University of South Africa Acceptance Rate

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Unisa - University of south africa

University of South Africa Acceptance Rate

Matriculation exemption – Higher Education South Africa

HESA (Higher Education South Africa) was formed on 9 May 2005 and represents the heads of all public universities, universities of technology and comprehensive universities in South Africa. The SAMB (South African Matriculation Board) forms an integral part of HESA’s role. The SAMB advises the Minister of Education via HESA on the minimum general admission requirements for first degree studies at South African universities.

Before admittance to a South African university, South Africans must first successfully complete the SANSC (South African National Senior Certificate) examinations. Those students that manage to obtain the appropriate standards in these examinations are accordingly awarded “matriculation exemption” status and may enrol for a first degree at a South African university.

Foreign Nationals

All students who are either completing or have completed their schooling outside of South Africa and / or through an alternate educational system must ascertain whether they have also earned “matriculation exemption”. In this regard, the SAMB regulates admission to first degree studies by ensuring all students who did not complete a SANSC but who have an equivalent university entrance qualification, comply with the requisite criteria. The SAMB regularly updates the list of these alternate qualifications that are acceptable on face value for admission to first degree studies at South African universities. These can be found on the HESA website.

 

South African Matriculation Board contact details
Tel: +27 12 481 2847/8
Fax: +27 12 481 2718/2922 or 086 677 7744
E-mail: exemption@hesa-enrol.ac.za
Matriculation exemption, a minimum average percentage plus individual programme criteria are the entrance requirements for Baccalaureus (undergraduate) degree studies. For the exemption requirements according to the most common systems / countries from which applications are normally received, please go to the relevant link below:

American High School diploma

Cambridge

International Baccalaureate (IB)

Namibian Higher and Ordinary Level (formerly HIGCSE and IGCSE)

If you are not sure whether you qualify for matriculation exemption, HESA offer an Online System of Assessment to enable prospective first degree students who want to study at a South African university to assess whether they meet the minimum legal admission requirements.

The system results will state whether an applicant meets the minimum legal requirements or not. If the applicant is successful, hard copies of certificates will have to be sent to the SAMB for verification and issuance of the exemption certificate.

Foreign University-level Qualifications

All non-South African post-school qualifications need to be evaluated by SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority). They can be contacted at +27 12 431 5064 or via e-mail (ncoetzee@saqa.co.za or dmhlongo@saqa.co.za). You will also find an application form on the website.

NB: Your application needs to be made well in advance to avoid disappointment, as the process can take as long as six months to complete.

 

North-West University Disclaimer:
Please be aware that the information supplied on this page is for general information purposes only. More precise details can be obtained by going to the official SADHA website (South African Department of Home Affairs).  Requirements for studying in South Africa are subject to change and each application is treated as an individual case. Please ensure that you make the necessary inquiries well in advance, before travelling to South Africa.

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.