University of Fort Hare UFH Admission Requirements
General Entry Qualifications
Prospective students who have not previously enrolled at this or any other university are expected to fulfill one of the following admission criteria:
- Possession of a Matriculation Certificate, National Senior Certificate, School Leaving Certificate, or a Further Education and Training (FET) Level 4 Certificate.
- Eligibility based on mature age, discretionary considerations by the Senate, or any other form of conditional or full exemption.
- Any alternative qualifications, examinations, or experiences (including prior learning and/or professional experience) recognized under the University’s admission policy, as established by the Council in consultation with the Senate. The Council may also impose additional prerequisites for specific programs.
Admission Requirements for Bachelor’s Degrees
- A minimum achievement level of 4 (50-59%) in English as a First Additional Language, or a level 3 (40-49%) in English as a Home Language.
- A level 4 (50-59%) or better in four subjects of 20 credits each, chosen from the designated list, Life Orientation excluded.
Specific Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree: Pass National Senior Certificate with a rating of 4 (50-59%) in four subjects.
- Diploma: Pass National Senior Certificate with a rating of 3 (40-49%) in four subjects.
Mature Age Admission
Individuals who are 23 years old during the year of registration, and who meet the general entry qualifications, may apply for conditional exemption and are eligible for mainstream programs.
Designated Subjects Include:
- Accounting, Agricultural Science, Business Studies, Dramatic Arts
- Economics, Engineering Graphics and Design, Geography, History
- Information Technology, Languages, Life Science, Mathematics/Mathematical Literacy
- Music, Physical Sciences, Religious Studies, Visual Arts
- Consumer Studies
Prospective degree candidates must ensure their selection of seven subjects includes four from the designated list.
Senior Certificate Requirements (Pre-2008)
Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English, with a minimum E symbol on Standard Grade or an F symbol on Higher Grade. A Matriculation Exemption or an FET Certificate qualifies one for degree studies, with grading as follows for SC:
- A: High Grade 8, Standard Grade 6
- B: HG 7, SG 5
- C: HG 6, SG 4
- D: HG 5, SG 3
- E: HG 4, SG 2
- F: HG 3
National Certificate (Vocational) Admission
For Bachelor’s degree programs, the minimum requirement is a National Certificate (Vocational) Level 4, with at least 60% in three fundamental subjects including English, and 70-79% in three vocational subjects.
International Applicants
Undergraduate international applicants need an exemption certificate from the South African Matriculation Board. The University assists by submitting an M30E form along with necessary certified documentation and an application fee.
Postgraduate international candidates must have their qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
Selection Process
The selection process involves application form submissions, reviewed by a faculty committee. Admission is merit-based, and for some programs, interviews or presentations may be required. Notifications are sent by the Students Registration Office.
Postgraduate Admission Requirements
Postgraduate Diplomas and Honours Degrees require an appropriate Bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Masters by Coursework and Research, as well as Doctoral degrees, have specific requirements detailed by respective faculties, including duration and curriculum specifications.
