University admission in South Africa

Official entry requirements

As classified by the country with UNESCO (ISCED 2011), reference year 2022. Universities may set higher requirements.

School-leaving qualification (upper secondary)

• Upper secondary education: Grades 10-123 years, from age 16

  Minimum entry: Completion of Grade 9, GETC and completion of FETC in private colleges

  Awards: National senior certificate (NSC) and Senior Certificate Amended for AET centres

Bachelor's or equivalent (first degree)

• Bachelor's degree3 years, from age 19

  Minimum entry: National Senior Certificate (Bachelor's pass) or Senior Certificate,/NC(V) level 4

  Awards: Bachelor's degree

Short-cycle tertiary (diplomas)

• Higher certificate1 years, from age 19

  Minimum entry: National senior certificate (NSC) or Senior Certificate or NC(V) level 4

  Awards: National Higher certificate (HC)

• Advanced certificate1 years, from age 20

  Minimum entry: National Higher certificate (HC)

  Awards: Advanced certificate

• Diploma3 years, from age 19

  Minimum entry: National Senior Certificate (diploma pass) or Senior Certificate, NC(V) level 4, Higher certificate and Advanced certificate. N6 (this is a requirement for a National N Diploma only)

  Awards: National Diploma or the National N Diploma