APN

University of the Western Cape

University of the Western Cape
Place

Bellville , South Africa

Website
Website
Number of students
14500

About the study place

The University of the Western Cape is located in Bellville, east of Cape Town, in the Western Cape province of South Africa.

The university is about 20 kilometres from central Cape Town and is part of a diverse metropolitan region known for its beaches, mountains and rich cultural life. Students have good opportunities for outdoor activities, with Table Mountain, Cape Point and coastal areas nearby, as well as an active student and cultural scene in Cape Town. At the same time, it is important to be aware of challenges related to safety and social inequality. The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends caution due to crime, particularly robbery and theft, and students should familiarise themselves with local advice on transport and personal safety. Living costs are generally lower than in Norway, but vary considerably.

UWC opened in 1959 as a college and became a university in 1970. Under the apartheid regime, it was a university for students classified as “coloured”. The university presents itself as having an active and engaged history in the development of democratic South Africa. An example of a programme linked to the development of education in society is Teacher Well Being, a collaboration in which OsloMet has participated. In short, the programme focuses on strengthening teachers both in the classroom and in their working day, enabling them to meet classroom diversity in a constructive way and improve pupils’ school experience.

Today, the University of the Western Cape is a research‑active institution with particular strengths in education, social sciences, public health, law and natural sciences. The university places strong emphasis on social engagement, social justice and research with practical relevance, making it attractive to students seeking insight into education, health and societal development in a global context.

  • Credits

    For å få godkjent 30 studiepoeng ved OsloMet etter utvekslingsoppholdet, må du ta 60 credits ved UWC per semester.  

  • Semester division

    First semester: February—June
    Second semester: July—December

  • Housing

    This institution offers student accommodation. Read more about the housing offer (www.uwc.ac.za)

    In the Facebook group OsloMet Utveksling (facebook.com) you can contact students who have been there before to hear where they lived and how they went about finding accommodation.