The processing time for admission decisions at Carleton University varies depending on the applicant type and program applied for. However, the general timeframe for receiving an admission decision is as follows:
Undergraduate Admissions
- Domestic applicants: 4 to 6 weeks from the submission of their application
- International applicants: 6 to 8 weeks from the submission of their application
Graduate Admissions
- Domestic applicants: 1 to 3 months from the submission of their application
- International applicants: 3 to 4 months from the submission of their application
Please note that these are just general guidelines, and the actual processing time may vary depending on the specific program and the volume of applications received.
Referees / Letters of Reference
Can I submit a referee from my employer?
Maybe. A referee is typically a faculty member with whom you have studied and is able to assess your potential for graduate level study and research. References from non-academic supervisors, such as your place of employment, may be accepted in certain cases i.e. professional references or for professional programs. We recommend providing an academic referee with your application.
My referees said they submitted their online reference, but I don’t see it in Carleton Central. What do I do?
Wait. It could take up to 2 business days before being displayed in Carleton Central.
How do I change a referee?
You can not. Once you have submitted your online application containing email addresses for your referees, you cannot change that information. You may, however, add a referee to your application by completing the Add a Referee form. You must have your Carleton User ID (10XXXXXXX) to submit this form.
How do I add a referee to my application?
Requesting additional referees beyond what is required for the program to which you are applying will not benefit your application. However, if for reasons beyond your control you would like to add a new referee, please complete the Add a Referee form. You must have your Carleton User ID (10XXXXXXX) to submit this form.
My referee(s) have not received an email from Carleton. What can I do?
Ask your referee(s) to check their spam or junk mail folders. The email is sent from graduate.studies@carleton.ca with the subject line “Carleton Referee for Admission.” If you would like the email resent to your referee(s) you can contact the department to which you have applied. You should ensure you include your Carleton User ID (10XXXXXXX) as well as the email address of your referee.
I have submitted an incorrect email address for one of my referees or they have changed their email address. How do I correct this?
Send an email to graduate.studies@carleton.ca with the following information:
- Subject Line: Change of Referee Email Address
- Carleton User ID (as sent to you via email from Carleton):
- Program:
- Term to which you have applied:
- Referee Name:
- Old Referee Email Address:
- New Referee Email Address:
Note: If you do not have your Carleton User ID yet, please wait until you receive it before making this type of request.
Can I submit a paper copy of my reference letter?
No. Referees are automatically sent an email requesting that they complete an online reference form. Paper copies of reference letters are not accepted. Referees are encouraged to send an email to graduate.studies@carleton.ca directly if they are experiencing difficulty or have problems with this process.
Can my referees submit their online reference after the admission deadline?
Yes, however it is your responsibility to follow up with your referees to ensure they have received the email and that they submit the reference before the application deadline. Referee submissions posted after the admission deadline may be too late for consideration.
Overview of Public Universities in South Africa
Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.
University of Pretoria
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
- Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.
University of Cape Town
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
- Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.
Stellenbosch University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
- Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.
University of the Witwatersrand
- Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
- Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.
University of Johannesburg
- Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
- Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.
University of the Free State
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.
University of Venda
- Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
- Application Period: Usually from May to September.
University of Fort Hare
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
- Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.
University of the Western Cape
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
- Application Period: Generally from May to September.
North-West University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
- Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.
Rhodes University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
- Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.
Nelson Mandela University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
- Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.
University of Limpopo
- Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
- Application Period: From April to September.
University of Zululand
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
- Application Period: Usually between April and November.
Central University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
- Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.
Vaal University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
- Application Period: Typically from May to September.
Walter Sisulu University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
- Application Period: From April to September.
This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.