CPUT Admission Requirements

The Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) sets admission requirements for each programme separately. Most programmes ask for minimum levels in specific subjects, and many also use an Admission Point Score (APS) to rank applicants who meet those minimums. The details below come from CPUT's online prospectus, which lists the requirements and estimated costs of every programme.

How CPUT calculates your APS

CPUT does not use one APS formula for every programme. Instead, each programme states which method applies. Life Orientation cannot be used in any of the calculations. CPUT works with your actual percentages, not the 7-point rating levels.

Many engineering and science programmes use Method 2, which doubles Mathematics and Physical Sciences. You add your percentages for English and a fourth subject to double your Mathematics and Physical Sciences percentages, and then divide the total by 10. For example, 57% in English, 55% in Mathematics, 50% in Physical Sciences and 54% in a fourth subject give 57 + 110 + 100 + 54 = 321, so the APS is 32.1.

Examples of CPUT requirements

• Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Civil Engineering: an APS of 36 using Method 2
• Bachelor of Nautical Science: an APS of 36 using Method 2
• Diploma in Geomatics: an APS of 30 using Method 2
• Diploma in Chemical Engineering (extended): an APS of 30 using Method 2, with English, Mathematics and Physical Sciences at level 4, or Technical Mathematics at level 5
• Diploma in Agricultural Management: English at level 4, Mathematics at level 3 (or Technical Mathematics at 4 or Mathematical Literacy at 5), Life Sciences or Physical Sciences at level 4, and an APS of at least 32, counting all subjects except Life Orientation

Bachelor of Education

The BEd in Foundation Phase Teaching needs a bachelor's pass, with level 4 in four subjects, one of which must be an official language. You also need level 3 in another official language, and one of these languages must be CPUT's language of learning and teaching.

Extended programmes

Many CPUT diplomas have an extended curriculum stream. It spreads the first-year subjects over two years, a foundation year and a first year, in a more supportive setting. After the foundation programme, you join the normal programme. Some extended streams accept slightly lower marks, subject to space.

Other qualifications

CPUT also accepts National Certificate (Vocational) and N4 results for many programmes, with their own minimums, so check your programme's page in the online prospectus.

Meeting the minimum

CPUT says that meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee a place, because acceptance depends on several factors, including space. Applying early helps, as many programmes are in high demand.