A VPN (Virtual Private Network) provides a mechanism whereby a computer outside of the university's trusted network can securely access the university's resources which are normally only available on campus.
You can download and install the VPN client software to connect to the UWC campus network. This will allow you to access internal websites as well as external resources such as Ikamva, Gmail and other websites via the UWC network.
By accessing the UWC network, you agree to abide by the terms and conditions of the UWC ICT policies which can be viewed at https://www.uwc.ac.za/files/files/UWC-Acceptable-Use-policy-_C202103-.pdf By using the vpn service, users acknowledge that they will act in accordance with the guidelines as per the policies. The UWC network and its related information services are made available to authorised users to facilitate their engagement with the UWC Learning and Teaching Programmes.
What can you access
When students are connected to the vpn service, together with the zero-rating service provided by the Mobile Network Operators (MNO's), students will have cost free access to:
All UWC websites
Ikamva
Ezproxy
Google Mail (Webmail ONLY),
Google Meet,
Google docs,
Scholar.google.com (via ViewIt@UWC links)
Zoom
Access to other websites not listed or internet services such as YouTube, Whatsapp, iol.co.za will not be allowed. You must disconnect from the vpn service, in order to access the disallowed urls.
Simultaneous Logins are no longer allowed. Users who login in from multiple devices at the same time must refrain from doing so. Logins from the same device using multiple simultaneous logins are also not allowed. Your account will be blocked from using the Student VPN service if you log in simultaneously.
Caution: Please understand that the University of the Western Cape do not bear any responsibility for damages resulting from the installation or malfunction of the software. The vpn service is only to be used for educational purposes and that any abuse of the service will result in your access being revoked.
Note: On most mobile devices, when the screen locks, the vpn connection will disconnect. This is due to a setting on the mobile device which causes the network connection to drop to conserve power.
Click the link below for instructions to install the vpn client software for your operating system.
Note: You can use either uwc-udp or uwc-tcp to connect. We recommend using the uwc-udp connection as this is faster. However, please give uwc-tcp a try if UDP communications cannot be made due to restrictions on the firewall and NAT of your home or business trip destination environment.
Important: When an "Authentication Failed" message is experienced, it means that the username OR password is incorrect. The username and password for the vpn is the same as for Ikamva. The username must not include the @myuwc.ac.za suffix (the suffix is only used when a user logs in to Gmail)
Select your operating system below and follow the steps carefully.
Download and install OpenVPN GUI from the official source Here
View step-by-step video here
Download the configuration files:
Launch OpenVPN GUI.
Right‑click the OpenVPN icon in the system tray (bottom‑right).
Select Import file and choose one of the configuration files.
Right‑click the OpenVPN icon.
Select uwc-udp → Connect (or uwc-tcp → Connect).
Enter your UWC network username and password.
Click OK.
✅You are now connected to the UWC VPN.
To disconnect, right‑click the OpenVPN icon and select Disconnect.
Install OpenVPN Connect from the Google Play Store here.
View step-by-step video here
Download uwc-udp.ovpn and uwc-tcp.ovpn.
Open OpenVPN Connect.
Tap the + icon to import the file.
Select the imported UWC profile.
Enter your UWC password.
Tap Connect.
Download and install OpenVPN Connect here.
Follow the installation prompts and approve permissions if requested.
View step-by-step video here
Download uwc-udp.ovpn and uwc-tcp.ovpn.
If using Safari, ensure the file does not end with .txt.
Open OpenVPN Connect and import the file.
Select uwc-udp (recommended).
Enter your UWC credentials.
· Install OpenVPN Connect from the App Store here.
View step-by-step video here
Download the configuration files uwc-udp.ovpn and uwc-tcp.ovpn.
Open it with OpenVPN Connect.
Select the UWC VPN profile.
Enter your UWC password.
On debian/ubuntu, run: sudo apt-get update; sudo apt-get install -y openvpn
On fedora/centos, run: sudo yum update; sudo yum install -y openvpn
Download uwc-udp.ovpn or uwc-tcp.ovpn.
Connect on debian/ubuntu/fedora, run: sudo openvpn Downloads/uwc-udp.ovpn
· Enter your UWC credentials when prompted.
· Disconnect using Ctrl + C.
If you experience problems using the VPN contact the ICS Service Desk at (021) 959 2000 or Email.