A bridging course is your ticket to qualifying for university if you didn’t get in the first time around. Many matriculants often struggle to meet the minimum requirements, but with a bridging course, you’re offered a second chance to get into the higher education institution of your dreams!
There are several universities that offer bridging courses in South Africa that allow you to improve your marks and get into the tertiary institution of your choice.
Before we take a look at the universities offering bridging courses in South Africa, it’s important to first understand what a bridging course is and how it works.
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What Are Bridging Courses?
Bridging courses are short, focused learning programmes designed to help learners bridge the gap between high school and university.
This means that learners who passed matric but did not get the marks needed to get into a higher education institution can take a bridging course that will allow them to qualify and have another chance to apply.
Certain universities, such as the ones listed in this article below, offer bridging courses in the form of an ‘extended degree programme’.
Taking a bridging course in the form of an extended degree programme means you can still get accepted into the university of your choice, but you’ll just need to study up to a year longer to qualify.
Learners who show promise can still study toward their chosen degree but with additional academic support to help them pass. This is possible because extended programme requirements are lowered for those students.
With that said, the bridging courses and programmes at universities are quite intense and should be taken incredibly seriously. However, once you’ve applied and you start with your course, you’ll be well on your way to getting your degree and furthering your education!
How Do Bridging Courses Work?
With a bridging course, learners are expected to rewrite matric subjects they initially failed or received low marks in. Once learners have rewritten these matric subjects and passed, they will be able to meet the requirements for their chosen qualification and re-apply for the next intake at the higher education institution of their choice.
For example, if you’re looking to get a medical degree, you may not have gotten the matric science or maths marks required to qualify for an undergraduate programme.
A bridging course could help you get there, and you would be expected to either rewrite those matric subjects or study via an extended learning programme to get accepted into the university where you’d like to complete your medical degree.
With that said, medical degrees aren’t the only courses on offer when it comes to bridging courses. There are loads of programmes you can take that will help you bridge the gap from matric to university.
Ready to find out which universities offer bridging courses in South Africa? Let’s dive in!
Which Universities Offer Bridging Courses in South Africa?
Now that you know what a bridging course is and how it works, it’s time to start applying for a bridging course at a university.
There are a couple of universities in South Africa that offer bridging courses—such as the University of Pretoria (TUKS), the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), Stellenbosch University (Maties), North-West University and Nelson Mandela University (NMU)— but how do you know which institution is the right one for you?
To help you find out which universities offer bridging courses, we’ve compiled a list of 5 universities that offer bridging courses in South Africa.
University of Pretoria (TUKS) Bridging Courses
The University of Pretoria (TUKS) offers various types of bridging courses for students who “just missed the mark” after getting their matric final results.
The bridging courses at the University of Pretoria are offered in the form of Four-year Programmes. The reason why TUKS calls their bridging courses “Four-year Programmes” is because, where it normally takes you 3 years to complete a degree, you’ll first have to undertake an additional year of study to qualify for your degree.
The Four-Year Programmes at TUKS have 2 phases:
1. The first phase lasts 18 months (3 semesters) and will see you undergo extensive training, academically and psychologically, in order to further your studies.
During the first 18 months of the Four-Year Programmes offered by TUKS, you’ll be engaging with the academic content at a slower pace than regular students, allowing you more time to develop an understanding of the material and receive extra guidance and support.
2. In the 2nd phase of the Four-Year Programme, you’ll join the regular 3-year mainstream degree programmes as a 1st-year student.
Bridging Courses Offered by the University of Pretoria (TUKS)
The University of Pretoria’s Four-Year Programme has a couple of bridging courses to choose from—each of which offers you the following qualifications upon completion:
- BsC degree (Mathematical Sciences)
- BsC degree (IT)
- BIS (Multimedia)
- BCom
Once you’ve chosen the degree you’d like to study toward, you need to ensure that you qualify by checking TUKS’ minimum entry requirements for each one of these Four-year Programmes.
Let’s take a look at the entry requirements for each of these Four-year Programmes below.
University of Pretoria (TUKS) Bridging Course Requirements
Along with a National Senior Certificate (NSC), you’ll need to write a National Benchmark Test (NBT) in order to meet the University of Pretoria’s bridging course requirements. The University of Pretoria advises that you write the NBT between July and October.
You also need to ensure that you have the correct Admission Points Score (APS). This is essentially the total number of points you have gathered from each one of your completed courses at your high school.
In addition to the above bridging course requirements, you need to meet all the requirements for each one of the following programmes:
BSc (Mathematical Sciences stream) Four-year Programme requirements:
- An APS score of at least 22
- Mathematics (Level 4 or higher)
- 2 languages, with 1 being either English or Afrikaans
- Life Orientation (Level 4)
- 3 other subjects
BSc (IT) Four-year Programme requirements:
- An APS score of at least 25 or higher
- Mathematics
- 2 languages, with 1 being either English or Afrikaans
- Life Orientation (Level 4)
BIS (Multimedia) Four-year Programme requirements
- An APS Score of at least 25 or higher
- Mathematics (Level 3 or higher)
- 2 languages, with 1 being either English or Afrikaans (Level 4)
- Life Orientation (Level 4)
Bcom degree Four-year Programme requirements
- An APS score of at least 26 or higher
- Mathematics (Level 3 or higher)
- Two languages, with 1 being either English or Afrikaans (Level 4)
- Life Orientation (Level 4)
If you find yourself meeting the requirements for one of the above bridging programmes, be sure to apply to the University of Pretoria before the closing date on 30 November 2022.
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Bridging Courses
If you’re eager to study at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)—but did not meet the entry requirements after writing your matric exams—then you’re in luck.
The University of KwaZulu-Natal offers a range of bridging courses designed to give learners who did not meet the entry requirements for their chosen degree, another chance.
Bridging Courses Offered by the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
The University of KwaZulu-Natal has an entire bridging course category on its website dedicated to its extended learning programmes that are available to students. The bridging courses that can be found on the UKZN website are:
- Foundation Mathematics (Self-Paced): This bridging course is for students who would like to pursue a Science or Commerce-related degree and takes 7 weeks to complete.
- Certificate in Public Administration (CPA): This bridging course is ideal if you’re looking to get a career in the public sector and takes 6 months to complete.
- Certificate in Business Administration (CBA): This bridging course is for anyone wanting to go into a career in business and takes 6 months to complete.
- Foundation Physics: This bridging course is ideal if you did not make the entry requirements for BSc ENG, BSC degree or BSc (Augmented) degree can be taken over the period of 3 weeks.
- Mathematical Literacy Upgrade to Grade 12 Mathematics: This bridging course takes 15 weeks to complete and is for anyone who did Mathematical Literacy in high school and would like to upgrade to NSC Level Mathematics.
- Foundation Mathematics: This bridging course can be done over 2 weeks and is for students who passed Mathematics in their final matric exams, but who do not quite meet the requirements for a Science or Commerce-related degree.
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Bridging Course Requirements
In order to qualify for the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s bridging courses, you have to make sure you meet the following requirements set out by UKZN.
Foundation Mathematics (Self-Paced) requirements:
- A pass symbol on Standard or Higher Grade mathematics, or NSC Mathematics in the final examinations in Grade 12
- Reliable internet connection
- Ability to attend the final written examination in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
Certificate in Public Administration (CPA) requirements:
- A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with no less than 24 NSC points (excluding Life Orientation), with Mathematics at Level 2, English at Level 4 and Life Orientation at Level 4
Certificate in Business Administration (CBA):
- A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with no less than 26 points (excluding Life Orientation), mathematics at Level 3, English at Level 4 and Life Orientation at Level 4
Foundation Physics requirements:
- NSC degree pass with a minimum requirement of 28 points, Mathematics at Level 3 (40%), Physical Science at Level 3 (40%) and English at Level 4 (50%)
Mathematical Literacy Upgrade to Grade 12 Mathematics requirements:
- A pass mark of no less than 50% in Mathematical Literacy in Grade 12
Foundation Mathematics requirements:
- A pass symbol on Standard or Higher Grade Mathematics or NSC Mathematics in the final examinations in Grade 12
- Reliable internet connection
*The University of KwaZulu-Natal’s bridging programmes have varying application and closing dates, which can be purchased individually.
Stellenbosch University (Maties) Bridging Courses
Stellenbosch University (Maties) has an extended degree programme known as SciMathUS that offers bridging courses for learners who would like to pursue a career in science or accounting.
Stellenbosch University offers this programme to learners who didn’t quite meet the entry requirements for science, mathematical or accountancy qualifications and gives them a chance to rewrite those matric subjects.
Bridging Courses Offered by Stellenbosch University (Maties)
As the name suggests, the Stellenbosch University SciMathUS is a year-long programme that offers bridging courses focused on Mathematics and Physical Sciences, preparing students who’d like to get into science-related careers.
The SciMathUS programme allows you to choose between a Science and Accounting stream, and is made up of two programmes:
- Mathematical and Physical Sciences: If you take this stream, you will be expected to rewrite matric examinations of both of these subjects.
- Mathematics and Introduction to Financial Accounting and Introduction to Economics: Should you go with this stream, you’ll be expected to rewrite the matric exams in mathematics only. The other two subjects are offered by Stellenbosch University as part of its extended degree programme.
Stellenbosch University (Maties) Bridging Course Requirements
To qualify for the SciMathUS bridging courses offered by Stellenbosch University, you need to meet the following requirements:
- You will have to have matriculated either in 2021 or 2022, as only students who’ve matriculated in the last 2 years will be considered.
- You’ll need to have passed at least 4 subjects from the group of subjects designated for university admission.
- You need to have a Grade 12 average of at least 60% (not including Life Orientation).
- You need to have obtained a minimum of 50% in either Afrikaans or English (Home Language or First Additional Language).
- Science stream students need to have a minimum of 45% in Mathematics and in Physical Sciences.
- Accountancy stream students need at least 45% in Mathematics and in Accounting.
If you like what you’ve read and the Stellenbosch University SciMathUS programme sounds right for you, then you’ll be happy to know that applications are now open and close on 7 February 2023.
North-West University (NWU) Bridging Courses
North-West University (NWU) offers bridging courses in the form of an extended degree programme, known as the University Preparatory Programme (UnivPrep). The UnivPrep programme gives learners a second attempt at meeting the minimum requirements needed in order to study at North-West University.
Bridging Courses Offered by North-West University (NWU)
The bridging courses offered by the UnivPrep programme at North-West University take 1 year to complete and will allow students to pursue the following degrees:
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Public Governance (with Policing Practices): Students who complete the UnivPrep bridging course for this qualification will be able to apply for a degree in Public Administration (full-time) or Public Governance (distance learning only)
- Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) degree: Students who complete the UnivPrep bridging course for this programme will successfully be able to apply for a BCom degree and study full-time at NWU’s campuses.
- Bachelor of Theology (BTh) degree: Students who complete this UnivPrep programme will be able to apply for a BTh degree and can choose to study full-time at the NWU campus or via distance learning.
Now that you know which UnivPrep bridging courses you can take at NWU, it’s time to see if you qualify.
North-West University (NWU) Bridging Course Requirements
Each one of North-West University’s UnivPrep bridging courses listed above has its own set of minimum requirements you’ll need to meet in order to apply.
UnivPrep: BA in Public Governance (with Policing Practices) requirements:
- National Senior Certificate (NSC) certified by Umalusi with university admission to a diploma, Bachelor’s degree study or equivalent qualification.
- An APS score of at least 20, or admission per Senate Discretionary rule.
- Minimum achievement of 50% for English at a Grade 12 level
UnivPrep: BCom degree requirements:
- National Senior Certificate (NSC) certified by Umalusi with university admission to Diploma- or Bachelor’s degree study, or equivalent qualification
- An APS score of at least 20, or admission per Senate Discretionary rule
- Either a Grade 12 level in Mathematics (30%), Technical Mathematics 35% or Mathematical Literacy (65%) or equivalent
UnivPrep: BTh degree requirements:
- National Senior Certificate (NSC) certified by Umalusi with university admission to Diploma- or Bachelor’s degree study, or equivalent qualification
- An APS score of at least 20, or admission per Senate Discretionary rule
If you’re eager to apply to one of the above bridging courses, then you’ll be happy to know that intake for the North-West University UnivPrep programmes is now open for 2023! Don’t wait—apply now for NWU’s UnivPrep bridging courses.
*North-West University will only accept applications for the UnivPrep programme via the NWU student portal.
Nelson Mandela University (NMU) Bridging Courses
If you’re feeling down about not getting into Nelson Mandela University (NMU), don’t worry! You can still get another chance to qualify by applying to Nelson Mandela University’s bridging courses—or as NMU likes to call them, Extended Curriculum Programmes.
Bridging Courses Offered by Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
When it comes to Nelson Mandela University’s Extended Curriculum Programmes, there is a variety of bridging courses for students to choose from:
- Diploma (Agricultural Management)
- Diploma (Forestry)
- Diploma (Game Ranch Management)
- Diploma (Nature Conservation)
- Diploma (Wood Technology)
- Diploma (Management)
- Diploma (Marketing)
- Diploma (Tourism Management)
- BCom: General
- BCom (General Accounting)
Although you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to your selection of bridging courses at NMU, you still need to meet the requirements of Nelson Mandela University’s Extended Curriculum Programmes.
Nelson Mandela University (NMU) Bridging Course Requirements
In order to qualify for the bridging courses offered by Nelson Mandela University, you will need to meet the minimum National Senior Certificate (NSC) statutory requirements. This is on top of the following minimum requirements for each of the selected Extended Curriculum Programmes:
Diploma (Agricultural Management) requirements:
- Mathematics (35%) or Mathematical Literacy (35%),
- Either Physical Sciences or Technical Science (35%), or
- Either Life Sciences (45%) or Agricultural Sciences (50%).
Diploma (Forestry) requirements:
- Mathematics or Technical Mathematics (35%), or
- Mathematical Literacy (55%).
Diploma (Game Ranch Management) requirements:
- Mathematics or Technical Mathematics (35%), or
- Mathematical Literacy (55%).
Diploma (Nature Conservation) requirements:
- Mathematics or Technical Mathematics (35%),
- Mathematical Literacy (55%) and Physical Sciences or Technical Science (35%), or
- Life Sciences (45%).
Diploma (Wood Technology) requirements:
- Mathematics or Technical Mathematics (35%) or
- Mathematical Literacy (55%) and Physical Sciences or Technical Science (30%)
Diploma (Management) requirements:
- Mathematics or Technical Mathematics (35%) or
- Mathematical Literacy (55%).
Diploma (Marketing) requirements:
- Mathematics or Technical Mathematics (35%) or
- Mathematical Literacy (55%).
Diploma (Tourism Management) requirements:
- Mathematics or Technical Mathematics (35%) or
- Mathematical Literacy (55%).
BCom: General requirements:
- Mathematics (45%)
BCom (General Accounting) requirements:
- Mathematics (45%)
If one of the above courses appeals to you, then be sure to apply for a bridging course at Nelson Mandela University (NMU).
With that said, completing any one of the above-mentioned bridging courses at these institutions will allow you to complete your tertiary studies and achieve your academic goals.
Be sure to work hard and focus while studying your bridging course so that you can graduate and get the career you’ve been hoping for!
Fund Your Bridging Course with Fundi
Now that you know which bridging courses are available at South African universities, it’s time to fund your bridging course! Fundi covers all your educational costs—from accommodation to tuition fees—they’ve got you covered.
Check out the Fundi Study Loan Calculator to see if you qualify and start applying today!
