Cape Peninsula University of Technology
A well-established university providing quality higher education. Offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs with dedicated faculty and supportive learning environment.
- Acceptance Rate
- 79.8%
- SAT Range
- 950–1150
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.1
- Size
- Large (33,097 students)
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- 1:22
- Setting
- suburban
- Graduation Rate
- 80.0%
- Retention Rate
- 84.0%
- Tuition (In-State)
- $3,000
- Tuition (Int'l)
- $8,000
Academic Programs
STEM
Business
Social Sciences
Humanities
Health
Arts
English Proficiency Requirements
Student Life & Environment
Life at CPUT spreads across several campuses, each offering different environments. The Bellville campus serves as the main administrative hub and hosts many business and education programs. District Six campus sits closer to the city center, while the Granger Bay campus offers stunning ocean views and houses hospitality programs. Getting between campuses requires some planning, but shuttle services help students navigate. Student organizations at CPUT cover academic, cultural, and recreational interests. Engineering societies organize competitions and networking events. Cultural groups celebrate the diversity of the student body, with activities ranging from traditional dance to music performances. Religious organizations maintain an active presence, reflecting South Africa's varied spiritual traditions. Housing options near CPUT campuses vary widely. Some students live in university residences, while others rent flats in surrounding neighborhoods. Cape Town's public transportation system, including buses and the MyCiTi rapid transit line, makes it possible to live in different parts of the city while still reaching campus for classes. Sports play a significant role in campus life. CPUT fields teams in rugby, soccer, netball, cricket, and athletics. The university competes in USSA leagues against other South African institutions. Fitness facilities are available on campus for students who prefer individual workouts. Cape Town's outdoor culture also means many students take advantage of nearby beaches, hiking trails, and natural areas during their free time.
Location & Surroundings
Cape Town regularly appears on lists of the world's most beautiful cities, and it's not hard to see why. Table Mountain looms over the city, providing a dramatic backdrop visible from almost everywhere. The Cape Peninsula stretches south toward the Cape of Good Hope, offering beaches, nature reserves, and scenic drives along the way. The city experiences a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. From December through February, temperatures often climb into the high 20s Celsius, perfect for beach days and outdoor activities. Winter months bring rain and temperatures around 10 to 15 degrees. The notorious Cape Doctor wind blows strongly in summer, keeping the air clear but occasionally making outdoor activities challenging. Cape Town functions as an economic hub for South Africa, with strong sectors in tourism, finance, technology, and film production. The city's startup scene has grown considerably, with international companies establishing African headquarters here. Students benefit from internship and job opportunities in these industries. Beyond career prospects, Cape Town offers world-class experiences. The V&A Waterfront combines shopping, dining, and entertainment with harbor views. Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden showcases the unique Cape flora. Wine regions like Stellenbosch and Franschhoek lie less than an hour away. The city's cultural scene includes museums, galleries, theaters, and live music venues reflecting South Africa's complex history and creative present.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Tuition at CPUT remains significantly more affordable than at many other South African universities, particularly the traditional research universities. Fees vary by program, with engineering and health sciences programs generally costing more than humanities or business programs. Annual tuition for most programs falls in a range that, while still substantial for many families, represents good value given the quality of education provided. Financial aid comes through several channels. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme helps students from lower-income families cover tuition and living expenses. CPUT also administers bursaries from various corporate sponsors, particularly in engineering and technology fields. Some students qualify for merit-based scholarships that recognize academic achievement. Career outcomes for CPUT graduates tend to be strong, particularly in technical fields. The university's emphasis on practical skills means students often find employment quickly after graduation. Many programs include mandatory work-integrated learning periods, giving students professional experience and industry contacts before they even graduate. Engineering graduates are especially well-positioned, with demand for their skills throughout Southern Africa. The alumni network extends across industries and continents. Former students work in engineering firms, hospitals, design studios, schools, and corporate offices around the world. The university maintains career services that connect current students with job opportunities and alumni mentors. Professional development workshops help students prepare for interviews and workplace success. For students considering further study, CPUT offers postgraduate programs including master's degrees and doctorates in selected fields. Some graduates continue their education at other institutions in South Africa or abroad, finding that their CPUT foundation prepares them well for advanced study.
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