Write for us
Why write for Varsity Newspaper?
Well, why not? Writing for us is a great opportunity to improve your writing skills and familiarise yourself with the internal workings of a real student newspaper. Our section editors of News, Features, Opinions and Sport will give you feedback on every article submitted to ensure that you know how to improve your writing. You can write for a different section every week and we welcome those who wish to submit more than one article each edition.
Can I join if I've never written an article before?
Of course! Article writing is very different to writing essays or reports, but a short chat with one of the members of the collective will set you on the right track in no time. If you love writing, we'll show you the ropes!
If I submit my article, what are the chances it will be published?
Articles are selected by the section editors they are submitted to, and if your article isn't published, you will still get valuable feedback from them to improve your writing. You can also hand in draft articles to get help before the deadline.
When are articles due?
The Wednesday before the paper comes out, but go to Newsgathering for more info on that!
Can only Humanities students join VARSITY Newspaper?
Of course not! Anyone who is a UCT student can be a part of VARSITY. It costs nothing and after a few weeks with us you'll have valuable journalistic or management skills that you won't get anywhere else!
What else can I do if I want to be involved?
What many people don't know is that there are many ways to be involved in VARSITY. Be it on the HR, Finance, Marketing, Advertising, Design, Sub-editing or Photography team, or of course contributing to the ever-expanding website, we are always looking for people with creative ideas in any field to spice things up!
Do I have to apply to be a staffwriter?
Definitely not! All you need to do is look in the paper for the Newsgathering time and venue, where the topics for the next edition are handed out, and come meet the section editors. There is no interview process for Staff Writers, Photographers or people on the various Management Teams. We are here to develop you - you don't need to come in as a star journalist, but you will certainly leave as one!
Do you get paid to work for VARSITY?
In a way, yes, but not in Rands. Everyone in VARSITY, including the Editorial Team, works voluntarily which means that we attract the most passionate students at UCT.
Do I have to sign up for a full year?
No. To be considered a Staff Writer, you need to write for three consecutive editions of VARSITY Newspaper. Obviously longterm commitment is better for both you and us, as skills development is an ongoing process, but we understand that students don't always have time to submit an article for every edition.
So, can I come up to the office anytime?
Yes! We're on Level 5.20 of Steve Biko, two floors above the food court.There are usually a few of us in the office, although we are students, so don't be surprised if every now and then the office is closed. Just knock and open! Avoid the office on the weekend before the paper comes out as we're usually on a tight schedule. You can always email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with general queries.
For any further information about how to get involved in VARSITY Newspaper, email Caterina Aldera at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.