The University of Cape Town is a major research institution, which recognises the vital role that postgraduate students play in its research enterprise.
Postgraduate study is also vital to society as a source of knowledge and expertise.
UCT places great emphasis on postgraduate study and is working towards the ideal that no student with a good academic record should be deterred by lack of money from pursuing postgraduate work. To this end the University is actively raising funds both in South Africa and abroad to provide assistance in the form of scholarships and bursaries. Certain awards are granted exclusively on academic merit, while others take financial need into account. Despite the efforts of the University, it is unfortunately not possible to guarantee that every needy student will be assisted. The financing of postgraduate students invariably takes the form of a combination of scholarships or bursaries, part-time employment within or outside the university, bank or university loans, personal savings and parental assistance.