Unisa College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences Qualifications

By | January 13, 2024

College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

Your admission to Unisa is dependent on you meeting the minimum admission requirements for your chosen qualification and college. Meeting these minimum requirements does not, however, mean that your application will automatically be accepted, as each application will be considered individually.

If you don’t meet the minimum admission requirements…

If you don’t meet the minimum admission requirements for your qualification of choice, you might want to consider starting with a relevant lower-level qualification (eg a higher certificate or diploma) and then continuing with the degree on completion of your lower-level qualification. Work through the admission requirements for each level of qualification (eg degree, diploma and higher certificate) to determine whether you will be able to apply for a lower-level qualification related to your interests. Remember to keep in mind your career vision and goals, and how any qualification will contribute to these. Click Here to Apply Now

Bachelor of Science degree (4-year programme)

Minimum requirements Language requirement Mathematics requirement Physical Science requirement
A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with degree endorsement 50% in the language of teaching and learning 50% in Mathematics 50% in Physical Science if any Chemistry or Physics modules form part of the curriculum of a selected qualification
A Senior Certificate (SC) with matriculation exemption or qualify for the exemption from the Matriculation Board A D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning A D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in Mathematics A D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in Physical Science if any Chemistry or Physics modules form part of the curriculum of a selected qualification

Applicants who have not obtained at least 50% in the language of teaching and learning, 50% in Mathematics and 50% in Physical Science, will be limited to 48 credits at NQF level 5 in their first period of study and must register for the following:

  • To meet the language requirements: two language proficiency modules (ENG1511 and ENN103F)
  • To meet the Mathematics requirement: a Mathematics module (MAT0511)
  • To meet the Physical Science requirement: a Science module (SMI181Q)

All 48 credits must be passed before the student may continue with degree studies.

Click Here to Apply Now

Bachelor of Science degree (3-year programme)

Minimum requirements Language requirement Mathematics requirement Physical Science requirement
A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with degree endorsement 50% in the language of teaching and learning 50% in Mathematics 50% in Physical Science if any Chemistry or Physics modules form part of the curriculum of a selected qualification
A Senior Certificate (SC) with matriculation exemption or qualify for exemption from the Matriculation Board A D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning A D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in Mathematics A D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in Physical Science if any Chemistry or Physics modules form part of the curriculum of a selected qualification
Applicants who have not obtained at least 50% in the language of teaching and learning, 50% in Mathematics and 50% in Physical Science, will be limited to 48 credits at NQF level 5 in their first period of study and must register for the following:

  • To meet the language requirements: two language proficiency modules (ENG1511 and ENN103F)
  • To meet the Mathematics requirement: a Mathematics module (MAT0511)
  • To meet the Physical Science requirement: a Science module (SMI181Q)

All 48 credits must be passed before the student may continue with degree studies.

Click Here to Apply Now

Extended Bachelor of Consumer Sciences degree (4-year programme)

Minimum requirements Language requirement Mathematics requirement Additional requirements
A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with degree endorsement 50% in the language of teaching and learning 40% in Mathematics None
A Senior Certificate (SC) with matriculation exemption or qualify for exemption from the Matriculation Board A D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning An E symbol on HG or a D symbol on SG in Mathematics None
To enter a degree, applicants have to comply with all the admission requirements, including a minimum APS score of 20, and must be eligible for admission to degree studies. Applicants with an APS score of between 20 and 24 will be considered for the extended 4-year degree curriculum, where applicable. Applicants who do not comply with the above requirements should consider applying for a lower-level qualification for which they meet the statutory and additional requirements. Click Here to Apply Now

Bachelor of Consumer Science degree (3-year programme)

Minimum requirements Language requirement Mathematics requirement Additional requirements
A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with degree endorsement 50% in the language of teaching and learning 40% in Mathematics None
A Senior Certificate (SC) with matriculation exemption or qualify for matriculation exemption from the Matriculation Board A D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning An E symbol on HG or a D symbol on SG in Mathematics None
An appropriate Higher Certificate in Agriculture and Environmental Sciences or a related field.
To enter a degree, applicants have to comply with all the admission requirements, including a minimum APS score of 20, and must be eligible for admission to degree studies. Applicants with an APS score of between 20 and 24 will be considered for the extended 4-year degree curriculum where applicable. Applicants with an APS score of 25 or higher will be considered for the 3-year degree curriculum. Applicants who do not comply with the above requirements should consider applying for a lower-level qualification for which they meet the statutory and additional requirements. Click Here to Apply Now

Bachelor of Arts degree

Minimum requirements Language requirement Mathematics requirement Additional requirements
A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with degree endorsement 50% in the language of teaching and learning None None
A Senior Certificate (SC) with matriculation exemption or qualify for the exemption from the Matriculation Board A D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning None None
An appropriate higher certificate
Applicants who do not comply with the above requirements should consider applying for a lower-level qualification for which they meet the statutory and additional requirements.

Diplomas

Minimum requirements Language requirement Mathematics requirement Additional requirements
A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with diploma endorsement 50% in the language of teaching and learning 50% in Mathematics 40% in Physical Science, Life Sciences or Agricultural Sciences
A Senior Certificate (SC) A D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning A D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in Mathematics An E symbol on HG or a D symbol on SG in Physical Science, Life Sciences or Agricultural Sciences
To enter diploma qualifications, applicants have to comply with all the admission requirements, including a minimum APS score of 18, and must be eligible for admission to diploma studies. Applicants with an APS score of 18 to 20 will be considered for the extended 4-year diploma curriculum, where applicable. Applicants who do not comply with the above requirements should consider applying for a lower-level qualification for which they meet the statutory and additional requirements. Click Here to Apply Now

Higher Certificates

Minimum requirements Language requirement Mathematics requirement Additional requirements
A National Senior Certificate (NSC) 30% in the language of teaching and learning None None
A Senior Certificate (SC) An F symbol on HG or an E symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning An F symbol on HG or an E symbol on SG in Mathematics None
A National Certificate (Vocational) (NCV) 30% in the language of teaching and learning in terms of the NSC 40% in Mathematics in terms of the NSC None

Identifying other study options if you don’t meet the admission requirements for your qualification of choice

It may be that you do not meet the admission requirements for any qualification at Unisa. You now need to explore options to help you meet the admission requirements for your chosen qualification, or you could reconsider your career goals and how you will plan your career. Read more…

Applying for credits from other higher education institutions

Unisa may recognise previous learning from previous formal education. This will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Not all credits achieved at other institutions will count towards a Unisa qualification. Your request for exemption(s) will only be considered once we have received your completed DSAR04 form and a certified copy of an official academic record, a conduct certificate and, in some cases, the syllabus. In the case of international qualifications, SAQA evaluation and the syllabus are required. No exemptions will be finalised on an academic record during the application period.

You must meet the admission requirements for the qualification for which you are applying for credits and/or exemptions. A maximum of 50% of the prescribed credits may be awarded in the form of credits and exemptions. No exemptions will be granted for Unisa’s signature modules. Unisa reserves the right to grant and/or decline applications for exemptions or credit transfers.

I wrote matric before 2026. Do I qualify?

If you do NOT hold a Senior Certificate with an endorsement indicating that you have been exempted from the matriculation requirement, please refer to the documents below to ascertain whether or not you are eligible to apply for admission to undergraduate degree studies (not applicable to students who wrote the National Senior Certificate examinations from 2008):  Click Here to Apply Now

 


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Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.


📌 What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

  • Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
  • Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.

✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?

To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
  • Have a valid South African ID.
  • Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
  • Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).

📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

If you’re studying:

  • Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
  • Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.

📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
  2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
  3. Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
  4. Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

    • Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
    • You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
    • Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.
  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.
  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

    • Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
    • Provide household income information and living arrangements.
  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
    • Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.
  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
    • Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.
  7. Track Your Application

    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
    • You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.

🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.


💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

NSFAS funding typically includes:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation (if living away from home)
  • Meals and transport
  • Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)

For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).


🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment

Repayments are:

  • Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
  • Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
  • Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.

You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.


🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 NSFAS Contact Information


📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
  • Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
  • Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.

By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.

 

See also  Takealot.com Bursaries 2026