Points Calculation Tables

Below is the system default points calculation in which points are calculated for the top six subjects, excluding Life Orientation.

Institutions may use different variants of this, eg. Some may double the Maths and Science points for Engineering. Institutions may have further requirements for selection; therefore, meeting the minimum points does not necessarily guarantee that you will be offered a place. Please check the notes column in the programme list in this Handbook or institutions prospectus/website for details.

Minimum Entry Requirements

The subject combinations and minimum levels or symbols for the different examination types that you need to achieve to be considered for a particular programme.

For a full list of the abbreviations used, refer to the acronyms and abbreviations.. Mature age applicants and those seeking admission on the basis of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or foreign qualifications should consult the institution.

NSC/IEB/SACAI

Minimum entry requirements for applicants writing NSC are shaded pink

Matric (Grade 12) achievement to qualify for:

Degree Study

(1) Must obtain at least 40% for Home Language

(2) Must obtain at least 50% for FOUR other subjects excluding Life Orientation

(3) Must obtain at least 30% for ONE other subject

(4) Must obtain at least 30% in Language of Learning and Teaching (LOLT) of the Higher Education Institution where you intend studying

(5) Must pass at least 6 out of 7 subjects

Where you see NSC Deg as an entry requirement in the Programme Choice List, this means that you must meet the above requirements. If the institution has additional requirements, it will be indicated:

This means that in addition to an NSC pass meeting the minimum standard required for entry into degree study, you must have passes in Mathematics and Physical Science at level 6 and English home language, or first additional language and Life Orientation at level 4. Two of the three other subjects must be passed on level 4.

Diploma study

(1) Must obtain at least 40% for Home Language

(2) Must obtain at least 40% for THREE other subjects excluding Life Orientation

(3) Must obtain at least 30% for TWO other subjects

(4) Must obtain at least 30% in the Language of Learning and Teaching (LOLT) of the Higher Education Institution where you intend studying

(5) Must pass at least 6 out of 7 subjects

Higher Certificate Study

(1) Must obtain at least 40% in Home Language

(2) Must obtain at least 40% in TWO other subjects

(3) Must obtain at least 30% in FOUR other subjects

(4) Must pass at least 6 out of 7 subjects

Senior Certificate

Minimum entry requirements for applicants who have written their Senior Certificate are shaded lemon.

This means that your Senior Certificate or Statement of Symbols must state that you have been granted an endorsement. In addition, you must have passed Mathematics with D on Higher Grade or A on Standard Grade and at least one of Agricultural Science, Biology or Physical Science with E on Higher Grade or C on Standard Grade. If you qualify for an Ordinary Conditional Exemption, you could be considered for programmes specifying ‘Matric Exemption’, provided the other subject requirements are met.

N3/N4

Minimum entry requirements for applicants who have studied at a Technical Vocational Education and Training College (TVET) are shaded mint.

This means that you must have an N3 pass. In addition, you must have passed two subjects with ‘D’ and Grade 12 English on Standard Grade.

NC(V)

Minimum entry requirements for applicants who have written National Certificate (Vocational) are shaded lilac.

This means that you must have an NC(V) pass in a relevant learning field. You must have passes in three compulsory vocational subjects at level 5 and English and Maths and Physical Science at level 4.

Other requirements

If there are other entry requirements such as an N Dip, the list will tell you what qualification you must have to enter these programmes. If you do not already have this qualification, you should apply for that programme first.

Foreign qualifications

The following are considered to be equivalent to the South African degree entry requirements:

GCE

Five passes in GCE as well as two at "A" level:

Five passes in GCE as well as four at "AS" level:

Applicants from SADC countries who have five passes at ‘O’ level, including English language, may be considered for diploma study.

HIGCSE/IGCSE

Applicants who wish to enter degree programmes are required to have passes in English language and one other language, and must usually have also passed Maths.

The Matriculation Board gives details of requirements for those with other qualifications. Applicants should apply for a ‘Foreign’ or ‘Foreign Conditional’ Matric Exemption from the Matriculation Board. Institutions will usually assist with this, or you can consult the Matriculation Board directly.

The Matriculation Board

P O Box 3854, Pretoria, 0001

1267 Pretorius Street, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0001

☎ 010 591 4401/2

Website: mb.usaf.ac.za • Email: Applications@USAf.ac.za

Those wishing to enter diploma programmes may be required to have their qualifications assessed to confirm that they are equivalent to the South African Senior Certificate. This evaluation is carried out by SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority). If you need to contact SAQA, you must ask for the Quality Assurance Department. The cost of an assessment varies, depending on the level of priority. Conditions are on the SAQA website.

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