UKZN higher certificate courses typically require a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a Higher Certificate endorsement. Applicants must have at least a Level 4 pass in English as Home Language or First Additional Language, or a 50% (D) pass in English (Higher Grade or Standard Grade) for a Senior Certificate. Additionally, a Level 4 pass in Life Orientation is needed. Each programme may have more specific entry requirements based on required subjects and overall academic performance (Academic Performance Score – APS). These minimum requirements may be exceeded for competitive programmes[1].
Requirements for particular higher certificate programmes, such as the Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care, can include:
- English, Mathematics (or Mathematical Literacy), and either Life Sciences or Physical Sciences, with specified minimum points per subject
- A minimum total points score (e.g., 18 points, excluding Life Orientation)
- Passing Medical and Physical Fitness Evaluations
- Demonstration of voluntary engagement (such as 40 hours in EMS) may be recommended for some programmes[4].
International students must provide a certification from Universities South Africa (USAF) confirming their foreign school-leaving qualification is equivalent to the South African NSC. Official translations are required for non-English documents[7].
Prospective students should consult the official UKZN prospectus and relevant college/programme webpages for detailed, course-specific requirements as some programmes or colleges may have additional subject-level or performance-based criteria[1].
Note: These are the minimum criteria; selection is competitive, and meeting the basic requirements does not guarantee admission[3].
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