Architect
Design buildings and spaces, prepare drawings and guide projects through approval and construction.
What the job involves
- Design buildings and produce plans for approval.
- Work with municipalities, engineers and contractors.
- Manage the look, function and cost of a project.
School subjects you need
Pure Mathematics required. If you take Mathematical Literacy in Grade 10, this career is normally closed to you at degree level.
- Mathematics
- English
- Engineering Graphics & Design
- Visual Arts
- Physical Sciences
Marks you normally need
- Minimum NSC pass
- Bachelor's pass
- Indicative APS
- Roughly 30–36, plus a portfolio or selection test at many schools
- Subject percentages institutions look for
- Mathematics: 55–65%+
- English: 55%+
These are indicative ranges for guidance only. Every university, university of technology and TVET college sets its own admission requirements — check the current prospectus of the institution you are applying to.
Study routes
- BAS degree, then BArch/MArch3 + 2 years
Registration as a Professional Architect with SACAP follows candidacy and an exam.
- Architectural technology diploma3 years
Registers as an architectural technologist or draughtsperson, with a bridge to further study.
What you could earn
- Entry level
- R22 000 – R35 000 per month
- Mid-career
- R45 000 – R70 000 per month
- Senior
- R80 000 – R130 000 per month (practice owners vary)
Indicative gross monthly ranges from public South African salary sources. They vary by employer, province and experience, and are not guarantees. Compare all careers.
Where you can study this
Public institutions that commonly offer this field. Confirm the exact programme, its minimum APS and the closing date on the institution's own admissions page.
- University of Cape TownUCT · Cape Town
- University of the WitwatersrandWits · Johannesburg
- Stellenbosch UniversitySU · Stellenbosch
- University of PretoriaUP · Pretoria
- University of KwaZulu-NatalUKZN · Durban and Pietermaritzburg
- University of JohannesburgUJ · Johannesburg
- North-West UniversityNWU · Potchefstroom, Mahikeng and Vanderbijlpark
- Nelson Mandela UniversityNMU · Gqeberha
- Walter Sisulu UniversityWSU · Mthatha, East London, Butterworth, Komani
- Cape Peninsula University of TechnologyCPUT · Cape Town and Bellville
- Durban University of TechnologyDUT · Durban and Pietermaritzburg
- Tshwane University of TechnologyTUT · Pretoria and surrounding campuses
- Vaal University of TechnologyVUT · Vanderbijlpark
- Central University of TechnologyCUT · Bloemfontein and Welkom
- Mangosuthu University of TechnologyMUT · Umlazi, Durban
Official sources
Questions learners ask
Isifinyezo / Opsomming
isiZulu: Uklama izakhiwo nezindawo. Kudinga iMathematics nomsebenzi wobuciko.
Afrikaans: Ontwerp geboue en ruimtes. Wiskunde en 'n portefeulje word gewoonlik vereis.