Higher Education Admission Requirements in South Africa – 2022/2023

Here are the Higher Education Admission Requirements for all the courses at the undergraduate, certificate and diploma levels in South Africa for the year 2022/2023.

We have taken the stress to provide you with the postgraduate, undergraduate, diploma & certificate programmes and their general higher institution requirements.

Before an applicant can be offered admission into any South African higher institution there are requirements each applicant must meet. Each institution has its own admission likewise faculties and the course applicants want to do.

We will provide you with the details you need to know about the Higher Education Admission Requirements.

HIGHER EDUCATION ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS IN SOUTH AFRICA

We will provide you with the details about the requirements for South African Higher Education.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR BACHELOR’S DEGREE

National Certificate (Vocational) (NCV)

National Certificate (Vocational) Level 4 is the minimum admission requirement for a Bachelor’s degree program in South Africa. The NCV is issued by Council for General and Further Education and Training. The minimum legislative requirements for admission to a bachelor’s degree are as follows:

• Three (3) fundamental subjects between 60-69% (3) (including English as the language of learning and teaching at Wits)
• Three (3) vocational subjects from the designated list were between 70-79% (4).

Applicants that hold an NCV may be invited for an interview by the South Africa Institution to write a test if the applicants meet the institution requirements, faculty requirements and course requirements. An applicant must have:

• Taken English as either Language of Learning and Teaching or as the First Additional language
• Taken Mathematics as a Fundamental Component
• Achieved 70-79% (4) for all seven subjects – in fundamental and vocational categories.

Rating Code	Rating	Percentage
5	Outstanding	80 – 100
4	Highly competent	70 – 79
3	Competent	50 – 69
2	Not yet competent	40 – 49
1	Not achieved	0 – 39

All international students must meet the following requirements:

• In the case of non-South African citizens and students who do not have a South African National Senior Certificate (NSC) or an Independent Examination Board (IEB) qualification, a full or foreign conditional exemption certificate is required for enrolment in undergraduate studies at the University of Pretoria.

Required documents for undergraduate, certificate & diploma programmes

• Certified transcripts of all official academic records confirming all subjects passed and grades received.
• A copy of your passport or birth certificate, or any other acceptable form of identification
• Senior Certificate Copy
• Entrance exam results or certificates

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA 

Below are the admission requirements for students that want to study for a postgraduate diploma:

• A Bachelor’s degree OR
• Admission to the status of that degree  OR
• Attained a level of competence
• Some Schools/Colleges will accept an Advanced Diploma for entry into a Postgraduate Diploma if HEQF  (Higher Education Qualification Framework) requirements are met.

Duration

• A minimum of two semesters in a row is required. Unless the Senate grants authorization, all modules must be completed at the University.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR BACHELOR OF HONOURS

Bachelor of Honours Degrees Requirements

• An appropriate Bachelor’s degree OR
• Admission to the status of that degree OR
• Attained a level of competence

Duration

• A minimum of at least two consecutive semesters. Except with the permission of the Senate all modules shall be completed at the University.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR MASTER’S DEGREE

Masters by Coursework and Masters by Research Requirements

• A relevant prerequisite degree OR
• Admission to the status of that degree OR
• Attained a level of competence

Duration Coursework

• A minimum of two consecutive semesters (full time) or 4 consecutive semesters (part-time) before the degree may be conferred.
• With permission and in terms of College regulations, periods of attendance at the graduate level at another institution or in another College may be accepted. (Consult with relevant School).

Research

• A minimum of two consecutive semesters (full time) or 4 consecutive semesters (part-time) before the degree may be conferred.

Research

• Candidates must complete an acceptable research program on a topic that falls within the scope of the University’s studies. Students must also follow any additional criteria imposed by colleges/schools.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR DOCTORATE DEGREES

Below are the requirements:

Doctor of philosophy or supervised Doctor degrees by research 

Requirements

• A relevant prerequisite degree OR
• Admission to the status of that degree

Duration

• A minimum of four consecutive semesters (full time) or eight consecutive semesters (part-time) before the degree may be conferred.

Curriculum

• Students will be required to complete an approved research program on a topic related to their studies at the university. Such a program must provide a significant contribution to the subject’s knowledge or understanding, and it must demonstrate originality through the discovery of new facts or the exercise of autonomous critical power. Students must also follow any other conditions that Colleges/Schools may impose.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR MASTER’S, POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMAS AND DOCTORATE COURSES

Below are the required documents for students that want to apply for Master’s, Postgraduate Diploma and Doctorate Degree:

• Academic Transcripts: Bachelor or honours degrees records and marks obtained.
• Passport or birth certificate or any other valid ID proof
• Research Proposal (For PhD Studies): Applicants are to submit a research proposal that includes topic/research area, literature review, contribution to the study, research methodology and potential unit of analysis, list of references, and personal motivation to opt for this particular research topic.
• Curriculum Vitae: Applicant CV must include basic information, educational background, academic projects that highlight your publications, research or internships, experience, honours and awards, interest, community work or extra-curricular activities, and academic referees written in a clear, concise and consistent manner.
• Letter of Motivation: The focus and understanding power of the chosen field of study should be revealed in the motivation letter. You should elaborate on specific skills, accomplishments, and motivations that qualify you for the course of study you’re applying for, and you should respond to questions like.

To know more about the admission requirements for all the institutions in South Africa, kindly check HERE.