CUT online application 2026: Status, closing dates and requirements

CUT online application 2026: Status, closing dates and requirements

The Central University of Technology (CUT) is one of the leading institutions of higher learning in South Africa. CUT online applications typically open in April/May and close in September. If you desire to join this institution, you should learn more about the CUT online application process.

A graduate and the CUT logo
The CUT online application process is pretty straightforward. Photo: @CUTFreeState (modified by author)
Source: UGC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Key takeaways

  • The CUT application for the 2027 academic period will open in April/May 2026 and close on 30 September 2026.
  • Application cycle for 2026 closed on 30 September 2025 (for all undergraduate programmes).
  • Research Master's or Doctorate degree applicants have until 30 March 2026 to submit their applications.
  • The institution does not charge an application fee.
  • All applications are done online through the official university website.

CUT online application 2026 for undergraduate courses

The online application process is available for new prospective students, unsuccessful applicants who wish to reapply, and registered CUT students. The process is for all students who want to undertake a new program or short courses at the institution.

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The CUT online application process is pretty straightforward. Before filling out the forms and submitting them, ensure that you meet the minimum requirements. It is also important to track the status of your application to see if you have been admitted.

How do you apply for CUT courses?

Send your CUT applications a year before the academic year you wish to enrol at the institute. For instance, you should apply in 2026 if you want to start classes in 2027. Here is how to submit your CUT online application:

  • On your internet-enabled device, visit the official university website.
  • Click "New Applications."
  • You will be directed to the CUT i-Enabler, which is the CUT student portal.
CUT online application
A screenshot of the Central University of Technology's application page. Photo: enroll.cut.ac.za
Source: UGC
  • Click "NEW APPLICATIONS" under the "Prospective Students" section.
  • Select "No" beside the question, "Do you already have a student number?"
  • If the application process is ongoing, the CUT i-Enabler guides you through the application process.
  • You will click "NEXT" on each page to save the data/information you provide.
  • Ensure you have the required certified documents and upload them in PDF format on the CUT application portal.
  • The application process is only complete when you click the "SUBMIT APPLICATION" button at the end of the process.
  • Ensure you have an active email address since all communication with CUT is via email.
  • You should receive a CONFIRMATION email after successfully submitting your application. If you do not receive such an email, contact CUT via apply@cut.ac.za

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Requirements for the CUT online application

You need the following documents to complete the Central University of Technology's online application process. Prepare before you begin your application to avoid complications.

  • An active email address.
  • Your South African identity number.
  • A passport for international applicants.
  • Current matriculants should have their Final Grade 11 results or June results.
  • Already matriculated applicants should have a certified ID and a senior certificate.
  • Those with higher qualifications than matric should have a certified ID, senior certificate, qualification(s), and study record.
  • Those wishing to pursue postgraduate courses should consult the Head of the Department / Assistant Deans, Research Innovation and Engagement, before applying.
Central University of Technology students
CUT online application requirements. Photo: cut.ac.za/current-students (modified by author)
Source: Facebook

Does the Central University of Technology have an application fee?

There is no application fee at CUT, and the institute has not authorized any consultant to assist prospective students with the application. If anyone asks you for money as a Central University of Technology application fee or to help you with the process, you are being scammed.

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How to check your CUT online application status

It is important to track your status to know whether you have been accepted for a particular course. To check your CUT online application for 2026, you need to log in to the application status check portal. Here is how to do it using ID:

CUT online application
A screenshot of the Central University of Technology status check webpage. Photo: cut.ac.za/acadappstatus
Source: UGC
  • Select "Student" under "Registered Users: Login Credentials"
  • Complete the CUT online application login by entering your ID or Student Number.
  • Click "Check."
  • You will see a code that informs you of your status.

Status codes

There are different codes with different meanings, as elaborated below.

  • A: Selected for an instructional program. This applies to senior students.
  • AT: Academic transcripts or previous qualifications outstanding
  • B: HESA/SAQA Certificate outstanding
  • C: Cancelled
  • DE: Deferred and will be re-evaluated after your final Grade 12 results are out
  • D: Instructional program: No decision has been taken for a senior student
  • E: Conditionally accepted for a postgraduate course pending prerequisite qualification
  • G: Admission to an instructional program for new students
  • H: Admitted based on Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
  • I: Instructional program testing, meaning a selection test/ interview is required
  • K: Not selected for an instructional program due to a lack of prerequisite subjects
  • L: Instructional program testing (selection test; no interview)
  • N: No decision has been taken for the new student
  • P: Not selected for an instructional program, i.e., failed final selection
  • PF: Program full
  • Q: Provisional acceptance for an instructional program for a new student
  • T: Provisionally accepted for international students
  • U: Results outstanding
  • W: Waitlisted students
  • X: Unsuccessful in an instructional program due to insufficient marks
  • Z: Not selected for an instructional program, but can choose an alternative course
  • 5: Prospective students: Selection for the Extended Curriculum Program (ECP)
  • 8: Prospective students: Selection for PGCE
  • EP: Pending the Head of Department’s review (applies to postgraduate students only)
  • E: Awaiting teaching experience
  • AR: Your details have been received
  • OD: Required documents have not been uploaded

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What are the requirements for CUT admission?

The institution offers many different courses, and the requirements for each can differ. CUT has a minimum Admission Points (AP) score of 27 points. Some programs need more than the minimum AP. You may be eligible for the selection test with an AP between 24 and 26.

However, you will not be given the opportunity if the program is full of applicants who meet the minimum requirements. So, strive to have more than the minimum AP.

CUT graduates
CUT minimum admission points. Photo: @CUT (modified by author)
Source: Facebook

The National Benchmark Test (NBT) is mandatory for all first-year applicants. You must pass it before you can register to study at CUT.

The Central University of Technology courses and APS

The Central University of Technology (CUT) prospectus for 2026 lists all undergraduate and graduate programs the school offers. Below is a summary of the minimum AP required for admission into CUT courses:

Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment, and Information Technology

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  • NQF 5 - 1 year full-time
  • NQF 6 - 2 years full-time
  • NQF 7 - 3 years full-time

For prospective students with NC(V) or N4, N5, and N6 qualifications, below are the minimum AP scores for this faculty:

Courses

APS

Information Technology - NQF 5 (HCert)

27

Information Technology - NQF 6 (Dip)

27

Computer Networking - NQF 6 (Dip)

27

Construction - NQF 5 (HCert)

27

Renewable Energy Technologies - NQF 5 (HCert)

27

Construction Management - NQF 7 (BCon)

32

Health & Safety Management (Construction) - NQF 7 (Bachelor)

32

Civil Engineering - NQF 6 (Dip)

32

Civil Engineering - NQF 7 (Bachelor)

32

Quantity Surveying - NQF 7 (Bachelor)

32

Hydrology & Water Resources Management - NQF 7 (Bachelor)

28

Electrical Engineering - NQF 6 (Dip)

27

Electrical Engineering - NQF 7 (Bachelor)

32

Mechanical Engineering - NQF 6 (Dip)

27

Mechanical Engineering - NQF 7 (Bachelor)

32

Mathematics for Engineering Technology - NQF 5 (HCert)

27

Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences

  • NQF 5 - 1 year full-time
  • NQF 6 - 2 years full-time
  • NQF 7 - 3 years full-time
  • NQF 8 - 4 years full-time

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Prospective students with NC(V) or N4, N5, and N6 qualifications need these minimum AP scores for the Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences courses:

Courses

APS

Dental Assisting - NQF 5 (HCert)

27

Agricultural Management - NQF 6 (Dip)

27

Somatology - NQF 6 (Dip)

27

Health Sciences in Clinical Technology - NQF 8 (Bachelor)

30

Medical Laboratory Sciences - NQF 8 (Bachelor)

30

Environmental Health - NQF 8 (Bachelor)

30

Faculty of Humanities

  • NQF 5 - 1 year full-time
  • NQF 6 - 2 years full-time
  • NQF 7 - 3 years full-time
  • NQF 8 - 4 years full-time

These are the minimum AP scores you need to be admitted into Humanities at CUT for prospective students with NC(V) or N4, N5, and N6 qualifications:

Courses

APS

Design and Studio Art - NQF 6 (Dip)

27

Language Practice and Media Studies - NQF 6 (Dip)

27

Foundation Phase Teaching - NQF 7 (Bachelor)

27

(SP & FET): Computer Science - NQF 7 (Bachelor)

27

(SP & FET): Economic & Management Sciences - NQF 7 (Bachelor)

27

(SP & FET): Language Education - NQF 7 (Bachelor)

27

(SP & FET): Mathematics - NQF 7 (Bachelor)

27

(SP & FET): Natural Sciences - NQF 7 (Bachelor)

27

(SP & FET): Technology - NQF 7 (Bachelor)

27

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Faculty of Management Sciences

  • NQF 5 - 1 year full-time
  • NQF 6 - 2 years full-time
  • NQF 7 - 3 years full-time
  • NQF 8 - 4 years full-time

Prospective students with NC(V) or N4, N5, and N6 qualifications need to have these minimum AP scores for Faculty of Management Sciences courses:

Courses

APS

Community Development Work - NQF 5 (HCert)

27

Human Resources Management - NQF 6 (Dip)

27

Marketing - NQF 6 (Dip)

27

Office Management and Technology - NQF 6 (Dip)

27

Public Management - NQF 6 (Dip)

27

Hospitality Management - NQF 6 (Dip)

27

Accountancy - NQF 8 (Bachelor)

30

Internal Auditing - NQF 8 (Bachelor)

30

Tourism Management - NQF 6 (Dip)

28

Postgraduate programs

  • NQF 7 (AdvDip) -1 year full-time
  • NQF 8 (PGDip, Honours) - 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time
  • NQF 9 (Masters) - 1 year (minimum full-time); 2 years (minimum part-time)
  • NQF 10 (Doctorate) - 2 years (minimum full-time); 3 years (minimum part-time)

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Below is a list of the courses in the postgraduate program at CUT:

Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology

  • Computer Networking - NQF 7
  • Information Technology - NQF 7, 8, 9, and 10
  • Civil Engineering - NQF 8, 9, and 10
  • Mechanical Engineering - NQF 8, 9, and 10
  • Construction Management - NQF 8
  • Health and Safety Management - NQF 8
  • Quantity Surveying - NQF 8
  • Urban Development - NQF 8

Faculty of Health Environmental Sciences

  • Agricultural Extension - NQF 7
  • Health Management - NQF 7
  • Therapeutic Services - NQF 7
  • Agricultural Management - NQF 7, 8, and 9
CUT graduates
CUT Faculty of Health Environmental Sciences graduates. Photo: @CUTFreeState (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Faculty of Humanities

  • Language Practice - NQF 7, 8, 9, and 10
  • Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)- NQF 7
  • Design Technology - NQF 7
  • Studio Art - NQF 7
  • Media Studies - NQF 7 and 8
  • Higher Education (Teaching and Learning) - NQF 8
  • Educational Management - NQF 8, 9, and 10

Faculty of Management Sciences

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  • Human Resources Management - NQF 7, 8, 9, and 10
  • Public Management - NQF 7, 8, 9, and 10
  • Marketing - NQF 7 and 8
  • Hospitality Management - NQF 7 and 8
  • Tourism Management - NQF 7 and 8
  • Project Management - NQF 8
  • Entrepreneurial Management - NQF 8, 9, and 10
  • Applied Management - NQF 9 and 10
  • Management Sciences - NQF 9 and 10
  • Monitoring and Evaluation - NQF 9 and 10

How to apply for the CUT residences?

CUT has student residences in its Bloemfontein and Welkom campuses. Students get accommodation based on the availability of residences since the school has limited space. Apply for residence within the indicated dates.

CUT student hostels
CUT student residences. Photo: @Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) (modified by author)
Source: Facebook

Here is the CUT online residence application guide for 2026 pdf:

  • After completing your course application, visit the CUT application portal.
  • Select "Student" under "Registered Users: Login Credentials"
  • Enter your CUT login details, i.e., "Student Number" and "Pin."
  • Click "Login."
  • Read and accept the residence rules and regulations.
  • Clicking "Submit residence application."
  • If there is no "Accept" button, continue to the next step.
  • Click on "New Record" to apply for accommodation.
  • To submit the residence application, enter the academic year (it should be 2025).
  • Enter the residence period (depending on your course—it should be YEAR or SEMESTER).
  • Choose a building (click on the magnifying glass to see residences—choose a residence), and click on the "Proceed with application" button.
  • You will see the record the system has captured and receive a Residence Application Notification.
  • Log in to the portal later to check your application status.

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CUT contact details

You can contact the university using these channels:

  • Bloemfontein campus phone number: +27 (0)51 507 3911
  • Welkom campus phone number: +27 (0)57 910 3500
  • Postal address: The Registrar | Central University of Technology, Free State Private Bag X20539 | Bloemfontein | 9300 | Republic of South Africa
  • Email address: apply@cut.ac.za

What is the CUT online application 2026 opening and closing date?

CUT typically opens applications around April/May and closes them on September 30th of the preceding year. For the 2027 academic year, you should expect applications to open in April/May 2026, and the CUT online application for 2026 deadline will fall on September 30, 2026.

Is the CUT online application open?

No, the applications for the 2026 academic period were closed in September 2025. Prospective students can wait for the 2027 academic year's applications, which will open in May 2026.

Is the CUT online late application for 2026 open?

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CUT late applications were prohibited for any academic year. The institute does not accept late or walk-in applications. Remember that the CUT online application deadline tends to be the same month every year: September.

Where is the Central University of Technology located?

The Central University of Technology is in Bloemfontein, Free State province, South Africa.

What was the old name of Central University of Technology?

CUT was known as the Technikon Free State in 1981.

How many campuses does Central University have?

South Africa's Central University has two campuses – one in Bloemfontein and another in Welkom.

Is Central University a private or public institution?

The Central University of Technology in Free State, South Africa, is a public university.

Can I reapply at CUT?

Yes, you can reapply to CUT in the next academic year. CUT will update your details in their records.

When to start applying for fall 2026 at CUT?

Applications for the 2026 academic year at CUT opened on 13 May 2025, and the closing date for applications in 2026 was 30 September. To ensure a smooth application process, it is recommended to start preparing documents and researching programs earlier in 2025.

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Which applications are still open for 2026 at CUT?

Based on the official CUT website, online applications for the 2026 academic year closed on 30 September 2025 for all undergraduate programmes, Advanced Diplomas, Postgraduate Diplomas, Honours, and Structured Masters. There are no late or walk-in applications for 2026.

Is the University of Johannesburg (UJ) online application open?

As of mid-February 2026, the UJ online application is closed.

Is Nelson Mandela University's online application open?

Online applications for 2026 at Nelson Mandela University (NMU) are generally closed. However, late applications may be considered for specific, limited qualifications. Check the official portal for real-time updates on availability.

WSU online application for 2026 open?

Walter Sisulu University (WSU) is accepting online applications for the 2026 academic year, with registration beginning 7 January 2026.

The CUT online application 2026 closed on 30 September 2025. Prospective students are advised to apply for the 2027 academic year. Remember, applications open for the next year in May of the previous year.

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Briefly.co.za published an article about Motheo TVET College's online application process. Motheo TVET is one of the leading colleges in South Africa.

The college upholds and promotes quality training, accountability, confidentiality, and transparency. It has six campuses, and the online application takes less than 15 minutes.

Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
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Peris Walubengo (Lifestyle writer) Peris Walubengo has vast experience in search engine optimization through digital content generation, research, editing, and proofreading. She joined Briefly.co.za in November 2019 and completed the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. You can email her at perisrodah254@gmail.com.

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Cyprine Apindi (Lifestyle writer) Cyprine Apindi is a content creator and educator with over six years of experience. She holds a Diploma in Mass Communication and a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Kenyatta University. Cyprine joined Briefly.co.za in mid-2021, covering multiple topics, including finance, entertainment, sports, and lifestyle. In 2023, she finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. She received the Writer of the Year awards in 2023 and 2024. In 2024, she completed the Google News Initiative course. Email: cyprineapindi@gmail.com