University of the Western Cape Admission Requirements

Requirements / APS

For admission to degree and diploma programmes, UWC uses a weighted system for calculating points. In order to be admitted to degree studies the candidate should have attained the required points score as determined per programme. (See specific courses.)

In addition to the general criteria for admission to university mentioned above, additional programme specific criteria must be met to qualify for admission to particular study programmes. These are detailed in the faculty chapters.

National Benchmark Tests (NBT’s)

The National Benchmark Tests (NBT) are an assessment for prospective first year entry students into Higher Education. The NBT assists Institutions of Higher Education with interpreting school leaving results such as those of the National Senior Certificate. There are two tests. The Academic Literacy and Quantitative Literacy domains (AQL) are combined into one multiple-choice test. Each section is timed, for a total of three hours and five minutes of writing time. The second test is Mathematics (MAT), which is also multiple-choice and timed, with three hours allowed. Although the NBT’s address content typically taught in secondary school they provide different and complimentary information to the “school-leaving” exams.

For more information on NBTs, click here.