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Dear Marc
Thank you for your question regarding architecture and bursaries.

Architecture
The field of architecture may be accessed through two routes.

• One through a lengthy university degree program resulting in an M Arch degree followed by a two year internship (practical training under the supervision of an architect), then professional registration as an architect.
• The other route involves registration as an architectural technician after a national diploma in architectural technology obtained from a university of technology, followed by an internship.

Both degree and national diploma courses require applicants to submit a portfolio and to sit a selection test.

For example, explore the UCT admission requirements web page for an idea of what is required for admission into an Architecture degree:  http://www.uct.ac.za/apply/applications/undergraduates/2009nsc/. Also consult the UCT website for information on the Bachelor of Architectural Studies under-graduate degree (BAS), BAS (honours) and M Arch (http://www.arp.uct.ac.za/), the following website for the architecture admission requirements: http://www.ebe.uct.ac.za/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=33&Itemid=63  and the following website for the portfolio requirements: http://www.ebe.uct.ac.za/images/documents/BAS_portfolio09.pdf

Similarly explore the admission requirements for the Cape Peninsular University of Technology for the ND Architectural Technology: http://info.cput.ac.za/prospectus/CPUTAdmission2009.pdf

Further information may be obtained from the SA Council for the Architectural Profession: www.sacapsa.com  and the South African Institute of Architects www.saia.org.za/education_careers.php

Bursaries
The following sources of bursary information are available:

• Contact the Financial Aid Office of the university or university of technology where you plan to study for information on the bursaries and loans you may be eligible to apply for.  They will also be able to tell you if you are eligible to apply for a loan from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (www.nsfas.org.za). While the NSFAS does not handle individual applications for funding at their offices, contact their Call Centre on 021 763 3232 for more information on Financial Aid Offices where you plan to study.
• Some organizations also provide bursaries and scholarships. However, these usually only specific application criteria for example some bursaries require you to study commerce, science or engineering degrees with majors in computer science, information systems and various engineering and technology disciplines.  Try some of the following:
  • Study Trust: http://www.studytrust.org.za/,
  • African Scholars Fund: P O Box 294 Rondebosch 7700, email address: office@asf.org.za

We hope this information is helpful. Best wishes for your future career.
The Career Planet Team