Cape Peninsula University of Technology Admission Requirements

Cape Peninsula University of Technology Admission Requirements

Admission requirements

img prospectusThe 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.

Film and Video Technology

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

Photography

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

Optical dispensing

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

Public relations management

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

Radiography

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

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.

Tourism and Events Management

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

Sport Management

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

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.


Did You Know : Top 15 Free Online Learning Platforms

  1. Free Online Education Degrees : Coursera:

    Coursera partners with universities and organizations worldwide to offer a wide range of courses. While many courses are free, a fee is often required for certification.

  2. Free Online Education Degrees: edX:

    Founded by MIT and Harvard, edX offers high-quality courses from top universities and institutions around the world. Certificates are available for a fee.

  3. Free Online Education Degrees : Khan Academy:

    Khan Academy provides free educational content in various subjects, especially mathematics and science, using instructional videos and practice exercises.

  4. Free Online Education Degrees : Udacity:

    Udacity focuses on tech-related courses and nanodegree programs, offering free content as well as more in-depth paid programs.

  5. Free Online Education Degrees : MIT OpenCourseWare (OCW):

    MIT OCW provides a vast array of MIT's course content for free, covering a wide range of disciplines.

  6. Free Online Education Degrees : Harvard Extension School:

    Harvard Extension School offers a selection of free online courses. While some courses are free, others may require payment for a certificate.

  7. Free Online Education Degrees: Stanford Online:

    Stanford Online offers a variety of free courses in different disciplines, including computer science, engineering, and business.

  8. Best Free Online Courses : Carnegie Mellon Open Learning Initiative (OLI):

    OLI offers free online courses and resources designed to improve learning outcomes through research-based methodologies.

  9. Best Free Online Courses : FutureLearn:

    FutureLearn partners with universities and institutions to offer a diverse range of free online courses. Certificates are available for a fee.

  10. Best Free Online Courses: Alison:

    Alison offers a wide range of free online courses, including diploma and certificate programs, covering various subjects.

  11. Best Free Online Courses: Open Yale Courses:

    Yale University provides free access to a selection of introductory courses through Open Yale Courses.

  12. Best Free Online Courses : UC Berkeley Online:

    UC Berkeley offers free online courses on a variety of subjects, ranging from computer science to humanities.

  13. Best Free Online Courses : Google Digital Garage:

    Google Digital Garage provides free courses on digital skills, including online marketing, data analysis, and more.

  14. Best Free Online Courses : Codecademy:

    Codecademy offers free coding courses, interactive exercises, and coding projects to help individuals learn programming languages.

  15. Best Free Online Courses : LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com):

    LinkedIn Learning provides a variety of video courses on professional development, technology, and creative skills. It offers a free trial period.