How to Apply for study at a Tertiary Institution in South Africa?

How to Apply for study at a Tertiary Institution in South Africa

Information on what to study

Prospectuses: you can phone or email a tertiary institution and they will post you these information books about their courses. Websites: Most tertiary institutions have their own websites. Past and present students. Open days:  These are an opportunity for prospective students to find out more about the campus, courses and services offered by the institution. Phone the tertiary institution to find out when these are held. Visitors centres on campuses. Career guidance counselors at schools, colleges and universities

What you need to apply

To apply to a specific university you need to obtain and fill in that university’s application form. You will need to supply either or both of your Grade 11 final results and your Grade 12 June results. A non-refundable application fee is usually required, and it ranges from R100 to R550.

Please note that some universities in the KZN make use of Central Applications Office (CAO) for new applications.

Closing Dates

Most tertiary institutions close off new applications around September/October, so you need to submit your application forms in time.

Once the application process is complete, the university will either confirm your admission to your choice programme; inform you that you have been placed on a waiting list; or inform you that your application has been unsuccessful.

The DHET’s Central Application Clearing House (CACH)
The CACH provides a service to prospective applicants who are not successful at the institutions they initially applied to, or who decide late that they wish to study. For more information on the CACH visit www.dhet.gov.za.