On this page, we explore what High School subjects marks/ results are needed or required to study Farming in South African Universities and Colleges? We also look at what APS Score is required for Farming Degree and Diploma courses. You should know that every learning institution, internationally or locally, will have its own set of requirements for Farming studies.
Watch: Do you want to study agriculture?
What Farming Career is all about
Agriculture is the practice of cultivating plants and livestock. Agriculture was the key development in the rise of sedentary human civilization, whereby farming of domesticated species created food surpluses that enabled people to live in cities. The history of agriculture began thousands of years ago.
List of subjects required to study Farming courses
Well, let us explore what subjects are required in order to study Farming in South African Universities and Colleges.
This is a Sciences field of study, therefore there are specific High School subjects that are required to study in this field. You also need to meet the minimum APS score in the University you are going to study at. The following subjects are needed and essential for the curriculum:
- Agriculture,
- Biology or Life Sciences,
- Economics,
- Mathematics, or Mathematical Literacy, English Home Language, or English First or Second Additional Language.
Minimum requirements for Farming studies relating to Higher Certificate, Diploma and Bachelor Studies?
- Higher Certificate. The minimum admission requirement is a National Senior Certificate with a minimum of 30% in the language of learning and teaching of the higher education institution as certified by Umalusi, the Quality Assurance Council. Institutional and programme needs may require additional combinations or recognised NSC subjects and levels of achievement.
- Diploma. The minimum admission requirement is a National Senior Certificate with a minimum of 30% in the language of learning and teaching of the higher education institution as certified by Umalusi, the Quality Assurance Council, coupled with an achievement rating of 3 (Moderate Achievement, 40% – 49%) or better in four (4) recognised 20-credit subjects. Institution and programme needs may require additional combinations of recognised NSC subjects and levels of achievement.
- Bachelor’s Degree The minimum admission requirement is a National Senior Certificate with a minimum of 30% in the language of learning and teaching of the higher education institution as certified by Umalusi, the Quality Assurance Council, coupled with an achievement rating of 4 (Adequate Achievement, 50% – 59%) or better in four (4) recognised 20-credit subjects. Institution and programme needs may require additional combinations of recognised NSC subjects and levels of achievement.
What is the APS Score marks/ results for Farming
In order for you to get accepted at a University in South Africa, or (Colleges that use APS scores) for a qualification in Farming, you should possess a National Senior Certificate (Grade 12) with an APS score of between 30 -35. APS score is determined by the Grade 12 marks or results. It is also good to know that Universities and Colleges may use your Grade 11 marks if you applied before your matric results came out.
The minimum requirements for a candidate to obtain a Grade 12 National Senior Certificate?
The minimum requirements are:
- Achieve 40% in three subjects, one of which is an official language at Home Language level and 30% in three subjects.
- Provide full evidence in the SBA component in the subjects offered
Prospectus for all Universities in South Africa with APS Scores Tables
Below you will find 2023 universities prospectus for courses from all South African Universities. The prospectus includes relevant APS score and calculations for each universities:
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) – Download Prospectus
- University of Cape Town (UCT) – Download Prospectus
- University of the Western Cape (UWC) – Download Prospectus
- Stellenbosch University (SU) – Download Prospectus
- Durban University of Technology (DUT) – Download Prospectus
- Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) – Download Prospectus
- University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) – Download Prospectus
- University of Zululand (UniZulu) – Download Prospectus
- Nelson Mandela University (NMU) – Download Prospectus
- Rhodes University (RU) – Download Prospectus
- University of Fort Hare (UFH) – Download Prospectus
- University of South Africa (UNISA) – Download Prospectus
- University of Johannesburg (UJ) – Download Prospectus
- University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) – Download Prospectus
- University of Pretoria (UP) – Download Prospectus
- Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) – Download Prospectus
- Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) – Download Prospectus
- Central University of Technology (CUT) – Download Prospectus
- University of the Free State (UFS) – Download Prospectus
- North-West University (NWU) – Download Prospectus
- Sol Plaatje University (SPU) – Download Prospectus
- University of Limpopo (UL) – Download Prospectus
- University of Venda (Univen) – Download Prospectus
- University of Mpumalanga (UMP) – Download Prospectus
Correct Subject Choice is Important
When it comes to subject choices, every learner should ensure that their subject choice (from Grade 10 already) will lead them in pursuing the careers they want.
The subject choice at the end of Grade 9, or Grade 10 according to The Department of Education, could determine the field of study learners can follow once they complete school. In other words, if learners do not select the correct combination of subjects, they could find themselves unable to enter into certain higher or further education programmes. So when making this important subject choice, learners should consider their options for when they complete school and select accordingly.
How much does it cost to study Farming?
Although every learning institution will have its own fees structure and costing, studying Farming courses can range from R15 000 to R60 000 per annum. It is always advisable for learners to contact the institution they want to learn at in order to confirm the study fees amounts for the year.