Prospective Applicants

Applications are competitive and prospective applicants are encouraged to approach their department of interest to determine closing dates for applications, and what documentation is required. General closing dates for applications can be found here.

Department of Archaeology
Department of Astronomy
Department of Biological Sciences
Department of Chemistry
School of IT (incorporating Computer Science and Information Systems)
Department of Environmental and Geographical Science
Department of Geological Sciences
Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics
Department of Molecular and Cell Biology
Department of Oceanography
Department of Physics
Department of Statistical Sciences

PhD and Research Master’s Degree

Prospective candidates should have a discussion with the prospective supervisor and/or Head of Department prior to applying formally to the University.

In addition to meeting the minimum entrance requirements, some or all of the following information may need to be provided:

• a curriculum vitae which includes personal details, academic history and work experience;
• an official transcript of university results (non-UCT students only);
• in the case of an application for the PhD, a summary of the Master’s research undertaken with and any publications which have arisen from this;
• names and contact details (including e-mail addresses) of two referees who are familiar the candidate’s recent academic studies;
• a brief outline of the area of interest for research;
• the names of UCT staff members who may have agreed to serve as supervisor/s for the research, use the list of department website links above to identify potential supervisor/s;
• proof of English language proficiency, where English is not the applicant’s home language.

Specific documentation requirements per degree can be found in the Directions for Postgraduate Applicants.

Last updated 27 Oct 2026