Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) offers postgraduate diplomas, honours degrees, course-based master's degrees, and full research master's and doctoral degrees. Its Centre for Postgraduate Studies supports postgraduate students and publishes a postgraduate studies prospectus. Here is how postgraduate study at CPUT works, based on its official pages.
Closing dates for 2027
- Postgraduate diplomas, honours in education and course-based master's degrees: 30 September 2026
- First-time full research master's and doctoral studies: 15 March 2027, for both South African and international applicants
Applications for the 2027 intake opened on 11 May 2026. CPUT said that its 2027 Postgraduate Studies Prospectus was still in development, and that the 2025 prospectus was available on the Centre for Postgraduate Studies webpage.
Find a supervisor first
For full research master's and doctoral studies, you must first identify a potential research topic and supervisor before applying. Acceptance depends on a supervisor being available in your field, so consult the department before you submit your application.
How to apply
- Choose your programme and check its closing date.
- For research studies, agree on a topic and a supervisor with the department.
- Prepare and save your supporting documents, using CPUT's documentation list.
- Apply online before the closing date.
- If you need credit for previous studies, complete the Application for Exemption and Recognition form.
Non-South African applicants without a South African ID number have their own document requirements, so check CPUT's list for your category before you start.
Recognition of prior learning
CPUT considers some postgraduate applicants through recognition of prior learning (RPL). For 2027, RPL applications closed on 30 April 2026 for postgraduate diplomas and course-based master's degrees, and on 13 July 2026 for thesis-based master's and doctoral degrees.
NRF funding for 2027
- Honours (General): CPUT's internal screening closed on 16 November 2026, before the NRF deadline of 23 November 2026
- Master's and doctoral: the NRF deadline was 3 July 2026
You apply through NRF Connect, and manual applications are not accepted. CPUT's postgraduate funding opportunities page lists other bursaries and calls as they open. Read each call's criteria carefully, because some listings, such as a SANSA call headed as postgraduate, fund undergraduate study only.
Postdoctoral fellowships
The Centre for Postgraduate Studies also advertises postdoctoral fellowship opportunities for researchers who have completed a doctorate.
Plan your timeline
NRF deadlines fall months before CPUT's own research application deadline. If you want NRF funding for your first year of a research master's or doctorate, start talking to a supervisor early in the year before you plan to study.
Related pages
See CPUT fees, CPUT bursaries and how to apply to CPUT.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do CPUT research master's applications close?
For 2027, on 15 March 2027 for first-time full research master's and doctoral studies.
Do I need a supervisor before applying to CPUT?
Yes, for full research master's and doctoral studies.
When do CPUT honours applications close?
For 2027, honours in education closed on 30 September 2026.