Information technology qualifications at TUT sit within the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology and require a National Senior Certificate with the endorsement matching the qualification level, together with a mathematics subject at the stated minimum.
The mathematics requirement is what most often determines eligibility. ICT programmes at TUT generally require Mathematics or Technical Mathematics rather than Mathematical Literacy, reflecting the logic and computation content.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
Applications are generally assessed on the following.
- A National Senior Certificate with the endorsement for the qualification level
- The minimum APS published for the specific ICT programme
- Mathematics or Technical Mathematics at the stated minimum level
- English at the level required
- The campus at which the programme runs
- The closing date for the programme
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
TUT offers ICT qualifications at higher certificate, diploma and degree level, covering software development, computer systems engineering, informatics and multimedia computing among others.
TUT excludes Life Orientation from the Admission Point Score calculation entirely, and excludes any subject in which you achieved an achievement level of 1. Applications for the 2027 academic year opened on 1 April 2026, with closing dates per programme at 15 June, 31 July or 30 September. TUT warns that a programme may close once it is full even if the deadline has not passed.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
Where a programme lists Mathematics or Technical Mathematics as compulsory, Mathematical Literacy does not satisfy it. This is the single most common misreading of the prospectus.
Information Technology or Computer Applications Technology at school is useful preparation but is rarely a formal requirement. Programmes do not generally assume prior programming experience at first-year level.
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 final Grade 11 results if you are in Grade 12
- A SAQA evaluation certificate, if you hold a foreign qualification
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
ICT programmes are consistently oversubscribed. Apply as soon as applications open on 1 April rather than close to the closing date.
Higher certificates in ICT are the accessible entry point and articulate into diplomas, which is a genuine route for applicants who do not meet diploma or degree entry directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does TUT ICT accept Mathematical Literacy?
Generally not. ICT programmes typically require Mathematics or Technical Mathematics.
Do I need prior programming experience?
No. Programmes do not generally assume it at first-year level.
What ICT qualifications does TUT offer?
Higher certificates, diplomas and degrees covering software development, computer systems engineering, informatics and multimedia computing among others.
What if I took Mathematical Literacy?
Look at higher certificate routes that accept it, or at other institutions, and consider articulating upward.
Source: TUT 2027 First Year Course Information, checked August 2026. Confirm requirements against the current TUT prospectus. See TUT courses and requirements. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.