UCT South African College of Music

The UCT South African College of Music (SACM) is the leading music school in South Africa, founded in 1910 and now part of the University of Cape Town. It offers Bachelor of Music degrees and diplomas across six divisions: African Music, Classical Music, Classical Composition, Jazz, Opera, and Music Technology. The college serves approximately 300 students and is the only African member of the Global University Leaders Forum within the World Economic Forum.

Programs and Degrees

The SACM offers undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications across six specialized divisions:

• African Music and Worlds of Music: Study of traditional African instruments, ethnomusicology, and world music traditions
• Classical Music: Performance training in piano, strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, and voice following the European conservatoire model
• Classical Composition: Western and contemporary composition techniques, orchestration, and music theory
• Jazz: Jazz performance, improvisation, and jazz composition with a focus on South African jazz traditions
• Opera UCT: Vocal training for opera singers, including stagecraft, diction, and opera production
• Music Technology: Recording, audio production, computer music, and sound design

Undergraduate students can pursue a BMus (four years) or a Diploma in Music (three years). Postgraduate options include a Master of Music and a newly accredited Doctor of Music (DMus) degree, which places creative practice at the forefront of doctoral research. This is the first such degree in South Africa and on the African continent.

All applicants for the BMus and Diploma in Music must attend an audition. For study in 2027, undergraduate applications open in April 2026 and close on July 31, 2026. Postgraduate applications opened in April 2026. Audition details are published by mid-May 2026.

Tuition and Costs

UCT is a public university. Tuition for South African citizens is subsidized by the government and is significantly lower than private conservatories in the US or UK. South African students who qualify for NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) can receive full funding for tuition and living costs.

International students pay higher fees. For the 2025 academic year, UCT's fee structure for humanities programs (which includes music) ranges from approximately R60,000 to R90,000 per year for South African students, and higher for international students. The initial payment is due at the start of February, with the remaining balance due by June 30.

Contact the SACM directly for exact current-year fee schedules, as costs vary by program and residency status.

History and Significance

The SACM was founded on January 20, 1910 by Madame Apolline Niay-Darroll, who had trained at the Royal College of Music in London. The college opened with 33 students in its first year, initially housed on the first floor of the Bank of Africa building in Strand Street, Cape Town.

In 1912, the English composer William Henry Bell was appointed Principal. Under his leadership, the college grew rapidly and moved to larger premises in Stal Plein in 1914. Bell became Professor of Music at UCT in 1920, and in 1923 the SACM was formally incorporated into the university as a full Faculty of Music, with Bell as its first Dean.

The college was shaped by a British conservatoire model in its early decades. In 1946, the Scottish composer and conductor Erik Chisholm became Dean and Director, placing greater emphasis on practical performance training. More recently, the SACM expanded its curriculum to include African music, jazz, and music technology alongside its classical roots.

Notable Alumni

The SACM has produced some of South Africa's most prominent musicians:

• Pretty Yende: Internationally acclaimed opera soprano who has performed at La Scala, the Metropolitan Opera, and the Royal Opera House
• Golda Schultz: Soprano who studied at SACM before completing postgraduate work at Juilliard
• Judith Sephuma: Award-winning jazz singer
• Galt MacDermot: Composer best known for the musical "Hair" (1967)
• Eddie Kramer: Recording engineer and producer who worked with Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, and The Rolling Stones
• Hendrik Hofmeyr: Composer and current faculty member
• Stefans Grové: Composer known for blending African and Western classical traditions
• Dizu Plaatjies: Founder of the Amampondo ensemble, specializing in traditional African music
• Ndumiso Manana: Named 2026 Standard Bank Young Artist for Music

Real-World Example

A South African student accepted into the BMus program in Jazz Performance for 2027 pays approximately R75,000 per year in tuition (roughly $4,000 USD at current exchange rates). If the student qualifies for NSFAS funding, tuition is fully covered plus a living allowance. Over four years, the total tuition cost comes to approximately R300,000 ($16,000 USD) without financial aid, or zero with NSFAS. Compare this to a private US conservatory like Juilliard, where four years of tuition alone costs $228,800. The student trains with faculty from SACM's jazz division, performs at the Baxter Theatre Centre in Cape Town, and joins alumni who have appeared at major international venues.

Who Should Apply

The SACM is the right choice for South African and African musicians seeking professional training at the continent's top-ranked university. It is also suitable for international students interested in African music traditions, South African jazz, or opera training in a unique cultural context. Students seeking contemporary pop or electronic music production should verify whether the Music Technology division aligns with their goals, as the program leans toward academic and classical applications.

If cost is a concern, South African students should apply for NSFAS funding early. International students should contact the SACM admissions office directly for fee structures and visa requirements.

Visit the official SACM website for audition requirements and application details.

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