5 min read

The Top UCT Alternative Universities and Colleges in Cape Town

Do you want to move to Cape Town to study? You're in luck, the options are endless and UCT isn't your only choice.
Mbali Nkosi
· October 17, 2024
The Top UCT Alternative Universities and Colleges in Cape Town

World-class education, high quality of life, and natural beauty. Who wouldn't want to study in Cape Town?

UCT tops the list as South Africa’s best university. Unfortunately, the popularity and acclaim make admission super competitive.

Don’t worry! If you want to study in the Mother City and enjoy all it offers, there are other top-notch options. We’ve looked at everything from rankings to available programs and degree demand. Here are the top colleges and universities around Cape Town (that aren't UCT).

The Top Universities and Colleges in Cape Town

We all love UCT, but here are our top picks for the best universities and colleges in and around Cape Town that can be great alternatives closer to home.

Cape Town universities

Stellenbosch University

Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch University

Universiteit Stellenbosch is second after UCT as the best university in Africa. Yes, you’ll be almost an hour away from the CBD, but you won't miss it. You’ll fall in love with the Winelands, vibrant community, and rich heritage all around you.

Stellenbosch University delivers incredible science, engineering, and advanced research programs. Sport is a big part of the university’s culture.

Maties is one of SA’s best rugby teams, with alumni who’ve made it to the Springboks.

Unique Features

  • Sports and culture embedded in student life

  • Research leader in environmental and agricultural sciences.

  • Multilingual classes in Afrikaans, English, and Xhosa.

Top Programs:

Agricultural Sciences, Forestry, Arts & Humanities, Engineering

How to Apply:

Check the admission requirements for your program. Applications usually open in April and close by July

Tuition Fees:

From R55,000 per year

University of the Western Cape (UWC)

Bellville, Cape Town

Cape Peninsula University of Technology CPUT

UWC is a great fit for students who are passionate about social justice and community. The university was active in the anti-apartheid movement and fighting for equality in SA. But its triumphs go beyond the history books.

Aspiring activists will love UWC’s community-based learning and ongoing fight for gender equality. The school is well-known for its constitutional and human rights law programs.

Unique Features

  • Active in community and social development.

  • Green campus initiatives.

  • Research-focused, community-engaged learning.

  • Exciting cultural events for students.

Top Programs: 

Constitutional and Human Rights Law, Health Sciences, Community and Development Studies

How to Apply: 

Online applications close around September

Tuition Fees: 

From R39,000 per year

Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)

District Six, Cape Town

Inscape College Cape Town

Ready to jumpstart your career in tech? The Cape Peninsula University of Technology is a smart option. CPUT stands out as the only university of technology in the Western Cape.

The university funds and promotes entrepreneurship and production. It also aims to give students real skills for the job market.

CPUT has strong ties to the engineering, design, and business industry.

Unique Features

  • Innovation Fund turns student ideas into products.

  • Robust student support services and mental health resources.

  • Strong programs for high-demand skills.

  • Industry partnerships.

Top programs: 

Health, Electrical, Mechanical and Civil Engineering, Architecture, Graphic Design

How to apply: 

Online and manual applications for graduate programs open in May and close between August and September

Tuition Fees: 

Contact the university for details on your specific degree

Top TVET and Specialised Colleges in Cape Town

TVET colleges provide skills training to help you thrive and fill job market gaps. Here’s a quick overview of the best colleges and TVETs in Cape Town.

Inscape Education Group

De Waterkant, Cape Town

Inscape Cape Town

Are you a creative looking to build a portfolio? Inscape specialises in design, creative arts and digital innovation.

The school is one of the top design schools in South Africa with diplomas and graduate programs. Smaller class sizes give students a personalised approach.

Inscape's connections with the design industry will help students build a strong portfolio. A great strategy to land competitive internships.

Milpark Education

Observatory, Cape Town

Most high-demand careers in Cape Town are in the business, management and finance fields. For that, we’ve added one of the top business colleges in the Cape, Milpark Education.

Milpark has four schools, namely Business, Professional Accounting, Financial Services, and Commerce. Programs range from undergraduate degrees to MBAs, specialising in business, finance, and accounting. It’s ideal for working students with flexible in-class and online learning options.

False Bay TVET College

Westlake, Cape Town

The best features of TVET colleges are affordability, distance learning, and part-time learning. False Bay has all three. The college is one of SA’s top-performing TVET colleges.

With five campuses, programs focus on practical skills training and employability. Top programs include technical and vocational courses in engineering, IT, hospitality and business.

And, in an unpredictable job market, studying at the False Bay TVET College can help with work placement.

College of Cape Town (TVET)

Various campuses in Cape Town

UWC Cape Town Private University

College of Cape Town offers courses ranging from IT to Beauty Therapy. But the Engineering Department is where it shines.

Engineering studies include electrical, building, civil, and mechanical engineering. Plus, students get access to cutting-edge labs and workshops. You’ll leave the school certified and ready to be a pioneer in your field.

Bonus, CCT has eight campuses around Cape Town so you can study closer to affordable student accommodation options.

Also, student support services include career guidance and personal counselling.

Vega School

Waterkant, Cape Town

Some of the top marketing agencies in SA call Cape Town home. To compete in this industry, you need a marketing qualification built for the future. Enter Vega– a creative institute focusing on branding, communications, and design.

Impressively, Vega also sets up internships and projects with local brands and agencies for students.

Ready to start your next chapter?

Student Moving Services

Selecting the best university is difficult. Moving there doesn’t have to be.

When you’re ready to embark on the next stage of your education, let the Wise Move team help get you there with multiple moving quotes from the top local moving companies in Cape Town. 

What do our customers say?

Read reviews of Wise Move to learn stories from our customers.
R 4,500
Pietermaritzburg, Woodlands
Centurion, Wierdapark
10
Lee
Reviewed 1 hour ago
Great service, Klint was always communicating and updating on the logistics.Thank you got your exceptional service, I'm happy to use your services in the future.
R 2,000
Sandton, Wynberg
Sandton, Illovo
10
Nicole
Reviewed 2 hours ago
Great experience, went above and beyond
R 1,650
Randburg, Randpark Ridge
Roodepoort, Weltevredenpark
10
Charlotte
Reviewed 12 hours ago
Great service, very committed and punctual
R 1,500
Cape Town, Western Cape
Cape Town, Western Cape
10
Michaela
Reviewed 15 hours ago
Great service and extremely helpful, will definitely recommend.
R 800
Midrand, Glen Austin AH
Sandton, Sunninghill
10
Yonela
Reviewed 18 hours ago
Honestly the best service! Would recommend any day. Thank you to the team!
Are you a Transport Company? Learn More
All Covered. No Hassle.
Movers services across South Africa
— book online now
Get Prices
Cape Town Johannesburg Durban Pretoria Port Elizabeth Bloemfontein Car transport Motorcycle transport Home movers Furniture removals Man with a Van Junk Mail courier Gumtree courier Pet transport Piano movers Boat transport Meubel vervoer