Your U-Dubs Freshman Guide: A Look Into The 2025 UWC Prospectus

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The University of the Western Cape (UWC) opened in 1959 in Bellville, near Cape Town. Back then, it was created under apartheid for Coloured students. Today, over 23,000 students take part in undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across seven faculties. It’s where people build careers, gain new skills, and contribute to their surroundings. The university focuses on inclusion, opportunity, and pushing boundaries. UWC has a proud history and continues to grow as a space for knowledge and progress.

Why study at UWC?

The University of the Western Cape (UWC) has earned international recognition for its quality education and research. Some highlights:

UWC ranks among the top 1,000 universities worldwide in prestigious global rankings like QS World University, Centre for World University Rankings, and University Rankings by Academic Performance.
Since 2013, UWC has consistently placed in the top 800 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings – and among South Africa’s top 8 universities.
UWC ranks in the top 200 universities worldwide for its work supporting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, according to Times Higher Education’s University Impact Rankings.
Subject-specific rankings also commend UWC for excellence in fields like Medicine, Physical Sciences, Economics, and Astronomy & Astrophysics.
UWC earned a spot among the top 150 universities established 50-80 years ago in Times Higher Education’s Golden Age University Rankings.
With multiple Green Campus awards from the African Green Campuses Initiative, UWC has established itself as a sustainability leader in Africa.
International rankings validate UWC’s standing as a world-class institution delivering high-impact education and research. The university continues to gain global recognition across diverse performance indicators.

Unpacking the 2025 UWC Prospectus

Below is a front-to-back look at the prospectus’ enrollment and degree-specific requirements for first year students.

Admission Requirements for 2025 at UWC

To be considered for the University of the Western Cape in 2025, you’ll need to have a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a Bachelor’s pass.

This means at least 50% in four subjects, with a rating of 4 or higher. Check your marks to ensure they meet the standards as they show you’re academically prepared for university life.

Understanding The Points System

At UWC, gaining access to degree and diploma programs depends on a points system.

For degree studies, you’ll need to reach a minimum points total. Each program has its own requirements, so check the details for your specific course.

The table below outlines how points are allocated.

Besides the points needed, some programs require other qualifications to be met. More information on these additional requirements can be found further down in this guide.

It’s important to be aware of both the points and extra conditions for admission.

Points Allocation Per Study Programme

Faculty Of Community And Health Sciences

Language Requirements For All Programmes

English Code 4 (home OR first additional language)

Another language Code 3 (home OR first additional

language)

Programmes:

Bachelor of Social Work

Minimum of 34 UWC points

English (home lang) Code 4 OR English (first

additional language) Code 5

Another language (home or first additional) Code 4

Maths Code 3 OR Maths Literacy Code 4

Bachelor of Community Development

Minimum of 30 UWC points

Maths Code 3 OR Maths Literacy Code 4

BA Sport, Recreation and Exercise Science

Minimum of 30 UWC points

Maths Code 3 OR Maths Literacy Code 4

BSc Dietetics and Nutrition

Minimum of 33 UWC points

Maths Code 4 OR Maths Literacy Code 6

Life Sciences Code 4

Faculty Of Community And Health Sciences

Language Requirements For All Programmes

English Code 4 (home OR first additional language)

Another language Code 3 (home OR first

additional language)

Programmes:

BSc Sport and Exercise Science

Minimum of 33 UWC points

Maths Code 4 OR Maths Literacy Code 6

Life Sciences Code 4

BSc Occupational Therapy

Minimum of 33 UWC points

Maths Code 3 OR Maths Literacy Code 5

Life Sciences Code 4

BSc Physiotherapy

Minimum of 39 UWC points

Maths Code 4 OR Maths Literacy Code 6

Life Sciences Code 4 AND Physical Sciences Code 4

B Nursing and Midwifery

Minimum of 30 UWC points

Maths Code 4 OR Maths Literacy Code 6

Life Sciences Code 4

Faculty Of Economic And Management Sciences

Language Requirements For All Programmes

English Code 4 (home OR first additional language)

Another language Code 3 (home OR first

additional language)

UWC Points:

Minimum of 30 UWC points

Programmes – 3 Year Stream

BAdmin

Maths Code 3 OR Maths Literacy Code 5

BCom

BCom Financial Accounting

BCom Information Systems

Maths Code 4

BCom Accounting (3yrs)

Maths Code 4 AND Accounting Code 5 OR

Maths Code 5

Programmes – 4 Year Stream

BCom

English Code 3 AND Another language Code 3

(home OR first additional language)

Maths Code 2 OR Maths Literacy Code 6

BCom Accounting (4yrs)

English Code 3 AND Another language Code 3

(home OR first additional language)

Maths Code 4 A

Faculty Of Arts And Humanities

Language Requirements For All Programmes

English Code 4 (home OR first additional language)

Code 4 in another subject from the NSC subject list

UWC Points:

Minimum of 35 UWC points

Programmes

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Bachelor of Theology (BTh)

Bachelor of Library and Information Science (BLIS)

BA Degree majors (Arts subjects)

Afrikaans en Nederlands
Afrikaans vir Taalprofessies
Anthropology
Arabic
Classical Culture
English
Ethics
French
Geography and Environmental Studies
German
History
Industrial Psychology
Islamic Studies
Language and Communication Studies
Latin
Psychology
Philosophy
Political Studies
Sociology
Theological Studies
Tourism Studies
Women’s and Gender Studies
Xhosa Studies
Xhosa Language Acquisition

Maths Code 3 OR Maths Literacy Code 4 is required for the BLIS and for subjects listed below:

Geography and Environmental Studies

Tourism

Library and Information Science

Psychology

Industrial Psychology

Faculty Of Natural Sciences

Language Requirements For All Programmes

English Code 4 (home OR first additional

language)

Another language Code 3 (home OR first

additional language)

UWC Points:

Minimum of 33 UWC points

Programmes

BSc Environmental and Water Science

BSc Biotechnology

BSc Biodiversity and Conservation Biology

Maths Code 4

Physical Sciences OR Life Sciences Code 4

BSc Medical Bioscience

Maths Code 4

Life Sciences Code 4

BSc Chemical Sciences

BSc Applied Geology

Maths Code 4

Physical Sciences Code 4

BSc Physical Science

Maths Code 5

Physical Sciences Code 4

BSc Mathematical & Statistical Sciences

BSc Computer Science

Maths Code 5 AND

Physical Sciences OR Life Sciences OR Information

Technology Code 4

Bachelor of Pharmacy

38 UWC points

Maths Code 4

Physical Sciences AND Life Sciences Code 4

Faculty Of Dentistry

Language Requirements For All Programmes

English Code 4 (home OR first additional

language)

Another language Code 3 (home OR first

additional language)

Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)

Minimum of 40 UWC points

Bachelor of Oral Health (BOH)

Minimum of 33 UWC points

Programmes

Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)

Maths Code 4

Physical Sciences AND Life Sciences Code 4

Bachelor of Oral Health (BOH)

Maths Code 3 OR Mat

Faculty Of Law

Language Requirements For All Programmes

English Code 4 (home OR first additional language)

Another language Code 3 (home OR first additional

language)

Programmes

Bachelor of Laws (LLB) (4yr Prog)

Minimum of 37 UWC points

Maths Code 3 OR

Maths Literacy Code 5

BCom Law

Minimum of 30 UWC points

English Code 4 (home OR first additional language)

Another language Code 3 (home OR first additional

language)

Maths Code 4

Bachelor of Arts in Law – BA (Law) (3yr Prog)

Minimum of 37 UWC points

Maths Code 3 OR

Maths Literacy Code 5

Faculty of Education

UWC Points:

Minimum of 33 UWC points

Programmes

FET = Further Education and Training Teaching

SP = Senior Phase

BEd Accounting (FET), Economic and Manage- ment Sciences (SP) and Mathematics (SP)

English Code 4 (home OR first additional language)

Another language Code 3 (home OR first additional

language)

Maths Code 4 OR Maths Literacy Code 6

Accounting Code 4 OR

Business Studies Code 4 OR

Economics Code 4

BEd Mathematics (SP), Mathematical Literacy

(SP & FET) and Natural Science (SP)

English Code 4 (home OR first additional language)

Another language Code 3 (home OR first additional

language)

Maths Code 4 OR Maths Literacy Code 6 Life Sciences Code 4 OR Physical Sciences Code 4

Language Requirements For:

BEd Languages (SP & FET) and Life Orientation (SP);

BEd Languages (SP & FET) and Mathematics (SP);

BEd Languages (SP and FET) and Social Sciences (SP)

Maths Code 3 OR Maths Literacy Code 5

History Code 4 OR Geography Code 4

BEd Foundation Phase Teaching

English Code 4 (home OR first additional language)

Another language Code 4 (home OR first additional

language) AND Maths Code 3 OR

Maths Literacy Code 5

How to Check Your UWC Application Status

Go to student.uwc.ac.za.
Click on the green button labeled Application Status.
Make sure that you have no ad blockers installed, otherwise the page will not load.
You will land on a page that looks like this:

Enter your ID or passport number as well as your application number.
Enter your email address, then click submit.
You’ll receive one of the following application statuses:

Pending or Awaiting Final Decision

Your application is under faculty review. You’ll be notified if the status changes. Once a decision is reached, your status will update.

Offer Pending

You’ve received an offer to study. Accept through student.uwc.ac.za to secure your spot.

Offer Accepted

You’ve accepted the offer to study at UWC.

Offer Declined

You’ve declined the offer to study at UWC.

Offer Expired

You didn’t accept the offer in time so it’s been withdrawn. Call +27 21 959 3900/01 or email admissions@uwc.ac.za for help.

Minimum Requirements NOT Met/Declined

Your application has been unsuccessful. Either you did not meet the minimum requirements for the program, or there was competition for limited spaces.

Minimum Requirements Met

You’ve met the minimum requirements but aren’t guaranteed entry. A final decision is still pending

Minimum Requirements NOT Met

You don’t meet the minimum requirements so you can’t be considered.

Tuition Fees For 2025

At UWC, tuition fees are based on the programme you choose, charged per module. If you register for more or fewer modules than the prescribed amount, your fees will be adjusted.

Degree	Fees
BA (Social Work), BSc (Physio), B.Sc. Occupational Therapy, BsC Nursing, etc.	R41,029 – R57,105 Per annum
BSc and BPharm	R44,769– R49,562 Per annum
Geology II and III	R45,070 Per annum
Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BChD) I or V	R74,029 Per annum
Oral Health	R47,622 Per annum
Advanced Diploma in Public Administration	R50,886 – R59,343 Per annum
Higher Certificate in Economic Development	R37,702 Per annum

Residential Fees For 2025

Full-time students who’ve secured residence need to pay R4,840 upfront at registration.

Residence	Fees (Single Room)	Fees (Double Room)
Cecil Esau, Cassinga, Coline Williams	R 31,749	R 26,783
Basil February & Ruth First Eduardo Dos Santos	R 33,111	R 26,783
Hector Peterson	R 40,800	R 34,651
Unibell Residence	R 51,040	R 47,637
Unibell Accessible/Disabled room	R 51,040	–
Unibell Apartment (8 beds)	R 48,772	–
Chris Hani, Liberty	R 37,525	R 33,427
Gorvalla (Off-Campus)	R 38,750	R 34,651
Kwik Bake (Off-Campus)	R 44,088	R 40,251
Caltex (Off-Campus)	–	R 42,107

The Student Development and Support (SDS) Centre

UWC’s Student Development and Support (SDS) works directly with students to help them succeed. They offer academic assistance, career guidance, mental health services, and leadership programs. SDS gives students tools and resources to manage both their studies and personal lives. They create a space where students can grow, get support when needed, and access workshops and activities to improve their skills. Whether it’s preparing for exams or planning a career path, SDS makes sure students have access to the right people and programs to help them make informed choices and build their futures.

Departments

Centre for Student Support Services

UWC Career Services

Residential Services (RS)

Department of Student Funding

Campus Health & Wellness Centre

Sports Administration

Important Contact Details

Admissions: admissions@uwc.ac.za or (021) 959 3900/ 1/ 2

Residential Services: resservices1@uwc.ac.za or (021) 959 2569

Financial Aid Office: finaid@uwc.ac.za or (021) 959 9753 / 2737

UWC Campus Map

UWC-Map

Disclaimer: This information is provided to the best of our knowledge, but its accuracy is not guaranteed. We assume no liability for any errors or omissions.