Low APS Score Courses at CPUT (2025)

Posted on Author Dlamini Blessing

The Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), established in 2005 through the merger of Cape Technikon and Peninsula Technikon, is the largest university in the Western Cape, enrolling over 34,000 students across its Cape Town, Bellville, Mowbray, and Wellington campuses. Renowned for its focus on applied technology and practical training, CPUT offers over 70 programs across six faculties. For students with lower APS scores (Admission Point Scores) who may not meet the requirements for highly competitive programs, CPUT provides accessible diplomas, higher certificates, and extended curriculum programs (ECPs) that accept APS scores as low as 26. This guide explores low APS score courses at CPUT for 2025, detailing admission requirements, program structures, and career prospects to help you pursue a rewarding education tailored to your academic strengths.

Low APS Score Courses at CPUT

CPUT calculates APS based on the percentage scores of a student’s six best National Senior Certificate (NSC) subjects, excluding Life Orientation, with specific subject requirements varying by program. For students with APS scores between 26 and 32, CPUT offers accessible courses in fields like education, business, design, hospitality, and health sciences. Many programs also offer Extended Curriculum Programs (ECPs), which extend the duration by one year to provide additional academic support. Below, we detail low APS score courses for 2025, based on CPUT’s official 2025 prospectus and verified sources.

Faculty of Education

The Faculty of Education, based at Mowbray (English instruction) and Wellington (Afrikaans instruction) campuses, is the largest teacher education provider in the Western Cape, preparing students for careers in teaching with programs that accept lower APS scores and Mathematical Literacy.

  • Diploma in Grade R Teaching

    • Duration: 3 years (4 years for ECP)

    • Campus: Mowbray, Wellington

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with a diploma pass, APS of 26 (25 for ECP), Level 4 (50–59%) in English (Home or First Additional Language), Level 4 in an African language or Afrikaans, and Level 3 (40–49%) in Mathematics or Level 4 in Mathematical Literacy. National Certificate Vocational (NCV) Level 4 with 50% in English and 40% in Mathematical Literacy accepted.

    • Overview: Covers 360 credits in early childhood education, focusing on grade R curriculum, literacy, and classroom management, with practical teaching in partner schools.

    • Career Paths: Grade R teacher, early childhood educator, or preschool coordinator.

    • Why Choose It?: Addresses South Africa’s demand for early childhood educators, with a low APS entry and Mathematical Literacy option.

  • Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching

    • Duration: 4 years (5 years for ECP)

    • Campus: Mowbray, Wellington

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with a bachelor’s pass, APS of 28 (27 for ECP), Level 4 in English, Level 4 in an African language or Afrikaans, and Level 3 in Mathematics or Level 4 in Mathematical Literacy. NCV Level 4 with 50% in English and 40% in Mathematical Literacy accepted. NBTs in Academic Literacy (AL) may be required.

    • Overview: Prepares teachers for grades R–3 across 480 credits, covering literacy, numeracy, and life skills, with extensive school-based practice.

    • Career Paths: Foundation phase teacher, curriculum developer, or education consultant.

    • Why Choose It?: A critical qualification for young learners, accessible with a low APS and Mathematical Literacy.

  • Bachelor of Education in Intermediate Phase Teaching

    • Duration: 4 years (5 years for ECP)

    • Campus: Mowbray, Wellington

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with a bachelor’s pass, APS of 28 (27 for ECP), Level 4 in English, Level 4 in an African language or Afrikaans, and Level 3 in Mathematics or Level 4 in Mathematical Literacy. NCV Level 4 with 50% in English and 40% in Mathematical Literacy accepted. NBTs in AL may be required.

    • Overview: Trains teachers for grades 4–6 across 480 credits, focusing on subjects like Languages, Social Sciences, and Life Skills, with practical teaching experience.

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

    • Why Choose It?: Prepares educators for a pivotal school phase, with accessible entry requirements.

Faculty of Business and Management Sciences

This faculty, based primarily at Cape Town and Bellville campuses, offers programs in hospitality, public management, and retail that accept lower APS scores and Mathematical Literacy, preparing students for practical business careers.

  • Diploma in Hospitality and Hotel Management

    • Duration: 3 years (4 years for ECP)

    • Campus: Cape Town

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with a diploma pass, APS of 28 (27 for ECP), 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, guest relations, and event management, with practical training in CPUT’s hotel school facilities.

    • Career Paths: Hotel manager, event planner, or hospitality consultant.

    • Why Choose It?: A hands-on program for the tourism industry, with low APS entry.

  • Diploma in Public Administration and Governance

    • Duration: 3 years (4 years for ECP)

    • Campus: Cape Town, Bellville

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with a diploma pass, APS of 26 (25 for ECP), 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 public policy, governance, and administration, with practical projects in Western Cape municipalities.

    • Career Paths: Public administrator, municipal officer, or policy analyst.

    • Why Choose It?: Aligns with South Africa’s need for skilled public servants, accessible with a low APS.

  • Diploma in Retail Business Management

    • Duration: 3 years (4 years for ECP)

    • Campus: Cape Town

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with a diploma pass, APS of 27 (26 for ECP), 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 retail operations, merchandising, and supply chain management, with industry placements in Cape Town’s retail sector.

    • Career Paths: Retail manager, merchandiser, or supply chain coordinator.

    • Why Choose It?: Prepares students for South Africa’s growing retail industry, with accessible entry requirements.

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Faculty of Informatics and Design

Based at Cape Town and Bellville campuses, this faculty offers creative programs in design and media that accept lower APS scores and focus on practical, portfolio-based learning.

  • Diploma in Visual Communication Design

    • Duration: 3 years (4 years for ECP)

    • Campus: Cape Town

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with a diploma pass, APS of 27 (26 for ECP), Level 4 in English, and Level 3 in Mathematics or Level 4 in Mathematical Literacy. NCV Level 4 with 50% in English accepted. Portfolio required.

    • Overview: Covers 360 credits in graphic design, branding, and digital media, with studio-based projects at CPUT’s design labs.

    • Career Paths: Graphic designer, art director, or digital media specialist.

    • Why Choose It?: A creative program for visual artists, with low APS and portfolio-based entry.

  • Diploma in Film Production

    • Duration: 3 years (4 years for ECP)

    • Campus: Cape Town

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with a diploma pass, APS of 27 (26 for ECP), Level 4 in English, and Level 3 in Mathematics or Level 4 in Mathematical Literacy. NCV Level 4 with 50% in English accepted. Portfolio or writing sample required.

    • Overview: Covers 360 credits in screenwriting, directing, and production, with hands-on training in CPUT’s film studios.

    • Career Paths: Filmmaker, video editor, or media producer.

    • Why Choose It?: A dynamic program for storytellers, accessible with a low APS.

Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences

This faculty, based at Bellville, offers health-related programs with lower APS requirements, particularly for foundational qualifications like higher certificates.

  • Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care

    • Duration: 1 year

    • Campus: Bellville

    • 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 and 40% in Mathematical Literacy accepted.

    • Overview: Covers 120 credits in basic emergency care, anatomy, and first aid, serving as a pathway to advanced medical programs or immediate employment.

    • Career Paths: Emergency care assistant, first responder, or pathway to diploma programs.

    • Why Choose It?: A quick-entry health qualification with low APS requirements.

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

Program

Faculty

Duration

Campus

Key Admission Requirements

Career Prospects

Diploma in Grade R Teaching

Education

3–4 years

Mowbray, Wellington

APS 26 (25 ECP), Level 4 English, Level 3 Math or Level 4 Math Literacy

Grade R teacher

BEd Foundation Phase Teaching

Education

4–5 years

Mowbray, Wellington

APS 28 (27 ECP), Level 4 English, Level 3 Math or Level 4 Math Literacy, NBTs

Foundation phase teacher

BEd Intermediate Phase Teaching

Education

4–5 years

Mowbray, Wellington

APS 28 (27 ECP), Level 4 English, Level 3 Math or Level 4 Math Literacy, NBTs

Intermediate phase teacher

Diploma in Hospitality and Hotel Management

Business and Management Sciences

3–4 years

Cape Town

APS 28 (27 ECP), Level 4 English, Level 3 Math or Level 4 Math Literacy

Hotel manager, event planner

Diploma in Public Administration and Governance

Business and Management Sciences

3–4 years

Cape Town, Bellville

APS 26 (25 ECP), Level 4 English, Level 3 Math or Level 4 Math Literacy

Public administrator

Diploma in Retail Business Management

Business and Management Sciences

3–4 years

Cape Town

APS 27 (26 ECP), Level 4 English, Level 3 Math or Level 4 Math Literacy

Retail manager

Diploma in Visual Communication Design

Informatics and Design

3–4 years

Cape Town

APS 27 (26 ECP), Level 4 English, Level 3 Math or Level 4 Math Literacy, portfolio

Graphic designer

Diploma in Film Production

Informatics and Design

3–4 years

Cape Town

APS 27 (26 ECP), Level 4 English, Level 3 Math or Level 4 Math Literacy, portfolio

Filmmaker, media producer

Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care

Health and Wellness Sciences

1 year

Bellville

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

Emergency care assistant

Why Choose Low APS Score Courses at CPUT?

Enrolling in CPUT’s low APS score programs offers several advantages:

  • Accessibility: APS scores as low as 26 and acceptance of Mathematical Literacy make higher education inclusive for diverse students.

  • Practical Focus: Programs emphasize hands-on training through teaching practice, industry placements, and studio work, ensuring job readiness.

  • Career Alignment: Courses target high-demand sectors like education, hospitality, and public administration, particularly in the Western Cape.

  • Supportive ECPs: Extended Curriculum Programs provide additional academic support, boosting success for students with lower APS scores.

How to Apply to CPUT for 2025

CPUT’s application process is online, with a R100 fee for South African citizens (R150 for late applications). Applications for 2025 closed on September 30, 2024, but for 2026, applications open May 12, 2025, and close September 30, 2025 (July 31, 2025, for design programs). Follow these steps for 2026:

  1. Review Requirements: Check APS and subject requirements in the CPUT 2025 prospectus at www.cput.ac.za.

  2. Apply Online: Visit www.cput.ac.za, select “Apply,” and submit up to three program choices. Upload certified copies of your ID, NSC or Grade 11 results, and portfolio (if required).

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

  4. Pay Application Fee: Pay R100 via EFT or credit card, using your application number as reference.

  5. Track Application: Monitor status at www.cput.ac.za/students/apply/status. Outcomes are emailed by November 2025 (non-Grade 12) or January 2026 (Grade 12).

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

Note: Programs like Visual Communication Design require portfolios, and spaces are limited. Contact CPUT’s Admissions Office at +27 (0)21 959 6393 or [email protected] for support.

Career Prospects and Industry Demand

CPUT’s low APS score courses align with South Africa’s workforce needs, offering strong employment prospects:

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

  • Hospitality: Hospitality graduates earn R80,000–R200,000 in hotels or event planning, with Cape Town’s tourism sector driving demand.

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

  • Design and Media: Visual Communication and Film Production graduates earn R80,000–R250,000 in creative industries, with growth in South Africa’s media sector.

  • Health Sciences: Emergency Medical Care graduates earn R80,000–R150,000 as first responders or pursue further qualifications.

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

Tips for Success in CPUT’s Low APS Courses

To excel at CPUT, consider these practical strategies:

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

  • Develop Communication Skills: Join CPUT’s radio or cultural societies to enhance verbal abilities for programs like Film Production.

  • Use Campus Resources: Access libraries, career services, and the Department of Student Counselling for academic and psychosocial support.

  • Network Actively: Attend CPUT’s industry partner events or open days (e.g., April 2025) to connect with employers.

  • Stay Organized: Use planners to manage assignments, placements, and deadlines, especially in ECP programs.

CPUT’s Unique Learning Environment

CPUT’s applied technology focus integrates practical training across its programs, with facilities like hotel schools, design labs, and teaching practice sites. The Mowbray and Wellington campuses support education students with language-specific instruction (English or Afrikaans), addressing South Africa’s bilingual teaching needs. The Cape Town and Bellville campuses offer vibrant urban settings with access to industry hubs like hospitality and media sectors.

With 10% international students, CPUT fosters a diverse community, enriching programs like Public Administration. Student life includes over 50 clubs, sports, and events like the CPUT Mandela Day drive, creating a dynamic campus experience. CPUT’s ranking as a top university of technology in South Africa reflects its commitment to innovation and accessibility.

Financial Aid and Support at CPUT

CPUT 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.

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

  • Private Loans: Providers like Fundi offer loans. Contact CPUT’s Financial Aid Office at +27 (0)21 959 6371.

Apply for funding early, as spaces are limited. CPUT provides counseling, career advising, and academic support through the Department of Student Counselling and online platforms.

FAQ: Common Questions About Low APS Score Courses at CPUT

1. What is the lowest APS score accepted at CPUT for 2025?
The lowest APS score accepted is 26 for programs like the Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care and Diploma in Public Administration (25 for ECPs). Specific subject requirements, like English Level 4, must also be met. Check www.cput.ac.za for details.

2. Can I study at CPUT with Mathematical Literacy instead of Mathematics?
Yes, programs like Diploma in Grade R Teaching, BEd Foundation Phase, and Diploma in Visual Communication Design 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 CPUT that require low APS scores?
Yes, CPUT offers Short Learning Programmes in areas like business administration and digital media, typically requiring only a Grade 12 certificate with no specific APS. Contact [email protected] for 2025 offerings.

Conclusion

The Cape Peninsula University of Technology offers a diverse range of low APS score courses for 2025, from diplomas in education and hospitality to higher certificates in health sciences, catering to students with APS scores as low as 26. These programs provide accessible pathways to rewarding careers in high-demand sectors, supported by practical training and CPUT’s industry connections. With free online applications (R100 fee), robust financial aid, and a vibrant campus life, CPUT is an ideal choice for students seeking quality education. Visit www.cput.ac.za, prepare for the 2026 application cycle opening May 12, 2025, and take the first step toward a transformative academic journey at this leading institution.