Societies

Take a step back from studying and join one of UCT’s clubs or societies – there’s a list of them to choose from and you won’t be disappointed.

Because everyone needs a break from the books, why not consider joining one of UCT’s 140 academic, faith, special interest, politics, and national and cultural clubs and societies.

Here is a taste of what’s available in these categories:

Academic

• AIESEC (the world’s largest student organisation)
• Black Law Students’ Forum
• Education Development Unit Student Organisation
• Organisational Psychology Students’ Society

Faith

• Anglican Students’ Society
• Christian Medical Fellowship
• Hindu Students’ Society
• Muslim Youth Movement
• South African Union of Jewish Students
• UCT Baha’i Society

Special interest

• Ballroom and Latin Dancing Society
• Bhakti Yoga Society
• Cape Legion of Adventurers and War Gamers
• Debating Union
• Engineers Without Borders
• Habitat for Humanity
• RainbowUCT
• Women in Computer Science

Politics

• ActionSA Student Chapter
• Democratic Alliance Students’ Organisation
• Economic Freedom Fighters Student Command
• IkuluFreeHeid
• Palestine Solidarity Forum
• South African Students’ Congress
• United Nations’ Association of SA

National and cultural

• Abantu Zambian Society
• Zimbabwe Society
• East African Students’ Association
• Ghana Society
• Lesotho Students’ Society
• UCT Asian Students Association

Check out the full list of available clubs and societies.

Here are a few other reasons we think you should sign up:

1. Mingle – getting to know people outside of your faculty is always a good idea. Yes, we get that it’s daunting to mix with strangers, especially when you’re still settling in, but joining a club or society will help you to spread your wings – make new friends and get to know campus a bit better.
2. Pay it forward – everyone needs to give back, and if you’re looking for tangible ways to do so, there are plenty of societies that tick this box.
3. Upweight your CV – in time you will need an internship, and depending on your course, many clubs and societies will look good on your CV.
4. Learn something new – if you’re looking to learn a new skill then look no further – you’d be surprised at just how much you will learn about yourself along the way.

If you’re keen to join here’s how:

In 2024 you can join clubs and societies during the annual O-week, student organisations showcase themselves – either on the Plaza or on the Green Mile. If you miss the O-week visit the Societies Helpdesk on Level 5, Steve Biko Students’ Union or contact Societies to sign up with a society or get more information. You can either have the subscription fees charged to your student accounts or pay cash to the cashiers in the Steve Biko Students’ Union.

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) does not fund extramural activities, but if sponsored students would like to participate in societies or development agencies, they can contact societies@uct.ac.za.