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.

International Students

The Faculty of Science is proud of its diverse student and staff bodies. More than a third of students and staff in the Faculty are international. We believe that our learning and research environments are considerably enhanced by the rich exchange of ideas and experiences that transpire from this diversity. Links with other African universities and leading academic institutions around the world are strong, and there is a regular stream of world-class researchers and teachers visiting the Faculty on an annual basis, to the benefit of students and staff alike.

The International Academic Programmes Office (IAPO) provides specialist services for international students. These include a pre-registration service, assisting students with immigration issues, producing information booklets and pamphlets specifically for international students, liaising with the Department of Home Affairs regarding immigration legislation and compliance, and maintaining links with embassies and donor organisations that fund international students.

More information on the services offered to international students can be found on the IAPO website.

Last updated 10 Jul 2024