Are you looking for a higher learning institution that is practical, relevant, affordable and offer courses with low APS (Admission Point Score)? you might want to consider Tshwane University of Technology (TUT). TUT is a university of technology that offers a range of courses from certificates to degrees in various fields of study.
If you have an aps of 18,19,and 20 don't go anywhere because this article is for you. Don't feel ashamed of your results, the good news is that you can further your studies in various universities with your points and TUT is one of them. In this blog post, we will look at some of the courses that require 20 APS or less at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) and their requirements.
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) courses that require 20 APS (Admission Points Score) or less
What is APS and How it is calculated
Before we dive into courses with 20 aps and less, lets first define what APS is and how it is calculated. Well, APS stands for Admission Point Score. It is a system that universities use to rank applicants based on their matric results. Each subject that you take in matric has a point value assigned to it, depending on the level of achievement you obtain.
For example, if you get 80% or more for English, you get 7 points for that subject. If you get 50-59%, you get 4 points, and so on. APS is the total sum of the points you get for six subjects, excluding Life Orientation. Different courses have different APS requirements, which means that you need a certain minimum APS to be considered for a particular course.
What are some of the courses that require 20 APS or less at TUT?
According to the TUT website , there are several courses that require 20 APS or less for admission. These courses are mostly diplomas and higher certificates in various faculties such as Arts and humanities. These include:
Faculty of Arts and Design:
Diploma in Fashion Design and Technology
Diploma in Fine and Applied Arts
Diploma in Jewellery Design and Manufacture
Diploma in Performing Arts
Higher Certificate in Music
Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment:
Higher Certificate in Construction Engineering
Higher Certificate in Electrical Engineering
Higher Certificate in Industrial Engineering
Higher Certificate in Mechanical Engineering
Faculty of Humanities:
Diploma in Correctional and Rehabilitation Studies
Diploma in integrated Communication
Diploma in Language Practice
Diploma in Law
Diploma in Legal Support
Diploma in Policing
Diploma in Public Affairs
Diploma in Traffic Safety and Municipal Police Management
Diploma in Administrative Information Management
Diploma in Adventure Tourism Management
Diploma in Contact Centre Management
Diploma in Ecotourism Management
Diploma in Event Management
Diploma in Food Operations Management
Diploma in Management Services
Diploma in Operations Management
Faculty of Science:
Diploma in Animal Sciences
Diploma in Crop Sciences
Higher Certificate in Dental Assisting
Higher certificate in Resource and Waste Management
Higher Certificate in Water Treatment
If you have low APS , you can still find a course that suits your interests and abilities at TUT. However, you should also remember that meeting the minimum APS requirement does not guarantee admission to the course of your choice because you also need to meet other specific requirements such as subject combinations, language proficiency and portfolio submission.
Some courses have selection tests or interviews that you need to pass. Therefore, it is important to check the admission requirements for each course carefully before applying, download the 2025 TUT Prospectus here for detailed requirements. Admission is subject to availability of space therefore, it is advisable to apply early and have backup options in case you are not accepted. Luckily there are many public universities available in South Africa which have courses that require 20 aps and less.
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Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) courses that require 20 APS or less Requirements:
Faculty of Arts and Design:
Diploma in Fashion Design and Technology
Campus where offered: Arts Campus
APS: 20
English: 3
Assessment Procedure:
Applicants with an APS of 20 and more will be invited to complete a practical selection project and an interview. The APS will contribute 20% to the final admission score, the interview will contribute 20% and the demonstration of skills will contribute 60%
Minimum duration: Three Years
Closing date for application: 31 July
Possible careers:
Fashion designer; Digital & Manual pattern cutter; Digital & Manual pattern grader; Manual and digital pattern making; Garment technologist; Wardrobe assistant; Visual retail merchandiser; Fashion retail merchandiser; Fashion retail buyer; Fashion entrepreneur
Diploma in Fine and Applied Arts
Campus where offered:
APS:20
English:3
Assessment procedures:
Applicants who apply before the closing of applications and who meet the minimum criteria will be invited to submit a portfolio for evaluation, and to complete a questionnaire. The APS will contribute 20% to the final admission score, the questionnaire will contribute 30% and the portfolio will contribute 50%
Minimum duration:Three Years
Closing date for application: 31 July
Possible careers:
Product developer in glass/ceramics/fibre; Designer in glass/ ceramics/fibre; Crafter in glass/ceramics/fibre; Painter; Sculptor; Installation artist; Printmaker; Ceramist; Fibre artist; Glass artist; Muralist; Museum/ gallery guide; Museum/gallery curator; Illustrator.
Diploma in Jewellery Design and Manufacture
Campus where offered: Arts Campus
APS:20
English:3
Assessment procedures:
Applicants who apply before the closing of applications and who meet the minimum criteria will be invited to submit a portfolio for evaluation, to attend a practical selection process, and to complete a questionnaire. The portfolio will contribute 35%, an interview based upon a questionnaire answered by the candidate, 30%, and the completion of the basic skills demonstration, 35% to the selection score.
Minimum duration:Three Years
Closing date for application: 31 July
Possible careers:
CAD designer; Advanced bench worker; Product developer; Setter; CAM practitioner; 3D wax printer technician; Artist jeweller; Restorer; Jewellery retailer; Product representative; Caster; Wax carver; Jewellery renderer; Model maker.
Diploma in Performing Arts
Campus where offered: Arts Campus
APS:20
English:4
Assessment procedures:
Dance (DPDC20): Applicants will be invited to attend an audition during which they must present the following: - participate in a dance class (demonstrating multiple techniques); and - present a solo in preferred technique.
Music (DPMU20): Applicants will be invited to attend an audition during which they must present the following: - an interview; - music proficiency test; and - practical individual audition demonstrating either: • a musical instrument, playing a prescribed piece of an own choice; or • singing – perform two classical songs/arias (any language).
Theatre Arts and Design: Applicants apply and register for any one of the following disciplines:
Technical Theatre and Design (DPTT20): Applicants will be invited for an interview. Selected applicants must participate in the following: - creativity assessment; and - demonstration of technical skills test (includes both theory and practical).
Theatre Arts and Performance (DPTD20): Applicants will be invited to attend an audition. Selected applicants must present the following: - perform a prescribed text; and - perform an own choice extract – comprising either acting, or singing and dance
Minimum duration:Three Years
Closing date for application: 31 July
Possible careers:
DANCE discipline stream: Choreographer; Creative entrepreneur; Dancer; Dance captain; Performing Arts maker; Performing Arts reviewer; Theatre maker.
THEATRE ARTS & DESIGN discipline stream: Actor; Applied Theatre practitioner; Creative entrepreneur; Director; Lighting/sound operator; Media performer (radio and television); Musical Theatre performer; Performing Arts maker; Performing Arts reviewer; Performing Arts technician; Physical Theatre practitioner; Production manager; Scriptwriter; Stage manager; Stage technical crew; Theatre maker; Theatre technician; Voice-over artist.
MUSIC discipline stream: Choral conductor; Chorus member; Composer; Creative entrepreneur; Film-score composer; Jazz musician; Jingle writer; Music producer; Opera singer; Performing Arts maker; Performing Arts reviewer; Theatre maker
Higher Certificate in Music
Campus where offered: Arts Campus
APS:18
English:3
Assessment procedures:
Admission is subject to an evaluation. Applicants who comply with the minimum requirements will be required to - • Perform an audition (either vocal or on their instrument of choice); and • Attend an interview.
Minimum duration:One Years
Closing date for application: 31 July
Possible careers:
Performer, arranger for film, TV and radio and other electronic media, freelance musician, composer, musical director, record producer, performing/multimedia artist, researcher, music programme compiler, sound designer, session musician, music type setter.
Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment:
Higher Certificate in Construction Engineering
Campus where offered: Pretoria Campus
APS:20
English:4
Maths/technical maths:4
Physical/technical sciences: 3
Assessment procedures:
No further assessment will be done (except for candidates with a N4 Certificate). Applicants who achieve the minimum APS will be considered until the programme complement is full. All completed applications received within the published due dates will be ranked. After consideration of the Departmental Student Enrolment Plan, only the top ranking applicants will be selected.
Minimum duration:One year
Closing date for application: 30 September
Possible careers:
Construction manager or supervisor, project manager, technician in civil engineering working for a civil engineering consultant, construction company, or local, provincial or national government.
Higher Certificate in Electrical Engineering
Campus where offered: Pretoria and eMalahleni Campus
APS:20
English:4
Maths/technical maths:4
Physical/technical sciences: 3
Assessment procedures:
No further assessment will be done (except for candidates with a N4 Certificate). Applicants who achieve the minimum APS will be considered until the programme complement is full. All completed applications received within the published due dates will be ranked. After consideration of the Departmental Student Enrolment Plan, only the top ranking applicants will be selected.
Minimum duration:One year
Closing date for application: 30 September
Possible careers:
Design, planning, construction and maintenance of specialised fields systems related to electrical engineering.
Higher Certificate in Industrial Engineering
Campus where offered: Pretoria Campus
APS:20
English:4
Maths/technical maths:4
Physical/technical sciences: 3
Assessment procedures:
No further assessment will be done (except for candidates with a N4 Certificate). Applicants who achieve the minimum APS will be considered until the programme complement is full. All completed applications received within the published due dates will be ranked. After consideration of the Departmental Student Enrolment Plan, only the top ranking applicants will be selected.
Minimum duration:One year
Closing date for application: 30 September
Possible careers:
Technician, manager, entrepreneur and consultant.
Higher Certificate in Mechanical Engineering
Campus where offered: Pretoria Campus
APS:20
English:4
Maths/technical maths:4
Physical/technical sciences: 3
Assessment procedures:
No further assessment will be done (except for candidates with a N4 Certificate). Applicants who achieve the minimum APS will be considered until the programme complement is full. All completed applications received within the published due dates will be ranked. After consideration of the Departmental Student Enrolment Plan, only the top ranking applicants will be selected.
Minimum duration:One year
Closing date for application: 30 September
Possible careers:
Technician, manager, entrepreneur and consultant
Faculty of Humanities:
Diploma in Correctional and Rehabilitation Studies
Campus where offered: Soshanguve South Campus
APS:20
English:3
Maths/Maths Lit: 3
Minimum duration:Three years
Closing date for application: 15 June
Possible careers:
Correctional services official, skills development officer, manager, security official
Diploma in Language Practice
Campus where offered: Soshanguve South Campus
APS:20
English:4
Other language: 4
Minimum duration:Three Years
Closing date for application: 31 July
Possible careers:
General language practitioner, translator, editor or proof reader, language adviser, consultant, technologist, editor/publisher, columnist, writer, interpreter, language planner.
Diploma in Law
Campus where offered: Soshanguve South and Mbombela Campuses
APS:20
English:4
Minimum duration:Three Years
Closing date for application: 31 July
Possible careers:
Costs consultants at cost consulting firms, cost consultant proprietors, paralegals in law firms, paralegals at justice centres (Legal Aid Board), paralegals at the office of the Master of the Supreme Court, paralegals at the Deeds’ Office, paralegals at private companies such as Scorpion Legal Protection
Diploma in Legal Support
Campus where offered: Soshanguve South Campus
APS:20
English:4
Other language: 3
Minimum duration: Three Years
Closing date for application: 31 July
Possible careers:
Conveyancing secretaries, legal secretaries, paralegals in law firms, paralegals at justice centres (Legal Aid Board), paralegals at the office of the Master of the Supreme Court, paralegals at the Deeds’ Office, paralegals at private companies such as Scorpion Legal Protection.
Diploma in Policing
Campus where offered: Soshanguve South Campus
APS:20
English:3
Maths/technical maths:3
Maths Lit: 3
Minimum duration:Three Years
Closing date for application: 31 July
Possible careers:
Employee of SAPS, reservist, security occupation community policing, municipal and metro police, private investigator.
Diploma in Public Affairs
Campus where offered: Soshanguve South, Mbombela and Polokwane Campuses.
APS:20
English:3
Maths/technical maths:3
Maths Lit: 3
Minimum duration:Three Years
Closing date for application: 31 July
Possible careers:
Clerk, public official manager
Diploma in Traffic Safety and Municipal Police Management
Campus where offered: Soshanguve South, Mbombela and Polokwane Campuses.
APS:20
English:3
Maths/technical maths:3
Maths Lit: 3
Minimum duration:Three Years
Closing date for application: 15 June
Possible careers:
Road traffic and municipal police official, licensing and registration, road safety, senior position in traffic safety division, traffic chief, metro or municipal police official.
Faculty of Management Sciences:
Diploma in Administrative Information Management
Campus where offered: Pretoria, eMalahleni and Polokwane campuses
APS: 19
English: 4
Maths/maths lit/technical maths: 3
Assessment procedures:
Applicants with a final APS of 22 and more will be
admitted to the programme. Applicants with a score of 19 to 21 will be required
to do the TUT potential assessment.
Minimum duration: Three years.
Closing date for application: 30 September.
Possible careers:
Secretary, administration officer, personal assistant, office manager.
Diploma in Adventure Tourism Management
Campus where offered: Mbombela campus
APS: 20
English: 4
Maths/ technical maths: 3
Maths Lit: 4
Recommended subject(s): Business Studies, Geography and Tourism Studies.
Assessment procedures:
Applicants with a final APS of 25 and more will be
admitted to the programme. Applicants with a score of 20 to 24 may be invited
to do the TUT potential assessment
Minimum duration: Three years.
Closing date for application: 30 September.
Possible careers:
Adventure specialist, planning and presenting outdoor activities (e.g. rafting, mountain climbing, bungee jumping), providing outdoor
equipment, tourism operator.
Diploma in Contact Centre Management
Campus where offered: Pretoria Campus
APS: 19
English: 4 for English
Maths/maths lit/technical maths: 3
Assessment procedures:
Applicants with a final APS of 22 and more will be admitted to the programme. Applicants with a score of 19 to 21 will be required
to do the TUT potential assessment
Minimum duration: Three years.
Closing date for application: 30 September.
Diploma in Ecotourism Management
Campus where offered: Mbombela Campus
APS: 20
English: 4
Maths/technical maths: 3
Maths Lit: 4
Recommended subject(s): Business Studies, Geography, Hospitality Studies,
Life Sciences and Tourism.
Assessment procedures:
Applicants with a final APS of 25 and more will be
admitted to the programme. Applicants with a score of 20 to 24 may be invited
to do the TUT potential assessment.
Minimum duration: Three years.
Closing date for application: 30 September.
Possible careers:
Field guide, ecotourism guide, tour operator, planner, developer, manager, entrepreneur, eco-destination planner, manager at eco-lodges.
Diploma in Event Management
Campus where offered: Pretoria Campus
APS: 20
English: 4
Maths/technical maths: 3
Maths Lit: 4
Recommended subject(s): Business Studies, Hospitality Studies and Tourism.
Assessment procedures:
Applicants with a final APS of 25 and more will be
admitted to the programme. Applicants with a score of 20 to 24 may be invited
to do the TUT potential assessment.
Minimum duration: Three years.
Closing date for application: 30 September.
Possible careers:
Events coordinator, events planner,
events manager.
Diploma in Food Operations Management
Campus where offered: Pretoria Campus
APS: 20
English: 3
Maths/maths Lit/technical maths: 3
Assessment procedures:
Applicants with a final APS of 24 and more will be
admitted to the programme. Applicants with a score of 20 to 23 will be required to do the TUT potential assessment.
Minimum duration: Three years.
Closing date for application: 30 September.
Possible careers:
Food Management Industries: Working in Hospital Kitchens, Old Age Homes, Prison Service Hostels, Hotels and Boarding Schools, Banqueting and as Mass Catering Chefs.
Diploma in Management Services
Campus where offered: Pretoria Campus
APS: 20
English: 3
Maths/technical maths: 3
Maths Lit: 5
Assessment procedures:
Applicants with a final APS of 24 and more will be
admitted to the programme. Applicants with a score of 20 to 23 will be required
to do the TUT potential assessment.
Minimum duration: Three years.
Closing date for application: 30 September.
Possible careers:
Work-study practitioner, management services practitioner, business analyst, value-chain consultant.
Diploma in Operations Management
Campus where offered: Pretoria Campus
APS: 20
English: 3
Maths/technical maths: 3
Maths Lit: 5
Assessment procedures:
Applicants with a final APS of 24 and more will be
admitted to the programme. Applicants with a score of 20 to 23 will be required
to do the TUT potential assessment
Minimum duration: Three years.
Closing date for application: 30 September.
Possible careers:
Inventory controller, materials manager, operations manager, production analyst,
process engineer.
Faculty of Science:
Diploma in Animal Sciences
Campus where offered: Pretoria Campus.
APS: 19 (with Mathematics or Technical Mathematics) or 20 (with Mathematical Literacy)
English:4
Maths/technical maths:3
Maths Lit: 4
Recommended subject(s):
Preference will be given to applicants with Agricultural Sciences, Life Sciences, and/or Physical Sciences.
Assessment procedures:
Applicants with a score of 23 and more will be considered for admission. - Applicants with a score of 20 (19 with Mathematics) to 23 will be kept on a waiting list from which the applicants with the highest APS will be selected. Waiting lists will be cleared at the end of September and November
Minimum duration:Three Years
Closing date for application: 31 July
Possible careers:
Animal production manager, animal production representative, animal production technician, researcher farmer, feedlot manager, lecturer, agricultural journalist.
Diploma in Crop Sciences
Campus where offered: Pretoria Campus.
APS: 19 (with Mathematics or Technical Mathematics) or 20 (with Mathematical Literacy)
English:4
Maths/technical maths:3
Maths Lit: 4
Recommended subject(s):
Preference will be given to applicants with Agricultural Sciences, Life Sciences, and/or Physical Sciences.
Assessment procedures:
Applicants with a score of 23 and more will be considered for admission. - Applicants with a score of 20 (19 with Mathematics) to 23 will be kept on a waiting list from which the applicants with the highest APS will be selected. Waiting lists will be cleared at the end of September and November
Minimum duration:Three Years
Closing date for application: 31 July
Possible careers:
Commercial crop producer, production manager, extension service worker.
Higher Certificate in Dental Assisting
Campus where offered: Pretoria Campus.
APS: 18
English:4
Maths/technical maths:3
Maths Lit: 4
Additional subjects: 3
Assessment Procedure:
Applicants with a minimum of one years’ relevant working experience as a Dental Assistant, with an Admission Point Score (APS) of 18 will also be considered.
Applicants with a minimum of one years’ relevant working experience as a Dental Assistant, with an Admission Point Score (APS) lower than 18 may also be admitted through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
Minimum duration:One Year
Closing date for application: 31 July
Possible careers:
Assisting in a dental practice, assisting a dentist, infection control, stock control and accounts.
Higher certificate in Resource and Waste Management
Campus where offered: Arcadia Campus.
APS:18 (with Mathematics or Technical Mathematics) or 21 (with Mathematical Literacy
English:3
Maths/technical maths:3
Maths Lit: 6
Assessment procedures:
Applicants who achieve the minimum APS will be invited to write an academic proficiency test and students will be selected according to the results obtained in this test.
Minimum duration:A minimum of one or two years (depending on the programme offering).
Closing date for application: 30 September
Higher Certificate in Water Treatment
Campus where offered: Arcadia Campus.
APS:18 (with Mathematics or Technical Mathematics) or 21 (with Mathematical Literacy
English:3
Maths/technical maths:3
Maths Lit: 6
Minimum duration:One Year
Closing date for application: 30 September
Possible careers:
Water care technician, water care technologist and process controller
Studying at TUT with a low APS is possible if you choose the right course and meet the other admission requirements. TUT offers a variety of courses that cater to different interests and career goals. You can also benefit from the practical skills and industry exposure that TUT provides. However, you need to apply early and follow the application process carefully to secure your place at TUT, See here the important steps to follow to apply successfully at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT).
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Does TUT accept 20 points?
Yes, TUT accepts 20 points for admission to some of the courses. However, it is important to note that the minimum admission requirements for each course may vary, so it is always best to check the TUT prospectus for the latest minimum admission requirements.
What can I study at TUT with 20 points?
With 20 points (APS) you can study the following courses:
- Diploma in Fashion Design and Technology
- Diploma in Fine and Applied Arts
- Diploma in Jewellery Design and Manufacture
- Diploma in Performing Arts
- Higher Certificate in Construction Engineering
- Higher Certificate in Electrical Engineering
- Higher Certificate in Industrial Engineering
- Higher Certificate in Mechanical Engineering
- Diploma in Correctional and Rehabilitation Studies
- Diploma in Language Practice
- Diploma in Law
- Diploma in Legal Support
- Diploma in Policing
- Diploma in Public Affairs
- Diploma in Traffic Safety and Municipal Police Management
- Diploma in Adventure Tourism Management
- Diploma in Ecotourism Management
- Diploma in Event Management
- Diploma in Management Services
- Diploma in Food Operations Management
- Diploma in Operations Management
Does TUT accept 18 APS?
Yes, TUT accepts 18 APS (points) for admission to some of the courses. However, it is important to note that the minimum admission requirements for each course may vary, so it is always best to check the TUT prospectus for the latest minimum admission requirements.
What can I study at TUT with 18 APS (points)?
With 18 APS (points) you can study the following courses:
- Higher Certificate in Music
- Higher Certificate in Dental Assisting
- Higher certificate in Resource and Waste Management
- Higher Certificate in Water Treatment
Does TUT accept 19 aps?
Yes, TUT accepts 19 APS (points) for admission to some of the courses. However, it is important to note that the minimum admission requirements for each course may vary, so it is always best to check the TUT prospectus for the latest minimum admission requirements.
What can I study at TUT with 19 APS (points)?
With 19 APS (points) you can study the following courses:
- Diploma in Administrative Information Management
- Diploma in Contact Centre Management
- Diploma in Animal Sciences
- Diploma in Crop Sciences
What is the lowest aps score at TUT?
The lowest APS score at TUT is 18. This is the minimum APS requirement for most of TUT's Higher Certificate courses. However, it is important to note that the minimum APS requirement for each course may vary, so it is always best to check the TUT prospectus for the latest minimum admission requirements.
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