University of Cape Town UCT Admission Requirements
UCT Admission Requirements
Educational Qualification Requirements
The prerequisites for academic programs vary significantly based on the level and field of study. Below is an outline of the admission criteria for various qualifications:
Admission Criteria for Undergraduate Certificates Candidates aspiring to enroll in undergraduate certificate programs should reach out to the Admissions Office or the relevant faculty to verify their qualification criteria.
Admission Criteria for Undergraduate Diplomas To be considered for undergraduate diploma programs, applicants must present a National Senior Certificate (NSC) certified by Umalusi with a minimum achievement level of 3 (Moderate Achievement, 40-49%) in four subjects bearing 20 credits each.
Admission Criteria for Bachelor’s Degrees Prospective students aiming for a bachelor’s degree must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria:
For holders of a South African National Senior Certificate (NSC), a pass in at least four 20-credit NSC subjects with a rating of 4 (Adequate Achievement, 50-59%) is necessary.
For holders of a South African Senior Certificate, endorsement for matriculation is required.
For holders of non-South African school-leaving certificates, a matriculation exemption certificate is obligatory. Further details can be obtained from the Matriculation Board’s website.
Language Proficiency Requirements All aspirants must demonstrate a requisite proficiency in English by providing relevant evidence as a component of their application:
Undergraduate applicants with a South African Senior Certificate must have attained a minimum of 40% in English (First or Second Language) at the Higher Grade during the Senior Certificate examination.
Undergraduate applicants with a South African NSC must have secured at least a rating of 2 (Elementary Achievement, 30-40%) in English as a Home Language or First Additional Language.
For applicants with non-South African school-leaving certificates, specific language requirements as stipulated by the institution must be met.
Additional details on language proficiency tests like IELTS and TOEFL can be sought from the institution’s English Language Centre.
Admissions Points Score (APS) Calculation The APS is derived from the percentages scored in the NSC exams (preliminary and final). Each percentage point is equated to a corresponding admission score.
The aggregate of six subjects, excluding Life Orientation yet including English and any other subjects specified for the desired program, will be used to determine admission. For instance, if Mathematics and Physical Sciences are mandatory for a program, the scores from English, Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and the three next highest scoring subjects, apart from Life Orientation, will be used to calculate the APS.
It should be noted that results falling below 40% do not contribute to the APS.
