Town planners (urban and regional planners) develop plans and programmes for land use, housing, transport, and public spaces. In South Africa, the BSc Urban and Regional Planning (4 years) is offered at multiple universities. Planners work for municipalities, provincial government, development agencies, and private consultancies. Registration with SACPLAN is required for professional practice.
Town planners prepare land development applications, analyse zoning proposals, conduct site inspections, liaise with communities and government departments, write planning reports, and participate in public hearings.
Mathematics (Level 4+), Geography (recommended), English (Level 5+), Physical Sciences or Economics
Use the free Career Helper APS Calculator to calculate your exact score for each SA university.
- University of Pretoria (UP)
- University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
- University of Cape Town (UCT)
- University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
- Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
- Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
Programme names and requirements vary by institution. Always verify directly with the university before applying.
Achieve APS 26+ with Mathematics and Geography. BSc Urban and Regional Planning at UP, Wits, UCT, UKZN, or TUT. Geography is a strong advantage.
Complete the 4-year degree covering urban design, land-use planning, environmental planning, housing policy, GIS, and development planning.
Register with SACPLAN, complete the candidacy period, and qualify as a Professional Planner. Work at municipalities, the NHBRC, or urban development consultancies.
What APS do I need for Town Planning?
What do town planners earn in South Africa?
Is Town Planning a good career in South Africa?
Salary ranges are indicative for South Africa 2026 based on market data. Actual salaries vary by employer, location, and experience.