At the start of your studies, you’ll begin an undergraduate degree or diploma at a university or at a university of technology, which usually takes three years. Mathematics, physical science and a bachelor’s pass are requirements for university admission (some universities of technology also have this requirement). In addition most institutions require a portfolio and/or entrance tests.

This three-year degree or diploma will enable you to become an architectural technologist or a senior architectural technologist.

Additional postgraduate qualifications and practical work experience are required to qualify you as an architect. 

Browse architectural qualifications here.

After receiving your architectural qualification, you’ll need in-service training to gain practical experience. You could at this point be registered with SACAP (the South African Council for the Architectural Profession) a candidate architectural technologist, candidate senior technologist or candidate architect.

Then, after passing a board exam, known as a professional practice examination (PPE), you will be able to register with SACAP as a professional. This registration is a legal requirement for practising architecture in South Africa.