CPUT Fees

Fees at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) are charged per subject, so your total depends on the subjects in your programme each year. CPUT's online prospectus gives an estimated cost for each subject. The payment rules below come from CPUT's 2026 registration book.

Subject costs

The online prospectus lists the 2026 cost of each subject and lets you prepare a quote for a programme. For example, in the extended Diploma in Chemical Engineering, Engineering Chemistry 1 was listed at R15,460 and Engineering Mathematics 1 at R7,020 for 2026. CPUT notes that these fees may change for 2027, so confirm the final amount with the faculty office.

Upfront payments in 2026

• Tuition: R3,500
• Residence: R1,500

South African and permanent resident students who cannot pay these amounts may still register, provided they make acceptable payment arrangements with Student Debtors. For a payment agreement, you need your ID and the ID and three months of bank statements of the person responsible for the account. Upfront payments form part of your fees and reduce the instalments that you pay during the year.

Paying the balance

You can pay the rest of your fees from February to November, in monthly instalments of 10% for year courses. For semester courses, you pay 20% a month from February to June. You can also pay by debit order over 10 months, and CPUT charges no interest if you keep to the debit order.

Early payment discounts

• Year courses: 5% off if CPUT receives payment by the end of March
• Semester courses: 2.5% off per semester if CPUT receives payment by the end of February for Semester 1, or by the end of August for Semester 2

International students

International students pay a once-off administration levy of R1,500 when they first register, unless they are refugees or permanent residents. They also pay the R3,500 upfront payment and 50% of their tuition upfront, with the balance due by May. Students from outside Africa pay double the official tuition fees.

Financial clearance

In 2026, first-time entering students, except international students, could register without financial clearance. Returning students with outstanding debt cannot register until Finance clears the block. CPUT assesses the debt and your academic record, agrees a payment arrangement, and then removes the block. You also need to be academically registered before you can register for a residence.

How to pay

Pay your fees into CPUT's bank account by direct deposit or electronic payment. Debit order forms are available from the Student Debtors Department or on CPUT's fees page.

Funding your studies

Qualifying students can apply for NSFAS, and CPUT's Financial Aid office also lists bursaries and Fundi loans. Browse our bursaries, or read the CPUT overview.