UCT works hard to create a safe and nurturing environment for all students. We offer a wide range of support services with the understanding that a student’s wellness goes beyond physical health. Our services include health counselling, mental health services, and support for students with disabilities.

The Student Wellness Service (SWS) provides medical and counselling services to students at primary healthcare level. The service is there to help students make healthy lifestyle choices about nutrition, alcohol, safe sex, relationships, and stress management, among others – all in support of academic success.

The SWS offers:

  • Medical service: Students can make an appointment on the UCT App or SWS web pages for an online or face-to-face consultation with a clinical nurse practitioner or medical practitioner. The service offers support for acute and chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, tuberculosis; and also helps with minor surgical procedures.
  • Pharmacy service: This service is available to students who have a valid prescription from an SWS clinician. Students can also walk in and get medication as they normally would at any other pharmacy, and essential medication is sold at a cost. Students can book online to collect repeat medication. UCT’s pharmacy is located in the Ivan Toms Building.
  • Sexual health support: HIV testing and counselling, medication for sexually transmitted infections, and basic contraceptives are provided free of charge.

SWS gives students easy access to a clinical nurse practitioner, psychologist, social worker, counsellors and peer educators via their online booking platform.

Students can call and obtain nursing advice on the triage line on 021 650 5620 from 08:30 to 16:30.

Medical emergencies

Medical emergencies must be reported to Campus Protection Services by dialling 080 650 2222 (toll-free). CPS will contact the Emergency Medical Service (EMS) and escort the ambulance to the location of the emergency.

This agreement covers rapid response to UCT’s campuses. The ambulance or emergency vehicle will respond and stabilise the ill or injured individual. After this, the cost for transporting the injured or ill person must be covered by the individual’s medical aid or personal account.

This service is for all the UCT campuses. The service can be used by all staff, students and contractors.

The service includes:

  • 24-hour service to get medical advice
  • 24-hour service for any counselling including trauma, substance abuse, poison, suicide, bereavement and rape
  • 24-hour response to any medical emergency.

All calls are confidential.