Higher Education & Financial Aid

Question 1

What are the administration requirements for admission to:
a) A university?

Answer 1

You need a Bachelor’s Degree Pass in your National Senior Certificate (NSC).
• This includes:
1. At least 40% in Home Language.
2. At least 50% in four subjects (excluding Life Orientation).
3. At least 30% in one other subject.
4. Pass at least six out of seven subjects.
5. Meet APS score requirements and course-specific requirements for your chosen field of study.
6. Pass in the language of learning and teaching of the university (e.g. English).

Question 2

b) A university of technology

Answer 2

You need at least a Diploma Pass in your NSC.
• This includes:
1. At least 40% in Home Language.
2. At least 40% in three other subjects (excluding Life Orientation).
3. Pass at least six out of seven subjects.
• A TVET qualification or work experience can also help.
• Courses are more practical and career-focused.

Question 3

c) A TVET/FET collage

Answer 3

Minimum of Grade 9, but Grade 11 or 12 (NSC) gives you a better chance.
• Some courses need specific subjects or levels.
• Courses are mainly practical and vocational.
• You can also study scarce skills and do learnerships.

Question 4

What does APS mean?

Answer 4

APS stands for Admission Point Score.
It is used by universities to decide whether you qualify for a course.

Question 5

How does one calculate APS

Answer 5

Your APS score is calculated by adding the points of your NSC subject marks.
• Each subject is given a point from 1 to 7 based on your percentage.
For example:
• 80–100% = 7 points
• 70–79% = 6 points
• 60–69% = 5 points
• 50–59% = 4 points
• 40–49% = 3 points
• 30–39% = 2 points
• 0–29% = 1 point
• The total of your best 6 subjects (excluding Life Orientation) is your APS.

Question 6

What are NBTs?

Answer 6

NBTs are the National Benchmark Tests.
They are tests used by some universities to see how ready you are for university studies.

Question 7

Why are NBTs important?

Answer 7

NBTs are used together with your NSC results.
• They help universities decide:
1. If you can cope with the course.
2. What type of support you may need in first year.
3. If you can be accepted into the course.

Question 8

What tests do NBTs consist of?

Answer 8

There are two main NBT tests:
1. Academic Literacy and Quantitative Literacy (AQL) – Tests language and general maths understanding.
2. Mathematics (MAT) – Tests high school maths concepts (only required for certain courses).

Question 9

Pros and cons of a Bursary

Answer 9

Pros:
• Helps pay for your studies.
• You don’t have to pay the money back (usually).
• Some bursaries include money for accommodation, books, and transport.

Cons:
• Some bursaries have conditions (e.g. you must work for the company after graduating).
• They are competitive and not easy to get.
• You may lose the bursary if you fail your subjects.

Question 10

Pros and cons of a scholarship

Answer 10

Pros:
• Awarded for good marks or sporting achievements.
• Does not need to be paid back.
• Can cover full costs (tuition, books, etc.).

Cons:
• You must maintain high performance to keep it.
• Very competitive.
• Not always available for all study fields.

Question 11

Pros and cons of a bank loan?

Answer 11

Pros:
• You can get money to study if you don’t qualify for a bursary or scholarship.
• You can use it for all your study needs.

Cons:
• You must pay it back with interest.
• It can be expensive over time.
• You may have to start paying it back soon after finishing your studies.