AOS-SAMOS Fees

The 2025 fees are outlined below and are structured according to the UCT taught Masters fee. Please check the fees handbook towards the end of the January next year for the updated costs for 2026.

 

For South African students:

  • Coursework fees BIO5013Z + (BIO501ZF or SEA 501ZF) (2025) = R 36 980
  • BIO5015W Minor-Dissertation fees (2025): R 37 780
  • Total paid by South African students (2025): R 74 760

 

For SADC students*:

  • Coursework fees (2025): R36 980
  • Dissertation fees (2025): R37 780
  • Non-refundable Administration Service Fee (2025): R5 300
  • Total paid by SADC students (2025): R80 060

** “For the purposes of fees - Citizens and Permanent Residents of the SADC countries are treated the same as South African Residents. (Note that study visa regulations, etc. do still apply) The SADC member countries are Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.” Extract from UCT Fees Handbook 2024.

 

International students:

There are two bands of International Term Fee: for non-SADC African students and students from the rest of the world (i.e. outside Africa).

 

For students from Africa, but non-SADC countries:

  • Coursework fees (2025): R36 980
  • Dissertation fees (2025): R37 780
  • International fees (2025): R47 600
  • Non-refundable Administration Service Fee (2025): R5 300
  • Total paid by non-SADC African students (2025): R127 660

 

For International students (outside of Africa):

  • Coursework fees (2025): R36 980
  • Dissertation fees (2025): R37 780
  • International fees (2025): R63 700
  • Non-refundable Administration Service Fee (2025): R5 300
  • Total paid by international students (2025): R143 730

 

For more information on the structure of UCT Fees, visit the UCT Fees page.

Note: More information on the SAMOS logistics (including accommodation and travel fees) will become available from 01 June 2025 on the SAMOS Project website. 

Funding Opportunities

The UCT Post-Graduate funding office (PGFO) administers and supports postgraduate student funding at UCT. The contact information for the various departments is available here.

The PGFO maintain a noticeboard outlining all available funding opportunities here. 

Remember, when applying for funding, we suggest that you take the time to look through the available information before contacting the funding office.  Grants may be available, but applicants need to consider self-funding. Applicants are encouraged to apply for multiple funding opportunities to enhance their chances for success. For instance, if applying for NRF funding, you should also apply for UCT internal funding through the PGFO.

 

1) NRF SAMOS Funding

 NRF-SAMOS Bursaries will be available for the 2026 programme. Please check the SAMOS website for the opening date and details on this funding opportunity.

 

2) University of Cape Town Funding

Funding for South African Students:

  • You can apply for funding directly from UCT by completing the Postgraduate Funding Application as part of your application for admission to UCT. Please refer to the Postgraduate Funding Office (PGFO) for details.
  • The closing dates for the different bursaries and scholarships differ; please consult the Funding Noticeboard or contact the PGFO for more information on the closing dates.

Funding for International Student

  • UCT offers a LIMITED number of scholarships available for international and refugee students. UCT international and refugee student scholarships are NOT full-cost awards due to limited funding. Please obtain sufficient funding from other sources. Before applying to the Postgraduate Funding Office for funding, you must submit your UCT admissions application.
  • Information and the Application Form for funding (10C) can be sourced from the Postgraduate Funding Office or from the Office’s website.
  • The closing date for applications for UCT international and refugee students’ scholarships and supporting documentation is TBC.
  • Please return the completed Form 10C directly to the Postgraduate Centre and Funding Office.
  • Late and/or incomplete applications will not be considered.