What You Need to Know About CPUT
CPUT is a University of Technology based in Cape Town, Western Cape, with six faculties spanning engineering, business, design, health sciences, education and applied sciences. It's not playing the same game as UCT or Stellenbosch, it's built around career focused diplomas and degrees that get you job ready. APS requirements across programs range from around 22 APS on the low end to 38 APS for the most competitive courses.
You'll find CPUT spread across several campuses in the Cape Town area, including Athlone, Bellville, District Six, Granger, Mowbray and Wellington. That spread means your commute and res options depend a lot on which faculty you land in. If you want a practical qualification with strong industry links, CPUT is worth serious consideration.
What APS Do You Need?
CPUT works out your APS on a percentage basis using your best 6 subjects, usually leaving out Life Orientation. The maximum you can score is 60 points. The Diploma in Management wants 28 APS with Maths, or a bit more if you're doing Tech Maths or Maths Lit instead.
The Diploma in Visual Communication Design also sits at 28 APS, accepting either Maths or Maths Lit. Engineering Technology in Computer Engineering wants 26 APS if you have Maths at Level 3. With Maths Literacy at Level 4 instead, that goes up to 28 APS. Diploma in Operations Management and Diploma in Landscape Architecture both sit around 28 APS too.
Maths Lit doesn't lock you out everywhere at CPUT, but it usually pushes your required APS a little higher.
Fees and Funding
CPUT hasn't released exact 2027 tuition fees yet, so check the official CPUT fees page for exact details on your specific program. If you're a day student, you'll pay an upfront registration payment of around R3,500, plus a separate registration fee of R750. Money stress is real, and you're not alone in worrying about fees.
NSFAS funds you at CPUT if you meet the financial need and academic requirements. If you qualify, NSFAS covers your accommodation allowance, transport allowance, living allowance, learning material allowance and an incidental allowance. Check the official NSFAS website or CPUT's NSFAS page for exact qualifying criteria.
Life on Campus
CPUT offers res across its campuses, though exact costs aren't in what we found, so check the official CPUT accommodation page for exact details. Your campus experience really depends on which faculty you're in, since Athlone, Bellville, District Six, Granger, Mowbray and Wellington each have their own feel.
Not sure if your marks stack up? Use our free APS calculator to see exactly where you stand for the CPUT program you want.
