The South African College of Music
The University of Cape Town's music department is known internationally as the South African College of Music (SACM) and is considered to be the leading music school in South Africa.
Academic Programmes
SACM offers programmes specialising in African and World Music, Jazz Studies, Classical Music, Composition, Opera, Music Technology and Musicology.
Apply
Applications for study in 2027 are now closed. For audition requirements please navigate to the undergraduate applications page. Postgraduate applications for 2027 close on 30 September 2026.
Donate
Support the South African College of Music and invest in the next generation of musical talent at the University of Cape Town.
News
Brandon Phillips and his musical journey
Brandon Phillips brings the UCT Symphony Orchestra and Cape Town Philharmonic Youth Orchestra together for a powerful celebration of young orchestral talent.
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Opera UCT brings Mozart’s Don Giovanni to The Baxter
Opera UCT presents Mozart’s Don Giovanni, an opera of seduction, deception and murder as the notorious libertine’s years of cruelty and debauchery catch up with him.
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Winners announced for the 2026 UCT Strings Competition
The UCT Strings Competition, hosted by the South African College of Music was first launched in 2022. This year, the competition expanded to a national platform, opening its doors to string players from across South Africa.
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Upcoming Events
LEMISA Composition Debut's
LEMISA presents 12 new works—six by South African and six international composers—performed by leading Cape Town musicians in an exciting showcase of fresh music for brass and wind ensembles.
UCT Ibuyambo Orchestra presents Fragments of Sarah
The UCT Ibuyambo Orchestra presents Fragments of Sarah, an interdisciplinary performance reflecting on the life and legacy of Sarah Baartman through sound, movement, memory and storytelling.
Don Giovanni
Opera UCT presents Mozart's Don Giovanni, staged by French-American director Talia Stern, with designs by Allegra Bernacchioni. The Opera UCT cast and chorus, joined by the CPO, are conducted by Peggy Wu and Jeremy Silver.