The University of Cape Town (UCT), established in 1829 as the South African College, is the oldest university in South Africa and consistently ranked as one of the top universities in Africa. With its breathtaking location on the slopes of Table Mountain, UCT combines historic architecture, cutting-edge facilities, and a vibrant multicultural student body of more than 30,000 students.UCT is internationally recognized for its excellence in teaching, research, and social impact. It has produced some of the world’s most influential leaders, academics, and innovators, and is especially renowned for its contributions in the fields of medicine, law, engineering, business, and the humanities.

UCT’s operations are spread across six campuses, each with a unique focus and environment.

List of Campuses

1. Upper Campus – Rondebosch

• Address: Rondebosch, Cape Town

• Faculties/Programs: Science, Engineering & the Built Environment, Commerce, Law, Humanities, Health Sciences

• Facilities: Jagger Library (partly restored after 2021 fire), large lecture theatres, residences, sports facilities, laboratories, student centre

• Established: 1920s on Groote Schuur estate

• Notable Facts: The main and most iconic campus, with panoramic views of Cape Town and Table Mountain

2. Middle Campus – Rondebosch

• Address: Rondebosch, Cape Town

• Faculties/Programs: Commerce and Law (mainly postgraduate and professional programmes)

• Facilities: Modern lecture halls, computer labs, postgraduate centres, residences

• Established: Developed as UCT expanded beyond Upper Campus

• Notable Facts: Known for its quieter environment, mostly used by postgraduate students

3. Lower Campus – Rondebosch

• Address: Rondebosch, Cape Town

• Faculties/Programs: Arts and Humanities (selected departments), student residences

• Facilities: Lecture rooms, sports fields, cultural facilities, residences

• Established: Expanded gradually as part of UCT’s urban growth

• Notable Facts: Home to a number of student residences and sports facilities

4. Hiddingh Campus – Gardens, Cape Town City Centre

• Address: Orange Street, Gardens, Cape Town

• Faculties/Programs: Fine Art, Drama, Film, Media Studies

• Facilities: Art studios, theatres, rehearsal rooms, design labs, library

• Established: Originally the site of the South African College in the 1800s

• Notable Facts: One of the oldest UCT campuses, deeply tied to the arts and culture of Cape Town

5. Medical Campus – Observatory

• Address: Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town

• Faculties/Programs: Health Sciences (Medicine, Nursing, Public Health, Allied Health Professions)

• Facilities: Groote Schuur Hospital (teaching hospital), clinical training facilities, medical library

• Established: Early 20th century with the founding of the Faculty of Medicine in 1912

• Notable Facts: Famous for its link to Christiaan Barnard’s first human heart transplant in 1967

6. Breakwater Campus – V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

• Address: Portswood Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

• Faculties/Programs: Graduate School of Business (MBA, executive education, postgraduate programs)

• Facilities: Modern lecture halls, seminar rooms, business library, innovation hub

• Established: Converted from the historic Breakwater Prison building

• Notable Facts: Home to the UCT Graduate School of Business, ranked among the best business schools in Africa

Closing Notes

The University of Cape Town operates across six campuses, each contributing to its reputation as a world-class university with deep African roots. From the iconic Upper Campus beneath Table Mountain, to the historic Hiddingh Campus, and the cutting-edge Graduate School of Business at the Waterfront, UCT provides a diverse and inspiring academic environment.

UCT continues to lead not only in Africa but also on the global stage, fostering innovation, academic excellence, and social transformation.

For more details on applications, programs, and campus life, visit the official website: https://www.uct.ac.za