The Cape Peninsula University of Technology is the largest university of technology in the Western Cape, offering higher certificates, diplomas and degrees across campuses in Cape Town, Bellville and elsewhere. Entry requires a National Senior Certificate meeting the endorsement for the qualification.
As a university of technology, programmes are vocationally focused and many include work-integrated learning in industry, which is a requirement for completion rather than an optional extra where it applies.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
Applications are generally assessed on the following.
- A National Senior Certificate with the endorsement matching the qualification
- The points score the institution calculates by its own published method
- Subject requirements specific to the programme
- English or the language of instruction at the level required
- Available places, since popular programmes are oversubscribed
- Application within the published window
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
CPUT is organised into faculties covering Applied Sciences, Business and Management Sciences, Education, Engineering and the Built Environment, Health and Wellness Sciences, and Informatics and Design.
Programme-specific requirements are revised between intake years, so confirm them against the current prospectus for the year you are applying for.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
Engineering, applied science and health programmes require Mathematics and Physical Sciences and generally do not accept Mathematical Literacy. Business, education and design programmes are more likely to accept it.
Design and informatics programmes commonly require a portfolio in addition to academic results, and portfolio briefs are published separately. Obtain the brief early, since assembling a portfolio well takes months.
Documents and Application Requirements
Applications normally require the following.
- A certified copy of your identity document
- Your National Senior Certificate or latest statement of results
- Proof of the application fee, where one is charged
- Your final matric results, used to confirm any conditional offer
- A SAQA evaluation certificate, if you hold a foreign qualification
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
Health and wellness programmes are constrained by clinical placement capacity, which makes them among the most competitive at the institution. Engineering programmes are similarly oversubscribed.
Articulation is a genuine strength here: a higher certificate can lead into a diploma, and a diploma into an advanced diploma and postgraduate study, so entering at a lower level is a route rather than a limit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does CPUT offer?
Higher certificates, diplomas and degrees across applied sciences, business, education, engineering, health and wellness, and informatics and design.
Do design programmes need a portfolio?
Design and informatics programmes commonly require one, with briefs published separately. Obtain the brief early.
Does CPUT accept Mathematical Literacy?
Business, education and design programmes are more likely to. Engineering, applied science and health programmes generally require Mathematics.
Which programmes are most competitive?
Health and wellness programmes, constrained by clinical placement capacity, and engineering programmes.
Confirm programme requirements, portfolio briefs and closing dates against the current CPUT prospectus. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.