Admission Requirements for first entering students
Applying at University of Limpopo
Application process:
Step 1: All applications can be done online by visiting click here
Step 2: Online application has a handling fee of R200 for South African applicants, and R750 for International Applicants.
Step 3: The University bank account numbers to be used for application handling fee deposits is:
Account Name : University of Limpopo
Bank Name : Standard Bank
Branch Name : Polokwane Square
Branch Code : 051001
Account No. : 030131405
Reference No. : Applicant’s ID numbers / Passport Numbers
Step 4: All enquiries should be directed to our call centre on the following contact details:
Call Centre No. : 015 268 3332
Email Address: enrolment@ul.ac.za
Step 5:Both the undergraduate and Post graduate prospectuses are available on our website for ease of reference.
*Note: make sure that you meet or exceed the admission requirements as set out on the prospectus. Only Bachelor Certificate holders are eligible to apply for admission.
1.1 National Senior Certificate (NSC) with Bachelor exemption
Prospective students, with an NSC, who wish to gain entry to any undergraduate programme at the University of Limpopo, should comply with the following:
- Life Orientation with an achievement level of at least three (3).
- Aligned with the language policy of the university, English as a language of learning and teaching with an achievement level of at least three (3).
- The required minimum levels of achievement in specific subjects as stipulated in the Calendars of each Faculty, provided that:
- Four 20-credit subjects were achieved with a minimum NSC achievement level of four (4) for degree programmes and
- Four 20-credit subjects were achieved with a minimum NSC achievement level of three (3) for diploma programmes.
- The required Admission Point Score (APS) as stipulated in the Calendars of each Faculty.
Meeting the minimum APS for a particular programme does not, however, guarantee admission.
1.2 Matriculation Certificate (prior 2008)
- Students, who successfully completed Grade 12 before 2008, can apply for admission to the University with the normal Grade 12 Senior Certificate with full university exemption by converting their grade symbols to an APS.
1.3 National Certificate (Vocational)
- Students who have successfully completed a National Certificate Vocational NC(V) Level 4 qualification will require the following and will be subject to Faculty Admission Specifications and Placement Tests:
- NC(V) level 4 certificate with 3 fundamental subjects 60% (Life Orientation included) and 4 relevant vocational subjects at 70% for degree programmes.
- NC(V) level 4 certificate with 3 fundamental subjects 50% (Life Orientation included) and 3 compulsory vocational subjects at 60% for diploma programmes.
1.4 The Admission Point Score (APS) system
The system is a simple calculation, using your NSC or Grade 12 university exemption results, which can be done by any prospective student to determine if he/she meets the minimum requirements to gain entry into:
- The University of Limpopo
and
- A specific programme of choice offered by a Faculty within the University.
Meeting the minimum APS for a particular programme does not, however, guarantee admission.
The calculation is done by the addition of the achievement levels in six (6) recognised 20 credit subjects as stipulated by specific requirements of the Faculties. Achievement levels are as follows (Note Life Orientation is not used in the APS calculation):
NSC Achievement Level | NSC% | Senior Certificate Higher Grade | Senior Certificate Standard Grade | APS | NC(V) |
7 | 80-99 | A | 7 | 5 | |
6 | 70-79 | B | A | 6 | 4 |
5 | 60-69 | C | B | 5 | 3 |
4 | 50-59 | D | C | 4 | 3 |
3 | 40-49 | E | D | 3 | 2 |
2 | 30-39 | F | E | 2 | 1 |
1 | 0-29 | G | F | 1 | 1 |
The following is an example of an APS calculation:
School subject | NSC Achievement level | Senior certificate (Higher grade) | APS |
Language 1 | 4 | D | 4 |
Language 2 | 4 | D | 4 |
Mathematics | 6 | B | 6 |
Physical Science | 6 | B | 6 |
Life Science | 7 | A | 7 |
Accounting | 2 | F | 2 |
APS Total | 29 |
2. Qualifications other than the NSC
Prospective students should get verification of the qualification from Higher Education South Africa (HESA). More information can be obtained from www.hesa.org.za. Prospective students with matriculation qualifications from outside the borders of South Africa, can also contact the International Office on +27 (0) 15 268 3046.
APS Conversion Table for Non- NSC examinations.
APS | NSC | IGCSE/ GCSE/ NSSCO-Level | HIGCSE/ NSSC HL | AS Level | A-Level | IB-HL | IB-SL |
10 | A | 7 | |||||
9 | |||||||
8 | 8 (90-100) | B | 6 | ||||
7 | 7 (80-89%) | 1 | A | C | 5 | 7 | |
6 | 6 (70-79%) | 2 | B | D | 4 | 6 | |
5 | 5 (60-69%) | A | 3 | C | E | 5 | |
4 | 4 (50-59%) | B | 3 | D | 4 | ||
3 | 3 (40-49%) | C | 4 | E | 3 | ||
2 | 2 (30-39%) | D/E | 2 | ||||
1 | 1 (0-29%) | F/G | 1 | ||||
NSC – National Senior Certificate (completed Grade 12 in and after 2008) IGCSE – International General Certificate of Secondary Education NSSC – Namibia Senior Secondary Certificate HIGCSE – Higher International General Certificate of Secondary Education A Level Advanced level O Level – Ordinary Level AS – Advanced subsidiary IB-HL International Baccalaureate Higher Level IB-SL International Baccalaureate Standard Level |
3. Placement Test
The University of Limpopo will conduct National Benchmarking Tests for prospective students. The results of the test will be used for research in terms of student profiles and for allocation of appropriate support.
4. Extended Curriculum Programmes (ECP)
The extended curriculum programmes offered at the University are linked to the corresponding approved regular undergraduate degree programmes, but allow students an additional year to achieve the learning outcomes. Results of the Placement Tests are of particular relevance to gain access into these programmes.
Overview of Public Universities in South Africa
Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.
University of Pretoria
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
- Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.
University of Cape Town
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
- Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.
Stellenbosch University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
- Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.
University of the Witwatersrand
- Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
- Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.
University of Johannesburg
- Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
- Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.
University of the Free State
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.
University of Venda
- Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
- Application Period: Usually from May to September.
University of Fort Hare
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
- Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.
University of the Western Cape
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
- Application Period: Generally from May to September.
North-West University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
- Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.
Rhodes University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
- Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.
Nelson Mandela University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
- Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.
University of Limpopo
- Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
- Application Period: From April to September.
University of Zululand
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
- Application Period: Usually between April and November.
Central University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
- Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.
Vaal University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
- Application Period: Typically from May to September.
Walter Sisulu University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
- Application Period: From April to September.
This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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