University in South Africa
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
University profile
The Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) was established on 1 January 2005 through the merger of Cape Technikon and Peninsula Technikon. It describes itself as the only university of technology in the Western Cape and the largest higher education institution in the region, with over 35 000 students, five campuses, three service points and more than 70 career-focused programmes. Its strategic plan, Vision 2030, aims at "One Smart CPUT".
The main campuses are Bellville (the administrative hub), District Six in the Cape Town CBD, Granger Bay (home of the Cape Town Hotel School and maritime studies), Mowbray and Wellington in the Boland. Satellite sites are Groote Schuur Hospital (radiography training), the Newlands Satellite Campus at Newlands Cricket Ground (Sport Management) and the Roeland Street Building (Faculty of Informatics and Design administration and research).
Teaching is organised in six faculties:
Research is organised around six focus areas and supported by research chairs and technology stations (Clothing and Textiles, Agrifood), a technology transfer office and a Business Innovation and Incubation Centre. Student services include campus health clinics, counselling, a Disability Unit, student representative councils, and sport, arts and culture with 23 competitive sporting codes.
CPUT states that it offers residence space for over 13 400 students in university-owned, leased and accredited residences around the Cape Peninsula, plus an off-campus housing accreditation programme. More than 3 000 international students from more than 74 countries register each year, supported by the Application and Registration Centre.
The Financial Aid Office administers CPUT scholarships, merit bursaries and dean's merit bursaries, alongside external bursaries and scholarships. Application forms for university-administered funding are available from the Financial Aid Offices on the Bellville, Cape Town, Mowbray and Wellington campuses and must be returned by the closing dates with supporting documents; late applications forfeit assistance. CPUT also lists a 2026 Bursary Enquiry Form for unemployed students and a Historical Debt Enquiry Bursary form; submission does not guarantee funding.
CPUT lists the Thebe Foundation Dr EJ Mabuza Scholarship 2027 (closing 22 September 2026), the SAMRC Postgraduate Research Associate scholarships (master's R200,000 per year for one year; doctoral R250,000 per year for up to three years) and SAMRC doctoral scholarships at R250,000 per year.
CPUT's NSFAS page explains that NSFAS covers registration and tuition fees plus allowances for food, personal care, learning material and accommodation or transport. CPUT also lists FUNDI student loans.
Financial aid and funding | Bursary opportunities | Postgraduate funding
CPUT University-Administered Bursaries →
Browse the scholarships listed for Cape Peninsula University of Technology and check each award’s eligibility.
View scholarships for Cape Peninsula University of Technology →CPUT publishes requirements programme by programme in its prospectus. Applicants should check the subject and mark requirements of each programme, and full acceptance is based on final Grade 12 results. Programme pages state a minimum APS and subject levels. For example, the Diploma in Mechanical Engineering requires an APS of 30 using Method 2, English 50%, Mathematics 50% (or Technical Mathematics 60%) and Physical Science 50% (or Technical Science 60%); the Bachelor of Geomatics requires an APS of 36 using Method 2 with English, Mathematics and Physical Science at 60%. Meeting the minimum does not guarantee admission, because places are limited by Department of Higher Education and Training approvals and selection applies. Some programmes accept NC (N4) or NCV level 4 routes and some accept completed higher certificates or diplomas.
Some programmes need extra documents, for example a motivational letter (Diploma in Tourism and Events Management) or a questionnaire (Diploma in Sport Management). Applications without them are not considered. Applicants under 18 must upload a minor declaration signed by a guardian or parent.
Applications for the 2027 intake opened on 11 May 2026 and are online only; manual, postal and over-the-counter applications are not processed. Up to three programme choices are allowed (one for RPL). Closing dates for South African citizens, permanent residents and refugees: 30 September 2026 for most certificates, diplomas, bachelor's degrees and advanced diplomas; 31 August 2026 for B Ed programmes, PGCE and the Diplomas in Grade R and Early Childhood Care and Education; earlier dates apply for health programmes (30 June 2026 for Nursing, Medical Laboratory Science, Diagnostic Radiography, Ultrasound, Nuclear Medicine, Radiation Therapy and Dental Assisting; 31 July 2026 for Emergency Medical Care, Somatology and Opticianry). Applicants without a South African ID have a general closing date of 31 August 2026 for most programmes, with the same earlier dates for the health programmes.
South African applicants upload an ID or birth certificate and a Senior Certificate or equivalent (Grade 11 marks if currently in Grade 12), plus academic records and a certificate of conduct if previously at another institution. Files must be under 2 MB in JPEG, PDF, TIFF or GIF format.
Foreign school-leaving qualifications must be evaluated: the Universities South Africa matriculation board for bachelor's degrees, and SAQA for certificates, diplomas, advanced diplomas and postgraduate study. Documents need sworn English translations. English proficiency: a pass in English at A-level or O-level, TOEFL of at least 550, or IELTS 6.5; other qualifications are evaluated on merit. Cambridge applicants need at least five different IGCSE and HIGCSE subjects, at least two at HIGCSE level, with grades A-C (IGCSE) and 1-3 (HIGCSE). A CPUT study permit is required; on registration international students pay 50% of fees on or before registration and the balance by the end of May, and first-time registrants pay a R1,500.00 admin levy. Contact: Ms T Malaza (Bellville) +27 21 959 6082 and Ms Z Matthews (District Six and Granger Bay) +27 21 680 1505.
RPL access or exemption is open to applicants aged 23 or older with five years of relevant work experience (three years for an incomplete or QCTO qualification under 360 NQF credits). RPL exemptions are capped at 50% of a qualification. 2027 undergraduate RPL applications are closed; the 2028 round opens on 15 February 2027.
For 2027, closing date is 30 September 2026 for postgraduate diplomas, Honours Bachelor's in Education and course-based master's degrees, and 15 March 2027 for full-research master's and doctoral degrees (national and international applicants). The 2027 postgraduate prospectus was in development when read.
Credit transfer from another institution is arranged through the relevant faculty office; at least 50% of a programme must be completed at CPUT.
Official undergraduate application page | International students
Facilities published: campus health clinics (appointment based, primary care for registered students), student counselling, library services (library.cput.ac.za), Sport, Arts and Culture programmes on all campuses, a shuttle service, and residences around the campuses.
Study programmes offered at Cape Peninsula University of Technology.
Experiences shared by students of Cape Peninsula University of Technology.
Studied here? Share your experience to help other applicants.
Book a free consultation with our expert counsellors and take the first step towards your dream university.
Copyrights © 2026 StudyMapped. All rights reserved.
Enter your credentials to continue.
Join us and start your study abroad journey.
