Dlamini BlessingIf your matric results do not meet the requirements for highly competitive courses, do not lose hope. The Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) offers numerous programmes that accept students with lower Admission Point Scores (APS), providing accessible pathways to practical, in-demand qualifications that can launch your career .
Low APS Score Courses at CPUT
Higher Certificate Programmes (APS 18-24)
Higher certificates are one-year programmes that serve as excellent entry points for students who may not meet diploma or degree requirements. They can also serve as pathways to further study. These programmes have the lowest APS requirements at CPUT .
Higher Certificate in Real Estate
APS Requirement: 18+
Faculty: Engineering and the Built Environment
This programme introduces students to property management, real estate law, and valuation principles.
Higher Certificate in Construction
APS Requirement: 20+
Faculty: Engineering and the Built Environment
This programme covers basic construction methods, building materials, and site safety.
Higher Certificate in Printing and Packaging Technology
APS Requirement: 20+
Faculty: Informatics and Design
This programme focuses on printing processes, packaging design, and production management.
Higher Certificate in Dental Assisting
APS Requirement: 22+
Faculty: Health and Wellness Sciences
This programme prepares students to work as dental assistants in private practices or public hospitals.
Higher Certificate in Graphic Design: Visual Communication
APS Requirement: 22+
Faculty: Informatics and Design
This creative programme focuses on visual design principles, typography, and digital media. A portfolio may be required.
Higher Certificate in Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
APS Requirement: 22+ with Maths, 24+ with Maths Lit
Faculty: Informatics and Design
This programme provides foundational IT skills including programming basics, networking, and systems support.
Higher Certificate in Optical Dispensing
APS Requirement: 22+
Faculty: Health and Wellness Sciences
This programme trains students to dispense spectacles and contact lenses under the supervision of an optometrist.
Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care
APS Requirement: 24+
Faculty: Health and Wellness Sciences
This programme provides foundational training for students interested in emergency medical services.
Diploma Programmes with Low to Moderate APS (24-27)
Diploma programmes are three-year qualifications that prepare students directly for the workforce. Several diplomas have accessible APS requirements .
Diploma in Agriculture
APS Requirement: 24+
Faculty: Applied Sciences
This programme covers crop production, animal husbandry, and agricultural business management.
Diploma in Journalism
APS Requirement: 24+
Faculty: Informatics and Design
This programme focuses on news writing, reporting, and multimedia journalism.
Diploma in Hospitality and Catering
APS Requirement: 24+
Faculty: Business and Management Sciences
This programme covers food preparation, restaurant operations, and catering management.
Diploma in Entrepreneurship
APS Requirement: 26 (Mainstream) / 22 (Extended)
Faculty: Business and Management Sciences
Requirements: English Level 4, Mathematics Level 2 OR Mathematical Literacy Level 4, plus one subject from Business Studies, Economics, Accounting, or Consumer Studies
This programme is ideal for students who want to start their own businesses. It covers business planning, marketing, and basic financial management .
Diploma in Sport and Leisure Management
APS Requirement: 25 (Maths) / 27 (Maths Lit) / Extended Option: 23 (Maths) / 25 (Maths Lit)
Faculty: Business and Management Sciences
Additional Requirements: Non-academic review form showing your involvement in sport or leadership activities
This programme covers sports administration, event management, and fitness centre operations .
Diploma in Somatology
APS Requirement: 24 (Maths) / 25 (Maths Lit)
Faculty: Health and Wellness Sciences
Requirements: English Level 4, Life Sciences Level 4
This programme focuses on beauty therapy, skin care, and health treatments .
Diploma in Construction
APS Requirement: 25 (unweighted NSC points, excluding Life Orientation)
Faculty: Engineering and the Built Environment
Requirements: English Level 4, Mathematics Level 4, Physical Sciences Level 4
This programme focuses on construction management, building methods, and site supervision .
Diploma in Human Resource Management
APS Requirement: 26 (Maths) / 28 (Maths Lit) / Extended Option: 24 (Maths) / 26 (Maths Lit)
Faculty: Business and Management Sciences
This programme covers personnel management, recruitment, training coordination, and employee relations .
Diploma in Hospitality and Hotel Management
APS Requirement: 26 (Maths) / 28 (Maths Lit)
Faculty: Tourism and Hospitality
Recommended: Prior work experience and an introductory discussion with the department
This programme covers hotel operations, food and beverage management, and guest services .
Diploma in Environmental Management
APS Requirement: 26 (Maths) / 28 (Maths Lit)
Faculty: Applied Sciences
Subject Requirements: Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, Life Sciences or Geography, and two other subjects at 40% or higher
This programme focuses on environmental conservation, impact assessment, and sustainable resource management .
Diploma in Marketing
APS Requirement: 26 (Maths) / 28 (Maths Lit)
Faculty: Business and Management Sciences
Requirements: English Level 4, Mathematics Level 2 OR Mathematical Literacy Level 4, Business Studies/Economics/Accounting Level 4
Marketing focuses on consumer behaviour, branding, and communication strategies rather than advanced mathematics .
Bachelor’s Degree Programmes with Lower Entry (28-30)
Some Bachelor’s degree programmes have relatively accessible APS requirements compared to more competitive degrees like Nursing or Engineering .
Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching
APS Requirement: 28+
Faculty: Education
Requirements: Home Language Level 4, First Additional Language Level 3, Mathematics Level 2 OR Mathematical Literacy Level 5
This four-year degree trains students to teach at the early primary school level, focusing on foundational literacy, numeracy, and life skills .
Bachelor of Education in Intermediate Phase Teaching
APS Requirement: 28+
Faculty: Education
This programme prepares teachers for the intermediate primary school phase (Grades 4 to 6) .
Bachelor of Paralegal Studies
APS Requirement: 30
Faculty: Business and Management Sciences
Requirements: English Level 4, Mathematics Level 3 OR Mathematical Literacy Level 4, One official language at Level 4 (excluding English)
This programme prepares students for careers as paralegals or legal assistants in law firms and corporate legal departments .
Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing
APS Requirement: 30+
Faculty: Business and Management Sciences
This degree focuses on strategic marketing, brand management, and consumer behaviour .
Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resource Management
APS Requirement: 30+
Faculty: Business and Management Sciences
This degree covers advanced HR practices, labour law, and organisational development .
Bachelor of Commerce in Retail Business Management
APS Requirement: 30+
Faculty: Business and Management Sciences
This programme focuses on retail strategy, supply chain management, and store operations .
Bachelor of Commerce in Business and Information Administration
APS Requirement: 30+
Faculty: Business and Management Sciences
This degree combines business management with information technology skills .
Bachelor of Agriculture in Agricultural Management
APS Requirement: 30+
Faculty: Applied Sciences
This degree focuses on agricultural business management, production systems, and agribusiness .
Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and FET Teaching
APS Requirement: 30+
Faculty: Education
This programme prepares teachers for high school level (Grades 7 to 12) .
Extended Curriculum Programmes (ECP) – Lower APS Pathways
CPUT offers Extended Curriculum Programmes (ECP) for many qualifications. These programmes extend the mainstream course duration by six months to one year, providing additional academic support for students who need more time to adjust to tertiary education . ECPs have lower APS requirements than their mainstream counterparts .
Examples of ECP Options:
Diploma in Entrepreneurship (ECP): APS 22
Diploma in Human Resource Management (ECP): APS 24 (Maths) / 26 (Maths Lit)
Diploma in Sport and Leisure Management (ECP): APS 23 (Maths) / 25 (Maths Lit)
Bachelor of Nursing (ECP): APS 27-29
Important Notes on ECP:
ECPs are designed to improve throughput rates and graduation output by offering foundational courses and life skills training .
If you narrowly miss the requirements for a mainstream programme, the ECP version is an excellent alternative.
ECP students who perform well often transition into the mainstream programme in later years.
Nursing Programme Requirements at CPUT
Nursing is one of the most popular health sciences programmes at CPUT. Here are the specific requirements :
Bachelor of Nursing (Mainstream)
APS Requirement: 30+
Requirements: English Level 4, Mathematics Level 4 OR Mathematical Literacy Level 5, Life Sciences Level 4, Physical Sciences Level 4
Additional: Selection interview required
Bachelor of Nursing (Extended Curriculum Programme – ECP)
APS Requirement: 27-29
Requirements: English Level 4, Mathematics Level 3 OR Mathematical Literacy Level 4, Life Sciences Level 4, Physical Sciences Level 4
Additional: Selection interview required
Key advantage: CPUT accepts Mathematical Literacy as an alternative to Core Mathematics for Nursing, making it more accessible than universities like UJ or UP, which do not accept Maths Lit for Nursing .
Other Important Admission Information
National Benchmark Tests (NBTs)
CPUT does not normally require the National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) for undergraduate admission. Admission is typically based on your NSC results and APS score. However, it is always wise to check the official CPUT prospectus because some courses may include additional assessments .
Some courses close earlier – check the CPUT website for updates
No Application Fee
CPUT does not charge an application fee for online applications, making it highly accessible for all students .
Required Documents
When applying, you will need :
Certified copy of your ID (certification not older than three months)
Certified copy of your latest Grade 11 or Grade 12 results
A unique email address and cell phone number
For minor applicants (under 18): Minor Application Declaration signed by parents or guardians
How to Apply
Applications are submitted online through the official CPUT website at www.cput.ac.za. For any queries, you can contact the CPUT Call Centre at 086 123 2788 or +27 21 959 6767, or email [email protected] .
Quick Reference Table by APS Range
| APS Range | Qualification Types | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 18–20 | Higher Certificates | Real Estate, Construction, Printing and Packaging |
| 20–22 | Higher Certificates | Dental Assisting, Graphic Design, ICT, Optical Dispensing |
| 22–24 | Higher Certificates, Some ECPs | Emergency Medical Care, ECP Entrepreneurship |
| 24–27 | Diplomas | Agriculture, Journalism, Hospitality, Somatology, Sport Management |
| 27–29 | Diplomas, ECP Nursing | HR Management, Environmental Management, ECP Nursing |
| 28–30 | B.Ed. Degrees, Some BCom Degrees | Foundation Phase Teaching, Paralegal Studies, BCom Marketing |
What is Considered a Low APS at CPUT?
At CPUT, a low APS generally ranges between 18 and 28, depending on the qualification type and the specific programme . Higher Certificates typically require the lowest APS (18-24), Diplomas require moderate APS (24-27), and Bachelor’s Degrees require higher APS (28-40) .
Understanding the CPUT APS Calculation
CPUT calculates your APS using your final Grade 12 subject results. Life Orientation is generally excluded from the calculation. Each percentage range earns a set number of points :
Percentage (%) / APS Points
80-100 / 7
70-79 / 6
60-69 / 5
50-59 / 4
40-49 / 3
30-39 / 2
0-29 / 1
To calculate your APS, add the points for your six best subjects (excluding Life Orientation unless stated otherwise). For example, if you achieved 75% in English (6 points), 68% in Mathematics (5 points), 72% in Life Sciences (6 points), 63% in Geography (5 points), 55% in Physical Sciences (4 points), and 80% in Afrikaans (7 points), your total APS would be 33 points .
Important Note on Programme-Specific Requirements
Meeting the minimum APS does not guarantee admission. Many courses have limited spaces and use additional selection criteria such as interviews, portfolios, or entrance tests. Achieving higher than the minimum APS significantly improves your chances .
Conclusion
Your APS does not define your future. CPUT offers numerous low-APS entry courses that are perfect stepping stones to real careers in dynamic industries . From Higher Certificates requiring as few as 18 APS points to Diplomas and Extended Curriculum Programmes that provide additional academic support, there is a pathway for almost every student.
The key is to identify which programme aligns with your interests and strengths, then ensure you meet the specific subject requirements for that course. Apply early, submit complete documents, and do not miss out on funding opportunities like NSFAS . Your future starts with a smart decision. Take the first step by applying to CPUT.