Student Societies & Organisations

These societies are organisations whose primary aim is either to enhance the learning and understanding of students at UCT or to bring students in contact with the leaders in their field of studies. Many of these societies hold seminars on various topics and bring industry leaders to UCT while others concentrate on community development programmes.

This constitutes one of the largest sectors, representing almost all major religious beliefs, doctrines and denominations. Many of these societies have ties with local religious structures. Although UCT is a secular campus, it makes the attempt to accommodate everyone and allow them to exercise their beliefs freely without interfering with the academic programme and other faiths.

These societies largely represent national and cultural interests. However, membership is not drawn exclusively from the relevant countries. These societies mainly aim to broaden students exposure to the cultural dynamism of UCT.

These organisations represent a group of national and international political organisations. Their activities include attending national gatherings, and inviting politicians and scholars to speak at meetings.

This group of societies represent a broad range of groups from special interest and civil society groups to social and wellness groups. These societies open up huge opportunities to experience and enjoy new activities at UCT.

This section outlines the process for establishing a new society at UCT and applying for official recognition. 

Please note: The deadline for society recognition applications for the first semester is 20 May 2026.

Criteria for the Recognition of a Society

A society will be considered for recognition if it meets the following requirements:

• Has a membership of at least fifty (50) students, as listed in the society recognition application form
• Demonstrates a clear and justifiable need for the society
• No existing society currently fulfils the same or substantially similar objectives
• Provides a clear and sustainable plan for leadership, membership growth, and activities
• Aligns with the broader goals, vision, and mission of the University
• Complies with all University rules and policies, as well as the laws of South Africa

Submission and Process for Society Recognition 

To apply for recognition, please submit the following documents:

• Societies Recognition Form – including details of at least fifty (50) interested members
• Proposed Constitution – refer to the for guidance
• Proposed Plan of Action – refer to the Plan of Action template for guidance

Submit all documents to ssoc-servicingofficer@uct.ac.za on or before the stated deadline.

If the application is approved by the SSOC, the society will enter a monitoring phase during the first semester of the academic year.

Following the monitoring phase, both the prospective society and the SRC will submit reports to the SSOC for review.

The SSOC holds final authority on the approval of all student societies.

Need Assistance?

For any queries, please contact the SSOC Servicing Officer at ssoc-servicingofficer@uct.ac.za.

These guidelines are designed to assist student organisations in understanding the various funding opportunities available through the SSOC, as well as the criteria and processes for applying. The aim of these funds is to support meaningful student initiatives that contribute to the University. 

Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the requirements for each fund before submitting their applications. Please note that all allocations are subject to annual funding schedules, availability of funds, and the discretion of the SSOC Committee. 

We encourage student organisations to plan ahead, submit complete applications with all required supporting documents, and ensure that proposed activities align with both society and University values.

1. SSOC Local Travel Fund

Link: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/J0edAttMdf

Where a student organisation applies for SSOC Local Travel Fund, the following guidelines would apply:

1. A single applicant may receive an amount as specified in the annual funding schedule for the relevant year. (see below)

2. For any additional participants attending, the society may receive funding equal to half of the amount awarded to the initial application, up to a maximum of five additional participants. 

3. Funding will be awarded specifically for road travel, quotations must be submitted for consideration.

4. Funding is provided for travel that aligns with the values of the society and does not contradict the values of the University.

5. The values listed in the annual funding schedule represent the maximum (cap) amounts. Actual awards will be based on the amount requested by applicants. 

6. The committee may approve additional applications, provided that the total awarded to a single society does not exceed the cap set for that year in the annual funding schedule. 

7. The committee may approve an additional amount to cover accommodation as specified in the annual funding schedule. 

2. SSOC International Travel Fund

Link: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/wBF0Xd7ByK

When a student or group of students from a student organisation applies for the SSOC International Travel Fund, the following guidelines will apply:

1. The SSOC International Travel Fund is a competitive fund, and students or groups of students from a student organisation must provide evidence of having sought alternative funding to support their trip. This information must accompany the application at the time of submission.

2. The SSOC International Travel Fund does not cover the entire trip but contributes towards flight costs for attending an international event or conference. The fund may cover flight tickets up to the amount capped at the rate specified in the annual funding schedule.

3. For group applications from students within the same student organisation, the fund may support up to eight participants per group. Each participant’s flight ticket may be covered up to the rate specified in the annual funding schedule.

4. For students demonstrating financial need, the committee may, at its discretion, provide additional funding to cover accommodation costs for the trip. The accommodation amount will be capped at the rate specified in the annual funding schedule. 

3. SSOC Visiting Speakers Fund

Link: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/zr6xxsxQrP 

Where a student organisation applies for the SSOC Visiting Speakers Fund, the following guidelines would apply:

1. A student organisation may receive an accommodation award for a visiting speaker, not exceeding the accommodation rate at All Africa House.

   1. A student organisation may receive a travel award for a visiting speaker residing in South Africa, not exceeding the average cost of a local return ticket. This amount will be capped at the rate specified in the annual funding schedule.

   2. A student organisation may receive a travel award for a visiting speaker residing outside of South Africa, not exceeding the average cost of an international return ticket. This amount will be capped at the rate specified in the annual funding schedule.

   3. A student organisation may receive an administrative award to cover the operational costs of an event involving a visiting speaker. This award will be capped at the rate specified in the annual funding schedule.

   4. A student organisation is eligible to receive only one award per year. 

   5. Approved funding for a visiting speaker will be provided only if the talk aligns with the values of the society and does not contradict the values of the University.

   6. Accommodation for local speakers shall be limited to one night. Requests for an additional night may be considered, subject to a written motivation.

   7. Accommodation for international speakers shall be limited to two nights. Requests for an additional night may be considered, subject to a written motivation.

4. Student Publication Fund 

Link: https://forms.office.com/r/u89t5mEbSw

Where a student organisation applies for the Student Publication Fund, the following guidelines would apply:

1. The fund may cover and assist with printing for paper-based publications as well as digital media platforms for online publications. Online media may include, but is not limited to, video essays, podcasts, and other digital formats.

2. For a society, funding may be provided for a single publication edition, capped at the rate specified in the annual funding schedule.

3. For a single society, the total amount that can be issued for all publications will be capped at the rate specified in the annual funding schedule.

Enquiries and Support

If you have any questions or require clarification, please email the SSOC Servicing Officer at ssoc-servicingofficer@uct.ac.za.