The Steve Biko Building has been temporarily closed for renovations since 1 July 2019 and will remain closed until 31 March 2020. The reason for this project is to provide compliant and appropriate access to all services, specifically student health and disability services. The Cissy Gool Plaza Food Court and the UCT Bookshop will not be affected by the temporary closure and will operate as normal throughout the construction period. The UCT community is advised that there will be noise, dust, smells and fumes during this renovation period, which might affect the surrounding areas and buildings.

Departments have been relocated as follows:

• all student bodies (SHAWCO, SRC, Varsity News, RAG, Ubunye) – Parking Lot 4 next to the rugby fields
• Fundi – North Council Meeting Room, Sports Centre
• Student Wellness Service – Ivan Toms Building
• Department of Student Affairs (DSA) executive director and staff – 5 Stanley Road, Middle Campus
• Student Development and staff – 9 Stanley Road, Middle Campus
• DSA Treasury – Extramural Cash Office, Level 3, Kramer Law Building, Middle Campus
• Student Parliament – DSA Meeting Rooms, Level 3, Leslie Social Sciences Building, Upper Campus
• Disability Service – Level 4, John Day Building, Upper Campus
• The Writing Centre – Knowledge Commons, Chancellor Oppenheimer Library, Upper Campus.

Providing financial aid to eligible students is one of the key priorities for the university. According to preliminary (unaudited) analysis, a total of R1.2 billion was made available for financial assistance at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels for 2018. Coupled with the country’s various economic factors and the significant decrease in government funding, it has become a challenge for the university to maintain past levels of financial assistance. However, the university is committed to helping students who cannot afford fees, provided they meet the financial criteria and register good academic progress.

Please note that all appeals are considered on financial and academic grounds. Where academic information is not final, it will impact on the ability to finalise the appeal outcome. No late appeals applications may be accepted.

• Read more about UCT’s 2019 financial aid and appeals for assistance
• Download the financial aid appeal form