What You Need to Know About Tshwane University of Technology
TUT started in 2004 when three technikons, Pretoria, Northern Gauteng, and North-West, merged into one institution. It now runs campuses across Pretoria, Arcadia, Ga-Rankuwa, and Soshanguve, plus sites further out in Mbombela and Polokwane, enrolling over 60,000 students each year.
This is a university of technology, so the focus is practical training that gets you working fast, not just theory. TUT offers more than 400 career options across seven faculties, from engineering to arts and design.
TUT isn't the hardest place to get into on paper, most diplomas sit between 18 APS and 26 APS. But popular programs like Computer Science and Engineering fill up quickly, so applying early matters more than chasing the highest mark.
What APS Do You Need?
TUT uses the standard APS system. Your best 6 subjects count toward your score, Life Orientation doesn't, and the maximum you can score is 42.
Faculty of Science diplomas like Crop Production and Animal Sciences only need 19 APS, while Biotechnology and Food Technology ask for 24 APS. In IT, Computer Science and Computer Systems Engineering want 26 APS, though the extended programs drop that to 23 APS if your marks came in a bit short. Arts and Design programs like Commercial Photography sit around 22 APS, and Fashion Design and Technology needs 20 APS.
Watch out for the Maths versus Maths Lit gap. The Higher Certificate in Water Treatment needs just 18 APS, but wants 50% for Maths or 70% for Maths Lit, so check the exact subject requirement before you assume you qualify.
Fees and Funding
Figuring out funding is stressful, but you've got options. Tuition costs depend on your specific program, and TUT publishes its full fees and quotation guide on the student finance page of tut.ac.za. Registration usually needs a minimum initial payment of R1,500 before you can register, and this gets split across the year.
If you're applying for NSFAS, use your own cellphone number and email address, not your parents', since that's how NSFAS contacts you directly. NSFAS covers you if your combined family income is under R350,000 a year, or R600,000 if you're living with a disability. Reach NSFAS on 08000 67 327, WhatsApp 063 093 5671, or through nsfas.org.za.
Life on Campus
TUT runs campuses in Pretoria, Arcadia, Arts, Ga-Rankuwa, and Soshanguve North and South, plus campuses further out in eMalahleni, Mbombela, and Polokwane. There are also distance education service points in Cape Town and Durban for select diploma programs. Check the official TUT page for exact details on residence fees and availability, since these change per campus and per year.
Not sure if your marks are enough? Use our free APS calculator to check where you stand before you apply.
