Low APS Score Courses at CUT (2025)

Posted on Author Dlamini Blessing

The Central University of Technology (CUT), located in Free State, South Africa, is a leading university of technology with over 20,000 students across its Bloemfontein and Welkom campuses. Established in 1981, CUT focuses on career-oriented education, blending practical training with industry-relevant skills in fields like engineering, business, health, and humanities. For students with lower APS scores (Admission Point Scores), CUT offers accessible programs, including diplomas, higher certificates, and Extended Curriculum Programmes (ECPs), requiring APS scores as low as 24–27. This guide explores low APS score courses at CUT for 2025, detailing admission requirements, program structures, and career prospects to help you find a path that aligns with your academic strengths and career goals, based on CUT’s 2025 prospectus and verified sources.

Low APS Score Courses at CUT

CUT calculates APS using the six best NSC subjects, excluding Life Orientation, which contributes a maximum of one point. The minimum APS for most programs is 27, but students with APS scores of 24–26 may be considered for certain courses with a selection test, and ECPs offer additional academic support for lower-scoring applicants. The Faculty of Humanities, Faculty of Management Sciences, and Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences provide the most accessible programs for students with lower APS scores, often accepting Mathematical Literacy instead of Mathematics. Below, we detail these courses for 2025.

Faculty of Humanities

The Faculty of Humanities, based at the Bloemfontein campus, offers programs in education and design that prioritize communication, creativity, and social impact, with relatively low APS requirements and flexibility on math.

  • Diploma in Design and Studio Art

    • Duration: 3 years (4 years for ECP)

    • Campus: Bloemfontein

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with a diploma pass, APS of 27 (24 with ECP and selection test), Level 4 (50–59%) in English, and Level 3 (40–49%) in Mathematics or Level 4 in Mathematical Literacy. NCV Level 4 with 50% in English and 40% in Mathematical Literacy accepted. Portfolio required.

    • Overview: Covers 360 credits in graphic design, illustration, and studio practice, with hands-on training in CUT’s art studios and industry projects.

    • Career Paths: Graphic designer, illustrator, or art director.

    • Why Choose It?: A creative program with accessible entry, ideal for artistic students avoiding complex math.

  • Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching

    • Duration: 4 years (5 years for ECP)

    • Campus: Bloemfontein, Welkom

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with a bachelor’s pass, APS of 27 (24 with ECP and selection test), Level 4 in English, Level 4 in an African language (e.g., Sesotho), and Level 3 in Mathematics or Level 4 in Mathematical Literacy. NCV Level 4 with 50% in English accepted. NBTs in Academic Literacy (AL) may be required.

    • Overview: Prepares teachers for grades R–3 across 480 credits, focusing on literacy, life skills, and multilingual education, with practical teaching in Free State schools.

    • Career Paths: Foundation phase teacher, early childhood educator, or curriculum developer.

    • Why Choose It?: Addresses South Africa’s teacher shortage with low APS entry and Mathematical Literacy option.

  • Bachelor of Education in Intermediate Phase Teaching

    • Duration: 4 years (5 years for ECP)

    • Campus: Bloemfontein, Welkom

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with a bachelor’s pass, APS of 27 (24 with ECP and selection test), Level 4 in English, Level 4 in an African language, and Level 3 in Mathematics or Level 4 in Mathematical Literacy. NCV Level 4 with 50% in English accepted. NBTs in AL may be required.

    • Overview: Trains teachers for grades 4–6 across 480 credits, covering Languages, Social Sciences, and Life Skills, with school-based practice.

    • Career Paths: Intermediate phase teacher, education coordinator, or curriculum specialist.

    • Why Choose It?: Prepares educators for a key school phase, accessible with lower APS scores.

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Faculty of Management Sciences

Located at Bloemfontein and Welkom, this faculty offers business-related programs with practical training, accepting lower APS scores and Mathematical Literacy for students interested in hospitality, public management, and office administration.

  • Diploma in Hospitality Management

    • Duration: 3 years (4 years for ECP)

    • Campus: Bloemfontein

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with a diploma pass, APS of 27 (24 with ECP and selection test), Level 4 in English, and Level 3 in Mathematics or Level 4 in Mathematical Literacy. NCV Level 4 with 50% in English and 40% in Mathematical Literacy accepted.

    • Overview: Covers 360 credits in hotel operations, food service, and event management, with practical training at CUT’s training restaurant and industry placements.

    • Career Paths: Hotel manager, event planner, or tourism coordinator.

    • Why Choose It?: Aligns with South Africa’s tourism industry, with accessible entry requirements.

  • Diploma in Public Management

    • Duration: 3 years (4 years for ECP)

    • Campus: Bloemfontein, Welkom

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with a diploma pass, APS of 27 (24 with ECP and selection test), Level 4 in English, and Level 3 in Mathematics or Level 4 in Mathematical Literacy. NCV Level 4 with 50% in English accepted.

    • Overview: Covers 360 credits in public administration, governance, and policy implementation, with projects in Free State municipalities.

    • Career Paths: Municipal officer, public administrator, or policy analyst.

    • Why Choose It?: Prepares students for public sector roles, with low APS entry.

  • Higher Certificate in Office Management

    • Duration: 1 year

    • Campus: Bloemfontein

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with a higher certificate pass, APS of 26, Level 4 in English, and Level 3 in Mathematics or Level 4 in Mathematical Literacy. NCV Level 4 with 50% in English accepted.

    • Overview: Covers 120 credits in office administration, business communication, and computer skills, serving as a pathway to diploma programs.

    • Career Paths: Office administrator, administrative assistant, or pathway to further studies.

    • Why Choose It?: A quick-entry qualification for business support roles, with minimal APS requirements.

Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences

Based at Bloemfontein, this faculty offers health-related programs with lower APS requirements, particularly for foundational qualifications like higher certificates, ideal for students entering healthcare or environmental fields.

  • Higher Certificate in Dental Assisting

    • Duration: 1 year

    • Campus: Bloemfontein

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with a higher certificate pass, APS of 26, Level 4 in English, Level 4 in Life Sciences, and Level 3 in Mathematics or Level 4 in Mathematical Literacy. NCV Level 4 with 50% in English accepted.

    • Overview: Covers 120 credits in dental procedures, patient care, and practice management, with practical training at CUT’s dental clinic.

    • Career Paths: Dental assistant, dental practice coordinator, or pathway to further health studies.

    • Why Choose It?: A fast-track health qualification with low APS entry.

  • Diploma in Environmental Health

    • Duration: 3 years (4 years for ECP)

    • Campus: Bloemfontein

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with a diploma pass, APS of 27 (24 with ECP and selection test), Level 4 in English, Level 4 in Life Sciences, and Level 3 in Mathematics or Level 4 in Mathematical Literacy. NCV Level 4 with 50% in English and 40% in Mathematical Literacy accepted.

    • Overview: Covers 360 credits in public health, environmental safety, and disease prevention, with field inspections in Free State communities.

    • Career Paths: Environmental health officer, public health inspector, or safety consultant.

    • Why Choose It?: Addresses South Africa’s public health needs, with accessible entry requirements.

Summary Table: Low APS Score Courses at CUT (2025)

Program

Faculty

Duration

Campus

Key Admission Requirements

Career Prospects

Diploma in Design and Studio Art

Humanities

3–4 years

Bloemfontein

APS 27 (24 ECP), Level 4 English, Level 3 Math or Level 4 Math Literacy, portfolio

Graphic designer, illustrator

BEd Foundation Phase Teaching

Humanities

4–5 years

Bloemfontein, Welkom

APS 27 (24 ECP), Level 4 English, Level 3 Math or Level 4 Math Literacy, NBTs

Foundation phase teacher

BEd Intermediate Phase Teaching

Humanities

4–5 years

Bloemfontein, Welkom

APS 27 (24 ECP), Level 4 English, Level 3 Math or Level 4 Math Literacy, NBTs

Intermediate phase teacher

Diploma in Hospitality Management

Management Sciences

3–4 years

Bloemfontein

APS 27 (24 ECP), Level 4 English, Level 3 Math or Level 4 Math Literacy

Hotel manager, event planner

Diploma in Public Management

Management Sciences

3–4 years

Bloemfontein, Welkom

APS 27 (24 ECP), Level 4 English, Level 3 Math or Level 4 Math Literacy

Public administrator

Higher Certificate in Office Management

Management Sciences

1 year

Bloemfontein

APS 26, Level 4 English, Level 3 Math or Level 4 Math Literacy

Office administrator

Higher Certificate in Dental Assisting

Health and Environmental Sciences

1 year

Bloemfontein

APS 26, Level 4 English, Level 4 Life Sciences, Level 3 Math or Level 4 Math Literacy

Dental assistant

Diploma in Environmental Health

Health and Environmental Sciences

3–4 years

Bloemfontein

APS 27 (24 ECP), Level 4 English, Level 4 Life Sciences, Level 3 Math or Level 4 Math Literacy

Environmental health officer
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Why Choose Low APS Score Courses at CUT?

Pursuing low APS score courses at CUT offers several benefits:

  • Inclusivity: APS scores as low as 24 (with ECP and selection test) and acceptance of Mathematical Literacy make education accessible to diverse students.

  • Practical Training: Programs emphasize hands-on learning through studios, clinics, and industry placements, ensuring job readiness.

  • Career Relevance: Courses align with South Africa’s demand for teachers, health professionals, and public administrators, particularly in Free State.

  • Supportive ECPs: Extended Curriculum Programmes provide additional academic support, boosting success for lower-scoring students.

How to Apply to CUT for 2025

CUT’s application process is free and fully online. Applications for 2025 closed on September 30, 2024, but for 2026, applications open May 13, 2025, and close September 30, 2025. No late or walk-in applications are accepted. Follow these steps for 2026:

  1. Review Requirements: Check APS, subject, and selection test requirements in the CUT 2025 prospectus at www.cut.ac.za.

  2. Apply Online: Visit www.cut.ac.za, select “Apply,” and complete the form with up to three program choices. Upload certified copies of your ID, NSC or Grade 11 results, and portfolio (if required) in PDF format.

  3. Write NBTs: Register for Academic Literacy tests by October 2025 via www.nbt.ac.za for programs requiring them.

  4. Track Application: Monitor status at www.cut.ac.za/acadappstatus using your student number or ID. Outcomes are emailed by November 2025 (non-Grade 12) or January 2026 (Grade 12).

  5. Accept Offer and Register: Accept offers within 10 days and register by January 31, 2026, paying a deposit (deducted from tuition).

Note: Programs like Design and Studio Art require portfolios, and spaces are limited. Contact CUT’s Admissions Office at +27 (0)51 507 3762 or [email protected] for support.

Career Prospects and Industry Demand

CUT’s low APS score courses lead to rewarding careers aligned with South Africa’s needs:

  • Education: BEd graduates earn R150,000–R300,000 annually, with a projected teacher shortage of 400,000 by 2030, per Department of Basic Education reports.

  • Design: Design and Studio Art graduates earn R80,000–R200,000 in graphic design or illustration, with growth in South Africa’s creative economy.

  • Hospitality: Hospitality Management graduates earn R80,000–R200,000 in hotels or tourism, with Free State’s tourism sector driving demand.

  • Public Management: Public Management graduates earn R100,000–R250,000 in municipal or government roles, per Payscale data.

  • Health Sciences: Dental Assisting and Environmental Health graduates earn R80,000–R200,000, with demand in Free State’s healthcare and public health sectors.

CUT’s partnerships with schools, municipalities, and industry, plus career fairs, ensure over 80% of graduates find employment within a year, per university reports.

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Tips for Success in CUT’s Low APS Courses

To thrive at CUT, consider these strategies:

  • Engage in Practical Work: Fully participate in teaching practice, studio projects, or industry placements to build professional skills.

  • Develop Communication Skills: Join CUT’s cultural societies or media clubs to enhance verbal abilities for programs like Public Management.

  • Use Campus Resources: Access libraries, career services, and the Academic Structure and Student Enrolment Services unit for support.

  • Network Actively: Attend CUT’s open days (e.g., April 2025) or industry talks to connect with employers. :Stay Organized: Use planners to manage assignments, placements, and deadlines, especially in ECP programs.

CUT’s Unique Learning Environment

CUT’s technology-oriented approach integrates practical training across its programs, with facilities like art studios, dental clinics, and training restaurants. The Bloemfontein campus offers urban vibrancy, while Welkom supports a close-knit community, ideal for education and management students. With 5% international students, CUT fosters diversity, enriching programs like Hospitality Management. Student life includes over 40 societies, sports, and events like the CUT Innovation Day, creating a dynamic campus experience. CUT’s focus on sustainable development, evidenced by its Centre for Sustainable Smart Cities 4.0, aligns programs with national priorities.

Financial Aid and Support at CUT

CUT offers funding options to ensure affordability:

  • NSFAS Bursaries: Covers tuition, accommodation, and living costs for students with household incomes below R350,000 annually. Apply by November 30, 2025, via www.nsfas.org.za.

  • CUT Bursaries: Merit- and need-based funding, including “missing middle” support. Check www.cut.ac.za for 2025 deadlines.

  • Private Loans: Providers like Fundi offer loans. Contact CUT’s Financial Aid Office at +27 (0)51 507 3072 or [email protected].

Apply early, as funding is limited. CUT provides counseling, career advising, and academic support through the Academic Structure and Student Enrolment Services unit and online platforms.

FAQ: Common Questions About Low APS Score Courses at CUT

1. What is the lowest APS score accepted at CUT for 2025?
The lowest APS accepted is 26 for higher certificates like Office Management and Dental Assisting, and 24 for diplomas or BEd programs with ECP and a selection test. Students with APS below 24 are not admitted. Check www.cut.ac.za for specific requirements.

2. Can I study at CUT with Mathematical Literacy instead of Mathematics?
Yes, programs like Diploma in Design and Studio Art, BEd Foundation Phase, and Diploma in Public Management accept Level 4 (50–59%) in Mathematical Literacy instead of Mathematics, making them accessible for students with lower APS scores.

3. Are there short courses at CUT that require low APS scores?
Yes, CUT offers Short Learning Programmes in areas like business administration and community development, typically requiring only a Grade 12 certificate with no specific APS. Contact [email protected] for 2025 offerings.

Conclusion

The Central University of Technology offers a range of low APS score courses for 2025, from diplomas in hospitality and design to higher certificates in health and office management, catering to students with APS scores as low as 24–27. These programs provide accessible pathways to rewarding careers in education, public administration, and creative industries, supported by CUT’s practical training and industry connections. With a free online application process, robust financial aid, and a vibrant campus life, CUT is an excellent choice for students seeking quality education in Free State. Visit www.cut.ac.za, prepare for the 2026 application cycle opening May 13, 2025, and take the first step toward a transformative academic journey at this innovative institution.