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An architect is someone who plans, designs, and reviews the construction of buildings.

Architects must use their knowledge, creativity and aesthetic sense when they design buildings. Among other things, architects must consider cost, public safety, and the provision of services to the buildings they design. The job also entails keeping abreast of new technologies and procedures, including interacting with professional councils, boards and organisations.


Once you’ve chosen Architecture as a career, the steps you take to reach your goal starts with laying the foundation in high school.

Choose your high school subjects

The ability to draw is a good start, but there’s more to moulding a career in architecture.

To apply to study architecture in the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment at the University of Cape Town (UCT), you need English and Mathematics or Physical Science as high school subjects. You must then pass a national benchmark test in Academic Literacy, Quantitative Literacy and Mathematics.


Student life

We can help you become an architect through our Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Programme once you’ve registered as a student in the appropriate faculty at one of these universities:

Read more on the Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Programme admission requirements.

The transition from high school to university is exciting and challenging. The Masakh’iSizwe bursary includes support to help students cope socially and academically:

  • Social adjustment
  • Academic support
  • Employability skills
  • Leadership programme
  • Outreach programme
  • Student health and wellness
  • Professional development programme

Becoming licensed

All architects must be registered with the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP) to practice or render architectural services.

The Department offers employees and appointed graduates the opportunity to undergo structured training to achieve the requirements for professional registration through its Professional Development Programme.


For more information on the Masakh'iSizwe Bursary Programme contact:

Tel: 021 483 9545/0964
Email: DoIBursary@westerncape.gov.za
Twitter: @WCGov_infra
Physical address: 9 Lower Burg Str, The Box,  23rd Floor, Cape Town 8000