CUT Admission Requirements

The Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) admits students based on an Admission Point (AP) score on its own scoring scale, along with the subject requirements of each programme. The general minimum is 27 points, and some programmes ask for more. The figures below come from CUT's admission points page and its online course calculator.

How CUT calculates your AP score

CUT gives points for each NSC subject based on your percentage: 90% to 100% earns 8 points, 80% to 89% earns 7, 70% to 79% earns 6, 60% to 69% earns 5, 50% to 59% earns 4, 40% to 49% earns 3, and 30% to 39% earns 2. Life Orientation is part of your score, but it counts for a maximum of 1 point, whatever your mark.

CUT generally requires at least 50% in English, as a home or first additional language, because English is its language of learning and teaching.

Matric pass levels

Your NSC pass level also decides what you can study. A diploma pass needs six of your seven subjects passed, including your home language at 40%, with four subjects at 40% or more. A bachelor's pass needs four subjects at 50% or more. A higher certificate pass opens CUT's higher certificate programmes.

What your score means

• 27 points or more: you meet the general minimum, though some programmes ask for more
• 22 to 26 points: you may be asked to write a selection test, if the programme has space
• 21 points or less: CUT does not admit you

Minimum points for popular CUT programmes

• Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Civil, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering: 32
• Bachelor of Construction programmes, such as Quantity Surveying: 32
• Bachelor of Radiography in Diagnostics: 30, with Mathematics, Physical Sciences and Life Sciences at 50% (level 4)
• Bachelor of Health Sciences in Clinical Technology or Medical Laboratory Science: 30
• BSc in Environmental Health: 30
• Diploma in Tourism Management: 28
• Bachelor of Education programmes: 27
• Bachelor of Management Sciences in Accountancy or Internal Auditing: 27
• Engineering and Information Technology diplomas: 27
• Management diplomas, such as Human Resources or Marketing Management: 27

Selection tests

CUT's Wellness Centre runs selection tests to give applicants who do not meet the minimum an alternative chance. The tests assess aptitude and English proficiency, take about three and a half hours, and cannot be studied for. You write one only if CUT tells you to. Results go to the faculties within about a week for a final decision.

Close to the requirements

Some programmes, such as Radiography, may still consider you if you achieved one level below the required mark in only one prerequisite subject, or one level below the required score.

Other routes

If you do not meet the NSC requirements, CUT offers routes from TVET colleges and through the recognition of prior learning. It considers foreign qualifications if SAQA deems them equivalent.