Pretoria - There is no more space for first year students at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) at its Tshwane-based campuses, Soshanguve, Ga-Rankuwa and Pretoria West.
TUT spokesperson, Gilbert Mokwatedi, said there were only a few spaces left within the Faculty of Arts and the Faculty of Science.
"All courses at the Soshanguve, Ga-Rankuwa and Pretoria campuses are full. Officials at the two faculties are currently handling applications for remaining spaces and the picture can change as the day progresses," he said.
The courses with limited available spaces are:
National Diploma: Fire Technology (Arcadia Campus in the city centre)
National Diploma: Equine Science (Pretoria Campus)
National Diploma: Performing Arts Technology (Arts Campus in the city centre)
National Diploma: Vocal Art: Choral Training (Arts Campus in the city centre)
National Diploma: Vocal Art: Performance (Arts Campus in the city centre)
National Diploma: Vocal Art: Pedagogy (Arts Campus in the city centre)
Mokwatedi said the university will be processing applications that were received from late applicants, who submitted their applications between Friday, 7 January, and Tuesday, 11 January.
He said late applicants, who fall within the above category, have been informed that they can check the status of their applications on Friday, 14 January.
Applicants can either go to the campuses where they had initially applied or call the university at the following numbers: 012 382 5750/5780/4388 or 0861102421 or 012 382 5533/4.
For those who have applied at distance campuses or who would like to check availability of space at the distance campuses, they can call or visit the campuses.
The campus numbers are as follows: Nelspruit Campus (Madiba Drive) at 013 745 3500/3603; Polokwane Campus (corner of Market and Excelsior streets) at 015 287 0700 and eMalahleni Campus (OR Tambo Avenue) at 013 653 3100.
Owing to limited resources, Mokwatedi said TUT can only accommodate about 12 549 first year students.
Also, the university has to operate within the student enrolment plan as approved by the Department of Higher Education and Training.
TUT is one of the few universities that take a bigger number of first year students. This means the University is already playing its role of promoting access to higher education.
Prospective students are advised to look for alternative spaces at other universities and FET (Further Education and Training colleges.
TUT encourages early application and has, through the course of last year, reminded learners about the closing date for applications (mid-August).
"We would like to thank all prospective students who heeded the call to apply early. Before the end of November last year, the university had already received 32 188 applications from prospective first year students.
"Before the university went on the December recess, it had already accepted almost 11 000 first-year students. These students were sent letters informing them about dates on which they should report for registration.
"Those wishing to apply for B-Tech, master's and doctoral studies are also welcome to contact the University," he said.
