Diploma in Architectural Technology at Nelson Mandela University

Programme overview

The programme aims to produce architectural technologists who will be competent to design at the basic level and, with the aid of the latest technological equipment, perform the technical aspects of architectural practice at the intermediate level. Construction technology, design and documentation are the main areas of focus. However, because architecture by its very nature is design-orientated and because technologists are allowed to practice independently, architectural design and design theory also forms part of the programme.

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 published curriculum is an NQF Level 6 qualification of 360 credits.

Career pathways

Career fields listed on the page: Architectural Technologist, Draughtsman.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Minimum APS: 330. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Minimum NSC statutory requirements for diploma entry must be met. An applicant with NSC Grade 12 Mathematics or Technical Mathematics requires a minimum Applicant Score of 330. An applicant with NSC Grade 12 Mathematical Literacy requires a minimum Applicant Score of 345. NSC achievement rating of at least 45% for Mathematics or Technical Mathematics or 60% for Mathematical Literacy. Qualifying applicants will be required to prepare a prescribed portfolio Selection is based on the submission of a creative portfolio of work, comprising drawings, sketches and other creative or technical projects, as outlined by the Department Recommended NSC subjects : · Visual Arts · Design · Physical Science · Engineering Graphics and Design Art, Science, Woodwork and Technical Drawing are given priority during selection of candidates. Selection is, in addition to the above, based on an extended selection procedure which applicants must attend.

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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