The Central University of Technology is an educational institution located in Bloemfontein, South Africa. Universities of Technology are mandated to focus on educating their students in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM). They must also provide work-integrated learning (WIL); they must also teach students about entrepreneurship and provide a career-focused education.
Background
Universities of Technology are further required to perform applied research and find sustainable ways to engage with local government, industry, and business leaders. These opportunities provide students with real-life experience that can help them pursue their careers in technology.
These principles are outlined in the Vision 2030 Statement. This statement requires that the University “project itself ten years into the future, in an uncertain and rapidly changing world.” To meet this goal and produce students who will thrive now and in the future, the university focuses on instilling ten attributes into their graduates:
- Citizenship and global leadership
- Communication
- Community engagement
- Entrepreneurship
- Innovation and problem solving
- Numeracy
- Teamwork
- Technical and conceptual competence
- Technological literacy
- Sustainable development
More specifically, the university offers students the chance to pursue a baccalaureate-level degree in any of their four faculties:
- The Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment, and Information Technology
- The Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences
- The Faculty of Humanities
- The Faculty of Management Sciences
The university also offers access to some of South Africa’s finest technology. The Central University of Technology hosts the Centre for Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing (CRPM). This centre uses 3D printers – sometimes called additive manufacturing technology – to rapidly design and fabricate tools, objects, and even medical prostheses. In the face of the 2020 pandemic, the centre used its technologies to manufacture personal protective equipment for medical personnel – a perfect example of the kind of meaningful collaboration with the community that students can expect.
Another collaborative effort with the community is the Centre for Applied Food Security and Biotechnology (CAFSaB). Scientists and students, and CAFSaB will perform deep research on relevant and commercialize food safety and food security concerns. This research can lead to postgraduate research at the university. Researchers here perform science to better understand deep topics such as the behaviour of organic acids in food products or how grain can be utilized in biotechnology.
Students who wish to develop their own products will find engaging opportunities at the Product Development Technology Station (PDTS), a facility that allows small businesses and micro-businesses to have access to cutting-edge designing and manufacturing tools that will allow them to generate prototypes and evaluate the viability of their idea.
Many students will find value in participating in social clubs or joining professional organizations while attending the university. CUT hosts chapters or meetings of:
- Human Resources Society
- Library Association
- IT Organisation
- NSB (National Society of Black Engineers)
- SIFE (Students in Free Enterprise)
- Sports Administration and Marketing Committee
Students can also engage with campus culture through clubs such as the Choir, the Drama Club, the Debating Society, a variety of recreational sports including mountain climbing and wall climbing, and a campus newspaper. Students can even enrol in the dance club and practice contemporary or ballroom dancing.
How to apply
Before applying to the Central University of Technology, you must write your NBT exams. This is a compulsory step and cannot be skipped. This is the first thing you should do before you seek admission to this school.
Expect to be asked for personal details. Locate important identification documents such as your passport and your Smart ID card. You will need to produce scores for evaluation tests such as the RPL, GSAT, and NSC. The university will also want certified copies of your Grade 12 exam results.
The easiest way to gather all of these documents and submit them to the university is by applying through the Central Application Clearing House, the CACH. This service matches all of your relevant exam results and study preferences with spots at educational institutions. Please note that this method does not guarantee admission to the Central University of Technology, but it is an excellent way to find openings at many different colleges throughout South Africa.
Having gathered all of your identity documents and examination results, you must request an admission application from the Assistant Registrar by writing them at –
Assistant Registrar:
Academic Structure and Student Enrolment Services
Private Bag X20539
Bloemfontein
9300
South Africa
You should now review the most current information from the university. You should immediately download the Registration Guide (link directs to the official CUT website). They will not consider late applications, so the deadlines described later are absolute and can not be missed, or your application will be ignored.
Once you have applied, the Academic Structure and Student Enrolment Services Unit will process your application and rank prospective students. Prospects’ applications are sent to the heads of the relevant departments throughout the university and are then divided into three categories. The first are applicants who meet requirements and are recommended for admission. The second is applicants who will be required to meet further testing. The third is for applicants considered unlikely to succeed.
Applicants recommended for admission are notified in writing by the Academic Structure and Student Enrolment Services Unit of their success and have gained entrance to one of South Africa’s finest Universities of Technology.
Applicants who require further testing are notified in writing and are scheduled for testing by the university. The required place, date, and time for your testing will be clearly marked on this written notification. Applicants are then subjected to whatever tests the university deems necessary to evaluate their potential for success in the university. These test results are arranged in hierarchical order and distributed to department heads, evaluating the grades and assigning applicants to programmes based on their testing.
Those who seek entry to the programmes of:
- Art and Design
- Dental Assistance
- Emergency Medical Care
- Hospitality Management
- Tourism Management
- Marketing
- Language Practice
Will be required to take the routine admission tests, an interview, a portfolio submission, psychological testing, practical skills tests, or other miscellaneous tests.
Requirements
Prospective students of the Central University of Technology (CUT) must write the National Benchmark Test. You will not be allowed to register at the university if you have not taken the NBT.
Applicants are all graded on a scale and must earn 27 or more points to gain admission. Applicants must be fluent in English, as this is the language of learning at the university; this criterion is judged by a mark of at least 50% in English as Home Language or First Additional Language.
The university will also evaluate students’ scores on the RPL, GSAT, and NSC scores. Be aware that the university is empowered to ask for additional testing if deemed appropriate by the University Senate or University Council.
Applicants are further judged for admission to programs based on Admission Points. Students are evaluated based on their pass rates and grades and then issued Passes to apply for admission to their chosen program.
- Certificate Programs
Certificate Passes are issued to students who have a 40% pass in their home language, four subjects above 30%, and two subjects above 40%. Students will still be considered for certificate passes even if they have failed up to one class.
- Diploma
Students who earn the Diploma Pass may enrol for bridging courses at a Technical Vocational Education and Training college or a Diploma course at a University of Technology. CUT requires students to have at least 40% in four higher credit subjects and at least 30% in three lower credit subjects.
- Bachelor’s Degree
Applicants who wish to apply for a Bachelors Pass and obtain a Bachelor’s degree must have a 30% pass in their language and obtain a rating of 4 (50-59%) or higher in any four NSC subjects, with the exclusion of Life Orientation.
Application Dates
The Central University of Technology’s application period is from May to August of the year preceding admission. If you wish to enter in 2024, your application must be submitted before the end of August for you to be considered.
Students wishing to enrol beginning in the second semester must submit their applications between March and May.
Registration
Newly enrolled students at the Central University of Technology may enrol between 5 and 10 March. Senior students may register between 11 and 16 March. The university offers a very concise PDF with up to date and current registration information that prospective students should examine. You will log in to the university’s website, complete a few online forms to select your courses, and then be given an opportunity to review financial information. Once you have completed these online forms, you are successfully registered for classes at CUT.
How will you know which classes to register for? The Central University of Technology offers students access to career guidance counsellors who can aid you in selecting the right courses. In some cases, they may offer access to psychometric testing, interviewing techniques, or other relevant information.