General Tertiary Acceptance Procedures & Policies (Standard Scale – South Africa)

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General Tertiary Acceptance Procedures & Policies (Standard Scale – South Africa)

Below are the common admission procedures followed by South African universities, universities of technology, and TVET colleges such as Tshwane University of Technology, University of Limpopo, University of South Africa, and Capricorn TVET College.

1. Minimum NSC Admission Requirements
Higher Certificate

  • Minimum NSC pass
  • At least 30% in Language of Learning and Teaching
  • APS usually starts from 15–20
  • Suitable for students needing access into tertiary education

Diploma

  • Diploma pass in Grade 12
  • APS generally between 19–24
  • Specific subjects may be required

Degree

  • Bachelor’s Degree pass in Grade 12
  • APS generally from 26–45+
  • Competitive programmes require higher APS

2. APS (Admission Point Score) Standard Scale

Percentage
APS Points

80–100%
7

70–79%
6

60–69%
5

50–59%
4

40–49%
3

30–39%
2

0–29%
1

Important Notes

  • Most institutions calculate APS using the best six subjects excluding Life Orientation
  • Some universities include Life Orientation at reduced weighting
  • Competitive programmes may require much higher APS than minimum entry

3. General University Admission Procedures
Step 1: Career & Qualification Selection

  • Choose programme aligned to results and career interests
  • Check minimum APS and subject requirements

Step 2: Institution Application

Applications can be submitted:

  • Online application portal
  • Walk-in applications
  • Central Applications Service (where applicable)

Step 3: Required Documents

Common requirements:

  • Certified ID copy
  • Certified Grade 11 or Grade 12 results
  • Proof of residence
  • Application fee (if required)
  • Parent/guardian details (for younger applicants)

Step 4: Application Assessment

Institution evaluates:

  • APS score
  • Subject requirements
  • Programme competitiveness
  • Space availability

Step 5: Provisional Offer

  • Conditional acceptance may be issued
  • Final acceptance based on matric final results

Step 6: Registration

Student must:

  • Accept offer
  • Submit outstanding documents
  • Register modules/programme
  • Pay registration fee (if applicable)

4. Standard Admission Policies
A. Minimum Admission ≠ Guaranteed Acceptance

Meeting minimum APS does not guarantee admission because:

  • Limited spaces
  • Programme competition
  • Higher applicant averages

B. Subject Requirements Apply

Examples:

  • Engineering → Mathematics + Physical Sciences
  • Health Sciences → Mathematics + Life Sciences
  • Business → English + Accounting/Math advantageous

C. Extended or Foundation Programmes

Students below requirements may enter through:

  • Extended Curriculum Programmes
  • Bridging/Foundation programmes
  • Higher Certificates

D. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Some institutions allow:

  • Work experience consideration
  • Mature-age entry
  • Skills-based admission routes

5. TVET College Acceptance Procedures

At colleges like Capricorn TVET College:

Requirements

  • Grade 9–12 accepted depending on programme
  • Placement assessment may apply
  • Career guidance screening

Entry Routes

  • NC(V)
  • NATED (N4–N6)
  • Occupational Programmes

Advantages

  • Easier access
  • Practical training
  • Faster employment pathways
  • Articulation to university later

6. Common Tertiary Admission Policies
Universities Usually Consider:

  • APS Score
  • Language proficiency
  • Subject combinations
  • Faculty quotas
  • Residence status
  • Availability of spaces

Important Policy Rule

Applications are usually considered in order of:

  1. Academic merit
  2. Programme capacity
  3. Early application submission

7. Recommended Student Strategy (Based on APS 15–19)

For this student profile:

Strong Admission Opportunities

  • Higher Certificates
  • TVET College programmes
  • Selected Diplomas with lower APS

Recommended Progression

Higher Certificate → Diploma → Degree

This pathway gives students a second opportunity to reach degree level over time.

8. Important Application Timeline

Period
Activity

March – September
University Applications Open

August – November
TVET Applications

January
Late Applications (limited spaces)

January – February
Registration

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