“You don’t need to have the title to be a leader. A good leader today means being agile and adaptable, and accepting that the space required of you is not always comfortable, or even natural, but necessary anyway.” - Tania Hendricks, Southern Africa Labour & Development Research Unit. Share your #MondayMotivation with us. @SALDRU1

[VIDEO] UCT hosted a “Three-Minute Thesis (3MT)” competition on 29 September 2026, where both Master’s and PhD research participants were encouraged to do their outmost best to explain their research thesis to a non-specialist audience in under three minutes. As the winner of the Master’s category, Bulela Njemla expresses how her research thesis titled: “Between Family and State: Intergenerational Transfers & Social Protection in South Africa” not only affects her field of study, but society in general; and how it will also assist her in contributing to the larger research community and among her peers at UCT’s School of Economics. Watch the full video: qr.link/FVn7m8 @Commerce_UCT

[VIDEO] UCT remains the highest-ranked university in Africa, rising to joint 147th globally in the 2027 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings. UCT moved up from joint 164th in the 2026 rankings, returning to the global top 150 for the first time since 2020. The result was announced on 29 September 2026 at UCT’s Sarah Baartman Hall, during the opening day of the THE World Academic Summit, which is being hosted at UCT from 29 September to 1 October. Watch the full video: qr.link/VbsGmH

[PHOTOS] The Times Higher Education World Academic Summit is in Cape Town — for the first time on the African continent — and has brought together university leaders, policymakers, industry representatives, civil society and student leaders from around the world. The summit started off with a Presidents’ Forum attended by university leaders before the first official day. Day 1 included a talk on universities in the artificial intelligence era with UCT Vice-Chancellor Professor Mosa Moshabela, as well as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) for Research and Internationalisation Professor Thokozani Majozi on purpose and public value. DVC for Teaching and Learning Professor Brandon Collier-Reed also shared his thoughts on inclusive education. View the full photo essay: qr.link/Bx724w #THEwas #UCTHostsGlobalSummit

An extraordinary opening day as the Times Higher Education (THE) World Academic Summit successfully concludes in Cape Town. Day one brought together an inspiring community of international scholars, academic leaders and innovators for a landmark gathering on the African continent. As delegates settled into the city, the energy was defined by cross-continental collaboration, shared purpose and a warm local welcome. This event is proudly brought to you by two of UCT's sponsors, Standard Bank and Eskom. View some highlights from the day's proceedings: qr.codes/k3P4Fw @THEeventsglobal @BristolUni @StandardBankSA @Eskom_SA #THEwas #UCTHostsGlobalSummit

[VIDEO] At 80, sheep farmer Charl Johannes van der Merwe graduated from UCT with a Master of Commerce in Economics, completing a lifelong ambition to return to university. His research draws directly on more than five decades of farming experience in the Upper Karoo, examining how sheep farmers responded to the devastating drought of 2013–2023. Van der Merwe’s research highlights the economic and psychological toll of drought while exploring how farmers can better prepare for future climate shocks. His story is a reminder that the pursuit of knowledge has no age limit. #UCTGrad2026 Watch the full video: qr.codes/UEm27A @Commerce_UCT

The most valuable learning is knowledge that can be put into practice. At UCT's Faculty of Commerce, postgraduate students gain a deeper understanding of the forces shaping business and society while developing the critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed to lead with confidence. The closing date for most postgraduate programmes in the Faculty of Commerce is 30 September 2026. View the various closing dates for specific programmes in the different faculties: qr.link/EIU4ri Apply now: applyonline.uct.ac.za #ChooseUCT #UCTPostgrad @Commerce_UCT

Prepare for the opportunities and challenges shaping the world of business. Postgraduate study in the Faculty of Commerce combines academic excellence with opportunities for practical learning, critical thinking and professional development. The closing date for most postgraduate programmes in the Faculty of Commerce is 30 September 2026. View the various closing dates for specific programmes in the different faculties: qr.link/EIU4ri Apply now: applyonline.uct.ac.za #ChooseUCT #UCTPostgrad @Commerce_UCT

[VIDEO] Beyond the textbook. Postgraduate study at UCT is more than mastering concepts. It’s an opportunity to apply knowledge, tackle real-world challenges and engage with research that contributes to new ways of thinking. Through collaboration, critical discussion and guidance from leading academics, students deepen their expertise while preparing for the next stage of their academic and professional journeys. The closing date for most postgraduate programmes in the Faculty of Commerce is 30 September 2026. @Commerce_UCT View the various closing dates for specific programmes in the different faculties: qr.link/EIU4ri Apply now: applyonline.uct.ac.za #ChooseUCT #UCTPostgrad

[VIDEO] For Féranaaz Farista, graduating with a PhD in Organisational Psychology marks the end of a three-year journey and the beginning of a wider conversation about work, motherhood and care. Her research examined the lived experiences of 36 Muslim breastfeeding mothers as they navigated pregnancy, breastfeeding and returning to work. Her findings highlight the often invisible physical, mental and emotional labour involved in trying to reconcile the unpredictable rhythms of care with workplaces structured around fixed schedules and expectations. Farista argues that supporting mothers requires more than workplace policies on paper: it requires practical flexibility, appropriate facilities and managers willing to engage with what mothers actually need. #UCTGrad2026 @Commerce_UCT Watch the full video: qr.codes/S7VIDu

Are you looking ahead to postgraduate study at UCT in 2027? Before submitting your application, make sure you are aware of the relevant deadlines for your programme. Most postgraduate programmes in the faculties of Commerce, Health Sciences, Humanities, Law and Science close on 30 September, while most programmes in Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment close on 31 October 2026. View the various closing dates for specific programmes in the different faculties: qr.link/EIU4ri Apply now: applyonline.uct.ac.za #ChooseUCT #UCTPostgrad @ucthumanities @UctLaw @UCTscience @UCTHealthSci @UCTEBE @Commerce_UCT @UCTpostgrads

The next step in your career starts with the right qualification. Whether you're looking to deepen your expertise, grow as a researcher or prepare for leadership in business and public management, UCT's Faculty of Commerce offers a wide range of postgraduate opportunities across diverse disciplines. The closing date for most postgraduate programmes in the Faculty of Commerce is 30 September 2026. View the various closing dates for specific programmes in the different faculties: qr.link/EIU4ri Apply now: applyonline.uct.ac.za #ChooseUCT #UCTPostgrad @Commerce_UCT @UCTpostgrads

“Never underestimate the power of starting before you feel ready. Some of the most impactful journeys begin with uncertainty, curiosity and faith. The world belongs to people who are willing to try, fail, adapt and continue anyway.” - Fanelesibonge Mbuyazi, PGDip in Management Information Systems student. Share your #MondayMotivation with us.

💡 What’s on the agenda for #AllAfricaHEXChange26? Over two days in Cape Town, higher education leaders, government departments, partners and agencies will explore pillars that could define the future of excellence at African universities, including but not limited to: 🔬 Institutional contribution to national and continental priorities 🎓 Equity and access 🌱 Employability, entrepreneurship and contribution to labour-market development 🤖 AI, digitalisation and transformation 🤝 Internationalisation and continental partnerships 🔗 Register now: bit.ly/AllAfricaHEXchange26 #AllAfricaHEXChange26 #AllAfricaRankingsInitiative #AfricanExcellenceinHE @AppliedHE @MoshabelaMosa

The University of Cape Town will host the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) World Academic Summit, in partnership with the University of Bristol and THE, from 29 September–1 October 2026. Under this year's theme – “Knowledge, justice and futures: Universities in the age of intelligence” – this flagship global event will explore how universities can harness human, artificial and collective intelligence to shape fairer, more sustainable and truly future-ready societies. The summit will explore the core themes driving discussions on how universities can redefine their role in a rapidly evolving world. The event is hosted in proud partnership with Standard Bank. Find out more: qr.codes/q123P0 #THEwas #highereducation #futureready #universities @timeshighered @BristolUni

Join university and industry leaders, policymakers, partners and academics in Cape Town, South Africa from 31 August to 1 September 2026, in co-creating an African-led and informed rankings framework that will honour the diversity and strengths of universities on the continent. The inaugural All-Africa Higher Education XChange 2026 is open to public and private higher education institutions and will ensure that the continent's voice is meaningfully reflected in how institutional excellence is evaluated within, across and for Africa. 🔗 Join the journey and be part of the conversation from the start: bit.ly/AllAfricaHEXchange26 #AllAfricaHEXChange26 #AllAfricaRankingsInitiative #AfricanExcellenceinHE @AppliedHE @MoshabelaMosa

[VIDEO] Professor Suki Goodman, Dean of Commerce speaks on the vital role of student leadership at UCT, emphasising the partnership between faculties, the Students’ Representive Council (SRC), and the Students Faculty Councils in enhancing the student experience. SRC nominations close on 21 August, with voting taking place 17–18 September. Faculty Council nominations close on 14 August, with voting taking place 3–4 September. Watch the full video: qr.link/g2KcmN

The University of Cape Town, in partnership with AppliedHE, will co-host the inaugural All-Africa Higher Education XChange from 31 August to 1 September 2026 in Cape Town. This is a landmark opportunity to answer the question: what should excellence in African higher education look like, and how should it be defined and measured by Africa, for Africa? 💬 "Together, we have an opportunity not simply to participate in conversations about African excellence, but to help define it." Professor Mosa Moshabela, UCT Vice-Chancellor. 🔗 Secure your place and access the early bird offer: bit.ly/AllAfricaHEXchange26 #AllAfricaHEXChange26 #AllAfricaRankingsInitiative #AfricanExcellenceinHE @AppliedHE @MoshabelaMosa

This is it – applications for undergraduate studies at UCT in 2027 close at 23:59 today. Whether you aspire to make discoveries, solve complex challenges or contribute to positive change, your journey begins here. Submit your application before the deadline and take the first step toward becoming part of the UCT community. #ChooseUCT Apply now: applyonline.uct.ac.za

You have just one day before applications for undergraduate studies at UCT in 2027 close. Don’t miss your chance to apply to UCT and begin your journey at Africa’s leading university. #ChooseUCT Apply now: applyonline.uct.ac.za