To study a diploma at TUT you need a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with at least four subjects at achievement level 3, plus the compulsory subjects, subject levels and minimum Admission Point Score (APS) that TUT sets for that diploma. The figures below are for the 2027 intake, from TUT’s 2027 General Information for First Year Enrolment.
The legal minimum for a diploma is an NSC with 30% in the language of learning and teaching and a rating of 3 (40-49%) or better in four recognised 20-credit subjects. TUT then adds its own programme requirements on top, so meeting the minimum alone does not secure a place.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
- School qualification: an NSC (NQF Level 4) or equivalent with at least six subjects, including English at home or first additional language level.
- Subject levels: English at level 3 or higher, and often level 4. Mathematics, Technical Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy at the level the diploma lists.
- Diploma minimum: at least four subjects at level 3.
- APS: the minimum published for your diploma, counted without Life Orientation.
- Application fee: R240 for 2027, compulsory for first-time applicants, paid once and not refundable.
- Closing date: 15 June, 31 July or 30 September 2026, depending on the programme. All three dates have now passed.
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
TUT has seven faculties and more than 300 programme options. Each programme entry in the brochure gives the qualification code, campus, compulsory subjects, recommended subjects, APS and closing date. Many diplomas run for three years, for example Computer Science and Supply Chain Management, while extended-curriculum diplomas run for four. Check the length of your diploma in its entry.
You may apply on Grade 11 or mid-year Grade 12 results. TUT can then offer provisional admission, which depends on your final Grade 12 results.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
TUT does not count Life Orientation, or any subject in which you achieved level 1, towards the APS. Whether you took Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy matters, and the faculty decides how:
- Science, Engineering and the Built Environment, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) require Mathematics or Technical Mathematics, although the ICT diploma below accepts Mathematical Literacy at level 7.
- Management Sciences, Economics and Finance, and Humanities accept either Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy.
- Arts and Design treats Mathematical Literacy as optional.
Examples from the 2027 brochure:
- Dip (Accounting): English level 4, plus level 3 for Accounting or Mathematics, or level 5 for Mathematical Literacy. APS 22, or 24 with Mathematical Literacy.
- Dip (Computer Science) at Soshanguve South, eMalahleni and Polokwane: English level 4, with Mathematics or Technical Mathematics at level 5 or Mathematical Literacy at level 7. APS 26 with Mathematics or 28 with Mathematical Literacy. Applicants on 23 or 25 respectively can be considered for the extended programme. Information Technology is a recommended subject.
- Dip (Supply Chain Management) at the Pretoria Campus: English level 4, with Mathematics or Technical Mathematics at level 3 or Mathematical Literacy at level 4. APS 24 or more is required, and applicants with a final APS of 24 or more are admitted. Commercial subjects are recommended.
Documents and Application Requirements
Applications for the 2027 academic year opened on 1 April 2026. The brochure lists these documents:
- Proof of payment of the R240 application fee, deposited to ABSA with your ID number as the reference
- A certified copy of your ID document or card
- A certified copy of your NSC, or your final Grade 11 results if you are in Grade 12 now
- A certificate of equivalence from SAQA or the CHE if your qualification is foreign. TUT cannot obtain it for you, but you should start your application while it is in process
- Your own email address. TUT says not to use anyone else’s
To check your status, go to tut.ac.za, open Study@TUT, choose Check Your Status and enter your ID number. Your reference number and status appear, and you can print your letter. The summary table of all programmes is in the First Year Course Information PDF.
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
Acceptance depends on capacity under TUT’s Student Enrolment Plan, with preference for first-time entering students. A waiting list fills places left by applicants who do not register. A programme can also close once it is full, even before its deadline.
Some diplomas add a further selection step. The Commercial Photography diploma uses a portfolio and questionnaire, and the APS counts for 20% of the final admission score.
For the 2027 intake, programmes closed on 15 June, 31 July or 30 September 2026, so all three dates have passed. TUT’s programme closing dates page shows the dates for each programme. Ask TUT admissions whether your diploma still has space and when the next application cycle opens.
Frequently Asked Questions
What pass do I need for a TUT diploma?
An NSC with at least four subjects at level 3, English at the level your diploma lists, and the diploma’s compulsory subjects and APS. The national minimum for a diploma is 30% in the language of learning and teaching and a rating of 3 (40-49%) or better in four recognised 20-credit subjects.
Does Life Orientation count towards the APS?
No. TUT leaves out Life Orientation and any subject in which you got level 1.
Can I do a TUT diploma with Mathematical Literacy?
For some. Management Sciences, Economics and Finance, and Humanities diplomas accept either subject, and Arts and Design treats Mathematical Literacy as optional. Science, and Engineering and the Built Environment need Mathematics. The Computer Science diploma accepts Mathematical Literacy at level 7 with a higher APS.
Can I apply to TUT while I am still in Grade 12?
Yes, on your Grade 11 or mid-year Grade 12 results. Any admission is provisional until your final results are in.
How much does it cost to apply?
R240 for the 2027 academic year. It is paid once and is strictly non-refundable.
Confirm every figure with TUT admissions at tut.ac.za before you apply, because TUT says its information can change without notice. For all TUT programmes see TUT courses and requirements. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.