UWC Financial Aid is a mindful of its role in providing access to higher education, the University of the Western Cape (UWC) offers opportunities to students who are both academically deserving and financially lacking. These students are mostly drawn from disadvantaged schools that withstand adverse conditions and a lack of resources but possess the will to succeed.
Our department operates from a Central Office that co-ordinates student funding across the university. The Central Office works closely with the faculties and departments across the university to assist students that are financially disadvantaged.
Access the Financial Aid Online Application here
The Department of Student Funding administers NSFAS funding as well as bursaries and scholarships. As such, we are in a position to assist students with information on funding from NSFAS, bursary sponsors or scholarship opportunities where applicable.
Services to students are provided by the Financial Aid Advisors, based in the Financial Aid Office, behind the administration building (Prefabs) on the UWC main campus.
Students who require funding information or assistance are encouraged to see their Financial Aid Advisors in their offices, who will gladly provide them with the necessary information.
Student Funding also provides donor liaison services to the various donors who provide funding and valuable support to financially needy and academically deserving students. The Financial Aid Advisors are the primary links with the donors and work closely with the donors assigned to each of them. The Central Office also works in close partnership with the private sector, public sector and non-governmental organisations to welcome and onboard any new sponsors who are keen to provide funding to students at UWC. Our donors are very important to our students, and we value donors who so generously support students of the University of the Western Cape.
Vision and Mission
The Financial Aid Office provides access, financial support and advisory services to all deserving students, especially learner intake from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.
The primary function of the Financial Aid Office is to award and manage bursaries and bursary loans according to agreed criteria. The mandate of the Financial Aid Office is aligned to the following institutional principles regarding financial support to students:
- The Financial Aid Office strives to balance responsible stewardship of all financial aid funds with the creation of a student-centred culture.
- We are working to establish ourselves as a leader in financial aid services when measured against peer institutions, using technology to streamline financial aid processes and constantly looking forward to meeting challenges resulting from changes in federal, state, institutional and private funding rules and economic changes.
- We seek to model campus-wide communication and collaboration while respecting the needs, values, and diversity of our students, parents, and colleagues
Financial Aid Office
The Financial Aid Office provides access, financial support, and advisory services to all deserving students, especially those that are coming from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.
The Financial Aid Office strives to balance responsible stewardship of all financial aid funds with the creation of a student-centred culture. We are working to establish ourselves as a leader in financial aid services when measured against peer institutions, using technology to streamline financial aid processes and constantly looking forward to meeting challenges resulting from changes in federal, state, institutional and private funding rules and economic changes. We seek to model campus-wide communication and collaboration while respecting the needs, values, and diversity of our students, parents, and colleagues.
Our goal is to operate efficiently so that institutional resources are used wisely and students may pursue their academic goals without distraction.
Contact Details
Email: finaid@uwc.ac.za
Tel: 021 959 9753/2737
Services
Administration of various bursaries, trust, grants and loans.
Overview of Public Universities in South Africa
Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.
University of Pretoria
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
- Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.
University of Cape Town
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
- Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.
Stellenbosch University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
- Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.
University of the Witwatersrand
- Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
- Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.
University of Johannesburg
- Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
- Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.
University of the Free State
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.
University of Venda
- Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
- Application Period: Usually from May to September.
University of Fort Hare
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
- Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.
University of the Western Cape
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
- Application Period: Generally from May to September.
North-West University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
- Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.
Rhodes University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
- Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.
Nelson Mandela University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
- Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.
University of Limpopo
- Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
- Application Period: From April to September.
University of Zululand
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
- Application Period: Usually between April and November.
Central University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
- Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.
Vaal University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
- Application Period: Typically from May to September.
Walter Sisulu University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
- Application Period: From April to September.
This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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