Cape Peninsula University of Technology APS Calculator

Use our free calculator to work out your Addmission point Score (APS) for CPUT. Just enter your marks to see if you meet the requirements.

CPUT calculates your score using your best six academic subjects, excluding Life Orientation. Depending on your faculty, core subjects like Mathematics, Physical Science, or Accounting are double-weighted. Your total percentage is then divided by 10 to determine your final score (usually between 20 and 48).

Languages

Mathematics

Life Orientation

Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) does not consider Life Orientation in their APS calculation.

Other Subjects (3 Required)

CPUT Selection Targets

Business / Accountancy 52.0+
Engineering (BEng) 42.0+
Applied Sciences 40.0+
Nursing / Health 34.0+
Information Tech 32.0+
Design / Architecture 30.0+
Education (BEd) 28.0+
Note: CPUT scores use raw percentages divided by 10. Life Orientation is excluded. Engineering and Business methods use double-weighting, resulting in higher point thresholds.

CPUT 2026 Admissions

Undergraduate applications for 2027 typically open in May 2026. Design, Architecture, and Media programs often require a portfolio submission or entrance test.

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CPUT Calculation Methods (2026)

CPUT uses a unique Raw Percentage Sum method. Depending on your faculty, your percentages are totaled using specific weights and then divided by 10 to reach your final APS score.

Method 1: General

Used for Education, Health, and Design. This calculates the sum of your six best academic subjects.

Formula

(Sum of 6 Best) ÷ 10

Max: 60.0

Method 2: Engineering

Applies double-weighting to Maths & Science. This method typically uses only 4 subjects total.

Formula

(2×M + 2×PS + Eng + Best) ÷ 10

Max: 60.0

Method 3: Business

Used for Accounting & Finance. Double-weights Maths and Accounting across 6 subjects.

Formula

(2×M + 2×Acc + Eng + 3 Best) ÷ 10

Max: 80.0

Official CPUT Achievement Levels

NSC / IEB Minimum Requirements Scale

Percentage NSC Level CPUT Points Value
80% - 100% Level 7 Actual % (e.g., 85)
70% - 79% Level 6 Actual % (e.g., 72)
60% - 69% Level 5 Actual % (e.g., 64)
50% - 59% Level 4 Actual % (e.g., 55)
0% - 29% Level 1 0 Points
Life Orientation (LO) Rule: Life Orientation is a mandatory subject to pass your National Senior Certificate, but CPUT excludes it completely from the APS calculation. It contributes 0 points to your score.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When do CPUT applications for 2027 open?
Applications for CPUT typically open in May 2026. It is highly recommended to apply as soon as the portal opens, especially for "selection programs" like Nursing, Design, and Architecture which close earlier than others.
Is there an application fee for CPUT?
CPUT does not charge an application fee for online applications. This policy is designed to make higher education more accessible to all South African students.
Does CPUT count Life Orientation (LO) in the APS?
No, CPUT excludes Life Orientation entirely from the APS calculation. While you must pass LO to obtain your National Senior Certificate, it contributes zero points to your CPUT admission score.
What is the "Divide by 10" rule at CPUT?
CPUT calculates your score by adding the raw percentages of your subjects (applying weights where necessary) and then dividing that total by 10. This results in a decimal APS score, such as 32.5 or 44.0.
How does double-weighting work for Engineering?
For the Faculty of Engineering, CPUT doubles your Mathematics and Physical Science percentages. The final score is: (2×Math + 2×Science + English + 1 Best Other) ÷ 10. Note that this method only uses 4 subjects total.
Can I apply to CPUT with Mathematical Literacy?
Yes, Mathematical Literacy is accepted for many programs in the Business, Education, and Informatics faculties. However, technical courses in Engineering and Applied Science strictly require Pure Mathematics.
Does CPUT require a portfolio for Design courses?
Yes, most programs in the Faculty of Informatics & Design (like Graphic Design, Architecture, and Fashion) require a portfolio or an entrance test in addition to your APS score to evaluate your creative potential.
What is a competitive score for Nursing at CPUT?
Nursing is a highly sought-after program. Generally, an APS score of 32.0 or higher (using the best 6 subjects method) is considered competitive, provided you have strong marks in Life Sciences and Mathematics.
Do I need to write the NBT for CPUT?
CPUT does not typically require the National Benchmark Test (NBT) for most of its undergraduate programs. Admission is primarily based on your final Grade 12 results and, in some cases, faculty-specific entrance tests.
How do I track my CPUT application status?
You can track your application status by visiting the CPUT "Track Application" portal. You will need your student number and ID/Passport number to log in and see if you have received a firm or conditional offer.

Just a Quick Note Before You Go

We built this tool to help you navigate the admissions maze, but it's important to remember that your future is more than just a number on a screen. Think of this result as your personal admission compass, a great starting point for your admission journey, but not the final finish line.

Universities are dynamic, and while we strive for 100% accuracy, their selection criteria often involves factors a calculator can't see, such as:

  • Portfolios, interviews, or NBT results
  • Specific subject minimums and combos
  • Language proficiency requirements
  • Space availability for your desired course

Our Advice: Use this score to narrow your search, then verify the latest facts directly with the university's prospectus.