CUT Admission Requirements

SECTION 1: ADMISSION CRITERIA FOR FET COLLEGE NC(V) 4 STUDENTS TO UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMMES AT CUT
Education and Development
Electrical Infrastructure Construction
NC(V) 4 PROGRAMMESCUT QUALIFICATIONSSUBJECT REQUIREMENTS
Electrical Principles and PracticeNational Diploma: Electrical EngineeringIn addition to the general admission requirements, a minimum mark of 50% in both Mathematics and Physical Science is required. Every applicant must write an access assessment test.
Electronic Control and Digital Electronics
Electrical Workmanship
Electrical Systems and Construction
Physical Science
SECTION 2: ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS WITH N3, N4, N5 AND N6 QUALIFICATIONS

The following admission requirements apply:

  • A candidate with a FET N3, N4, N5 or N6 certificate may qualify for admission to the first year of a diploma qualification, based on his or her seven best subjects for N4/N5 or N5/N6 and a minimum of 50% for English at N3 level. However, a candidate must meet the minimum admission requirements, including the language requirement, on the CUT scoring scale before he/she will be allowed to write an access assessment test (see Table 4 for the CUT scoring scale for N qualifications).
  • A candidate with an N3, N4, N5 or N6 certificate does not qualify for any subject recognition.
  • Subject recognition may be granted to FET students who have successfully completed their FET N6 diplomas. Such subject recognition will only be considered for first-year CUT certificate and/or diploma subjects, and will only be based on FET N6 level diploma subjects completed successfully. These subjects must be passed at N4, N5 and N6 level with a score of 50% or above.
  • Programme prerequisites must be met before a candidate will be admitted to a specific programme.
  • An official statement of results must be presented to CUT.

The scoring scale for candidates in possession of N3, N4, N5 and N6 qualifications is indicated in Table 4.

 Table 4: CUT scoring scale for N qualifications

Symbol achieved N3 N4/N5/N6 
A 6 8 
B 5 7 
C 4 6 
D 3 5 
E 2 4 

 If you do not qualify on the scoring scales, do not despair. CUT offers an Extended Curriculum Programme (ECP), a bridge year(s) that will give you various options before continuing on your true career path.

CENTRAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY POSTGRADUATE ADMISSION REQUIREMENT

Postgraduate Diplomas Requirements

  • An appropriate Bachelor’s degree OR
  • Admission to the status of that degree  OR
  • Attained a level of competence
  • Some Schools/College may accept and Advanced Diploma for entry into a Postgraduate Diploma if HEQF  (Higher Education Qualification Framework) requirements are met.

Duration

  • A minimum of at least two consecutive semesters. Except with permission of Senate all modules shall be completed at the University.

Curriculum

  • The curriculum will contain advanced reflection, practice and research methods in the area of specialization and may include a sustained research project in accordance with College rules approved by Senate.

Bachelor of Honours Degrees Requirements

  • An appropriate Bachelor’s degree OR
  • Admission to the status of that degree OR
  • Attained a level of competence

Duration

  • A minimum of at least two consecutive semesters. Except with permission of Senate all modules shall be completed at the University.

Curriculum: The curriculum for the Honours degree shall include a prescribed research project as one of the modules which shall account for a minimum of 25% of the credits for the degree. Masters by Coursework and Masters by Research Requirements

  • A relevant prerequisite degree OR
  • Admission to the status of that degree OR
  • Attained a level of competence

DurationCoursework

  • A minimum of two consecutive semesters (full time) or 4 consecutive semesters (part-time) before the degree may be conferred.
  • With permission and in terms of College regulations, periods of attendance at the graduate level at another institution or in another College may be accepted. (Consult with relevant School).

Research

  • A minimum of two consecutive semesters (full time) or 4 consecutive semesters (part time) before the degree may be conferred.

Research

  • Candidates shall be required to pursue an appropriate programme of research on a subject on a subject falling within the scope of the studies presented at the University. Students must also adhere to possible other conditions prescribed by Colleges/Schools.

Doctor of philosophy or supervised Doctor degrees by research 

Requirements

  • A relevant prerequisite degree OR
  • Admission to the status of that degree

Duration

  • A minimum of four consecutive semesters (full time) or eight consecutive semester (part-time) before the degree may be conferred.

Curriculum

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  • Students will be required to pursue an approved programme of research on a subject falling within the scope of studies at the University. Such a programme shall make a distinct contribution to the knowledge or understanding of the subject and afford evidence of originality shown either by the discovery of new facts and by the exercise of independent critical power. Students must also adhere to other possible conditions prescribed by Colleges/Schools.

 

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Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.

📌 What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

  • Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
  • Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.

✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?

To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
  • Have a valid South African ID.
  • Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
  • Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).

📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

If you’re studying:

  • Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
  • Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.

📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
  2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
  3. Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
  4. Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

    • Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
    • You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
    • Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.

  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.

  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

    • Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
    • Provide household income information and living arrangements.

  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
    • Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.

  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
    • Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.

  7. Track Your Application

    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
    • You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.

🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.

💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

NSFAS funding typically includes:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation (if living away from home)
  • Meals and transport
  • Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)

For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).

🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment

Repayments are:

  • Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
  • Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
  • Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.

You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.

🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 NSFAS Contact Information

📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
  • Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
  • Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.

By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.

 

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