WIPO South Africa Summer School
on Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer
Hosted by the University of Cape Town
23 November – 4 December 2026 | Cape Town, South Africa
Overview
The University of Cape Town (UCT), through the DSI-NRF South African Research Chair in Intellectual Property, Innovation and Development, has been appointed to host the WIPO South Africa Summer School on Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer for 2026 and 2027.
The programme is offered jointly by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Academy, the Department of Science and Technology through the National Intellectual Property Management Office (NIPMO), and the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic).
The Summer School offers senior students and young professionals an opportunity to gain deeper knowledge across the various domains of intellectual property (IP), as well as a broader understanding of the role and functions of WIPO within the global innovation system.
The programme combines lectures, case studies, simulation exercises and group discussions, with a focus on the interface between intellectual property and other disciplines. It provides a platform for advanced learning, collaboration, and capacity building, bringing together participants from South Africa, across Africa, and internationally.
Eligibility and Format
The Summer School is open to senior students (graduate and postgraduate) and young professionals from any field or discipline. The programme is designed for individuals who already have a foundational understanding of intellectual property and wish to deepen their knowledge and practical engagement with IP systems.
Participants are selected through a competitive process and may come from a wide range of sectors, including academia, government, industry, and the creative and innovation ecosystems.
The Summer School will be delivered in a hybrid format, allowing participants to attend either onsite at the University of Cape Town or online through designated virtual platforms. While both options are available, onsite participation is strongly encouraged to maximise engagement and networking opportunities.
Participants attending onsite are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, and living expenses.
Applications and Registration
Prospective participants are required to submit an online application, including a current résumé and a letter of motivation outlining their interest in the programme and the expected benefits of participation.
As part of the application process, all applicants will be given the opportunity to register for and complete the WIPO Academy eLearning Course on Intellectual Property Management (DL-450). Completion of this course forms part of the selection process.
Selected applicants will be notified following the closing of the application period.
A certificate of participation is awarded to participants who successfully complete the programme requirements. To qualify, participants are expected to attend at least 85% of the sessions and actively engage in lectures, discussions, and group work.
Participation in the Summer School is free of charge. A limited number of partial scholarships may be available for selected participants from African countries, subject to eligibility criteria and available funding.
APPLICATIONS OPEN
Applications for the WIPO South Africa Summer School are currently open (28 April – 30 June 2026).
Applicants are required to submit a CV and a motivation letter through the WIPO Academy platform.
👉 REGISTER NOW VIA WIPO ACADEMY
High School Innovation Competition
As part of the WIPO South Africa Summer School, the University of Cape Town hosts a High School Innovation Competition aimed at introducing learners to innovation and intellectual property (IP).
The initiative engages selected schools across the Western Cape through a structured programme of workshops and mentorship, culminating in a final competition held at UCT as part of the Summer School.
Further information on the High School Innovation Competition will be published in due course.
Partners
The WIPO South Africa Summer School is delivered in collaboration with key international and national institutions committed to advancing intellectual property and innovation:
Contact and Enquiries
Contact and Enquiries
For further information regarding the WIPO South Africa Summer School, please contact:
Prof. Caroline Ncube
DSI-NRF South African Research Chair: Intellectual Property, Innovation and Development
University of Cape Town
Email: sarchi-ip@uct.ac.za
For administrative enquiries, please contact the Course Administrator:
Email: summerschool.southafrica@wipo.int