TUT diplomas require a National Senior Certificate with a diploma pass or better, together with the compulsory subjects and minimum Admission Point Score published for the specific diploma. Diplomas are the predominant qualification type at TUT and are vocationally focused.
TUT calculates the Admission Point Score from your matric results, excluding Life Orientation entirely and excluding any subject in which you achieved an achievement level of 1. Your score is therefore built from your remaining subjects.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
Applications are generally assessed on the following.
- A National Senior Certificate with a diploma pass or better
- The minimum APS published for the specific diploma
- The compulsory subjects for that diploma, each at a stated minimum level
- The campus at which the diploma runs
- The closing date for that programme: 15 June, 31 July or 30 September
- Payment of the R240 application fee
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
Diplomas at TUT typically run three years and many include work-integrated learning in industry, which is a requirement for completion rather than an optional extra where it applies.
Diplomas articulate upward into advanced diplomas and then into postgraduate study, so entering at diploma level is a route into further qualifications rather than a limit. First-year applications for the 2027 academic year opened on 1 April 2026. Closing dates are set per programme at 15 June, 31 July or 30 September, and TUT warns that a programme may close as soon as it is full even if the published deadline has not passed.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
Engineering, science and health diplomas require Mathematics or Technical Mathematics rather than Mathematical Literacy. Business, management and services diplomas are considerably more likely to accept Mathematical Literacy.
APS minimums for diplomas generally sit between those for higher certificates and degrees. Confirm the figure for your specific diploma against the current prospectus.
Documents and Application Requirements
Applications normally require the following.
- Proof of payment of the R240 application fee
- A certified copy of your identity document or card
- A certified copy of your National Senior Certificate, or your final Grade 11 results if you are currently in Grade 12
- A SAQA evaluation certificate, if you hold a foreign qualification
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
Apply as soon as applications open. Popular diplomas, particularly in engineering and health fields, fill well before their published closing dates.
Confirm which campus your diploma runs on before planning accommodation or travel, since TUT operates across Pretoria, Arcadia, Soshanguve, GaRankuwa, eMalahleni, Polokwane and Mbombela.
Frequently Asked Questions
What pass do I need for a TUT diploma?
A National Senior Certificate with a diploma pass or better, plus the compulsory subjects and APS for the specific diploma.
Does Life Orientation count towards the APS?
No. TUT excludes Life Orientation and any subject in which you achieved an achievement level of 1.
Can I study further after a diploma?
Yes. Diplomas articulate into advanced diplomas and then into postgraduate study.
Is work placement included?
Many TUT diplomas include work-integrated learning as a requirement for completion.
Source: TUT 2027 First Year Course Information, checked August 2026. TUT states that all information is subject to change without further notice. Confirm diploma requirements against the current TUT prospectus. See TUT courses and requirements. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.