SELECT YOUR PROGRAMME
- For Stellenbosch University you may indicate three programmes because there are programmes with extensive selection processes and if you are not accepted to your first choice, you may still be accepted to your second or third choice.
- However, you can only be admitted to one programme at a time. If you are initially admitted to your second choice, and you are then admitted to your first choice, admission to your second choice will lapse. If you would rather continue with your second (or third) choice, you must let us know by the end of September at info@sun.ac.za. The offer you decline will expire.
- All our programmes have selection criteria, but the following programmes all have extensive selection processes: All programmes in the faculties of Medicine and Health Sciences, Engineering and Law; BA (Visual Arts); BA (Drama); BA (Music); BMus; BA (Sports Science); BSc (Sports Science); BEd (GenEd); BCom (Actuarial Science); and BCom (International Business). If your first programme choice is one of the abovementioned programmes, we recommend a second choice.
- If both your first and second choices are from the list of selection programmes above, we recommend that you indicate a third choice which is not from the list.
- Certain programmes such as BA, BSc, BCom or BEng have various fields of study. For example, in BA you can choose, amongst others, BA (Social Dynamics), BA (Law) or BA (Language and Culture). You must indicate the programme, as well as the field of study. If you do not indicate both the programme and the field of study, your application is incomplete.
- If you want to change your programme choice, send an email containing your request to info@sun.ac.za. Please remember that, after the closing date, you can be considered only if there are places available in the programme.
- To help you place your programme choice in the correct order, bear in mind the following:
| Medicine and Health Sciences, and Education | These faculties will consider your programme choice only if it is indicated as your first choice. |
| Law programmes | Selection for the programmes BA (Law), BCom (Law) or BAccLLB will be considered only as your first programme choice. The undergraduate, four-year LLB programme will be considered if indicated as a first or a second choice on your application. |
| Arts and Social Sciences | The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences will consider only first and second choices. Third choices will only be considered if the first and second choices are from the list of selection programmes above. You will only be considered for BA (Sport Science) if it is your first or second choice. |
| Economic and Management Sciences (EMS) | This faculty will consider first, second or third programme choices. If you have more than one EMS programme on your list, EMS will consider them in your order of preference. This does not include BCom (International Business), BCom (Actuarial Science) BAccLLB and BCom (Law). For these programmes, your application will be considered only as a first choice. |
| AgriSciences | This faculty will consider your application for one of their programmes as a first, second or third choice, with the exception of BSc Food Science (or any programme with Food as a subject) as well as BScAgric (Animal Science). For these programmes, your application will be considered only as a first or second choice. |
| Science, Engineering, and Theology | These faculties will consider your application for one of their programmes as a first, second or third choice. The programmes in Biological Sciences will, however, not be considered as a third choice. You may apply for more than one BEng programme, e.g. BEng (Civil) as first choice and BEng (Industrial) as second, since their selection criteria may differ. |
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.