Introduction: Your Roadmap to University Success
Applying to university can feel overwhelming—deadlines, documents, funding, tests, and strict entry requirements. This guide walks South African learners (and parents) through every stage, from Grade 10 planning to accepting your final offer. You’ll learn how APS works, when NBTs matter, how to fund your studies (NSFAS bursary vs. loan), how to use the CAO in KZN, and what to do if things don’t go to plan.
1) Foundation Phase (Grades 10–11): Set Yourself Up Early
1.1 Choose the right subjects
Your Grade 10 subject choices can open—or close—doors later. Degrees in Engineering, Health Sciences, Data/IT and some Commerce fields often require Mathematics (not Mathematical Literacy) and sometimes Physical Sciences. Check typical faculty prerequisites for your intended degree and keep options open with rigorous subjects.
1.2 Build a strong academic record
Universities care about consistent performance. Grade 11 results can secure provisional offers, pending your final Matric (NSC) results. Aim to peak in Grade 11 and consolidate in Grade 12.
1.3 Go beyond the classroom
Leadership, sport, cultural activities, Olympiads, community projects and part-time work help you stand out. Keep a simple “brag sheet” with roles, dates and outcomes—you’ll use this for motivational statements, bursary applications and interviews.
2) Grade 12: Step-by-Step Through the Application Process
2.1 Understand the APS: Your “Golden Number”
What is APS?
The Admission Point Score converts your NSC subject achievement levels (1–7) into points and sums your best six subjects. Most universities exclude Life Orientation from the APS total. Always confirm the exact rules for your degree/faculty.
Typical 1–7 scale (guide):
80–100% = 7
70–79% = 6
60–69% = 5
50–59% = 4
40–49% = 3
30–39% = 2
0–29% = 1
Example: If your top six subjects score 6, 7, 5, 6, 4 and 5 → APS = 33.
Tip: Many programmes set minimum APS and specific subject levels (e.g., Maths level 5). Check your target faculty’s brochure.
2.2 Funding your studies: NSFAS bursary, the new NSFAS loan & alternatives
NSFAS Bursary (for poor and working-class students): Generally for SA citizens/permanent residents with combined household income ≤ R350,000 per year; ≤ R600,000 for students with disabilities. SASSA grant recipients automatically meet the financial eligibility rule (you must still meet other criteria).
NSFAS “Missing Middle” Loan (new): For household income R350,001–R600,000. It’s repayable and prioritises STEM (budget dependent). Check eligibility, covered qualifications and loan terms before you apply.
Other options: University merit bursaries, corporate bursaries, provincial bursaries, SETA funding, and bank study loans. Apply early—some close long before university deadlines.
2.3 NBTs: Who needs them now?
The National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) assess Academic & Quantitative Literacy (AQL) and, where required, Mathematics (MAT). Whether you must write depends on university and faculty:
Wits: Health Sciences requires NBTs; strict in-person rules and specific deadlines apply. Other faculties vary; check programme pages.
Stellenbosch: NBTs are currently required only for School of Tomorrow applicants and Faculty of Law (programme-specific).
UFS: Guidance indicates NBTs are used in admissions with faculty-specific dates—always confirm the latest prospectus/notice.
Action plan:
Check your shortlisted programmes’ NBT requirements.
Book early; venues fill up.
Write by the earliest deadline among your choices. (At Wits, results are valid for three years, but only the first attempt in the most recent year usually counts.)
2.4 Shortlist smartly: Dream, Competitive and Safety choices
Balance ambition and realism: pick 3–6 programmes across universities—
Dream: slightly above your current APS/subject level.
Competitive: matches your current profile.
Safety: you exceed both APS and subject minimums.
Visit open days (or virtual tours) and compare graduate outcomes, support services and total cost of study.
2.5 Document checklist (have these ready before portals open)
Certified copy of your ID
Certified Grade 11 results (and Matric when available)
Proof of address
Parent/guardian IDs and proof of income (for bursaries/NSFAS)
NBT registration/results (if required)
Portfolio/auditions (for creative/performing arts)
Motivation/personal statement (if required)
2.6 Where and how to apply (incl. CAO for KZN)
University portals: Apply directly via the institution’s online system (deadlines vary by faculty). For example, UCT undergrad applications commonly close 31 July for the following year—no late applications.
CAO (KZN universities): If you’re applying to UKZN/DUT/UNIZULU and other KZN institutions, use the Central Applications Office (CAO). One application per entry year; track your status in “Check my Application.”
3) After You’ve Applied: What Happens Next?
3.1 Track your status
Keep your student/CAO numbers safe. Log in weekly to check statuses like Pending, Conditional Offer, Waiting List or Firm Offer. Ensure your contact details (email & mobile) are correct.
3.2 Conditional vs. final offers
Conditional offers rely on your final NSC results and sometimes NBT outcomes.
Final offers are issued after Matric results release if you meet all conditions. Accept quickly—offers can expire.
3.3 If things don’t go to plan
Missed the cut? You still have options:
Extended/bridging programmes (check faculty rules)
Rewrite specific subjects to improve APS/required levels
Gap year with upskilling (learn-to-earn, coding, internships)
Re-apply strategically next cycle
Application Timeline (Quick Planner)
Grade 10: Pick degree-friendly subjects; aim for Maths & Science if relevant.
Grade 11: Push for strong results for provisional offers; start researching programmes.
Jan–Mar (Grade 12): Finalise shortlist; collect documents; check NBT requirements.
Apr–Jun: Applications open at many universities; book NBT if required; start NSFAS/bursary applications.
Jul–Sep: Big deadlines (e.g., UCT July); keep submitting complete applications early.
Oct–Dec: Finalise any remaining tests/documents.
Jan (post-results): Accept offers, register, sort accommodation and fees.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1) What APS do I need to get into university?
It varies by university and programme. Most use your best six NSC subjects on the 1–7 scale and exclude Life Orientation; check your target faculty’s brochure for the minimum APS and subject levels.
2) Does Life Orientation count toward my APS?
Often no—many universities exclude Life Orientation from the APS total (but always verify per faculty).
3) Do I have to write the NBT?
Sometimes. Requirements change and differ by faculty: Wits Health Sciences requires NBTs (in-person); Stellenbosch currently requires NBTs mainly for Faculty of Law and School of Tomorrow applicants. Confirm on each faculty page before you book.
4) When should I write the NBT?
As early as possible in Grade 12, especially if your target programmes set early cut-offs (e.g., Health Sciences at Wits has mid-August deadlines).
5) What’s the difference between the NSFAS bursary and the new NSFAS loan?
Bursary: For household income ≤ R350,000 (≤ R600,000 if you have a disability). Not repayable if you meet academic conditions.
Loan (“Missing Middle”): For R350,001–R600,000, repayable with programme/priority rules.
6) How do I apply to multiple KZN universities?
Use the CAO to apply to KZN institutions with a single application and track your status online.
7) Can I get in with strong NBTs but a lower APS?
NBTs can help for selection/placement in some faculties, but minimum subject requirements still apply. Use NBTs to strengthen your profile where they’re considered.
8) What if I miss an application deadline?
Some faculties allow late/waitlist applications, but many (like UCT) do not. Apply early and monitor each university’s official page.
Pro Tips for a Strong Application
Apply early & complete: Incomplete uploads delay decisions.
Name files clearly:
Name_Surname_ID.pdf,Gr11_Results.pdf, etc.Quality checks: Certified copies must be legible and valid (within the required period).
Track emails: University mail can land in spam—whitelist addresses.
Backup plan: Always include at least one safety programme with lower minimums.
Useful Links (save these)
CAO (KZN): Apply, pay and track status.
NSFAS (Bursary & Loan): Eligibility & how to apply.
Wits NBT requirements & deadlines: Especially for Health Sciences.
Stellenbosch NBT policy (Law/SOT): Check whether you must write.
UCT example of early closing date: Plan ahead for July deadlines.
Final word
Start early, know your numbers (APS and subject levels), confirm whether NBTs apply to your programme, sort out funding (NSFAS bursary vs loan), and apply before deadlines—especially if targeting July closers. You’ve got this.