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.
Table of Contents
Related Resources
Student Loans in South Africa: How to Apply and What to Expect
For many young South Africans, accessing higher education is a dream that often comes with a financial challenge. Fortunately, several student loan optionsstrong> are available in South Africa to help fund university, college, or TVET studies. Whether you’re looking for a government loan like NSFAS or a private student loan from a bank, understanding the process is essential for success.
What Are Student Loans?
Student loans are a form of financial aid provided to eligible students to help cover tuition fees, books, accommodation, and other study-related expenses. In South Africa, these loans can come from government institutions like NSFAS or private banks such as Nedbank, Standard Bank, FNB, and Absa. Most loans offer repayment flexibility and low-interest options until you graduate.
Types of Student Loans in South Africa
- NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme): A government-funded loan/grant program for students from low-income households. Covers tuition, housing, transport, and meals.
- Bank Student Loans: Offered by most major banks. These are credit-based and require a guardian or parent as a co-signer.
- Private Loan Providers: Companies like Fundi offer educational loans covering various costs such as school fees, gadgets, and textbooks.
Requirements to Qualify for a Student Loan
Each provider has its own criteria, but most South African student loans require the following:
- Proof of South African citizenship or permanent residency
- Proof of registration or acceptance at a recognised tertiary institution
- Parent or guardian with a stable income to co-sign (for private loans)
- Completed application form with supporting documents (ID, proof of income, academic records)
How to Apply for a Student Loan
To apply for a student loan in South Africa, follow these steps:
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- Complete the application form online or at a branch.
- Await approval: Some banks offer instant decisions, while NSFAS can take a few weeks.
- Receive disbursement: Funds are typically paid directly to the institution or your account, depending on the lender.
Loan Amounts and Repayment
The loan amount you can receive depends on your chosen lender and financial need:
- NSFAS: Covers full tuition, residence, books, and a personal allowance. The loan becomes a bursary if you pass all your courses.
- Banks: Can provide up to R120,000 or more annually, depending on tuition costs and credit history.
Repayment usually starts after graduation or once you start earning an income. Bank loans may require interest-only payments during your studies. NSFAS repayment only begins when you earn above a specific income threshold.
FAQs on Student Loans in South Africa
1. Can I apply for a student loan without a parent or guardian?
For government loans like NSFAS, yes. But most banks require a financially responsible co-signer, especially for students without an income.
2. Is NSFAS a loan or a bursary?
NSFAS starts as a loan, but it converts to a bursary if you meet academic performance requirements. This means you may not have to pay it back.
3. What is the interest rate on student loans?
Private banks offer competitive rates between 5% and 12%, depending on the applicant's credit profile. NSFAS charges a much lower interest rate, usually linked to inflation.
4. What happens if I fail my courses?
If you’re funded by NSFAS and fail, your loan won’t convert into a bursary, and you’ll need to repay the full amount. Banks may continue charging interest, and your co-signer may be held liable.
5. Can I use a student loan to pay for accommodation and laptops?
Yes. Both NSFAS and many bank student loans cover costs beyond tuition, including housing, meals, textbooks, and electronic devices like laptops or tablets.
Final Thoughts
Student loans in South Africa offer a much-needed financial lifeline to thousands of students every year. Whether you're applying through **NSFAS** or a private bank, ensure you understand the **terms, interest rates, and repayment conditions** before signing any agreement. Make informed decisions today to secure your academic and financial future tomorrow.