Higher Certificate Courses offered at TUT for 2026 Applications

Article Last Updated: 23 June 2025

Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) offers a diverse range of Higher Certificate courses designed to provide students with foundational skills and knowledge for various industries. These NQF Level 5 qualifications, typically spanning one to two years, serve as stepping stones to further studies or entry-level careers. Below, we explore the Higher Certificate courses offered at TUT, detailing their admission requirements, selection criteria, campus locations, and potential career paths.

Higher Certificate Courses offered at TUT for 2026 Applications

TUT’s Higher Certificate courses are designed to be accessible, with flexible admission requirements and pathways for further studies. They cater to diverse interests, from creative arts to engineering and environmental sciences, and are delivered through practical, industry-relevant curricula. Whether you’re starting your career or seeking a foundation for advanced studies, TUT’s programs offer a solid launchpad.

1. Higher Certificate in Music

• Qualification Code: HCMU20
• NQF Level: 5 (120 credits)
• Campus: Arts Campus
• Duration: One year
• Intake: January only
• Application Closing Date: 31 July
• Presentation: Day classes

The Higher Certificate in Music is tailored for aspiring musicians passionate about vocal or instrumental performance. This program equips students with foundational skills in music theory and performance, preparing them for careers such as jazz musicians, music producers, or opera singers.

Admission Requirements

• National Senior Certificate (NSC): A bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate endorsement with at least 3 for English and an APS of 18 (excluding Life Orientation).
• National Certificate (Vocational) (NCV): NQF Level 4 with 40% in English and an APS of 18.
• Assessment: Applicants must perform an audition (vocal or instrumental) and attend an interview. Acceptance depends on capacity per the Student Enrolment Plan (SEP).

Career and Further Study Opportunities

• Careers: Jazz musician, music producer, opera singer.
• Further Studies: Diploma in Performing Arts.

2. Higher Certificate in Accounting

• Qualification Code: HCAG20
• NQF Level: 5 (120 credits)
• Campus: Ga-Rankuwa Campus
• Duration: One year
• Intake: January only
• Application Closing Date: 30 September
• Presentation: Day classes

This program provides foundational knowledge in accounting principles, ideal for those aiming to become accounting technicians, bookkeepers, or financial accountants. It emphasizes practical skills for financial record-keeping and analysis.

Admission Requirements

• NSC: A bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate endorsement with at least 4 for English, 3 for Mathematics (or 4 for Mathematical Literacy), and an APS of 22 (23 with Mathematical Literacy).
• NCV: NQF Level 4 with 50% in English, 40% in Mathematics (or 50% in Mathematical Literacy), and an APS of 22 (23 with Mathematical Literacy).
• National N Diploma (Nated 191): NSC with 50% in English and 40% in Financial Accounting (averaged from N4, N5, N6).
• Assessment: No further assessment; top-ranked applicants are selected based on APS and SEP.

Career and Further Study Opportunities

• Careers: Accounting technician, bookkeeper, accounts clerk, tax consultant, financial accountant.
• Further Studies: Diplomas in Accounting, Internal Auditing, Financial Management, Financial Planning, or Public Finance.

3. Higher Certificate in Construction Engineering

• Qualification Code: HCCE18
• NQF Level: 5 (140 credits)
• Campus: Pretoria Campus
• Duration: One year
• Intake: January only
• Application Closing Date: 30 September
• Presentation: Day classes (may include Friday afternoons/Saturdays)

This course introduces students to construction engineering principles, focusing on civil engineering applications. It’s ideal for those interested in infrastructure development and construction management.

Admission Requirements

• NSC: A bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate endorsement with at least 4 for English and Mathematics, 3 for Physical Sciences, and an APS of 20.
• NCV: NQF Level 4 with 50% in English, Mathematics, Science, and an APS of 20.
• National N Certificate (N3): 50% in English, Mathematics N3, Engineering Sciences N3, and an APS of 20.
• N4 Certificate: 50% average in a related engineering field and an English Language Proficiency Assessment.
• Assessment: No further assessment (except for N4 candidates); selection based on APS and SEP.

Career and Further Study Opportunities

• Further Studies: BEngTech in Civil Engineering.

4. Higher Certificate in Electrical Engineering

• Qualification Code: HCEE18
• NQF Level: 5 (140 credits)
• Campus: Pretoria and eMalahleni Campuses
• Duration: One year
• Intake: January only
• Application Closing Date: 30 September
• Presentation: Day classes (may include Friday afternoons/Saturdays)

This program covers electrical engineering fundamentals, preparing students for roles in design, planning, and maintenance of electrical systems.

Admission Requirements

• NSC: A bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate endorsement with at least 4 for English and Mathematics, 3 for Physical Sciences, and an APS of 20.
• NCV: NQF Level 4 with 50% in English, Mathematics, 40% in Science, and an APS of 20.
• National N Certificate (N3): 50% in English, Mathematics N3, Engineering Sciences N3, and an APS of 20.
• N4 Certificate: 50% average in a related engineering field and an English Language Proficiency Assessment.
• Assessment: No further assessment (except for N4 candidates); selection based on APS and SEP.

Career and Further Study Opportunities

• Careers: Roles in design, planning, construction, and maintenance of electrical systems.
• Further Studies: BEngTech in Electrical Engineering.

5. Higher Certificate in Industrial Engineering

• Qualification Code: HCIE18
• NQF Level: 5 (140 credits)
• Campus: Pretoria Campus
• Duration: One year
• Intake: January only
• Application Closing Date: 30 September
• Presentation: Day classes (may include Friday afternoons/Saturdays)

This course focuses on optimizing industrial processes, preparing students for roles as technicians, managers, or consultants in manufacturing and service industries.

Admission Requirements

• NSC: A bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate endorsement with at least 4 for English and Mathematics, 3 for Physical Sciences, and an APS of 20.
• NCV: NQF Level 4 with 50% in English, Mathematics, 40% in Science, and an APS of 20.
• National N Certificate (N3): 50% in English, Mathematics N3, Engineering Sciences N3, and an APS of 20.
• N4 Certificate: 50% average in a related engineering field and an English Language Proficiency Assessment.
• Assessment: No further assessment (except for N4 candidates); selection based on APS and SEP.

Career and Further Study Opportunities

• Careers: Technician, manager, entrepreneur, consultant.
• Further Studies: BEngTech in Industrial Engineering.

6. Higher Certificate in Mechanical Engineering

• Qualification Code: HCME18
• NQF Level: 5 (140 credits)
• Campus: Pretoria Campus
• Duration: One year
• Intake: January only
• Application Closing Date: 30 September
• Presentation: Day classes (may include Friday afternoons/Saturdays)

This program provides foundational skills in mechanical engineering, focusing on design and maintenance of mechanical systems.

Admission Requirements

• NSC: A bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate endorsement with at least 4 for English and Mathematics, 3 for Physical Sciences, and an APS of 20.
• NCV: NQF Level 4 with 50% in English, Mathematics, 40% in Science, and an APS of 20.
• National N Certificate (N3): 50% in English, Mathematics N3, Engineering Sciences N3, and an APS of 20.
• N4 Certificate: 50% average in a related engineering field and an English Language Proficiency Assessment.
• Assessment: No further assessment (except for N4 candidates); selection based on APS and SEP.

Career and Further Study Opportunities

• Careers: Technician, manager, entrepreneur, consultant.
• Further Studies: BEngTech in Mechanical Engineering.

7. Higher Certificate in Administrative Information Management

• Qualification Code: HCIMO4
• NQF Level: 5 (120 credits)
• Campus: Pretoria Campus (Online)
• Duration: One year
• Intake: Multiple intakes (contact department)
• Application Closing Date: Contact department
• Presentation: Online, 7-week block format

This online program equips students with skills in administrative management and information systems, ideal for office administration roles.

Admission Requirements

• NSC: A bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate endorsement with at least 3 for English and an APS of 20.
• NCV: NQF Level 4 with 40% in English and an APS of 20, in fields like management, marketing, or IT.
• Assessment: No further assessment; top-ranked applicants selected based on APS and SEP.

Career and Further Study Opportunities

• Further Studies: Diploma in Administrative Information Management.

8. Higher Certificate in Contact Centre Management

• Qualification Code: HCCCO4
• NQF Level: 5 (120 credits)
• Campus: Pretoria Campus (Online)
• Duration: One year
• Intake: Multiple intakes (contact department)
• Application Closing Date: 30 September
• Presentation: Online, 7-week block format

This online course prepares students for roles in call centers, focusing on customer service and management skills.

Admission Requirements

• NSC: A bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate endorsement with at least 3 for English and an APS of 20.
• NCV: NQF Level 4 with 40% in English and an APS of 20.
• Assessment: No further assessment; top-ranked applicants selected based on APS and SEP.

Career and Further Study Opportunities

• Careers: Agent, call center representative, team leader, supervisor, strategic manager.
• Further Studies: Diploma in Contact Centre Management.

9. Higher Certificate in Dental Assisting

• Qualification Code: HCDA01
• NQF Level: 5
• Campus: Pretoria Campus
• Duration: One year (day classes) or two years (block-mode for employed students)
• Intake: January only
• Application Closing Date: 31 July
• Presentation: Day or block-mode classes

This program trains students to assist dentists, covering infection control, stock management, and patient care.

Admission Requirements

• NSC: A higher certificate endorsement with at least 4 for English, 3 for Mathematics (or 4 for Mathematical Literacy), and an APS of 18.
• Assessment: Applicants with an APS of 18 are invited for an assessment and interview. Those with one year of dental assisting experience may qualify with a lower APS via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Career and Further Study Opportunities

• Careers: Dental assistant, roles in infection control, stock control, and accounts.

10. Higher Certificate in Forestry Management

• Qualification Code: HCRM25
• NQF Level: 5 (120 credits)
• Campus: Mbombela Campus
• Duration: One or two years
• Intake: January only
• Application Closing Date: Contact department
• Presentation: Day classes

This course focuses on sustainable forestry practices and resource management.

Admission Requirements

• NSC: A higher certificate endorsement with at least 3 for English, 3 for Mathematics (or 6 for Mathematical Literacy), and an APS of 18 (21 with Mathematical Literacy).
• NCV: NQF Level 4 with 50% in English, Mathematics (or 70% in Mathematical Literacy), and an APS of 18 (21 with Mathematical Literacy).
• National N Certificate (N3): 50% in English, Mathematics N3, and an APS of 18.
• N4 Certificate: 50% average in a related engineering field and an APS of 18.
• Assessment: Academic proficiency test; selection based on test results and SEP.

Career and Further Study Opportunities

• Further Studies: Not specified.

11. Higher Certificate in Resource and Waste Management

• Qualification Code: HCRW22
• NQF Level: 5 (120 credits)
• Campus: Arcadia Campus
• Duration: One or two years
• Intake: January only
• Application Closing Date: 30 September
• Presentation: Day or block-mode classes

This program addresses sustainable waste management and resource conservation.

Admission Requirements

• NSC: A higher certificate endorsement with at least 3 for English, 3 for Mathematics (or 6 for Mathematical Literacy), and an APS of 18 (21 with Mathematical Literacy).
• NCV: NQF Level 4 with 50% in English, Mathematics (or 70% in Mathematical Literacy), and an APS of 18 (21 with Mathematical Literacy).
• National N Certificate (N3): 50% in English, Mathematics N3, and an APS of 20.
• N4 Certificate: 50% average in a related engineering field and an APS of 20.
• Further Education and Training Certificate: NQF Level 4 in Environmental Practice with 50% average.
• Assessment: No further assessment; selection based on APS and SEP.

Career and Further Study Opportunities

• Further Studies: Diploma in Environmental Sciences.

12. Higher Certificate in Water Treatment

• Qualification Code: HCWT19
• NQF Level: 5 (120 credits)
• Campus: Arcadia Campus
• Duration: One or two years
• Intake: January only
• Application Closing Date: 30 September
• Presentation: Day or block-mode classes (block-mode for employed students)

This course trains students in water treatment processes, preparing them for roles as water care technicians or process controllers.

Admission Requirements

• NSC: A higher certificate endorsement with at least 3 for English, 3 for Mathematics (or 6 for Mathematical Literacy), 3 for Physical Sciences, and an APS of 18 (21 with Mathematical Literacy).
• NCV: NQF Level 4 with 50% in English, Mathematics (or 70% in Mathematical Literacy), Sciences, and an APS of 18 (21 with Mathematical Literacy).
• National N Certificate (N3): 50% in English, Mathematics N3, Engineering Science N3, and an APS of 24.
• N4 Certificate: 50% average in a related engineering field and an APS of 24.
• Further Education and Training Certificate: NQF Level 4 in Water and Wastewater Treatment Process Control Supervision.
• Assessment: Applicants with an APS of 18 or higher are considered; selection based on APS and SEP.

Career and Further Study Opportunities

• Careers: Water care technician, water care technologist, process controller.
• Further Studies: Diploma in Water Science and Technology.

Application Process

Applicants must apply by the specified closing dates (31 July or 30 September, depending on the program) via the TUT website. Applications are ranked based on APS, and top candidates are selected per the SEP. A waiting list is created for programs that reach capacity. Applicants are notified of their status via an official letter from the Registrar or can check their status online.

Conclusion

TUT’s Higher Certificate programmes offer more than just entry-level qualifications—they open doors to specialised industries and further academic growth. Whether you're passionate about engineering, music, finance, administration, or environmental science, these courses are carefully designed to equip you with practical skills, workplace readiness, and academic mobility. They are especially ideal for students who may not meet degree-level entry requirements but are motivated to build a solid educational and career foundation.

If you're ready to take the first step toward your future, consider applying for one of TUT’s Higher Certificate programmes. Applications for most courses close between July and September, so start preparing your documents early and reach out to the relevant faculties for support.

For more details on specific courses or to apply, visit www.tut.ac.za.