Smiles all around as CUT first-year Design and Studio Art student Kitso Liretse celebrates completing her registration at Boet Troskie Hall.

As the new academic year gains momentum and aspirations crystallise into plans, the Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) once again opened its doors to a new cohort of future professionals. Following the release of the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) results on 13 January 2026, first-year registrations officially commenced on 19 January across CUT’s campuses and will conclude on 23 January. The registration period marks a critical step in preparing students for the academic year, which is scheduled to begin in February.

At the Bloemfontein campus, the atmosphere was vibrant, charged with both excitement and nervous anticipation. For many first-year students, registration signifies more than an administrative process, it represents the symbolic transition from ambition to action, a defining milestone accompanied by hope, uncertainty, and the promise of new beginnings.

In Picture from Left: Fekile Mokoena and Minehle Nkosi, first-year Hospitality Management students showing off their newly acquired university identity.

Registered first-year Mechanical Engineering student Reitumetse Mokati at the Bloemfontein campus.

Among the new arrivals was 17-year-old Reitumetse Mokati from Ventersburg, who enrolled for Mechanical Engineering. Mokati said he learned about CUT through social media while researching higher education institutions that aligned with his career aspirations. Reflecting on his registration experience, he described the process as smooth and reassuring, crediting the helpfulness of university staff and the support of his immediate family for making the transition less daunting.

Eager to embark on this new chapter of his life, Mokati shared his eagerness to meet new people, explore campus life, and fully embrace the culture and opportunities that CUT has to offer.

For 20-year-old Kitso Liretse, a Design and Studio Art student in the Faculty of Humanities, the decision to choose CUT was deeply personal. Although she applied to several universities, CUT remained her first love. Influenced by family members who are alumni of the institution, Liretse said the strength and reputation of the Design and Studio Art programme ultimately affirmed her choice.

Beyond the registration desks and processing stations, moments of genuine connection unfolded. Friendships began to take shape as first-year Hospitality Management students Fekile Mokoena (22) from Everton in the Vaal and Minehle Nkosi (19) from KwaZulu-Natal navigated the registration process side by side, sharing an experience that marks the beginning of their academic journeys and solid friendship.

First-year Hospitality Management student Yamkelo Nkomo at the Bloemfontein campus after completing his registration.

For 20-year-old Yamkelo Nkomo, a Hospitality Management student from Durban, registration represented far more than administrative formalities, it symbolised the beginning of adulthood. Preparing to live off campus, Nkomo expressed excitement about taking full responsibility for his life and future. With aspirations of becoming the second graduate in his family, following in his sister’s footsteps, he described CUT as his first choice, citing the institution’s strong reputation in hospitality education.

Despite a long journey to Bloemfontein that began the day before registration, Nkomo reflected positively on the experience. He fondly recalled engaging conversations with fellow travellers from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds, describing them as an unexpected yet memorable part of his journey.

As registrations continue, these individual stories collectively paint a picture of transition, ambition, and possibility. Together, they reflect CUT’s broader mission, to nurture talent, open doors, and play a meaningful role in shaping the futures of young South Africans at the very start of their academic journeys.

Currently 4550 first-time entering undergraduate students have successfully registered.