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Stage 02 — Prepare

Prepare before you apply

Know your numbers and get your paperwork in order. Work out your APS, check which programmes you already qualify for, and plan how you'll pay for it.

  • APS calculator
  • Qualification check
  • Documents & funding

Start here

APS calculator

Enter your matric marks and get your Admission Point Score instantly.

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Where can I study?

Match your APS and subjects to programmes you already qualify for.

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Application checklist

Certified copies, ID, results and everything else you need on hand.

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NSFAS funding guide

Who qualifies, what it covers and how to apply for funding.

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Calculate your APS

Enter your matric percentages. We use the standard 7-point NSC scale and count your best six subjects, excluding Life Orientation — the method most SA universities use.

Your APS

0

Counting 0 subjects (Life Orientation excluded).

See what you qualify for →Full calculator with custom subjects →

Document checklist

Certified copies must usually be less than three months old. Scan everything once and keep a single PDF pack so each application takes minutes.

Every application needs

0 of 7 ready

UCT

  • Certified ID / birth certificate
  • Grade 11 final and Grade 12 mid-year results
  • Proof of residence for the fee-waiver and funding checks
  • National Benchmark Test (NBT) results for selected programmes
  • Supporting documents for redress or disability accommodation requests

Wits

  • Certified ID or passport copy
  • Certified Grade 11 final and Grade 12 latest results
  • Proof of application fee payment (non-refundable)
  • Portfolio or additional selection material for Architecture, Arts and Health Sciences
  • Sworn translation for any document not in English

Stellenbosch

  • Certified ID or passport copy
  • Grade 11 final and Grade 12 results
  • Proof of residence and household income for bursary and residence placement
  • Separate residence application details submitted with the main application
  • Motivation or selection tests for selected programmes

Requirements change per cycle and per programme — always confirm on the official institution application page before you submit.

Funding and bursaries

Apply for funding at the same time as your study application — most bursaries close before matric results are out.

NSFAS at a glance

  • Household income under R350 000 a year (under R600 000 for students with a disability).
  • South African citizen with a valid ID, studying at a public university, UoT or TVET college.
  • Covers tuition, registration, prescribed learning material, and accommodation or transport allowances.
  • Apply online at nsfas.org.za — applications usually open around September and close in January.
  • You still apply to the institution separately; NSFAS funding does not secure you a study place.
Read the full NSFAS guide →

UCT bursaries

  • Undergraduate financial aid via the UCT Student Financial Aid Office (means-tested).
  • Gap funding and the 'missing middle' loan scheme for households above the NSFAS threshold.
  • Entrance and merit scholarships awarded on matric results — no separate application for most.

Wits bursaries

  • Wits Financial Aid means-tested awards, plus the Wits Hardship Fund for emergencies.
  • Vice-Chancellor's and Council merit scholarships for high-achieving first-years.
  • Faculty-specific bursaries in Engineering, Health Sciences and Commerce, often industry-funded.

Stellenbosch bursaries

  • Merit bursaries automatically considered from your matric average — no separate form.
  • Need-based bursaries and loans through the Centre for Undergraduate Bursaries and Loans.
  • Faculty and donor bursaries in AgriSciences, Engineering and Education.

Other funding worth applying for

  • Funza Lushaka — full bursary for students training as teachers in priority subjects.
  • Sector SETA bursaries (e.g. Bankseta, MICT SETA) tied to scarce-skill programmes.
  • Corporate bursaries from Sasol, Eskom, Investec, Old Mutual and similar — usually close mid-year.
  • Provincial and municipal bursaries for students from that region.

Thresholds and closing dates change each cycle — confirm on nsfas.org.za and the institution funding pages.