The University of the Western Cape (UWC), based in Bellville, Western Cape, accepts online applications for undergraduate, postgraduate, and international students through its official portal. 

This guide offers all the useful details, including opening and closing dates, admission criteria, application process, document requirements, fees, and tracking.

When do UWC applications open for the 2026 academic year?

The UWC online application portal opens on 2 April 2025 for both undergraduate and postgraduate applicants.

What are the closing dates for UWC applications?

  • Bachelor of Dentistry and Oral Health programmes close on 31 August 2025.
  • All other undergraduate and postgraduate programmes close on 30 September 2025, and all required documents must be submitted by this date. 

What are the admission requirements for UWC undergraduate programmes?

Applicants must meet the UWC-specific Admission Point Score (APS) system using the NSC:

  • A Bachelor’s pass with at least four subjects at level ≥ 4 (50–59 %)
  • APS thresholds vary by faculty—for example, LLB requires English Code 4 plus Maths Code 3, and BDS requires APS 40 with Mathematics, Physical Science and Life Sciences at Code 4. 

What are the requirements for postgraduate and international applicants?

  • Postgraduate applicants must submit the online form, including all documents, by 30 September 2025 (or 30 August 2025 for School of Government programmes). Applications incomplete or missing documents will not be considered.
  • International applicants must supply certified passports, SAQA evaluation or USAf exemption, and proof of English proficiency if required. Their applications cannot be processed until they are submitted. 

How do I apply online to UWC?

  1. Visit uwc.ac.za → Apply Online to access the official portal.
  2. Create an account, complete the application form, and upload required documents.
  3. Applicants can choose up to two qualification options, ranked in order.
  4. After submitting the form and documentation, you will receive a confirmation letter via email within 24–48 hours.

Is there an application fee at UWC?

No application fee is required for any applicant type (undergraduate, postgraduate, domestic, or international).

The online application is completely free. 

How can I track my UWC application status?

Use the Application Status feature on the UWC portal to track your progress after submission.

Final admission decisions for current Grade 12 applicants will be made in January 2026, following the release of final results. 

All other applicants will receive outcomes by the end of November 2025.

1. When does UWC open applications?
Applications open on 2 April 2025 via the official portal at uwc.ac.za.
2. What is the application closing date?
All programmes close on 30 September 2025; Dentistry and Oral Health programmes close earlier, on 31 August.
3. Is there an application fee?
No—UWC does not charge any application fee for the 2026 intake.
4. How many programme choices can I apply to?
You may select up to two programmes per application.
5. What are the academic requirements?
NSC Bachelor’s pass plus APS threshold per programme (e.g. Law, Dentistry). See the UWC prospectus for detailed subject-specific levels.
6. Do international applicants follow the same rules?
Yes—they must upload certified passport copy, SAQA/USAf documents, English proficiency evidence (if required), and submit online by deadline.
7. How do I know if my application is complete?
You’ll receive an email confirmation within 48 hours. All required documents must be submitted before the deadline for processing.
8. When are final decisions released?
Grade 12 applicants receive offers in January 2026; all others by end of November 2025, via email and portal updates.
9. Can my application be incomplete?
Yes—if documents are missing by the deadline, your application will not be considered.
10. Where can I get help with UWC applications?
Contact the UWC Contact Centre at [email protected] or call +27 21 959 3900/01.