There are more than 100 student societies and organisations at UCT reflecting a wide range of interests, including academic, religious, cultural, social and political activities.

Each society is run by students and any student may be a member. Societies hold a number of events every year including an AGM where the new leadership is elected for the New Year.

Each society is partially funded by the University and partially by subscription fees which the societies charge.

The societies allow students to enjoy activities on the University that are not normally part of the academic curricula. Societies allow students to enjoy being part of a community on campus that is stimulating and opens up new challenges and opportunities for them.