How many Grade 12 courses do you need for SFU?

To be eligible for admission to Simon Fraser University (SFU) in Canada, applicants must complete a minimum of five approved Grade 12 courses, including all required courses. Equivalent AP or IB courses may be used in place of the following courses.

Here is a breakdown of the required courses:

English Studies 12 (min 70%) or equivalent: This course focuses on developing critical thinking, communication, and research skills in the context of literature, film, and other media.

One course from the Quantitative and Analytical Skills category: This category includes courses such as Pre-Calculus 12, Calculus 12, Foundations of Mathematics 12, and Statistics 12.

Three additional approved Grade 12 courses from any category: This means that you can choose any three other approved courses that align with your interests and academic goals.

In addition to these specific course requirements, applicants must also meet the following general requirements:

  • English language proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English by achieving a satisfactory score on an approved English language test, such as the TOEFL or IELTS.
  • Academic achievement: Applicants must have a strong academic record, typically with an average of 80% or higher in their Grade 12 courses.
  • Personal qualities: SFU values applicants who are well-rounded individuals with a demonstrated commitment to academic success, community involvement, and personal growth.

Grade 12 required courses

 Students must complete a minimum of 5 approved grade 12 courses, including all required courses. Equivalent AP or IB courses may be used in place of the following courses.

RequiredCourse List A
One of: 
English 12
English Studies 12 (English 12) (min 70%)
English First Peoples 12 (min 70%)
Francais langue et culture 12 (min 70%)
One of:Pre-Calculus 12
Two of:Anatomy & Physiology 12 (Biology 12) Calculus 12 Chemistry 12 Physics 12
TypeCourse List B
One additional from:
List A or List B
erican Sign Language 12
Arabic 12
Asian Studies 12
BC First Peoples 12
Comparative World Religions 12
Comparative Cultures 12 (Comparative Civilizations 12)
Composition 12
Computer Science 12
Contemporary Indigenous Studies 12
Creative Writing 12
Economic Theory 12
Economics 12
Engineering 12
Entrepreneurship 12
Environmental Science 12 (Sustainable Resources 12)
Financial Accounting 12
Foundations of Mathematics 12
French 12
Genocide Studies 12
Geology 12
Geometry 12
German 12
Human Geography 12
Italian 12
Japanese 12
Korean 12
Law Studies 12
Literary Studies 12 (English Literature 12)
Mandarin 12
Mechatronics 12
New Media 12
Philosophy 12
Physical Geography 12 (Geography 12)
Political Studies 12
Punjabi 12
Russian 12
Social Justice 12
Spanish 12
Spoken Language 12
Statistics 12
Urban Studies 12

Overview of Public Universities in South Africa

Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.

University of Pretoria

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
  • Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.

University of Cape Town

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
  • Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.

Stellenbosch University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.

University of the Witwatersrand

  • Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
  • Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.

University of Johannesburg

  • Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
  • Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.

University of the Free State

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.

University of Venda

  • Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
  • Application Period: Usually from May to September.

University of Fort Hare

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
  • Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.

University of the Western Cape

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Generally from May to September.

North-West University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.

Rhodes University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
  • Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.

Nelson Mandela University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
  • Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.

University of Limpopo

  • Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

University of Zululand

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
  • Application Period: Usually between April and November.

Central University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.

Vaal University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
  • Application Period: Typically from May to September.

Walter Sisulu University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

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