UCT International and Refugee Scholarship

The University of Cape Town (UCT) offers a prestigious scholarship program for international and refugee students pursuing postgraduate studies (Honours, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees).

This UCT International and Refugee Scholarship aims to support academically talented individuals who are facing financial problems due to their origin or refugee status.

If you’re considering postgraduate studies at UCT and require financial help, this scholarship might be the perfect opportunity.

About the UCT International and Refugee Scholarship

The UCT International and Refugee Scholarship aims to attract and support high-caliber international and refugee students who demonstrate academic excellence, financial need, and a commitment to contributing to their home communities upon graduation.

The scholarship covers a portion of tuition fees for postgraduate studies (Honours, Master’s, and Doctoral) at UCT, but it is not a full-cost award.

Recipients are expected to secure additional funding from other sources to cover their living expenses and any remaining tuition fees.

UCT International and Refugee Scholarship Application Form

The application process for the UCT International and Refugee Scholarship is straightforward. Here are the key steps:

  1. Eligibility: Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria before applying. You must be an international or refugee student applying for full-time postgraduate studies at UCT. You cannot be employed for more than 20 hours per week, and you must have already applied for admission to UCT through the official channels.
  2. Download the Application Form: The application form can be downloaded from the UCT website.
  3. Complete the Application Form: Carefully review the application instructions and complete all sections of the form accurately and comprehensively. Ensure you include all required supporting documentation, such as academic transcripts, proof of English language proficiency, and a detailed motivation letter outlining your academic achievements, financial need, and future goals.
  4. Submit the Application: Submit your completed application form and supporting documents through email to: pgfunding@uct.ac.za (the Postgraduate Funding Office) by the closing date. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.

When submitting your application, you must use the following in the email subject line: “International & Refugee Application – Your full name.”

The UCT International and Refugee Scholarship Requirements

To be eligible for the UCT International and Refugee Scholarship, you must meet the following requirements:

  1. Be an international or refugee student holding a valid passport or refugee papers.
  2. Be applying for full-time postgraduate studies (Honours, Master’s, or Doctoral) at UCT.
  3. Not be employed for more than 20 hours per week.
  4. Have applied for admission to UCT through the official channels.
  5. Demonstrate strong academic performance, as evidenced by your academic transcripts and other relevant documents.
  6. Have a proven record of community engagement and leadership (optional, but highly encouraged).
  7. Demonstrate genuine financial need and limited alternative funding sources.
  8. Submit a compelling motivation letter outlining your academic goals, financial situation, and future aspirations.

The UCT International and Refugee Scholarship Closing Date

The closing date for applications for the UCT International and Refugee Scholarship is always on 31st August of the year before the academic year for which you are applying.

For example, the application deadline for the 2025 academic year would be 31st August 2024. It is wise to adhere to the deadline strictly since late applications will not be considered.

To make any further inquiries about the UCT International and Refugee Scholarship, you can contact the Postgraduate Funding Office at UCT through phone call on 021 650 3622 or through the contact page on their website.