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Your Journey to CUT Starts Here
A leading African University of Technology, welcoming students from across the SADC region and the world.
Whether you are joining us from the SADC region or from further afield, the Central University of Technology, Free State offers you a career-focused education in the heart of South Africa. You will study alongside leading applied researchers, graduate work-ready through Work-Integrated Learning, and join a warm, diverse community built on ubuntu, integrity, diversity, sustainability, digital citizenship and excellence.
This page walks you through everything that is unique to your journey, from applications and study visas to funding and your first days on campus, and connects you to the same vibrant student life every CUT student enjoys.
Why Study at CUT?
Work-Integrated Learning
Industry-Relevant Qualifications
A Global Outlook
A Supportive Home
Explore Our Faculties
Your Application Journey
Certificates and Diplomas
No SAQA evaluation or USAf exemption is required. Use our APS conversion table to calculate your admission score from your school results.
First Degrees
Matric exemption is a legal requirement for degree study in South Africa. Complete the USAf online assessment to obtain your certificate of exemption before you apply.
Postgraduate Studies
Have your foreign qualification evaluated by SAQA, and contact the relevant Head of Department or Assistant Dean to discuss your research proposal before applying. CUT'S Centre for Global Engagement can help you find the right contact.
What to upload with your application
Certified copies of your foreign qualifications, your passport, and your SAQA evaluation certificate where applicable.
Visas and Compliance
Once admitted, you will need a South African study visa. The Department of Home Affairs sets the rules for international students, and CGE issues the support letters you need for your visa application. You must also hold valid medical insurance and show proof of funds, as required for your visa.
Fees and Funding
Fees
International students pay a registration fee, an international administration fee and a tuition deposit at registration. Current amounts are published in the financial registration guidelines, and payments from abroad use the international student banking option.
Funding
NSFAS and most South African bursaries fund South African citizens only, so plan to fund your studies through home-country scholarships, government sponsorships and international awards. Start your search early, ideally a year before you plan to register.
How to search for funding
The strongest results come from combining your country, your field of study and your qualification level in one search. Try phrases like:
- "[Your country] government scholarships to study in South Africa"
- "Bursaries for [your country] students studying abroad"
- "Fully funded [master's or doctorate] in [your field]"
- "International student scholarships for [your field]"
Also check your home-country ministry of education, the South African embassy or high commission in your country, and your employer or professional body.
Postgraduate applicants should also ask the relevant faculty about research projects that include funded student bursaries.
Campus Life
Once you register, you are a CUT student, with the same rights, tools and opportunities as every other student. Everything below is shared with our local students, so you belong from day one.
Your Home on Campus
The Centre for Global Engagement is your first port of call, from pre-registration and legal compliance to support letters and everyday queries. CGE also hosts orientation and connects you with a community of fellow international students.
Note on residences: On-campus residences are allocated first-come, first-served, with accredited off-campus accommodation available in both towns.
South Africa, the Free State and Your New Home
South Africa
A warm, diverse democracy with twelve official languages, a sunny climate and a cost of living that stretches student budgets further than the big metros.
The Free State
The heartland of South Africa: wide horizons, friendly people and a proud heritage. It is the kind of place where students are known by name.
Bloemfontein
The City of Roses and South Africa's judicial capital. Our main campus sits in the city centre, relatively close to residences, shops and hospitals.
Welkom
A welcoming town in the northern Free State. Our Welkom campus sits just outside the town centre, offering a close-knit student community where you will use local transport to get around.
Safety and Community
Both towns offer a slower, more affordable student life than South Africa's largest cities, with the ubuntu warmth CUT is known for. Our Bloemfontein campus is right in the city centre, making it easier to walk to nearby amenities. Our Welkom campus is situated just outside the town, so students there rely on local transport to get around.
As in any new country, we encourage smart travel habits and recommend walking or commuting during active, daylight hours.
Study at Our Campuses
Experience CUT campuses in Bloemfontein and Welkom

Bloemfontein Campus
Our main campus offers a dynamic academic environment, modern facilities and a vibrant student community in the heart of the Free State.
Explore Campus
Welkom Campus
Our Welkom campus provides a focused, supportive learning environment with specialised facilities, serving the unique needs of our local and regional students.
Explore CampusFrequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need SAQA for my qualification?
Postgraduate applicants yes. Degree applicants need a USAf exemption certificate. Certificate and diploma applicants use the APS conversion table instead.
2. Can international students get NSFAS?
No. NSFAS funds South African citizens. Explore home-country and international scholarships instead.
3. Do I need a visa?
Yes, a South African study visa. CGE issues the support letters you need once admitted.
4. Can I live on campus?
Yes, residences are first-come, first-served, with accredited off-campus options in Bloemfontein and Welkom.
5. Do I need medical insurance?
Yes, valid medical insurance is required for your study visa.