University of Cape Town International and Refugee Scholarship
The University of Cape Town International and Refugee Scholarship provides a limited number of merit-based awards annually to international and refugee postgraduate students pursuing full-time study in any discipline at UCT. These scholarships are supplementary contributions toward the cost of attendance, meaning recipients must have other means to fully fund their studies. Awarded competitively with preference for more senior candidates (e.g., Master's over Honors, Doctoral over Master's), they do not cover full costs such as tuition, living expenses, or travel in their entirety. The applicant's country of origin does not influence eligibility, but refugees must provide proof of status.
Scholarships are renewable subject to satisfactory academic progress for the standard tenure: 1 year for Honors, 2 years for Master's (first two years only), and 3 years for Doctoral (first three years only). Extensions beyond these periods or for additional years (e.g., 3rd year Master's) are not supported by the Postgraduate Funding Office (PGFO). Applicants must apply separately for full-time admission via UCT's admissions or faculty office, as funding applications require proof of academic acceptance. For the 2026 academic year, the call for applications will not open due to funding constraints; prospective students are advised to seek alternative funding from departments, supervisors, or external loans like Student Hero.
Eligibility Requirements
- International students (non-South African citizens) or refugees (with proof of refugee status, e.g., valid UNHCR documents or refugee identity card).
- Full-time postgraduate study (Honours, Master's by coursework or research, Doctoral) in any discipline at UCT.
- Must apply and be accepted for full-time admission through UCT Admissions Office or relevant Faculty Office prior to funding consideration.
- Demonstrated academic merit; preference given to senior candidates (Doctoral > Master's > Honours).
- Must have independent means to fund the majority of studies, as awards are supplementary only (not full-cost).
- Not full-time employed (more than 20 hours/week typically ineligible).
- Satisfactory academic progress required for renewal within tenure limits.
- Applications strictly via annual call (when open); no late or incomplete submissions accepted.
For thorough eligibility and selection information, visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.