If your matric results don’t meet the requirements for competitive courses, don’t worry there are still excellent study options available at Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT). Several courses at CPUT accept students with lower Admission Point Scores (APS), opening the door to practical and in-demand qualifications that can launch your career.
CPUT Courses With Low APS Requirements Open for 2026
What’s Considered a Low APS?
At CPUT, a low APS generally ranges between 22 and 28, depending on the qualification and the required subjects. These scores are calculated from your top six subjects (excluding Life Orientation), using CPUT’s APS formula.
Top CPUT Courses With Low APS Requirements
Here are some of the qualifications you can apply for with a lower APS in 2026:
1. Diploma in Entrepreneurship
- APS Requirement: 26
- Extended Option APS: 22
- Faculty: Business and Management Sciences
- Requirements: English (4), Maths (2) or Maths Lit (4), plus one subject from Business Studies, Economics, Accounting or Consumer Studies
2. Higher Certificate in Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
- APS Requirement: 24 with Maths, 26 with Maths Lit
- Faculty: Informatics & Design
- Requirements: English (4), Maths (3) or Maths Lit (5)
- Focus: IT Service Management
3. Diploma in Human Resource Management
- APS Requirement: 26 (Maths), 28 (Maths Lit)
- Extended Option APS: 24 (Maths), 26 (Maths Lit)
- Faculty: Business and Management Sciences
4. Diploma in Environmental Management
- APS Requirement: 26 with Maths, 28 with Maths Lit
- Faculty: Applied Sciences
- Subject Requirements: Maths or Maths Lit, Life Sciences or Geography, and two other subjects at 40% or higher
5. Diploma in Sport and Leisure Management
- APS Requirement: 25 (Maths), 27 (Maths Lit)
- Extended Option APS: 23 (Maths), 25 (Maths Lit)
- Faculty: Business and Management Sciences
- Additional Requirements: Non-academic review form showing your involvement in sport or leadership activities
6. Diploma in Hospitality and Hotel Management
- APS Requirement: 26 (Maths), 28 (Maths Lit)
- Faculty: Tourism and Hospitality
- Recommended: Prior work experience and an introductory discussion with the department
CPUT 2026 Application Dates
- Applications open: 12 May 2025
- General closing date: 30 September 2025
- Some courses close earlier: Check the CPUT website regularly for updates
Why Choose These Courses?
- Career-ready qualifications
- Accessible entry points
- Opportunities for further study
- Offered in key fields like business, IT, tourism, and environment
Conclusion
Your APS doesn't define your future—your determination does. These low-APS-entry courses at CPUT are perfect stepping stones to real careers in dynamic industries. Make sure to apply early, submit complete documents, and don’t miss out on funding opportunities like NSFAS.