Welcome

We welcome our first-year students to the University of Cape Town

Molweni and welcome to the adventure of higher education at the University of Cape Town (UCT). Lo amogetswe! Baie welkom!

I am so proud that you have chosen to become a member of the UCT community. Selecting an institution for your degree programme can be a tough decision, and we are honoured that you have chosen to study at Africa’s top-rated university.

The first year at any university can be challenging. As a student, you will discover many opportunities as well as new experiences that may feel unfamiliar. Our aim with exposing you to these opportunities and challenges is not just to produce alumni but also future leaders who will help to impact Africa and influence the world. After all, UCT has very high standards of excellence.

I assure you that your lecturers, deans and faculty support staff – in fact, all of us at UCT – value you and we want you to succeed. After all, your success is UCT’s success.

UCT’s Vision 2030 strategy is for everyone’s human potential to be unleashed to create a fair and just society. Many of our alumni become leaders in their chosen fields and are working hard towards this vision. You will be learning from some of those leaders here at UCT.

I encourage you to pursue your higher education and your personal growth in the following ways.

1. Ask questions. It is the best way to learn, whether you are trying to find your lecture hall or the answer to a difficult mathematics problem.
2. Try out new experiences. We invite you to join any of the wide range of extracurricular activities and clubs that are available on campus. We hope you will spend time getting to know other students and make friendships that can last a lifetime.
3. Live a balanced life. Exercise, sleep and a healthy diet will help you to get the best out of your university experience.
4. Seek help when you need it. University life can be difficult sometimes. Your physical and mental health and well-being are important to us. If you need any assistance, please reach out to our Student Wellness Service, which offers onsite, online and telephonic counselling and support, or contact the UCT Student Careline (0800 24 25 26 or SMS 31393 for a call-back), which is available 24/7.
5. Commit to the values of UCT. Every community is made up of different individuals from different backgrounds and with different goals. I encourage you to listen respectfully to others; to appreciate each other’s shared values; to help each other build passion for education and UCT; and to commit yourselves to the future of your university, your home community and your country.

UCT is not Africa’s top university by accident. We are committed to excellence and to transformation because we want each of you to be able to fulfil your true potential. Not just to graduate but also to achieve your dreams for yourself, for South Africa and the continent.

I am excited to see what you will become at UCT. We hope you feel at home.

Professor Mosa Moshabela
UCT Vice-Chancellor & Principal