Do you train SAQA qualifications?

Yes. SAQA registers qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) upon recommendation of the QCTO. CAD4ALL institute of Applied Architectures’ academic program offerings are aligned with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

Yes. All South African training service providers must be accredited to offer registered SAQA qualifications. CAD4ALL is accredited by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO). In 2011, we received our first accreditation from the Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA), as it was the only CAD & Architectural Technology qualifications registered with SAQA at the time. As qualifications have since started migrating to the QCTO, we are continuously evolving to stay abreast of these changes.

Where are your campuses?

Our Head Office and main campus is situated in the upmarket northern suburbs of Tygervalley Central, Cape Town. Certain CAD4ALL programmes are also offered in a convenient online format, enabling accessibility from anywhere in Africa. Due to our growing online clientele in Gauteng and surrounding areas, our vision is to expand our physical footprint to Gauteng in the next academic year.

Why register and choose an education with CAD4ALL?

State-of-the-art facilities, labs, and equipment in safe, secure locations Full-time expert academic staff with advanced degrees 6 Top 10 student architecture finalists in two national design competitions from 2019 to 2023 An 18-year post-secondary academic institution with strong industry connections keeping our curriculum current Co-op internship year and field placements to forge career connections International certifications to expand your skillset for global opportunities Earn credits in select programmes that contribute toward full qualifications Access to a dedicated student advisor to navigate your educational pathway Globally focused and employment-oriented education Flexible learning options (onsite, blended, and online)

The first step is to attend a scheduled CAD4ALL campus tour or Open Day (event dates are listed on our website). If you are undecided about which programme to pursue, our student admissions team will provide a complimentary academic consultation tailored to your career path and explain all admission requirements. You’ll also receive a CAD4ALL prospectus and checklist to explore our national programme offerings. Alternatively, you may complete your application online. The academic year follows an annual cycle and commences in February for full-time students. Applications open in June of the previous year. Seats are limited and fill quickly, early application is strongly advised, as late registrations may affect your chance of securing your first-choice programme. All registration and enrolment processes are subject to strict deadlines.

Are you validated by SACAP?

No, CAD4ALL is not currently validated by SACAP. However, we have been engaging with SACAP over the last three years to ensure our students have a clear pathway to register. As of late 2022, past and present CAD4ALL students can register under the “Apprentice” category designation. Due to ongoing changes in the educational landscape, students must still complete their practical workplace learning period outlined by SACAP after qualifying at CAD4ALL before applying for SACAP candidacy.

What are your admission requirements?

CAD4ALL has detailed course-specific admission requirements. Please request a copy by emailing applications@cad4all.co.za , or view more information at: Note: It is highly recommended that all applicants attend a compulsory academic consultation for personalized guidance aligned with their chosen career path.

Do you offer your graduates employment?

Yes. CAD4ALL’s Work Readiness Programme prepares learners for employment through our vast corporate network. This on-campus career service helps learners gain transferable skills, improve their portfolios and CVs, and connect with industry partners. Our graduates are in demand due to the academic excellence and high standards upheld by CAD4ALL over the past 18 years.

How are classes conducted?

CAD4ALL offers flexible learning pathways: full-time, part-time, or blended. Our full-time academic staff—who are industry professionals—deliver structured in-person learning supported by daily timetables and academic planners. For students unable to attend 15–20 hours per week of in-person classes, we provide online or blended options. Students can engage with peers and lecturers in a supportive virtual environment designed to foster connectedness and growth. We are committed to helping every student succeed in reaching their educational goals.

Diploma in Integrated Architectural Technology

3 Years | Diploma | NQF Level 6 360 Credits | SAQA ID: TBA

Qualification description

The CAD4ALL Institute of Applied Architecture’s three- year Diploma in Integrated Architectural Technology provides students with a strong and comprehensive foundation in essential architectural and technical skills. This qualification integrates key disciplines such as design communication, building science, construction technology, digital drafting, 2D/3D Computer Aided Design (CAD), and Building Information Modelling (BIM) methodologies. Students gain a solid understanding of how architectural design, technical documentation, and industry-standard technologies work together within the built environment.

Students develop practical competencies that prepare them for real-world architectural practice, including project administration, technical detailing, presentation methods, and the use of advanced digital tools. The qualification is structured to build both creative and technical capabilities, ensuring graduates are multi- skilled, industry-ready, and able to contribute effectively within architectural and construction teams.

Who Is this Qualification aimed at?

This qualification is aimed at individuals with a passion for the built environment and the creative and technical drive needed to succeed in the architectural field. It is ideal for school leavers or aspiring architectural technology professionals who want to develop a strong foundation in architectural design, construction technology, and digital drafting.

Mode of study

The contact mode of study is offered full-time, with lectures scheduled on campus from Monday to Friday across two semesters each year. Digital innovation and applied design practice are integrated throughout the curriculum and so students will enjoy a blended learning experience through the use of professional CAD, BIM and Revit software; digital studio work as well as physical modelling, prototyping and fabrication within a physical studio and excursions into the architectural industry. Project-based learning includes applied, real-world problem-solving to practical design projects using industry briefs and work integrated learning oppotunities. This blended learning approach ensures a balance of theoretical knowledge, hands-on application, and industry-aligned project work.

Admission Requirements

	Minimum Admission Requirements
NSC with Diploma Pass (NQF 4)	With 30% in English and 40% in Math or 50% Math Lit
NSC(Vocational) with Diploma Pass (NQF 4)	With 40% in English and 50% Math or 60% Math Lit/Technical Math
Senior Certificate	With 33.3% in English, and 40% in Math/HG or 50% in Math Lit/SG/Tech Math
International	SAQA Certificate of Evaluation in which an equivalence of NQF level 4 with Diploma Pass as
Higher Certificate or Occupational Higher Certificate Pass (NQF 5)	In Architectual Technology or the Cognate Field

Should you have any other school leaving qualification not mentioned above, please reach out to a Student Advisor at Campus.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 Modules

Code	Module Name Introduction	NQF	Credits
APLT5101	Advanced Placement Literacy (AP Lit)	5	10
DTAP5101	Design Theory and Principles I	5	12
ARPR5101	Architectural Programming - The Lanuage of Programming I	5	10
ARDR5112	Architectural Draughting (Freehand & Manual Technical Drawing)	5	20
CADR5112	Computor Aided Draughting (CAD)	5	20
COAR5112	The Context of Architecture I	5	20
CMAT5102	Conventional Materials I	5	10
SCAR5102	The Science of Architecture I : Calculus	5	5
SMEM5102	Spatial and Material Exploration Media I	5	5

Year 2 Modules

Code	Module Name Introduction	NQF	Credits
ARPR6201	Archirectural Programming II	6	10
ARDR6212	Architectural Draughting II (Building Information Modelling - BIM)	6	20
COAR6201	The Context of Architecture II (Architecture in Our Time)	6	15
DTAP6212	Design Theory and Principles II	6	15
CMAT5102	Conventonal Materials and Construction Technology II	6	5
SCAR6202	The Science of Architecture II : Theory of Statics	6	10
AREN6202	Architectural Engineering	6	10
LDSV6201	Land Surveying	6	5
SMEM6202	Spatial and Material Exploration Media II	6	5
LAPR6212	Legislative and Professional Requirements II	6	10
BSAR6202	The Business of Architecture	6	15

Year 3 Modules

Code	Module Name Introduction	NQF	Credits
LAPR6312	Legislative and Professional Requirements II	6	20
INBT7312	Innovative Building Technologies	7	20
WKIL6312	Work Integrated Learning (WIL)	6	50
ARPR7312	Architectural Programming III	7	20
SDSD7301	Spatio-Temporal, Digital & Smart Design	7	5
UMCS7302	Urban Morphologies and City Science I	7	5

Official Autodesk Global Examination Centre

Autodesk offers globally recognised, industry-validated certifications to verify your proficiency in design, manufacturing, and construction software. CAD4ALL Institute of Applied Technology is a certified CERTIPORT TESTING CENTRE and this enables the institute to offer students the option to undertake these AutoCAD and Revit international examinations and upon successful completion will be awarded the globally recognised certifications.

Further Study Pathways

The successful completion of the Diploma in Integrated Architectural Technology (NQF level 6) enables you to progress into further studies via the following articulation pathways, subject to meeting the admisson requirements:

Career opportunities

Graduates of this three-year Diploma in Integrated Architectural Technology are well prepared for a wide range of career opportunities across South Africa’s built environment sector. Employment in architectural practices, multidisciplinary consulting firms, property developers, construction companies, municipalities, government departments, and facilities management organisations may be possible. Typical entry-level roles include:

Architectural Draughtsperson
Candidate Architectural Technologist
Architectural CAD & BIM Technician
Architectural Designer
Technical Documentation Specialist or Construction Documentation Coordinator

Registration with the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP) may be possible for graduates of this Diploma in Integrated Architectural Technology and with appropriate experience can strive to achieve a Professional Architectural Technologist designation

System, Software and Equipment Requirements

The appropriate technology, tools and equipment are essential.

Every student must have their own laptop with at least an i7 processor and minimum 8GB RAM memory (16 Megs preferably) with Edge, Chrome or Firefox
Students are issued with licences to the following software by the institution:
- a Microsoft Office 365 annual licence
- Autodesk AutoCAD and Autodesk Revit educational licence
During induction and orientation week, the CAD4ALL support staff will guide the learner on how to activate their Autodesk Account to have access to the Autodesk AutoCAD and Autodesk Revit educational software required for this programme.
Students will require stationery, technical equipment and project consumables throughout the programme to successfully complete practical assignments, design projects and portfolio assessments. This includes materials required for technical drawing, architectural model building, prototyping, presentation work, and other hands- on learning activities. A detailed list of the required items will be provided before the commencement of the programme and includes an A3 Draughtman’s Technical Drawing Board.

Graduation and Completion Requirements of this Qualification

In order to be awarded this qualification, you must have achieved a minimum final year mark of fifty percent (50%) for all 16 modules in the curriculum.