University recognition in South Africa - Conditions and requirements for exemption into South African public universities

Oct 23, 2026

Uploaded by Finn

Guide for schools and university admissions departments detailing minimum conditions to obtain exemption for entry into South African public universities. Produced by Cambridge Assessment International Education with Universities South Africa (USAf), the document summarizes USAf minimum admission requirements for Bachelor Degree exemptions. It provides complete-exemption combinations by qualification type, required subject counts, minimum grades, subject-group selection rules, and practical notes on examination sittings and qualification choices. It also explains how to apply for an exemption certificate and where to contact recognition staff.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages8

Reading Time20 min

AccessFree to download

Summary of USAf minimum admission requirements for exemption for Bachelor Degree purposes

Complete exemption combinations by qualification

Please note: how to apply and related tests

Recognised subject list

Group I to Group V and ungrouped recognised subjects

University recognition in South Africa Conditions and requirements to gain exemption for entry to South African public universities Cambridge Assessment International Education, in conjunction with Universities South Africa (USAf), has produced this document as a guide outlining the minimum requirements for exemption into South African public universities. The document is an easy reference for schools and universities’ admissions departments. For detailed requirements please consult the Government Notice, Department of Education: Higher Education Act (Act 101 of 1997) No.1317 dated 5 December 2008. Summary of USAf minimum admission requirements for exemption for Bachelor Degree purposes | Complete
exemption | Number of required subjects | Minimum qualification
combination | Minimum grade required | Subject group requirements | Notes | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Cambridge International A Level | 5 | 2 subjects at A Level
PLUS
3 subjects at IGCSE/O Level | E | Students must choose ONE subject from each of Groups I, II and III at either A Level or IGCSE/O Level. The fourth and fifth subjects for either A Level or IGCSE/O Level may be taken from any of the groups. | More than one subject can be chosen from a group providing that
the minimum
requirements
have been met. | | | | | C | | | | Cambridge International A Level | 4 | 3 subjects at A Level
PLUS
1 subject at IGCSE/O Level | E | Students must choose ONE subject from each of Groups I, II and III at either A Level or IGCSE/O Level. The fourth subject for either A Level or IGCSE/O Level may be taken from any of the groups. | | | | | | C | | | | Cambridge International AS Level | 5 | 4 subjects at AS Level
PLUS
1 subject at IGCSE/O Level | D | Students must choose ONE subject from Group I or II and another TWO subjects from two of Groups III, IV and V. English First Language must be offered and passed at an appropriate level.
N. B. Two languages must be offered to qualify for complete exemption. | More than one
subject can be
chosen from a
group providing that the minimum requirements have been met.
Two examination sittings only. Where a subject
is not examined in Oct/Nov session the following or preceding June
session will be
regarded as the same sitting. | | | | | C | | | | Cambridge AICE | 5 | 5 subjects at AS Level
(full credit) | D | Students must achieve passes in:
– English Language
– at least one subject from Group II
– at least one of the following:
Biology, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, 3rd Language
The fourth and fifth subjects may be taken from any of the groups. | | | Cambridge HIGCSE | 5 | 4 subjects at HIGCSE
PLUS
1 subject at IGCSE/O Level | 3 | Students must choose ONE subject from Groups I or II and TWO subjects from two of Groups III, IV or V.
The fifth subject for either HIGCSE or IGCSE/O Level may be taken from any of the groups. English Language must be passed at HIGCSE Level.
N. B. Two languages must be offered to qualify for complete exemption | | | | | | C | | | | NSSC | 5 | 4 subjects at Higher NSSC
PLUS
1 subject at NSSC Ordinary Level | 3 | Students must choose ONE subject from Groups I or II and TWO subjects from two of Groups III, IV and V at Higher NSSC. The fifth subject for either Higher NSSC or NSSC Ordinary Level may be taken from any of the groups. English Language must be passed at Higher NSSC Level with a 3.
N. B. Two languages must be offered to qualify for complete exemption | | | | | | C | | | 2 University recognition in South Africa | Complete
exemption | Number of required subjects | Minimum qualification
combination | Minimum grade required | Subject group requirements | Notes | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | A Level
AS Level
Plus
LGCSE
BGCSE
SGCSE/ EGCSE | 5 | 2 subjects at A Level
PLUS
3 subject at either LGCSE, BGCSE, SGCSE/ EGCSE
OR
4 sub

FAQs

What is the document’s purpose for university entry in South Africa?

It serves as a guide outlining the minimum requirements for exemption into South African public universities, intended for schools and admissions departments.

What subject-group rules apply for complete exemption?

Students must choose subjects from Groups I, II, and III at either A Level or the relevant IGCSE/O Level alternatives. Additional required subjects can come from any of the groups as long as the minimum requirements are met.

How can students apply for an exemption certificate?

All results may be emailed to USAf, delivered to their office address, or submitted online. Some universities may also require National Benchmark Tests.

Oct 23, 2026

Uploaded by Finn