College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences
Your admission to Unisa is dependent on you meeting the minimum admission requirements for your chosen qualification and college. Meeting these minimum requirements does not, however, mean that your application will automatically be accepted, as each application will be considered individually.
If you don’t meet the minimum admission requirements…
If you don’t meet the minimum admission requirements for your qualification of choice, you might want to consider starting with a relevant lower-level qualification (eg a higher certificate or diploma) and then continuing with the degree on completion of your lower-level qualification. Work through the admission requirements for each level of qualification (eg degree, diploma and higher certificate) to determine whether you will be able to apply for a lower-level qualification related to your interests. Remember to keep in mind your career vision and goals, and how any qualification will contribute to these. Click Here to Apply Now
Bachelor of Science degree (4-year programme)
| Minimum requirements | Language requirement | Mathematics requirement | Physical Science requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with degree endorsement | 50% in the language of teaching and learning | 50% in Mathematics | 50% in Physical Science if any Chemistry or Physics modules form part of the curriculum of a selected qualification |
| A Senior Certificate (SC) with matriculation exemption or qualify for the exemption from the Matriculation Board | A D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning | A D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in Mathematics | A D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in Physical Science if any Chemistry or Physics modules form part of the curriculum of a selected qualification |
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Applicants who have not obtained at least 50% in the language of teaching and learning, 50% in Mathematics and 50% in Physical Science, will be limited to 48 credits at NQF level 5 in their first period of study and must register for the following:
All 48 credits must be passed before the student may continue with degree studies. |
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Bachelor of Science degree (3-year programme)
| Minimum requirements | Language requirement | Mathematics requirement | Physical Science requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with degree endorsement | 50% in the language of teaching and learning | 50% in Mathematics | 50% in Physical Science if any Chemistry or Physics modules form part of the curriculum of a selected qualification |
| A Senior Certificate (SC) with matriculation exemption or qualify for exemption from the Matriculation Board | A D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning | A D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in Mathematics | A D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in Physical Science if any Chemistry or Physics modules form part of the curriculum of a selected qualification |
Applicants who have not obtained at least 50% in the language of teaching and learning, 50% in Mathematics and 50% in Physical Science, will be limited to 48 credits at NQF level 5 in their first period of study and must register for the following:
All 48 credits must be passed before the student may continue with degree studies. |
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Extended Bachelor of Consumer Sciences degree (4-year programme)
| Minimum requirements | Language requirement | Mathematics requirement | Additional requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with degree endorsement | 50% in the language of teaching and learning | 40% in Mathematics | None |
| A Senior Certificate (SC) with matriculation exemption or qualify for exemption from the Matriculation Board | A D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning | An E symbol on HG or a D symbol on SG in Mathematics | None |
| To enter a degree, applicants have to comply with all the admission requirements, including a minimum APS score of 20, and must be eligible for admission to degree studies. Applicants with an APS score of between 20 and 24 will be considered for the extended 4-year degree curriculum, where applicable. Applicants who do not comply with the above requirements should consider applying for a lower-level qualification for which they meet the statutory and additional requirements. Click Here to Apply Now | |||
Bachelor of Consumer Science degree (3-year programme)
| Minimum requirements | Language requirement | Mathematics requirement | Additional requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with degree endorsement | 50% in the language of teaching and learning | 40% in Mathematics | None |
| A Senior Certificate (SC) with matriculation exemption or qualify for matriculation exemption from the Matriculation Board | A D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning | An E symbol on HG or a D symbol on SG in Mathematics | None |
| An appropriate Higher Certificate in Agriculture and Environmental Sciences or a related field. | |||
| To enter a degree, applicants have to comply with all the admission requirements, including a minimum APS score of 20, and must be eligible for admission to degree studies. Applicants with an APS score of between 20 and 24 will be considered for the extended 4-year degree curriculum where applicable. Applicants with an APS score of 25 or higher will be considered for the 3-year degree curriculum. Applicants who do not comply with the above requirements should consider applying for a lower-level qualification for which they meet the statutory and additional requirements. Click Here to Apply Now | |||
Bachelor of Arts degree
| Minimum requirements | Language requirement | Mathematics requirement | Additional requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with degree endorsement | 50% in the language of teaching and learning | None | None |
| A Senior Certificate (SC) with matriculation exemption or qualify for the exemption from the Matriculation Board | A D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning | None | None |
| An appropriate higher certificate | |||
| Applicants who do not comply with the above requirements should consider applying for a lower-level qualification for which they meet the statutory and additional requirements. | |||
Diplomas
| Minimum requirements | Language requirement | Mathematics requirement | Additional requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with diploma endorsement | 50% in the language of teaching and learning | 50% in Mathematics | 40% in Physical Science, Life Sciences or Agricultural Sciences |
| A Senior Certificate (SC) | A D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning | A D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in Mathematics | An E symbol on HG or a D symbol on SG in Physical Science, Life Sciences or Agricultural Sciences |
| To enter diploma qualifications, applicants have to comply with all the admission requirements, including a minimum APS score of 18, and must be eligible for admission to diploma studies. Applicants with an APS score of 18 to 20 will be considered for the extended 4-year diploma curriculum, where applicable. Applicants who do not comply with the above requirements should consider applying for a lower-level qualification for which they meet the statutory and additional requirements. Click Here to Apply Now | |||
Higher Certificates
| Minimum requirements | Language requirement | Mathematics requirement | Additional requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| A National Senior Certificate (NSC) | 30% in the language of teaching and learning | None | None |
| A Senior Certificate (SC) | An F symbol on HG or an E symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning | An F symbol on HG or an E symbol on SG in Mathematics | None |
| A National Certificate (Vocational) (NCV) | 30% in the language of teaching and learning in terms of the NSC | 40% in Mathematics in terms of the NSC | None |
Identifying other study options if you don’t meet the admission requirements for your qualification of choice
It may be that you do not meet the admission requirements for any qualification at Unisa. You now need to explore options to help you meet the admission requirements for your chosen qualification, or you could reconsider your career goals and how you will plan your career. Read more…
Applying for credits from other higher education institutions
Unisa may recognise previous learning from previous formal education. This will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Not all credits achieved at other institutions will count towards a Unisa qualification. Your request for exemption(s) will only be considered once we have received your completed DSAR04 form and a certified copy of an official academic record, a conduct certificate and, in some cases, the syllabus. In the case of international qualifications, SAQA evaluation and the syllabus are required. No exemptions will be finalised on an academic record during the application period.
You must meet the admission requirements for the qualification for which you are applying for credits and/or exemptions. A maximum of 50% of the prescribed credits may be awarded in the form of credits and exemptions. No exemptions will be granted for Unisa’s signature modules. Unisa reserves the right to grant and/or decline applications for exemptions or credit transfers.
I wrote matric before 2025. Do I qualify?
If you do NOT hold a Senior Certificate with an endorsement indicating that you have been exempted from the matriculation requirement, please refer to the documents below to ascertain whether or not you are eligible to apply for admission to undergraduate degree studies (not applicable to students who wrote the National Senior Certificate examinations from 2008): Click Here to Apply Now
- I have Senior Certificate, National Certificate Vocational or Foreign Certificate Equivalent tables of National Senior Certificate (from 2009) against Senior Certificate, National Certificate Vocational and Foreign Certificates (PDF)
- I don’t have a Senior Certificate with matric endorsement. Can I apply for bachelor degree studies? Admission to the bachelor degree (excluding the BTech, diploma & higher certificate) (PDF)
- I have a National Certificate Vocational (NCV), level 4. What can I apply for? Admission in 2025 for holders of the National Certificate Vocational (NCV), level 4 (PDF)
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.