Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT)

The Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) describes itself as the foremost higher education institution in the heartland of South Africa. CUT has two campuses: one in Bloemfontein, the judicial capital, and one in Welkom, in the heart of the Free State goldfields.

Registered name

Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT)

Type

Public university of technology

Fields funded

Merit and first-year academic bursaries administered by CUT

Website

cut.ac.za

From 285 students to 21 000

CUT opened in 1981 as Technikon Free State, with 285 students enrolled mainly in secretarial, art and design programmes. Today CUT has more than 21 000 students, studying technological fields including science, technology, engineering and mathematics, with work-integrated learning that prepares them for the workplace. CUT’s spring graduation in 2026 celebrated 524 graduates.

Strategy 2026–2030

CUT’s strategy for 2026 to 2030 places students at the heart of its work, guided by the values of Ubuntu, integrity, diversity, innovation, excellence, sustainability and digital citizenship. CUT’s vision is to be “a leading University of Technology – changing lives, transforming society and shaping the future”. The strategy shifts CUT from expansion to integration, with goals such as better retention and graduation rates, a new student information system and data-informed academic advising.

CUT’s research includes a doctoral study combining African medicinal plants with modern science in breast cancer research, and a staff member’s master’s research on Bloemfontein’s water supply.

Learning in real restaurants

CUT’s hospitality students run One on Park, which CUT says is the only restaurant in Bloemfontein still using silverware for dinner service, known for gourmet dinners and afternoon teas prepared and served by senior students. First-year students train at the Solarium Café, a bistro-style restaurant open to the public.

Bursaries administered by CUT

CUT explains that bursaries may require recipients to work for the donor, while scholarships usually do not, and advises students to apply for more than one bursary. CUT awards academic bursaries to full-time first-year students based on their six highest Grade 12 results, and additional merit bursaries, such as top-ten bursaries for the best first-year entrants. Students do not need to apply separately for these automatic awards.

No walk-in applications at CUT

CUT opened 2027 applications on 13 May 2026. Most programmes close on 30 September 2026, health sciences and engineering around 31 August, and CUT accepts no late or walk-in applications.

Bloemfontein, Welkom and merit points

Decide between Bloemfontein and Welkom early, and aim high in Grade 12, since CUT’s merit awards depend on your points.

See our Free State government bursaries.