Bachelor of Architectural Studies at Nelson Mandela University

Programme overview

The Department of Architecture’s professional programme is structured as follows: a three-year Bachelor’s degree in Architectural Studies (BAS), followed by a one-year BAS (Honours) degree and a one-year MArch (Prof) degree in Architecture thereafter Once you have completed your BAS degree, should you decide not to proceed further, and complying with the South African Council for the Architectural Profession’s (SACAP) practical training and exam requirements, you can register as an architectural technologist. Should you also complete your BAS (Honours) studies and comply with the South African Council for the Architectural Profession’s (SACAP) practical training and exam requirements, you can register as a senior architectural technologist. Only once you have completed the MArch (Professional) degree and have complied with SACAP’s practical training requirements and exam requirements, will you be able to register as a professional architect.

Faculty: Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology | Duration: 3 years | Study mode: full-time | Location: Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, South Africa

What you will study

The qualification provides students with knowledge and skills in the various fields of the discipline of architecture towards post qualification registration in the profession as a Candidate Architectural Technologist . The NQF level 7 qualification also affords a platform towards higher level academic qualifications. The published curriculum is an NQF Level 7 qualification of 388 credits.

Career pathways

Career fields listed on the page: Architect.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Minimum APS: 370. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Minimum NSC statutory requirements for degree entry must be met. An applicant with NSC Grade 12 Mathematics requires a minimum Applicant Score of 370. NSC achievement rating of at least 55% for Mathematics. Admission is subject to Departmental selection. Selection is based on the submission of a creative portfolio of work, comprising drawings and sketches and other creative endeavours as laid out by the Department, as well as an interview with the department’s staff and a discussion with them of your creative portfolio. Foreign applicants or applicants unable to present themselves for an interview may apply in writing for a telephonic interview on condition that the personal portfolio is submitted. The selection of applicants will only be finalised after final matric results have been received.

Tuition is charged per module, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Applications for the 2027 academic year opened on 13 April 2026. Applications for MBChB, Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Nursing Extended, BPharm and Bachelor of Radiography (Diagnostic) close on 30 June 2026.

Early applications for 2027 (excluding MBChB, Nursing, BPharm and BRad) close on 03 August 2026; late applications close on 30 September 2026.

International student applications for 2027 (excluding MBChB, BPharm and BRad) close on 30 September 2026. The application fee for international students is R500 per year; online applications by South African applicants carry no application fee.

Student accommodation applications for 2027 close on 30 September 2026.

2026 down-payments before registration: R10 600 full-time (R6 200 part-time) for degrees, postgraduate diplomas, advanced diplomas, Masters and Doctorates; R7 500 full-time (R5 200 part-time) for diplomas and certificates; enrolment fee R1 770. International students pay 100% upfront.

Apply through the official page: https://applyonline.mandela.ac.za

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