THE UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN TRUST
A UK Charity for Supporters and Alumni of the University of Cape Town
About the University of Cape Town
UCT’s Role
To provide world-class excellence in teaching and research, and superbly trained graduates to support South Africa’s growing economy. By independent measures, it is the premier research institution in South Africa and throughout Africa *. Sited in the friendly, advanced infrastructure of the Cape, UCT offers the best “crucible” for learning in a rigorous and yet liberal environment.
UCT makes a significant impact on Africa’s training and cultural needs.
The University of Cape Town
Now over 175 years old, UCT numbers amongst its renowned graduates, five Nobel Laureates. It is home to 40% of South Africa’s A-rated researchers – regarded as world leaders in their fields by the National Research Foundation - and heads the league table in receipt of research grants funded by statutory funders e.g. FRD and MRC. 60% of its students are studying in the ‘hard’ subjects of Engineering, Sciences, Medicine, Law and Commerce. It has strong research relations with the major UK Russell League universities.Funding UCT
UCT receives 34% of its budget from the state, the balance being made up from student fees (23.5%), research contracts, investment income, and donations from supporters in South Africa and around the world. Few grants are made by the state for the student-bridging programmes or capital building projects, thus UCT draws on its operating budget and the help of benefactors to complete its major innovative projects.People
UCT has 23,500 students : 30% are postgraduate, 55% black, and 49% female. 19% are international students, the majority hailing from other African countries. Notably, 40% of Mandela-Rhodes Scholars are at UCT, and 52% of South African Rhodes Scholars at Oxford, came from UCT.
UCT has 4 500 staff, 44% are academic in 6 faculties: Commerce, Engineering & Built Environment, Health Sciences, Humanities, Law, Sciences.
Transformation
Since the 1980’s, UCT pioneered and led in providing well-designed access programmes to talented people who have been disadvantaged by poor schooling. 27 years later, UCT has graduated over 14,000 students who are not white, many of whom were encouraged by UCT’s farsighted interventions:
- To identify talent, ability to succeed, and extra needs of under-prepared school-leavers with specialised tests held throughout South Africa;
- To help these students bridge the gap with the academic support;
- To provide financial aid to help them live and learn at UCT.
* UCT is highest ranked African university in the global world university rankings
