Define the term admission requirements to higher education institutions

On this page, we help students to answer the following question: “Define the term admission requirements to higher education institutions.” This is a fundamental concept for Life Orientation Grade 12, as it forms the basis for a successful transition between school and post-school destinations.

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Quick Answer

Admission Requirements Defined:

• The Core: The specific set of criteria or standards a learner must meet to be accepted into a university, TVET college, or private institution.
• The Components: Usually includes a National Senior Certificate, a minimum Admission Point Score (APS), and specific subject combinations.
• The Purpose: To ensure that the applicant has the necessary academic foundation to succeed in a specific field of study.

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Understanding Admission Requirements

In the South African education system, admission requirements are the “gatekeepers” to tertiary education. They are the minimum standards set by institutions to manage the high volume of applications and to ensure that students are placed in programmes where they are most likely to succeed.

1. The National Senior Certificate (NSC) Level

The first requirement is obtaining your matric certificate. However, the type of pass you achieve is what determines where you can apply:

• Higher Certificate Pass: Allows for admission to certain bridging courses or vocational certificates.
• Diploma Pass: Meets the minimum requirement for entrance into a Diploma programme at a university or TVET college.
• Bachelor’s Degree Pass: Meets the minimum requirement for entrance into a degree programme at a university.

2. The Admission Point Score (APS)

Each institution and specific faculty (like Engineering or Commerce) sets a minimum APS. As we have discussed when differentiating between NBT and APS, your marks are converted into points. If you do not meet the minimum score, your application will generally not be considered, even if you passed matric.

3. Specific Subject Requirements

Many occupations require specific school subjects.

• For example, to study Medicine or Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences are usually non-negotiable requirements.
• Choosing “Mathematical Literacy” instead of “Mathematics” may change your career decision-making options, as it will disqualify you from most science and commerce degrees.

4. Additional Assessments (NBTs and Portfolios)

Some institutions include “hidden” admission requirements:

• National Benchmark Tests (NBTs): Used to assess your academic readiness.
• Selection Tests or Interviews: Common in fields like Architecture, Fine Arts, or Drama, where a career portfolio of work is required.

Why Early Research Matters

Failing to understand these requirements while still in Grade 11 can have negative effects, such as realizing too late that you don’t have the right subjects or marks. By using tools like the Khetha document, you can align your NSC exam preparation with the requirements of your chosen destination.

Reference for Students:

• Subject: Life Orientation Grade 12
• Source: Life Orientation Grade 11 Source-Based Task Term 1
• Topic: Planning for post-school destinations.