in residence, which must be submitted

beore the end o Octobero the year preceding study. I you have applied or a place in

residence and are still unsure whether your application is successul or not, contact SAAS

directly (contact details on page 27). Note that IAPO does not deal with accommodation

allocation procedures and thereore cannot answer queries in this regard.

For both temporary and more long-term o-campus accommodation options, consultUCTs o-campus accommodation bureau website at www.cal.uct.ac.za, or email them at

[email protected].


24/27

24


I am currently employed in South Arica and hold a work permit. Can I register or

studies at UCT?

Work permit holders can register or studies at UCT. Anyone on a work permit who has

received an oer to study at UCT must approach the Department o Home Aairs to obtain

an endorsement to study at UCT, prior to commencing studies.

Beore submitting an application to UCT, do I need to contact a supervisor/aculty

member and request an inormal approval that they would be supervising my

Masters/PhD degree?

Yes i you intend to study or a research degree at UCT is advisable to do this beorehand to

conrm that there is an academic to supervise your intended research project.

Is there a website where I can view the various aculty members and research them

individually in order to approach one to be my supervisor?

Yes - http:/www.uct.ac.za and click on aculties and departments menus

or: http://www.uct.ac.za/about/management/hods/

Is the Masters degree oered at UCT an internationally recognised degree?

Yes all UCT degrees are internationally recognised.


25/27

25

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

Below is a list o key steps in the process o coming to study at UCT, in the order in which

you should proceed, as well as some general advice and guidelines. This is intended only as

a quick reerence much o what is listed here is dealt with in more detail in other sections

o this booklet, so please reer back i necessary.

APPLYING TO COME TO UCT AND SOUTH AFRICA

Establish whether the course you intend to apply or is oered at UCT. Access the UCT

website http://www.uct.ac.za and look under the relevant aculty and its departments

or a list o all the courses on oer.

I you intend to undertake a research programme, establish i a suitable supervisor will

be available.

Complete UCT application Form 1 one and attach necessary documentation beore

mailing it to UCT. Contact your prospective department or access their website to check

i you also need to submit a departmental application orm.

I or when you receive a letter o oer rom UCT, ensure that you have ormally

accepted your academic oer rom UCT and that it has been received.Arrange suitable health insurance cover, and ensure your documentation o sucient

nancial means is in order; you must provide proo o both to obtain a study permit.

Apply or a study permit at your nearest South Arican Embassy or Consulate, ensuring

it is valid or studies at UCT. Only once the permit has been issued should you begin to

make arrangements to travel to Cape Town.

Ensure that your passport is valid or the duration o your studies at UCT. You will need

it to open a bank account in South Arica, and it is the recognised orm o identication

or international students.

MAKING PREPARATIONS FOR YOUR DEPARTURE TO CAPE TOWN

It is important to arrange at least temporary accommodation beore leaving or Cape

Town (see page 16).

I you have been oered a place in a UCT residence, inorm UCTs Student Admissions and

Advocacy Services oce o your arrival date and times.

Pack a good mix o winter and summer clothes. Cape Town has a mediterranean climatewith winter rainall. Average minimum and maximum summer temperatures are 15

27C (although it can get hotter), and 8 18C in winter.

A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO GETTING TO UCT


26/27

26

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

Pack bed linen and towels and other items that you will need; these can also be purchased

once in Cape Town.

Pack some cultural garments i possible. Some university unctions request that you

represent your own culture and people.

Check that you are carrying your UCT letter o acceptance, proo o payment o your ees

(including receipts o any payments made to the University) and proo o sucient unds

to sustain yoursel in South Arica.

Carry any necessary medical records/medication/prescriptions.

Carry some SA currency or immediate use or taxis etc. Money can be changed at orex

bureaus at the Cape Town International Airport and various banks/bureaus in the city;

remember to have your passport handy.

Keep this booklet handy and bring it with you as it contains important inormation that

will assist you in settling at UCT.

It is advisable to photocopy all your essential documents, retain a set o copies or yoursel,

storing it in a sae place separately rom the originals, and to leave another set o copies

with a amily member or riend.

The inormation in this booklet was sourced rom:

http://www.uct.ac.zahttp://www.studysa.co.za

UCT General Rules and Policies Handbook 3

UCT Faculty o Engineering & the Built Environment:

Research Based Education or Masters and PhD Students A Handbook


27/27

CONTACT DETAILS

CONTACT DETAILS FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

For urther inormation please access UCTs website: http://www.uct.ac.za

You could also write, or contact us via telephone, ax or email. All correspondence mailed

to us should have the name o the designated oce or department rst, ollowed by the

Universitys postal address:

University o Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Arica

FACULTY OFFICES

Commerce

Tel: +27 (0)21 650-2696Fax: +27 (0)21 650-4369


Graduate School o Business

Tel: +27 (0)21 406 1338/9 or 406 1175

Fax: +27 (0)21 406 15693


Engineering & the Built Environment

Tel: +27 (0)21 650-2699

Fax: +27 (0)21 650-3782


Health Sciences

Tel: +27 (0)21 406-6634

Fax: +27 (0)21 404-7652

Graduate School in Humanities

Tel: +27 (0)21 650-2691Fax: +27 (0)21 650-5751


Law

Tel: +27 (0)21 650-3086

Fax: +27 (0)21 650-5608


Science

Tel: +27 (0)21 650-2712/3023Fax: +27 (0)21 650-2710

E il i i @

International Academic

Programmes Ofce

Tel: +27 (0)21 650-2822Fax: +27 (0)21 650-5667

Email: [email protected]

Email: [email protected]

Admissions Ofce

Tel: +27 (0)21 650-4555

Fax: +27 (0)21 650-3736


Postgraduate Centre and

Funding Ofce

Tel:+27 (0)21 650-5065

Fax:+27 (0)21 650-4352


Student Fees Ofce

Tel:+27 (0)21 650-9111/1704

Fax:+27 (0)21 650-4768Email:[email protected]

Student Admissions and Advocacy

Services (Student Housing)

Tel: +27 (0)21 650-1045/1040

Fax: +27 (0)21 650-4014


NB: WHEN PHONING FROM OUTSIDE SA, THE (0) INTHE DIALLING CODE IS OMITTED. WITHIN SA, THE

DIALLING CODE FOR CAPE TOWN IS 021 FOLLOWED