Support Services for Prospective Students
This is where we attempt to answer most of your questions about what we do and how you go about applying at CPUT if you are a person with a disability.
We realise that every person is unique, and have different needs so if your question or concern is not answered on this page, then please contact us on
disabilityunit@cput.ac.za
The Disability Unit (DU) has two admin offices, one on the District 6 campus (Cape Town), in the Admin Building, and the other one on the Bellville campus, in the IT Centre.
The Team however, assists and supports students across all faculties and on all the CPUT campuses.
Office hours
The DU offices and the labs are open Mon - Fri from 08:00 -16:00
Our labs might be closed at certain times during the exam periods when students are writing exams in the DU and our staff are invigilating.
Applying at CPUT
- Kindly check the minimum requirements to see whether you qualify to study for the course of your choice – this is very important. Do not skip this step!!
- Please approach the DU first for assistance should you have difficulty with your application process at disabilityunit@cput.ac.zaa – then we also know about you.
- If you do not meet the minimum requirements, the DU can advise you on how to improve your rating by attending a TVET College to do a bridging course to improve your matric results.
- You also have to select your first choice of study 1st and then a second and third choice – in courses that interest you, provided that you meet the minimum requirements for those other options. The second and third choice courses are in case you do not qualify for your first choice.
- You must also indicate if you require student accommodation. This is very important because space is limited. This will ensure that reasonable accommodation, e.g. if you are in a wheelchair, then the living accommodations need to have the necessary adaptations for you to be independent and can be secured for you ahead of time, and this will make your whole CPUT experience easier.
- Please apply for the NSFAS Disability bursary, on the NSFAS website nsfas.org.za as soon as you have a valid student number from the institution.
- Please do not wait until you have been accepted as it will be too late by then.
Registering for your course
The DU team will assess your needs and requirements on how the we can assist you academically.
- Registration is an online process unless otherwise indicated by the faculty
- Use your student number and Student Online System (SOS) pin to register
- Follow the prompts
- If you encounter any problems regarding applying for reasonable accommodation, e.g. extra time for exams during this process, please contact the DU at disabilityunit@cput.ac.za
Welcome and orientation
The DU staff offers a welcome and orientation session for all first year students. This happens during the first term and is compulsory as we enjoy meeting our new students and introducing them to each other and explaining the benefits of our services and what we have to offer.
Getting around
The campuses are large facilities with numerous buildings (departments/faculties) which are reached by parking bays, pathways, ramps, stairs, and lifts.
Navigation on campuses
- There are street calming measures in place i.e. pedestrian crossings, and speed humps as well as a posted speed limit on campuses to ensure the safety of our students who may have mobility issues.
- Many of the buildings have lifts and staircases, but should you encounter difficulties in reaching your classes, then please contact us on disabilityunit@cput.ac.za
- There are ramps for wheelchairs at most entrances for easy access.
- CPUT has a bus shuttle service between campuses and between residences and campuses.
