The College of Cape Town (CCT) is one of the leading public TVET colleges in Cape Town, South Africa, offering a wide range of vocational and technical programs. If you’re planning to pursue further education at CCT, it’s essential to understand the admission requirements, including those for international students. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key steps to successfully apply to CCT.
Admission Requirements for South African Students
To apply for admission at CCT, the minimum requirement is the completion of Grade 9, 10, 11, or 12. The College offers a variety of courses across different fields, including:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Art & Design
- Business Studies
- Education & Training
- Beauty Therapy
- Hair Care
- Building & Civil Engineering
The tuition fees at CCT range from approximately R2,000 to R42,000 per year, depending on the course you choose.
Admission Requirements for International Students
If you’re an international student, the process is a bit more complex due to legal and documentation requirements. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Certification of Foreign Qualifications
CCT does not evaluate foreign qualifications. To be considered for admission, international applicants must first have their qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
- What you’ll need for evaluation:
- The highest school certificate issued by the official examining body.
- Transcripts and certificates for all academic records.
- English translations of documents if they are in another language (translated by a sworn translator).
- The relevant evaluation fees, which can be found on the SAQA website: SAQA.
Note: Evaluation can take time, so it’s crucial to begin the process early. Without the SAQA evaluation, your application will not be processed.
2. Application Process
When applying, you’ll need to submit the following documents:
- A copy of your passport.
- Original qualifications in their original language.
- English translations of the documents.
- A copy of the successful SAQA evaluation.
Ensure all required documents are submitted; incomplete applications will not be considered.
3. College Decision
Once your application is reviewed, CCT will send you an official letter informing you of the outcome. If successful, you can use this letter to apply for a study permit.
4. Visa and Study Permit Application
All international students must obtain a study permit from the South African Consulate before arriving in South Africa. The following documents are typically required for the study permit application:
- Valid passport (valid for at least 30 days after the end of the study period).
- Visa for study (You cannot study on a holiday visa).
- A vaccination certificate may be required.
- Letter of acceptance from CCT.
- Proof of repatriation guarantee (either a deposit or return ticket).
- Proof of payment for the study permit application fees.
Remember, CCT does not facilitate obtaining a visa, and acceptance by the College does not guarantee visa approval.
5. Registration and Payment
Once you have your study permit, you will need to complete the registration form and submit it with proof of payment for tuition fees, as well as certified copies of all required documents.
Important: International students are not eligible for bursaries from the South African Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). You will need to secure your own funding for your studies.