ADMISSIONS POLICY

Reference number 7P/7.1

Accountable executive Registrar

manager

Policy owner Registrar

Responsible division Registrar

Status Approved

Approved by Council

Date of approval 18 March 2019

Amendments AMENDMENTS TO GIVE EFFECT TO NATIONAL DIRECTIVES

PUBLISHED IN GOVERNMENT GAZETTES IN NOVEMBER AND
DECEMBER 2018

Review date 2021

None
Procedures in terms of this
policy

Web address of this policy http://www.nwu.ac.za/gov_man/policy/index.html

(10935746) H:\HSC\2. Management\2.1.3 Policy
Address on the policy data management\Beleide\Raad Maart 2019\7P/7.1_Admissions Policy_e.docm
base
 Registrar

ADMISSIONS POLICY

Against the background of the dream to be an internationally recognised university in Africa, distinguished for
engaged scholarship, social responsiveness and an ethic of care, the Council of the North-West University
(NWU) has, in accordance with the provisions of the Statute of the NWU, adopted this Admissions Policy on
18 March 2019.

1 Interpretation and application

This policy must be interpreted and applied in a manner consistent with the –
1.1 Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996;
1.2 Higher Education Act 101 of 1997 (“HE Act”);
1.3 National Qualification Framework Act 67 of 2008;
1.4 Statute of the North-West University (2017) (‘the Statute”);
1.5 General Academic Rules of the NWU, and all
1.6 related policies of the NWU, in particular the Teaching-Learning Policy, and
1.7 government policies and directions regarding admissions listed in the appendices to this policy,
which the registrar must keep current.

2 Scope of application
2.1 This policy provides boundary admission conditions and rules in regard to the types of qualifications
contemplated in paragraphs 8 and 9 below which are part of the officially approved PQM of the NWU and
to which prospective students might seek admission.
2.2 Owing to capacity constraints, requirements by professional and statutory bodies and similar reasons, the
NWU reserves the right to select candidates for admission to certain qualifications even where such
applicants do meet the minimum admission requirements.
2.3 Taking into consideration the reasons referred to in 2.2, prospective students who comply with the
minimum requirements may be refused admission to the qualifications in question.
2.4 The NWU reserves the right to set out appropriate measures in its five-year strategic plan and annual
performance plans, as well as other relevant policies and rules as a means to further the redress of past
inequalities and to ensure that access to the university is broadened.

3 Policy statement
3.1 With reference to the considerations referred to in paragraph 2 above, the NWU reserves the right to
subject students to a selection process before admission to specific qualifications and related
programmes.
3.2 It is the policy of the NWU to provide a set of guidelines and requirements consistent with the regulatory
framework contemplated in 1 above for determining admission to the qualifications and their related
programmes offered by the university.
3.3 The university wishes to ensure the creation of an environment that pursues social justice and the
advancement of access, that promotes the objectives of the HE Act and that is consistent with national
directives in regard of the enhancement of access to higher education.

Admissions Policy 1
4 Governance and management of the implementation of the policy
The ongoing management of the admission of prospective students to qualifications offered by the university
takes place in accordance with an aligned set of business processes as implemented in a synergised manner
across all faculties and in respect of the different modes of delivery at the university.

5 Policy objectives
This policy is intended to achieve the following objectives:
5.1 To provide clear guidelines according to which the NWU exercises its decision-making powers to admit
students to its approved and registered contact and distance qualifications in line with the admission
requirements as prescribed in the HEQSF documentation, as well as within the overall national drive
towards the advancement of redress, equity and quality in higher education.
5.2 To provide for a framework to enable access for eligible candidates with National Certificates (Vocational)
(NC(V)) and to those presenting Senior Certificates , while accepting that the National Senior Certificate
(NSC) is regarded the primary gateway to qualifications offered by the NWU.
5.3 To set the boundaries to allow for alternative routes of entry that are to be viewed as equivalent to the
prescribed standard of the NSC or NC(V), and to set stipulations regarding other forms of prior learning
for entry to, or granting advanced standing according to which admission to any qualification is to be
managed in accordance with the equivalence setting under the guidance of the designated equivalence-
setting bodies, namely Umalusi and Universities South Africa’s (USAf) Matriculation Board function.
5.5 To provide for a distinction between the general admission requirements to a qualification, and more
specific additional admission requirements relevant to admission to a particular programme of a
qualification.
5.6 To ensure adherence to faculty-specific admission requirements as contained in the respective faculty
yearbooks.

6 Recognition of prior learning and credit accumulation transfer

6.1 Recognition of prior learning (RPL) involves duly approved principles and processes as contained in
faculty yearbooks.
6.2 The principles and processes referred to in 6.1 aim to make visible, to mediate and to assess prior learning
and skills of prospective students.
6.3 The aim of RPL is not only to provide alternative routes of access and admission to qualifications, but
also to establish clear and unambiguous measures to allocate credits towards RPL.
6.5 Prior learning is made explicit through valid, reliable and equitable assessment methods that reveal the
evidence needed to demonstrate the required knowledge and skills to be admitted to a particular
programme.
6.6 Faculty yearbooks must contain the principles and processes according to which advanced standing for
the sake of admission to particular programmes is managed.
6.4 In regard to credit transfer, a clear and unambiguous process for the establishment of credible methods
to manage supplementary work by prospective students must be provided for in faculty yearbooks.

7 Principles for admission to undergraduate programmes

7.1 Applicant Score (AS) system

7.1.1 For refinement of the application process, the Applicant Score (AS) system that assigns points to
performance is utilised.
7.1.2 The purpose of the AS is to determine a base score in regard to calculating the three compulsory 20-credit
NSC subjects and the performance in the next best three 20-credit NCS subjects.
7.1.3 The calculation of an applicant’s AS score is done in accordance with Table 1 contained in Appendix 2.
7.1.4 Applications of international students 1 are dealt with in accordance with the so-called conditional
process prescribed by Government Gazette 31674 (December 2008) and amendments thereof as
described in Table 5.1 contained in Appendix 3.

1 An international student is defined as a person who lives and studies in South Africa for the purpose of acquiring a qualification, after having complied with all relevant
legislatory requirements, amongst others Regulation 12 of the Immigration Act (2002) as per Government Gazette 37679, 22 May 2014.

Admissions Policy 2
7.2 Faculty-specific admission requirements
In addition to the admission requirements for undergraduate studies as provided for in paragraph 8 below,
and for postgraduate studies as provided for in paragraph 9 below, admission to the qualifications and their
programmes is subject to duly approved faculty-specific admission requirements.

8 Admission requirements for undergraduate qualifications

8.1 The requirements of the Council of Higher Education’s Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework
(HEQSF) for undergraduate study, the latest version of which is set out in Appendix 4, must serve as
the point of departure for considering an application to the NWU for admission as a prospective
undergraduate student.
8.2 Subject to faculty-specific requirements regarding admission to the qualifications and programmes
offered by the NWU, the minimum requirements set out in Tables 2, 3 and 4 contained in Appendix 2
apply to an application made by a prospective undergraduate student.

9 Admission requirements for postgraduate qualifications

9.1 The requirements of the Council of Higher Education’s Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework
(HEQSF) for postgraduate study, the latest version of which is set out in Appendix 5, must serve as the
point of departure for considering an application to the NWU for admission as a prospective
postgraduate student.
9.2 Subject to faculty-specific requirements regarding admission to the postgraduate qualifications and
programmes offered by the NWU as set out in the faculty yearbooks, the minimum requirements set
out in Appendix 5 apply to an application made by a prospective student.

Admissions Policy 3
 Appendix 1

Government Policies applicable to admissions

Government policies currently applicable to admissions with which the NWU must comply, are the following:

 Policy for the National Senior Certificate – A qualification at level 4 on the National Qualifications
framework published in Government Gazette 27819, 20July 2005
 Higher Education Qualifications Framework published in Government Gazette 30353, 5 October
2007
 Minimum admission requirements for Higher Certificate, Diploma and Bachelor’s Degree
Programmes requiring a National Senior Certificate published in Government Gazette 31231, 11
July 2008 as amended by Government Gazette 42068, 30 November 2018
 Requirements and Conditions for Matriculation Endorsement and Issuing of Certificates of
Exemption for Admission to Bachelor’s Degree Studies published in Government Gazette 31674,
5 December 2008
 Minimum Admission Requirements for Higher Certificate, Diploma and Degree Programmes
requiring a National Certificate (Vocational) at Level 4 of the National Qualifications Framework
published in Government Gazette 32743, 26 November 2009, revised and supplemented by
Government Gazette 42092, 7 December 2018
 Publication of the General and Further Education and Training Qualifications Sub-Framework and
Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework of the National Qualifications Framework
published in Government Gazette 36721, 2 August 2013
 Policy for Credit Accumulation and Transfer within the National Qualifications Framework published in
Government Gazette 38275, 2 December 2014
 Revised Policy on the minimum requirements for teacher education qualifications published in
Government Gazette 38487, 19 February 2015 (by means of which the Policy on the Minimum
Requirements for Teacher Education Qualifications published in GG 34467 of 15 July 2011 had
been repealed).
 Determination of minimum Outcomes and Standards and a national Process and Procedures for
the Assessment of Learner Achievement as stipulated in the Policy Document, National Policy
pertaining to the Programme and Promotion Requirements of the National Curriculum Statement
Grades R-12, published in Government Gazette 39405, 13 November 2015
 Approval of the Amendments to the Policy Document, a Resume of Subjects for the Senior
Certificate, Report 550 regarding the Promotion Requirements based on the Combination of
Credits obtained in different Qualifications, published in Government Gazette 37902, 4 March
2016.
 Recognition of Prior Learning Policy, published in Government Gazette, 39876, 31 March 2016
 Articulation Policy for the post-school education and training system of South Africa published in
Government Gazette 40545, 13 January 2017
 Minimum admission requirements for Higher Certificate, Diploma and Bachelor’s Degree
programmes for holders of the Senior Certificate (amended) and the revocation of designated list
of subjects published in Government Gazette 41473, 2 March 2018
 Minimum admission requirements for higher certificate, diploma and Bachelor’s degree
programmes requiring National Senior Certificate: amendment of the minimum admission
requirements for entry into Bachelor’s degree programmes for holders of the National Senior
Certificate published in Government Gazette 42068, 30 November 2018
 Notice of amendment of minimum admission requirements for higher certificate, diploma and
degree programmes requiring a National Certificate (Vocational) at Level 4 of the National
Qualifications Framework published in Government Gazette 42092, 7 December 2018

Admissions Policy 4
 Appendix 2

Applicant Score (AS) and National Senior Certificate (NSC)

Requirements

Table 1: Calculating the Applicant Score (AS)

NSC rating AS Score
8 (90-100%) AS= sum of the decimal of the three compulsory 20-credit NSC
subjects PLUS the next best three 20-credit NSC subjects.
7 (80-89%)
6 (70-79%)
Decimal of the actual performance in the relevant subject, e.g.
5 (60-69%) 77% performance to be indicated as 7.7 for purposes of the AS
4 (50-59%)
3 (40-49%) Total=60
2 (30-39%)
1 ( 0-29%)

The calculation of the Applicant Score takes place in the following way:
 The results of six (6) 20-credit NSC subjects are used to determine the AS.
 While achievement in Life Orientation (LO) – a 10- credit NSC subject - is not utilised in
calculating the ASS, a minimum achievement at Level 3 in LO is required to obtain an NSC. An
achievement at level 5 and higher in LO will be regarded as a recommendation for admission in
boundary cases and to certain programmes.
 A prospective student who achieves two AS points less than required for admission to
a specific qualification may, at the discretion of Senate and in line with Paragraph 31 of GG
31674 (2008), be admitted conditionally to study at the NWU.
 A prospective student who obtains discretionary exemption may be admitted to certain
qualifications or related programmes on certain conditions.

Table 2: Minimum admission requirements as per NSC requirements

NSC requirements
An achievement of “3” (40-49%) in three subjects (one of which is an official language at Home Language level) and a “2” (30-39%) in three
other subjects, provided that a portfolio of evidence in the school-based assessment (CASS) component is submitted in the (seventh) subject
failed.
Higher Certificate requirements
An NSC certified by Umalusi with an achievement of at least “2” (30-39%) in the language of learning and teaching of the HEI concerned, in
addition to requirements particular to the specific programme.

Diploma requirements:
An NSC certified by Umalusi with an achievement of at least “3” (40-49%) in at least four recognised 20-credit subjects.
B degree requirements:
A National Senior Certificate (NSC) certified by Umalusi with an achievement of “4” (50-59%) or better in at least four 20-credit subjects.

Admissions Policy 5
 Appendix 2 (continued)

Table 3: NSC subjects

Compulsory subjects
Two official languages (an achievement of “4” in the language of education at HL or FAL level).
Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy.
Life Orientation (not taken in account for AS purposes)

Subjects (Obtain a “4” (50-59%) in at least four of these subjects)

Accounting Agricultural Management Agricultural Sciences Agricultural Technology Business Studies
Practices
Civil Technology Computer Application Consumer Studies Dance studies Design
Technology
Dramatic Arts Economics Electrical Technology Engineering Graphics Geography
and Design
History Hospitality Studies Information Technology Languages (Official Life Sciences
languages within 2nd
and 3 rd additional and
non-official languages
list)
Mathematical Literacy Mathematics Mechanical Technology Music Physical Sciences
Religion Studies Technical Mathematics2 Technical Science3 Tourism Visual Arts

Table 4: List with official and non-official languages

*List of official languages ** List of non-official languages

Afrikaans English IsiNdebele Arabic French German (HL)
IsiXhosa IsiZulu Sepedi Gujurati (HL) Hebrew Hindi (HL)
Sesotho Setswana South African Italian Latin Portuguese (HL)
Sign Language
(SASL)
Siswati Tshivenda Xitsonga Spanish Tamil (HL) Telegu (HL)
Urdu (HL)

Only one language from each of the following groups may be

offered:
a) IsiNdebele, SiSwati, IsiXhosa or IsiZulu
b) Sepedi, Sesotho or Setswana

2 Only to be considered if applicant offering this subject was taught at a Technical School.
3
Only to be considered if applicant offering this subject was taught at a Technical School.

Admissions Policy 6
 Appendix 3

CERTIFICATES OF CONDITIONAL EXEMPTION

Table 5.1: Conditional exemption as per the Requirements and Conditions for
Matriculation Endorsement and Issuing of Certificates of Exemption for Admission
to Bachelor’s Degree Studies (GG 31674, 5 December 2008)

Type of certificate of conditional Pre-requisites to be complied with by candidates qualifying for conditional exemption
exemption to be issued to persons certificates
intending to enrolling for B degrees
at a SA university
Certificate of conditional exemption to an o At one and same sitting for Full Time and two for Part Time, sat in examinations in not
applicant who, in an examination for the less than 6 subjects chosen in accordance with paragraphs 3(a) and 3(a) and 4 in the
senior certificate of the Council, met the instance of immigrants.
requirements as contained in paragraph o Passed in at least 5 subjects, obtained an aggregate of 950 marks.
24 of GG 31674
o Lacks only one of certain requirements for as SC with matriculation endorsement: *a
pass in a language; *a pass in a subject that involves grouping requirements; *pass in
Maths or Nat Sciences; * pass in one of two subjects on HG; *20% subminimum in 6th
subject.

Certificate of conditional exemption by o Person who passed in a combination of technical and other N5 standard or SC
virtue of a combination of subjects language subjects, and who
passed in technical and other o Passed 4 technical and other N5 standard subjects incl Maths and other
examinations (paragraph 25 of GG subject with HG deemed equivalent
31674)
o Passed in both languages but did not obtain pass in Maths or other subject
with HG equivalence as one of the four subjects
o Passed in both languages but did not obtain pass in one of the four subjects at
N5 standard

Certificate of conditional exemption by o Person who obtained a pass towards qualification mentioned in Annexure 1 of four
virtue of passing the Advanced and ordinary level and advanced level subjects, provided that
Ordinary level or IGCSE examinations o The pass is in 5 different subjects, one of which is an advanced level subject
of examining bodies mentioned in and in which requirements have been met
Annexure I, as referred to in paragraph 26
o Passed in at least two approved advanced level subjects and subject from
of GG 31674, and included from p 28
each of two of the three groups
onwards)
o Passed in at least two approved advanced level subjects and in a subject from
each of the three prescribed groups, but lacks a pass in a 5th subject as
required.

Certificate of conditional exemption by o Person who offered a minimum of 4 advanced subsidiary and or HIGCSE and/or higher
virtue of Advanced Subsidiary and level subjects and one ordinary or IGCSE level subject in an examination conducted by
Ordinary level examinations conducted by examining bodies mentioned in Annex 1 and/or Namibian Ministry of Education in
examining bodies mentioned in Annexure collaboration with Cambridge and who lacks one of the mentioned criteria.
I (see p 28 onwards of GG 31674), or
HIGCSE and IGCSE level examinations
of Cambridge International Examination
and/or the Namibian Ministry of
Education in collaboration with
Cambridge International Examination
and/or the Higher and Ordinary Level
examinations of the Namibian Ministry of
Education (paragraph 27, GG 31674).

Certificate of conditional exemption to o Holding a certificate entitling the candidate unconditional admission to a degree or
applicants from foreign countries as listed equivalent qualification at a foreign institution as approved by the Committee of
in Annexure II (paragraph 28, GG 31674) Principals, in the country where the candidate has obtained the qualification. Proviso:
that admission to such a foreign institution on grounds of mature age or any other
special condition shall not be regarded as unconditional admission to degree studies.

Admissions Policy 7
 Certificate of conditional exemption to o At one and same sitting for Full Time and two for Part Time, sat in examinations and
immigrants (paragraph 29, GG 31674) passed a university language of instruction under certain circumstances as explained in
para 29.

Certificate of conditional exemption by o A statement from senate stating that the applicant, in the view of senate, may
virtue of mature age (paragraph 30, GG reasonably be expected to complete the curriculum, provided that the applicant has
31674) o attained the age of 23 before or during the year of enrolment for a B degree
with the minimum prescribed full-time of three years, for which a matriculation
endorsement or certificate of exemption is a prerequisite.
o before the date of validity of the certificate to be issued, passed with at least
40% in at least 4 higher grade/standard grade subjects, at least three of which
shall have been passed simultaneously, and one of which shall be a
recognised subject on the higher grade.
o Further, 40% achievement in an official language, Second Language HG;
and offering other subjects that would satisfy Principals’ Committee.
o Certificate issued after statement of senate’s recommendation that candidate has
reasonable expectation to complete curriculum. Proviso: applicant has attained age of
45 before or during year in which admission is sought to a B degree to be completed in
the minimum prescribed full-time duration of three years.

Certificate of conditional exemption by o Certificate issued to someone who, in the opinion of senate, has demonstrated in a
virtue of a certificate issued by the senate selection process approved by that senate that (s)he is suitable for admission to
of a university (paragraph 31, GG 31674) Bachelor studies, which certificate would only be valid for that university.
o Where proof is given that a full credit of instructional offering (one year) has been
completed, a certificate of full exemption will be issued, dated on the first date of the
month of the period of academic residence in which the first degree credit was
obtained.
o Where senate of second university requests, in respect of the student transferring there,
the certificate of first university will be amended to be valid for admission to second
university.

Admissions Policy 8
 Appendix 3 (continued)

Table 5.2: Recognised subjects offered by prospective students from the Cambridge
International Examination environment for exemption purposes

Group I subjects Group II subjects Group III subjects Group IV subjects Group V subjects Ungrouped but
recognised subjects
English Language Afrikaans 3rd language (if not Art and Design Accounting Literature in English
offered as part of
Group II
requirement)
English Language Arabic Biology Biology Business Studies Consumer Studies
and Literature
Any other Chinese Botany Chemistry Computer Studies Tourism
recognised First
Language
Czech Chemistry Economics Computing (last Hospitality Studies
exam 2016)
Dutch Combined Science Environmental Computer Science Civil Technology
Management (from 2105)
French Co-ordinated Geography Design and Electrical
Science Technology Technology
German Mathematics History Divinity Engineering
Graphics and Design
Greek Physics Mathematics Further Mathematics Mechanical
Technology
Hindi Physics-with- Music Information Dance Studies
Chemistry Technology
IsiZulu Physical Science Physics Religious Studies Dramatic Arts
Italian Zoology Physical Science Visual Arts
Japanese Agricultural
Management
Practices
Korean Agricultural Science
Latin Agricultural
Technology
Malay
Marathi
Nepali
Portuguese
Russian
Swahili

Admissions Policy 9
 Appendix 4

Requirements for admission to undergraduate qualifications in terms of

the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF)4

1 Higher Certificate
(NQF Exit level=5; Minimum total credits=120; Minimum credits at level 5=120)]
To qualify for admission to a higher certificate, an applicant must, subject to faculty-specific requirements
specified in the faculty yearbook, be in possession of:
1.1 National Senior Certificate with a minimum of 30% in the Language of Learning and Teaching
(“LoLT”), OR
1.2 Senior Certificate issued under the August 2014 regulations with a minimum of 30% in the
LoLT in the case of the Senior Certificate (amended) (“SC(a)”), or 33.3% in the LoLT for the Senior
Certificate (“SC”).
2 Advanced Certificate
(NQF Exit level=6; Minimum total credits=120; Minimum credits at level 6=120)]
To qualify for admission to an advanced certificate, an applicant must, subject to faculty-specific requirements
specified in the faculty yearbook, be in possession of a higher certificate in the appropriate field.
3 Diploma
(NQF Exit level=6; Minimum total credits=240 or 360; Minimum credits at level 6=120)
To qualify for admission to a diploma, an applicant must, subject to faculty-specific requirements as
specified in the faculty yearbook, be in possession of:
3.1 A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with endorsement for diploma studies and with
appropriate subject combinations and levels of achievement as per Government Gazette 31231
(2008), OR
3.2 A National Certificate (Vocational) [NC(V)] exit level 4 issued by the Council for General and
Further Education and Training, and with appropriate subject combinations and levels of
achievement as per Government Gazette 42092. The prescribed achievement in the NC(V) is
at least 40% in three fundamental subjects including the language of learning and teaching
of the Higher Education Institution, and at least 50% in the three compulsory vocational subjects
from the recognised list; OR
3.3 A Senior Certificate published under the August 2014 stipulations with a minimum of 30% in the
LoLT in the case of the SC(a); or 33.3% for the SC under the stipulations of Report 550, coupled
with
• an achievement rating of 3 (40% or more) in four NSC/SC(a) subjects if the candidate has offered
six NSC/SC(a) 20-credit subjects, OR
• an achievement rating of 3 (40% or more) in the instance where a mix of SC (Report 550), NSC
and SC(a) 20-credit subjects in at least four subjects is offered, and provided that a candidate
may have completed on standard grade subject at 50% or more to be offered instead of one
higher grade subject 40% or more.
3.4 A higher certificate or advanced certificate in a cognate field, recognised by Senate as equivalent.

4 As per the prescripts of GG 36721, 2 August 2013

Admissions Policy 10
 Appendix 4 (continued)
4 Advanced Diploma
(NQF Exit level=7; Minimum total credits=120; Minimum credits at level 7=120)
To qualify for admission to a diploma, an applicant must, subject to faculty-specific requirements as
specified in the faculty yearbook, be in possession of an appropriate diploma or bachelor’s degree.
5 Bachelor’s Degree
(NQF Exit level=7; Minimum total credits=360; Minimum credits at level
7=120) (NQF Exit level=8; Minimum total credits=480; Minimum credits
at level 8=120)
To qualify for admission to a bachelor’s degree, an applicant must, subject to faculty-specific
requirements as specified in the faculty yearbook, be in possession of:
5.1 A National Senior Certificate with endorsement for Bachelor’s studies and with appropriate
subject combinations and levels of achievement as per Government Gazette 31231 (2008), OR
5.2 A National Certificate (Vocational) Level 4 issued by the Council for General and Further
Education and Training, and with appropriate subject combinations and levels of achievement
as per Government Gazette 42092. The prescribed achievement in the NC(V) is at least 50%
in three fundamental subjects including the language of learning and teaching of the Higher
Education Institution, and at least 60% in four compulsory vocational subjects. from the recognised
list, OR
5.3 A Senior Certificate with complete or conditional matriculation endorsement/exemption as
contained in Government Gazette 41473; OR
A Senior Certificate issued under the August 2014 stipulations with a minimum of 30% in the
LoLT in the case of NSC/SC(a), or 33.3% in the case of an SC issued under the stipulations of
Report 550, coupled with an achievement rating of 4 (50% or more) in four NSC/SC(a) subjects
if the candidate has offered six NSC/SC(a) 20-credit subjects, OR
5.4 An achievement rating of 4 (50% or more) in the instance where a mix of SC (Report 550), NSC
and SC(a) 20-credit subjects in at least four subjects is offered, and provided that these subjects
are higher grade in the case of the Senior Certificate, or subjects of the NSC and the Senior
Certificate (amended). An applicant in possession of a matriculation exemption certificate but
who obtained two (2) points less than the required minimum points on the Applicant Score
system, may be considered for admission to the University by passing an admissions test a s
approved by Senate, provided that the general admission requirements are otherwise satisfied;
OR
5.5 Certificates of conditional exemption5 may be issued to applicants who comply with the following
requirements as contained in Government Gazette 31674 (2008):
5.5.1 Certificate of conditional exemption to an applicant who, in an examination for the senior
certificate of the Council, met the requirements as per paragraph6 243
5.5.2 Certificate of conditional exemption by virtue of a combination of subjects passed in
technical and other examinations, and as per paragraph 25.
5.5.3 Certificate of conditional exemption by virtue of passing the examinations in regard to
the advanced-level subjects, advanced-subsidiary subjects, the ordinary-level subjects
and the IGCSE-level subjects of the examining bodies mentioned in Annexure 1, and as
per paragraph 26.
5.5.4 Certificate of conditional exemption by virtue of Advanced Subsidiary and Ordinary level
examinations conducted by examining bodies mentioned in Annexure I; or HIGCSE and
IGCSE level examinations of Cambridge International Examination and/or the Namibian
Ministry of Education in collaboration with Cambridge International Examination and/or
the Higher and Ordinary Level examinations of the Namibian Ministry of Education, and as
per paragraph 27.7.1.5.6.5.

5 A certificate issued by the Committee of Principals in terms of the provisions of Sections 7(1)(e) of the HE Act, admitting a candidate to bachelor’s degree study at a
South African university, subject to specified conditions and for a specific period. (See Table 5.1 in Appendix 1 for detail information).
6 All references to paragraphs correspond with the paragraph numbers in the relevant Government Gazette 31674.

Admissions Policy 11
 Prospective students offering the Cambridge International Examinations (“CIE”) for
conditional exemption purposes need to note that the list of acceptable subjects for
admission purposes also include all 20-credit NSC subjects. (See Table 5.2 for the
complete list.)
Also note that NWU faculties reserve the right to set minimum performance requirements
in regard to the levels of achievement for admission purposes into NWU qualifications and
programmes.
5.5.5 Certificate of conditional exemption to applicants from foreign countries as listed in
Annexure II, and as per paragraph 28.
5.5.6 Certificate of conditional exemption to immigrants, as per paragraph 29.
5.5.7 Certificate of conditional exemption by virtue of mature age, as per paragraph 30.
5.5.8 Certificate of conditional exemption by virtue of a certificate issued by Senate, as per
paragraph 31.

Admissions Policy 12
 Appendix 5

Requirements for admission to postgraduate qualifications in terms of

the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF)7

1 Postgraduate diploma
(NQF Exit level=8. Minimum total credits=120; Minimum credits at level 8=120)
To qualify for admission to a postgraduate diploma, a prospective student needs to be in possession
of an appropriate bachelor’s degree (exit level 7) or an appropriate advanced diploma (exit
level 7); or the equivalent of these as approved by Senate. In addition, a prospective student
must comply with all other requirements as prescribed in the rules of the faculty offering the
qualification, and as contained in the faculty yearbook.
A faculty may refuse admission to a particular qualification in instances where the standard of
competence demonstrated by a prospective student in previous achievements in the
qualification(s) in which the student wishes to pursue further study, does not comply with
the faculty-specific requirements.
2 Honours Degree
(NQF Exit level=8. Minimum total credits=120; Minimum credits at level 8=120)
To qualify for admission to an honours qualification, a prospective student needs to be in
possession of an appropriate bachelor’s degree (level 7) or an appropriate advanced
diploma (level 7); or the equivalent of these as approved by Senate. In addition, a
prospective student must comply with all other requirements as prescribed in the rules of
the faculty offering the qualification, and as contained in the faculty yearbook.
A faculty may refuse admission to a particular qualification in instances where the standard of
competence demonstrated by a prospective student in previous achievements in the
qualification(s) in which the student wishes to pursue further study, does not comply with
the faculty-specific requirements.
3 Master’s Degree8
(NQF Exit level=9. Minim total credits=180; Minimum credits at level 9=120)
To qualify for admission to a master’s programme, a student must be in possession of a relevant
honours degree or a relevant postgraduate diploma at level 8 in an appropriate field, or the
equivalent of these as approved by Senate. In addition, a prospective student must comply
with all other requirements as prescribed in the rules of the faculty offering the qualification,
and as contained in the faculty yearbook.
Under circumstances as explained in the faculty yearbook after approval by Senate, a prospective
student with a four-year undergraduate degree at exit level 8 may be considered for
admission to a cognate Master’s Degree
A faculty may refuse admission to a particular qualification in instances where the standard of
competence demonstrated by a prospective student in previous achievements in the
modules or specialisation of qualification(s) in which the student wishes to pursue further
study, does not comply with the requirements.

7
As per the prescripts of GG 36721, 2 August 2013
8 The requirements are applicable to the following Master’s programmes: Research Master’s; Taught Master’s; Professional Master’s

Admissions Policy 13
 Appendix 5 (continued)

4 Doctoral Degree9
(NQF Exit level=10. Minim total credits=360; Minimum credits at level 10=360)
To qualify for admission to a Doctoral degree, a prospective student must be in possession of an
appropriate Master’s degree or its equivalent as approved by Senate, and as contained in
the faculty yearbook.
Admission to all doctoral degrees offered by the University shall be subject to approval by the
relevant faculty structure on the recommendation of the concerned research director in
consultation with the concerned school director. In light hereof, it is expected of prospective
doctoral students to consult with the concerned research director on their intended
research proposals and the nature of their supervision prior to admission being sought to
a doctoral qualification (see the NWU Manual for Master’s and Doctoral Studies). In addition,
a prospective student must comply with all other requirements as prescribed in the rules of
the faculty offering the qualification, and as contained in the faculty yearbook.
A faculty may refuse admission to a particular curriculum in instances where the standard of
competence demonstrated by a prospective student in previous achievements in the
qualification(s) in which the student wishes to pursue further study, does not comply with
the requirements.

Original details: (10935746) H:\HSC\2. Management\2.1.3 Policy management\Beleide\Raad Maart 2019\7P-7.1_Admissions Policy_e.docm
8 April 2019

File reference: 7P/7.1

9 The requirements are applicable to both the Research Doctoral and Professional Doctoral programmes.

Admissions Policy 14