South African Applications received on or before 29 November 2025
International Applications will be closed on 31 October 2025
CUT will not accept walk-in applications in January 2025.
Programmes Offered
Visit Programmes Offered for a full A to Z list of programmes at CUT.
New programmes that are offered since 2025:
- Advanced Diploma in Health Management
- Postgraduate Diploma in Construction: Quantity Surveying
- Postgraduate Diploma in Construction: Urban Development
New offerings in 2025:
- Bachelor of Management Sciences in Accounting
- Bachelor of Management Sciences in Internal Auditing
- Advanced Diploma in Human Resources Management
- Advanced Diploma in Applied Management
- Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurial Management
- Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management
- Bachelor of Health Sciences in Clinical Technology
- Bachelor of Health Sciences in Medical Laboratory Sciences
- Postgraduate Diploma in Construction in Construction Management
- Diploma: Language Practice and Media Studies
- Advanced Diploma: Language Practice
- Advanced Diploma: Media Studies
- Advanced Diploma: Computer Networking
- Advanced Diploma: Information Technology
- Higher Certificate: Information Technology
- Advanced Diploma: Hospitality Management
Apply: 2025
Need more information?
- Go to Prospective student
- International Students for assistance contact the International Office
Ready to apply?
- Application Fee is no longer applicable, 01 July 2025 (free application)
- Residences
- NSFAS
- International Students for assistance contact the International Office.
- Online Application (We encourage you to apply online: the system will open on 13 May 2025)
- Application Form: Application for Admission 2025 (PDF)
Application feedback
- Applications for January of each year, are processed following the July (2nd semester) intake. Processing starts at the beginning of August.
- Allow for a 4 to 6 week period for feedback from date of application.
- You can use the online system to Check Application Status.
Registration
- 2025 On campus registration: open in January/February
- 2025 Register Online: opens in January/February
Overview of Public Universities in South Africa
Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.
University of Pretoria
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
- Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.
University of Cape Town
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
- Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.
Stellenbosch University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
- Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.
University of the Witwatersrand
- Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
- Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.
University of Johannesburg
- Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
- Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.
University of the Free State
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.
University of Venda
- Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
- Application Period: Usually from May to September.
University of Fort Hare
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
- Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.
University of the Western Cape
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
- Application Period: Generally from May to September.
North-West University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
- Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.
Rhodes University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
- Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.
Nelson Mandela University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
- Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.
University of Limpopo
- Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
- Application Period: From April to September.
University of Zululand
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
- Application Period: Usually between April and November.
Central University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
- Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.
Vaal University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
- Application Period: Typically from May to September.
Walter Sisulu University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
- Application Period: From April to September.
This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.