Mobility – UCT Requirements & Guidelines

UCT Requirements & Guidelines (Common Services & Facilities)

This page compiles the University of Cape Town guidelines for incoming scholarship holders.

Visa Application Guidelines

  1. Visa endorsement: Your study visa must be endorsed specifically for study at UCT.
  2. Supporting documents: UCT issues a visa support/undertaking letter and an information sheet with timelines and requirements.
  3. Medical aid (for visa): Proof of valid medical aid is required (e.g., ComCare or Momentum). Purchase independently and submit the membership certificate with your visa application.
  4. Financial statement for visa: Provide a Rand-value statement proving sufficient funds for tuition, accommodation, living expenses, and medical aid. If funded, include a scholarship letter stating the amount and coverage.
  5. Processing time: Visa applications typically take 8–12 weeks. Apply as early as possible, noting embassy holiday closures.

Accommodation Guidelines

  1. Options: UCT provides off-campus accommodation options; secure housing before arrival where possible.
  2. Generic letter: UCT can provide a generic letter confirming accommodation links were shared; some embassies may still require a specific address.
  3. UCT housing applications: Managed independently by UCT. Applicants are notified of outcomes and can contact the UCT Housing Office for queries.

Financial Guidelines

  1. Proof of financial means: Scholarship provider issues a personalised letter in Rand, stating the total amount and what it covers (e.g., tuition, accommodation, living expenses). This is required for visa applications.
  2. Stipend payments: Monthly stipends are disbursed only after arrival and pre-registration at UCT. Travel and visa costs are reimbursed separately from the stipend.
  3. Pre-registration requirements: Complete visa, medical aid, and fee requirements to finalise pre-registration; stipend payments begin thereafter.

Learning Agreements

  1. Additional information: You may be asked for further details or documents to finalise your Learning Agreement; a personalised letter may assist.
  2. Role of the Learning Agreement: Serves as part of the documentation required for both scholarship and visa applications.

Medical Aid / Health Insurance

  1. Requirement: Valid medical aid registered with the Council for South African Medical Aid Schemes is mandatory for visa applications.
  2. Providers & support: Students may use ComCare or Momentum. UCT provides a contact person for assistance. Apply online and submit proof of membership before registration.
  3. Reimbursement: Medical-aid costs are paid upfront by the scholar and reimbursed upon arrival at UCT.

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Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.