The Smuts (Tercentenary) Old Cape Scholarship 2026 is open for eligible University of Cape Town final-year Law students. The scholarship is aimed at South African citizens in final-year LAWP01 with an average of at least 65%, with preference for applicants who intend to practise in Cape Town in the public service.
At a glance
Sponsor/host: University of Cape Town / Smuts (Tercentenary) Old Cape Scholarship
Opportunity type: Law scholarship
Who it’s for: South African citizens in final-year LAWP01 at UCT
Study level: Final-year Law
Field: Law
Scholarship value: R30,000
Closing date: 18 August 2026
Last verified: 9 August 2026
High-value notes (read this first)
This is a short-deadline UCT Law scholarship, not a general national bursary. Applicants must be final-year LAWP01 students and must prepare a one-page essay on their aspirations as a future law professional.
The scholarship is valid for one year only. UCT’s Student Financial Aid office provides the selection committee with academic transcripts of applicants who apply.
About the sponsor
The scholarship was established through a donation by Mr Michael Smuts, BA LLB (Cape Town), MA (Oxon), to the University of Cape Town. It is awarded annually to eligible Law students who meet the stated academic and selection criteria.
What it covers
The scholarship is valued at R30,000 and is valid for one year.
Eligibility
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must be a final-year LAWP01 student
- Must have a GPA of at least 65%
- Preference is given to applicants intending to practise in Cape Town in the public service
- Must submit the completed application form and required essay before the closing date
Documents to prepare
- Completed Smuts (Tercentenary) Old Cape Scholarship application form
- One-page essay on aspirations as a future law professional
- Personal and academic details requested in the form
- Any supporting information requested by UCT Student Financial Aid
Closing date
18 August 2026.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Applying if not in final-year LAWP01
- Leaving out the one-page essay
- Submitting without a clear email subject line
- Assuming this is open to all Law students nationally
- Waiting until the final day despite the short application window
How this opportunity was verified
Verified against the University of Cape Town bursary noticeboard and the official Smuts (Tercentenary) Old Cape Scholarship application form. The form confirms the eligibility criteria, R30,000 value, essay requirement, submission email and 18 August 2026 closing date.
How to apply
- Download the Smuts (Tercentenary) Old Cape Scholarship application form.
- Complete the personal and academic information sections.
- Attach a one-page essay on your aspirations as a future law professional.
- Email the completed application to FAstudents@uct.ac.za.
- Use the subject line SMUTS (TERCENTENARY) OLD CAPE SCHOLARSHIP.
- Submit before the closing date.