Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) runs more than 300 career-focused programmes across seven faculties, spanning everything from Higher Certificates to Doctoral degrees. With around 60,000 students, TUT is one of South Africa’s largest and most career-focused universities of technology.
Admission requirements, APS thresholds, and campus locations for each qualification sit in the TUT “Study at TUT” portal, which is worth checking directly since specifics shift by intake year.
TUT Faculties
- Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment
- Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
- Faculty of Science
- Faculty of Humanities
- Faculty of Management Sciences
- Faculty of Arts and Design
- Faculty of the Built Environment / Economic Sciences (varies by current structure)
- Tshwane School for Business and Society (postgraduate-focused)
TUT also offers select online learning programmes through online.tut.ac.za.
Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment
Programmes (selection):
- BEngTech in Electrical Engineering
- BEngTech in Materials Engineering (Polymer Technology)
- Diploma in Electrical Engineering
- Higher Certificate in Electrical Engineering
- Diploma and Degree programmes in Civil, Mechanical, and Industrial Engineering
Most Engineering courses require an APS of 28–34, plus Mathematics and Physical Sciences.
Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Programmes (selection):
- Diploma in Computer Science
- Diploma in Computer Systems
- Diploma in Informatics
- Diploma in Information Technology
- Diploma in Multimedia Computing
- Postgraduate Diploma in ICT (NQF 8)
Diplomas in this faculty typically require an APS of 23–26, with specific subject requirements (pure Mathematics generally required, though some programmes accept Mathematical Literacy at a higher APS).
Faculty of Science
Programmes (selection):
- Diploma in Animal Sciences
- Diploma in Industrial Physics
- BSc in Industrial Chemistry
- Diploma in Analytical Chemistry
- Diploma in Biotechnology
- Diploma in Food Technology
- Diploma in Nature Conservation
- Diploma in Horticulture (with Mathematics/Technical Mathematics)
- Diploma in Landscape Technology (with Mathematics/Technical Mathematics)
Faculty of Humanities
Programmes (selection):
- Diploma in Language Practice / Advanced Diploma / Postgraduate Diploma / Master’s / Doctor of Language Practice
- Diploma in Integrated Communication / Advanced Diploma in Integrated Communication
- Bachelor of Education (BEd): Foundation Phase, Intermediate Phase, Senior Phase & FET
- Environmental Health-related Bachelor’s degrees
- Nursing-related Bachelor’s degrees
Some Humanities programmes (e.g., Language Practice) require a TUT potential assessment if your final APS is 20, plus possible interviews depending on demand.
Faculty of Management Sciences
Programmes (selection):
- Diploma and Bachelor’s degrees in Human Resource Management
- Diploma in Tourism Management
- Diploma in Hospitality Management
- Diploma and Bachelor’s degrees in Marketing
- Diploma and Bachelor’s degrees in Accounting
- Diploma in Contact Centre Management
Business and Humanities programmes are among the faculties most likely to accept Mathematical Literacy instead of pure Mathematics.
Faculty of Arts and Design
Programmes (selection):
- Diploma in Interior Design (NQF 6) / Advanced Diploma (NQF 7) / Postgraduate Diploma (NQF 8)
- Diploma in Fine Art
- Diploma in Fashion Design
- Diploma in Multimedia Design
Arts and Design programmes often have lower APS requirements (around 20–22), but typically require a portfolio submission or creative assessment alongside your academic results.
Tshwane School for Business and Society
Focuses on postgraduate qualifications, including:
- Postgraduate Diplomas
- Future-focused Master’s degrees
- Doctoral degrees
Qualification Levels Explained
| NQF Level | Qualification | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|
| NQF 5 | Higher Certificate | 1 year |
| NQF 6 | Diploma | 3 years |
| NQF 7 | Bachelor’s Degree / Advanced Diploma | 3–4 years (or 5 years for Extended Curriculum Programmes) |
| NQF 8 | Honours / Postgraduate Diploma | 1 year |
| NQF 9 | Master’s Degree | 1–2 years |
| NQF 10 | Doctoral Degree | 2–5 years |
TUT Campuses
TUT operates across multiple provinces:
- Pretoria Campus: largest, hosts multiple faculties and admin offices.
- Arcadia Campus & Arts Campus: arts, design, and related programmes.
- Soshanguve North & South Campuses: large student populations in northern Tshwane.
- Ga-Rankuwa Campus: science and engineering studies.
- eMalahleni Campus (Mpumalanga): engineering, business, and ICT programmes.
- Mbombela Campus (Mpumalanga): regional hub for selected programmes.
- Polokwane Campus (Limpopo): regional hub for selected programmes.
- Service Points in Cape Town and Durban.
TUT Online Learning
TUT also offers select programmes through online.tut.ac.za, with fees charged per module. These programmes have full-time and part-time tracks and are suited to students who need flexibility.
How to Choose the Right Programme
- Your matric results. Do you meet the APS requirements?
- Your career goals. Work backwards from there.
- Maths requirement. Engineering, ICT, and Science generally require pure Mathematics; Business and Humanities often accept Mathematical Literacy.
- Funding. Is your chosen programme covered by NSFAS?
- Campus location. Does your preferred campus offer the programme you want?