UNISA Admission Requirement For Agriculture and Environmental SciencesCollege of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences
Your admission to Unisa is dependent on you meeting the minimum admission requirements for your chosen qualification and college. Meeting these minimum requirements does not, however, mean that your application will automatically be accepted, as each application will be considered individually.
If you don’t meet the minimum admission requirements…
If you don’t meet the minimum admission requirements for your qualification of choice, you might want to consider starting with a relevant lower-level qualification (eg a higher certificate or diploma) and then continuing with the degree on completion of your lower-level qualification. Work through the admission requirements for each level of qualification (eg degree, diploma and higher certificate) to determine whether you will be able to apply for a lower-level qualification related to your interests. Remember to keep in mind your career vision and goals, and how any qualification will contribute to these.
Bachelor of Science degree (4-year programme)
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT
MATHEMATICS REQUIREMENT
PHYSICAL SCIENCE REQUIREMENT
A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with degree endorsement
50% in the language of teaching and learning
50% in Mathematics
50% in Physical Science if any Chemistry or Physics modules form part of the curriculum of a selected qualification
A Senior Certificate (SC) with matriculation exemption or qualify for the exemption from the Matriculation Board
A D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning
A D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in Mathematics
A D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in Physical Science if Chemistry or Physics modules form part of the curriculum of a selected qualification
Applicants who have not obtained at least 50% in the language of teaching and learning, 50% in Mathematics and 50% in Physical Science, will be limited to 48 credits at NQF level 5 in their first period of study and must register for the following:
- To meet the language requirements: two language proficiency modules (ENG1511 and ENN103F)
- To meet the Mathematics requirement: a Mathematics module (MAT0511)
- To meet the Physical Science requirement: a Science module (SMI181Q)
All 48 credits must be passed before the student can continue with degree studies.
Bachelor of Science degree (3-year programme)
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT
MATHEMATICS REQUIREMENT
PHYSICAL SCIENCE REQUIREMENT
A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with degree endorsement
50% in the language of teaching and learning
50% in Mathematics
50% in Physical Science if any Chemistry or Physics modules form part of the curriculum of a selected qualification
A Senior Certificate (SC) with matriculation exemption or qualify for exemption from the Matriculation Board
A D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning
A D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in Mathematics
A D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in Physical Science if any Chemistry or Physics modules form part of the curriculum of a selected qualification
Applicants who have not obtained at least 50% in the language of teaching and learning, 50% in Mathematics and 50% in Physical Science, will be limited to 48 credits at NQF level 5 in their first period of study and must register for the following:
- To meet the language requirements: two language proficiency modules (ENG1511 and ENN103F)
- To meet the Mathematics requirement: a Mathematics module (MAT0511)
- To meet the Physical Science requirement: a Science module (SMI181Q)
All 48 credits must be passed before the student can continue with degree studies.
Extended Bachelor of Consumer Sciences degree (4-year programme)
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT
MATHEMATICS REQUIREMENT
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with degree endorsement
50% in the language of teaching and learning
40% in Mathematics
None
A Senior Certificate (SC) with matriculation exemption or qualify for exemption from the Matriculation Board
A D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning
An E symbol on HG or a D symbol on SG in Mathematics
None
To enter a degree, applicants have to comply with all the admission requirements, including a minimum APS score of 20, and must be eligible for admission to degree studies. Applicants with an APS score of between 20 and 24 will be considered for the extended 4-year degree curriculum, where applicable. Applicants who do not comply with the above requirements should consider applying for a lower-level qualification for which they meet the statutory and additional requirements.
Bachelor of Consumer Science degree (3-year programme)
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT
MATHEMATICS REQUIREMENT
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with degree endorsement
50% in the language of teaching and learning
40% in Mathematics
None
A Senior Certificate (SC) with matriculation exemption or qualify for matriculation exemption from the Matriculation Board
A D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning
An E symbol on HG or a D symbol on SG in Mathematics
None
or
An appropriate Higher Certificate in Agriculture and Environmental Sciences or a related field.
To enter a degree, applicants have to comply with all the admission requirements, including a minimum APS score of 20, and must be eligible for admission to degree studies. Applicants with an APS score of between 20 and 24 will be considered for the extended 4-year degree curriculum where applicable. Applicants with an APS score of 25 or higher will be considered for the 3-year degree curriculum. Applicants who do not comply with the above requirements should consider applying for a lower-level qualification for which they meet the statutory and additional requirements.
Bachelor of Arts degree
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT
MATHEMATICS REQUIREMENT
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with degree endorsement
50% in the language of teaching and learning
None
None
A Senior Certificate (SC) with matriculation exemption or qualify for the exemption from the Matriculation Board
A D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning
None
None
or
An appropriate higher certificate
Applicants who do not comply with the above requirements should consider applying for a lower-level qualification for which they meet the statutory and additional requirements.
Diplomas
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT
MATHEMATICS REQUIREMENT
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with diploma endorsement
50% in the language of teaching and learning
50% in Mathematics
40% in Physical Science, Life Sciences or Agricultural Sciences
A Senior Certificate (SC)
A D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning
A D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in Mathematics
An E symbol on HG or a D symbol on SG in Physical Science, Life Sciences or Agricultural Sciences
To enter diploma qualifications, applicants have to comply with all the admission requirements, including a minimum APS score of 18, and must be eligible for admission to diploma studies. Applicants with an APS score of 18 to 20 will be considered for the extended 4-year diploma curriculum, where applicable. Applicants who do not comply with the above requirements should consider applying for a lower-level qualification for which they meet the statutory and additional requirements.
Higher Certificates
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT
MATHEMATICS REQUIREMENT
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
A National Senior Certificate (NSC)
30% in the language of teaching and learning
None
None
A Senior Certificate (SC)
An F symbol on HG or an E symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning
An F symbol on HG or an E symbol on SG in Mathematics
None
A National Certificate (Vocational) (NCV)
30% in the language of teaching and learning in terms of the NSC
40% in Mathematics in terms of the NSC
None
Identifying other study options if you don’t meet the admission requirements for your qualification of choice
Identifying other study options
What should you do if you do not meet the admission requirements for any undergraduate qualification at Unisa?
You now need to explore options outside of Unisa to help you meet the admission requirements for your chosen qualification or you could reconsider your career goals and how you will plan your career.
Where to start?
If you have not completed matric or your results do not grant you admission to Unisa, you may want to consider other study alternatives related to your career goals. You will need to do research to help you explore the different options you have based on your circumstances and what you want.
Upgrading your National Senior Certificate or Senior Certificate
- If you completed your Senior Certificate before 2008, you may contact your local district of the Department of Education for more information about completing the Amended Senior Certificate or search for institutions that offer tuition for this online. Click here for the Department of Education’s contact information.
- You can search for institutions that offer contact and distance learning options to complete or upgrade your NSC. Do a search online for institutions that offer this option.
It is important that you enquire about the accreditation of programmes offered by private institutions. Read this article by Umalusi before you register for a qualification or programme.
What else can you consider?
Some websites to help you get started with exploring other study options:
- Explore education options at Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges.
- The Department of Higher Education and Training’s register of private higher education institutions will help you to identify institutions and study options. Note that only some higher certificates and diplomas will be relevant for consideration when applying for admission to a formal Unisa qualification.
Who can you talk to if you want to reconsider you career plans?
Contact a Unisa career counsellor at [email protected] to have a conversation about your career and appropriate study options.
Applying for credits from other higher education institutions
Unisa may recognise previous learning from previous formal education. This will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Not all credits achieved at other institutions will count towards a Unisa qualification. Your request for exemption(s) will only be considered once we have received your completed DSAR04 form and a certified copy of an official academic record, a conduct certificate and, in some cases, the syllabus. In the case of international qualifications, SAQA evaluation and the syllabus are required. No exemptions will be finalised on an academic record during the application period.
You must meet the admission requirements for the qualification for which you are applying for credits and/or exemptions. A maximum of 50% of the prescribed credits may be awarded in the form of credits and exemptions. No exemptions will be granted for Unisa’s signature modules. Unisa reserves the right to grant and/or decline applications for exemptions or credit transfers.
I wrote matric before 2009. Do I qualify?
If you do NOT hold a Senior Certificate with an endorsement indicating that you have been exempted from the matriculation requirement, please refer to the documents below to ascertain whether or not you are eligible to apply for admission to undergraduate degree studies (not applicable to students who wrote the National Senior Certificate examinations from 2008):
- I have Senior Certificate, National Certificate Vocational or Foreign Certificate Equivalent tables of National Senior Certificate (from 2009) against Senior Certificate, National Certificate Vocational and Foreign Certificates (PDF)
- I don’t have a Senior Certificate with matric endorsement. Can I apply for bachelor degree studies? Admission to the bachelor degree (excluding the BTech, diploma & higher certificate)(PDF)
- I have a National Certificate Vocational (NCV), level 4. What can I apply for? Admission in 2018 for holders of the National Certificate Vocational (NCV), level 4(PDF)
If you don’t meet the minimum admission requirements…
If you don’t meet the minimum admission requirements for your qualification of choice, you might want to consider starting with a relevant lower-level qualification (eg a higher certificate or diploma) and then continuing with the degree on completion of your lower-level qualification. Work through the admission requirements for each level of qualification (eg degree, diploma and higher certificate) to determine whether you will be able to apply for a lower-level qualification related to your interests. Remember to keep in mind your career vision and goals, and how any qualification will contribute to these.
Bachelor of Science degree (4-year programme)
| MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS | LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT | MATHEMATICS REQUIREMENT | PHYSICAL SCIENCE REQUIREMENT |
|---|---|---|---|
| A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with degree endorsement | 50% in the language of teaching and learning | 50% in Mathematics | 50% in Physical Science if any Chemistry or Physics modules form part of the curriculum of a selected qualification |
| A Senior Certificate (SC) with matriculation exemption or qualify for the exemption from the Matriculation Board | A D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning | A D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in Mathematics | A D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in Physical Science if Chemistry or Physics modules form part of the curriculum of a selected qualification |
Applicants who have not obtained at least 50% in the language of teaching and learning, 50% in Mathematics and 50% in Physical Science, will be limited to 48 credits at NQF level 5 in their first period of study and must register for the following:
All 48 credits must be passed before the student can continue with degree studies. |
|||
Bachelor of Science degree (3-year programme)
| MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS | LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT | MATHEMATICS REQUIREMENT | PHYSICAL SCIENCE REQUIREMENT |
|---|---|---|---|
| A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with degree endorsement | 50% in the language of teaching and learning | 50% in Mathematics | 50% in Physical Science if any Chemistry or Physics modules form part of the curriculum of a selected qualification |
| A Senior Certificate (SC) with matriculation exemption or qualify for exemption from the Matriculation Board | A D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning | A D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in Mathematics | A D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in Physical Science if any Chemistry or Physics modules form part of the curriculum of a selected qualification |
Applicants who have not obtained at least 50% in the language of teaching and learning, 50% in Mathematics and 50% in Physical Science, will be limited to 48 credits at NQF level 5 in their first period of study and must register for the following:
All 48 credits must be passed before the student can continue with degree studies. |
|||
Extended Bachelor of Consumer Sciences degree (4-year programme)
| MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS | LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT | MATHEMATICS REQUIREMENT | ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS |
|---|---|---|---|
| A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with degree endorsement | 50% in the language of teaching and learning | 40% in Mathematics | None |
| A Senior Certificate (SC) with matriculation exemption or qualify for exemption from the Matriculation Board | A D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning | An E symbol on HG or a D symbol on SG in Mathematics | None |
| To enter a degree, applicants have to comply with all the admission requirements, including a minimum APS score of 20, and must be eligible for admission to degree studies. Applicants with an APS score of between 20 and 24 will be considered for the extended 4-year degree curriculum, where applicable. Applicants who do not comply with the above requirements should consider applying for a lower-level qualification for which they meet the statutory and additional requirements. | |||
Bachelor of Consumer Science degree (3-year programme)
| MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS | LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT | MATHEMATICS REQUIREMENT | ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS |
|---|---|---|---|
| A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with degree endorsement | 50% in the language of teaching and learning | 40% in Mathematics | None |
| A Senior Certificate (SC) with matriculation exemption or qualify for matriculation exemption from the Matriculation Board | A D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning | An E symbol on HG or a D symbol on SG in Mathematics | None |
| or | |||
| An appropriate Higher Certificate in Agriculture and Environmental Sciences or a related field. | |||
| To enter a degree, applicants have to comply with all the admission requirements, including a minimum APS score of 20, and must be eligible for admission to degree studies. Applicants with an APS score of between 20 and 24 will be considered for the extended 4-year degree curriculum where applicable. Applicants with an APS score of 25 or higher will be considered for the 3-year degree curriculum. Applicants who do not comply with the above requirements should consider applying for a lower-level qualification for which they meet the statutory and additional requirements. | |||
Bachelor of Arts degree
| MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS | LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT | MATHEMATICS REQUIREMENT | ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS |
|---|---|---|---|
| A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with degree endorsement | 50% in the language of teaching and learning | None | None |
| A Senior Certificate (SC) with matriculation exemption or qualify for the exemption from the Matriculation Board | A D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning | None | None |
| or | |||
| An appropriate higher certificate | |||
| Applicants who do not comply with the above requirements should consider applying for a lower-level qualification for which they meet the statutory and additional requirements. | |||
Diplomas
| MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS | LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT | MATHEMATICS REQUIREMENT | ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS |
|---|---|---|---|
| A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with diploma endorsement | 50% in the language of teaching and learning | 50% in Mathematics | 40% in Physical Science, Life Sciences or Agricultural Sciences |
| A Senior Certificate (SC) | A D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning | A D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in Mathematics | An E symbol on HG or a D symbol on SG in Physical Science, Life Sciences or Agricultural Sciences |
| To enter diploma qualifications, applicants have to comply with all the admission requirements, including a minimum APS score of 18, and must be eligible for admission to diploma studies. Applicants with an APS score of 18 to 20 will be considered for the extended 4-year diploma curriculum, where applicable. Applicants who do not comply with the above requirements should consider applying for a lower-level qualification for which they meet the statutory and additional requirements. | |||
Higher Certificates
| MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS | LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT | MATHEMATICS REQUIREMENT | ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS |
|---|---|---|---|
| A National Senior Certificate (NSC) | 30% in the language of teaching and learning | None | None |
| A Senior Certificate (SC) | An F symbol on HG or an E symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning | An F symbol on HG or an E symbol on SG in Mathematics | None |
| A National Certificate (Vocational) (NCV) | 30% in the language of teaching and learning in terms of the NSC | 40% in Mathematics in terms of the NSC | None |
Identifying other study options if you don’t meet the admission requirements for your qualification of choice
Identifying other study options
You now need to explore options outside of Unisa to help you meet the admission requirements for your chosen qualification or you could reconsider your career goals and how you will plan your career.
Where to start?
If you have not completed matric or your results do not grant you admission to Unisa, you may want to consider other study alternatives related to your career goals. You will need to do research to help you explore the different options you have based on your circumstances and what you want.
Upgrading your National Senior Certificate or Senior Certificate
- If you completed your Senior Certificate before 2008, you may contact your local district of the Department of Education for more information about completing the Amended Senior Certificate or search for institutions that offer tuition for this online. Click here for the Department of Education’s contact information.
- You can search for institutions that offer contact and distance learning options to complete or upgrade your NSC. Do a search online for institutions that offer this option.
It is important that you enquire about the accreditation of programmes offered by private institutions. Read this article by Umalusi before you register for a qualification or programme.
What else can you consider?
Some websites to help you get started with exploring other study options:
- Explore education options at Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges.
- The Department of Higher Education and Training’s register of private higher education institutions will help you to identify institutions and study options. Note that only some higher certificates and diplomas will be relevant for consideration when applying for admission to a formal Unisa qualification.
Who can you talk to if you want to reconsider you career plans?
Contact a Unisa career counsellor at [email protected] to have a conversation about your career and appropriate study options.
Applying for credits from other higher education institutions
Unisa may recognise previous learning from previous formal education. This will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Not all credits achieved at other institutions will count towards a Unisa qualification. Your request for exemption(s) will only be considered once we have received your completed DSAR04 form and a certified copy of an official academic record, a conduct certificate and, in some cases, the syllabus. In the case of international qualifications, SAQA evaluation and the syllabus are required. No exemptions will be finalised on an academic record during the application period.
You must meet the admission requirements for the qualification for which you are applying for credits and/or exemptions. A maximum of 50% of the prescribed credits may be awarded in the form of credits and exemptions. No exemptions will be granted for Unisa’s signature modules. Unisa reserves the right to grant and/or decline applications for exemptions or credit transfers.
I wrote matric before 2009. Do I qualify?
If you do NOT hold a Senior Certificate with an endorsement indicating that you have been exempted from the matriculation requirement, please refer to the documents below to ascertain whether or not you are eligible to apply for admission to undergraduate degree studies (not applicable to students who wrote the National Senior Certificate examinations from 2008):
- I have Senior Certificate, National Certificate Vocational or Foreign Certificate Equivalent tables of National Senior Certificate (from 2009) against Senior Certificate, National Certificate Vocational and Foreign Certificates (PDF)
- I don’t have a Senior Certificate with matric endorsement. Can I apply for bachelor degree studies? Admission to the bachelor degree (excluding the BTech, diploma & higher certificate)(PDF)
- I have a National Certificate Vocational (NCV), level 4. What can I apply for? Admission in 2018 for holders of the National Certificate Vocational (NCV), level 4(PDF)