Cape Peninsula University of Technology Admission Requirements

Admission requirements

The Admission Requirements leaflet contains the admission requirements for all the courses presented at CPUT, as well as general admission information, qualification structures, and details about where each course is presented. Prospective students are encouraged to check the requirements of the course they want to study before applying.

View the Admission Requirements for 2025/2026

Additional admission requirements

Some courses require students to submit additional information as part of their application. Applications without the additional requirements will not be considered.

Design and Architecture

Students who wish to apply for Architectural Technology, Interior Design, Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Jewellery Design & Manufacture, Surface Design, Three-Dimensional Design, or Design Foundation must submit a portfolio with their application.

• Biographical information
• Portfolio cover page
• Portfolio requirements

Film and Video Technology

Students who wish to apply for Film and Video Technology must submit a letter of motivation with their application.

• Letter of motivation

Photography

Students who wish to apply for Photography must complete a questionnaire with their application.

• Questionnaire

Optical dispensing

Students who wish to apply for the National Diploma Optical Dispensing must complete a separate questionnaire along with application.

• Optical dispensing questionnaire

Public relations management

Students who wish to apply for Public relations management must complete a portfolio with their application.

• Portfolio requirements

Radiography

Students who wish to apply for Radiography must complete a separate questionnaire along with their application.

• Radiography cover letter
• Radiography questionnaire

Somatology

Student who wish to apply for Somatology must complete a biographical questionnaire, and must have a medical report completed by a medical practitioner. Both these documents must be submitted with their application.

• Biographical questionnaire
• Medical report

Tourism and Events Management

Students who wish to apply for Tourism and Event Management must submit a motivational letter with their application.

• Motivational letter

Sport Management

Students who wish to apply for Sport Management must submit a questionnaire with their application.

• Questionnaire

1Open Day

Our annual Open Day takes place in May and provides visitors with first-hand information about our various courses.

Admission requirements for international applicants

International students must follow the same application process as South African students.

How to apply

Admission requirements

Admission requirements for the different courses offered at CPUT can be found under Courses and fees. You may also be required to complete a series of tests to assist in the placement process.

Students following the Cambridge system should take note of the following requirements:

• Passes of at least five different subjects of the IGCSE and HIGCSE study levels, of which at least two are HIGCSE level subjects.
• A pass in the language which is the medium of instruction at the University (English or Afrikaans).
• Specific pass grades: IGCSE: A, B or C ; HIGCSE: 1, 2 or 3.

Other senior school qualifications will be reviewed on merit. In some instances, where the format of secondary school education is unfamiliar, students applying for National Diploma programmes may also be asked to apply for SAQA evaluation prior to their acceptance. Applications towards a National Diploma do not require SAQA verification for students from Commonwealth Countries.

Evaluation of foreign qualifications

Students who wish to apply for MTech or DTech programmes must have their qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) prior to submitting their application forms (see below). The onus is on the student to apply timeously to SAQA, as this may take a bit longer.

Applicants who obtained qualifications from within a Commonwealth country is exempt from SAQA evaluation procedures.

Visit SAQA’s website at: http://www.saqa.org.za

Form 1 August 2014, SAQA will only accept online applications for the evaluation of foreign applications. Please visit: http://41.193.15.87/dfqeas/user/home

You should include the following with your application:

• All qualification documents, i.e. the highest school certificate issued by the official examining body.
• Complete and legible transcripts of academic records in respect of all degrees or other higher education qualifications, together with the final certificates, preceding qualifications leading to any post-graduate or other advanced qualification when the latter is submitted.
• Certificates in foreign languages should be submitted with sworn translations into English by an accredited translator.
• A cheque made out to SAQA. Information on the relevant evaluation fee can be obtained from the SAQA.

English language proficiency

To be successful in your studies, you need a certain level of proficiency in English. This includes a pass in English at A-level or O-level; a Test in English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of at least 550; or a 6.5 on the International Testing System (IELTS). Other post-school English language qualifications will be evaluated on merit.

The Fundani Centre for Higher Educational Development supports students though a mentorship programme to develop their English Proficiency within their discipline of study.