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.
National Research Foundation (NRF) Funding
You can apply to fund your studies through the NRF one-call. DSI-NRF Master's and Doctoral 2025 funding (for first-time applicants) is now open for applications. Applicants must consult the NRF’s official documents via this link before sending queries or submitting applications.
Deadline for Funding Applications: 19 July 2024 (see more details here).
Any enquiries regarding the NRF call can be directed to William Fourie at the PGFO. He can be contacted via email at nrfsupport1@uct.ac.za or by phone at +27 21 650 5629.
Please note that the NRF will only provide limited funding to qualifying international students and additional funding sources will need to be applied for or available.
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 Students
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.