At this time of the year, many students become worried about the possibility of being excluded from further study at UCT.  Careers Service would like to help reduce that anxiety by offering some practical steps to follow should you suspect that you may be or are in fact excluded from further study at the university.

To this end, we offer the following helpful information and tips for you to consider.

  • If you think that you may be excluded, don’t wait for the official communication to act, as it may be too late to access certain UCT support services.
  • Check your UCT email address for any official communication from UCT and your faculty during the holidays.
  • Check social media accounts for any information.

Here are some tips to follow if you think you may be excluded or are indeed excluded (read to the end).

1. Understand the reason for your exclusion.

  • Students can be excluded for many reasons and understanding exactly why you have been excluded is important as it helps with responding to it.
  • Once you understand the reasons, check if you are eligible for any form of appeal and what the process is for doing so.

2. Appeal the decision.

  • If you are eligible to appeal the exclusion decision, ensure that you understand the process for doing so, and that you follow the correct procedure.
  • Note the deadline for submission of your readmission appeal.
  • Submit supporting documentation. If you have extenuating circumstances to support your appeal, provide the supporting evidence that can explain your situation.
  • Contact the SRC. They assisted with readmissions appeals in the past and can guide, assist and support you with navigating your appeal process.

3. Consider reapplying for readmission, if eligible.

  • Following your exclusion, you may be eligible to reapply for readmission to study at UCT after a certain period, provided you meet certain remedial conditions.
  • Check if you are eligible and be clear about what the conditions for reapplication and readmission are.

4. Explore alternative study options.

  • Apply to another university. If your exclusion is permanent or you feel that returning to UCT is not an option, you may consider applying to a different university. If you are indeed thinking about applying to a different university, or another higher education institution, check admission requirements and if you’re able to transfer any credits.
  • Consider online learning. Explore enrolling on online courses or certifications offered by Coursera, Udemy, edX which enable flexible learning schedules to help you develop specific skills.
  • Explore part-time or returning to your studies later. Many people work and study simultaneously to fulfill their career goals.

5. Consider a break in your studies

  • Taking a gap year can provide invaluable time for you to reflect and reassess your goals and what you could have done differently.
  • Possibilities you could consider before returning to formal studies include volunteering, traveling, gaining experiences to develop skills that will enhance your employability at a later stage.

6. Explore financial support options.

  • If your exclusion is for financial reasons you may wish to consider researching available bursaries, scholarships, student loans or crowd funding.
  • If you are an undergraduate student, contact the Student Financial Aid office at: +27 (0)21 650 3535, or email: financialaid@uct.ac.za
  • If you are postgraduate student, contact the Student Financial Aid office at: +27 (0)21 560 220, or email: pgfunding@uct.ac.za

7. Stay positive.

  • Don’t let one temporary setback define your entire future. Many people who faced exclusion later achieve great things. Remain positive and resilient.
  • Seek support. Being excluded can take a toll on our mental health and well-being.  If you feel that you are getting stressed or anxious reach out to Student Wellness (SWS) if you feel you need mental health support by booking an appointment here.

    For any mental health emergencies, phone 0800 24 25 26 (toll free) or text 31393 for a call-me-back (UCT Student Careline)

    See also SWS student emergencies website for additional resources and information.
  • Stay open to opportunities.  You might feel that being excluded is a door closing, but it may also open new paths and opportunities that you may not have considered. Network, seek support, reach out to others to discover opportunities and explore possibilities.

8. Book a consultation with Careers Service

  • Book a consultation (in person or virtual) with a career development consultant using this link. If no consultation slots are available, request one here.
  • Note! The Careers Service office will be closed over public holidays and holiday season.

9. Useful links.