What Is National Diploma
A National Diploma is a standard academic qualification, offered by most further education colleges and universities in South Africa. The title National Diploma is used in a variety of ways.
Entry Requirements To Study National Diploma In South Africa
Eligibility for admission
The admission requirements differ depending on what you want to study. The criteria for certificate courses, diplomas and degrees is listed below:
Undergraduate Certificate Study
To confirm eligibility for admission to undergraduate certificate study, applicants must consult the Admissions Office or the faculty concerned.
Undergraduate Diploma Study
The minimum requirement for admission to undergraduate diploma study is a National Senior Certificate (NSC) as certified by Umalusi with an achievement rating of 3 (Moderate Achievement, 40-49%) or better in 4 recognised NSC 20-credit subjects.
Bachelor’s Degree Study
To be eligible for admission to degree study, applicants need to meet minimum requirements for eligibility:
Applicants holding a South African National Senior Certificate (NSC) need to pass a minimum of 4 subjects at a rating of 4 (Adequate Achievement, 50-59%) or better in any four 20-credit NSC subjects.
Applicants holding a South African Senior Certificate need matriculation endorsement.
Applicants holding non-South African school-leaving certificates must qualify for a matriculation exemption certificate. For more information please visit the website of the Matriculation Board.
Minimum language proficiency
All applicants must have attained a certain level of proficiency in English and are required to submit evidence of this, as outlined below, as part of their application to study.
South African Senior Certificate undergraduate applicants
- South African Senior Certificate undergraduate applicants to UCT must have achieved a pass of 40% or more on the Higher Grade in English (First or Second Language) at Senior Certificate level.
South African NSC undergraduate applicants
- South African NSC undergraduate applicants to UCT, must have achieved a rating of 2 (Elementary Achievement, 30-40%) or better at Home Language or First Additional Language level.
Applicants holding non-South African school-leaving certificates
- Please see UCT’s language requirements.
For further information on the IELTS and TOEFL exams, please contact the UCT English Language Centre.
Calculating Admissions Points Score (APS)
The percentages achieved in National Senior Certificate examinations (preliminary and final examinations) will be allocated an admission score equal to that percentage.
The sum of 6 subjects, excluding Life Orientation, but including English and any required subject(s) for the relevant programme, is considered when deciding on admission. For example, for a given programme where Maths and Physical Sciences are required, we will take scores for English, Maths, Physical Sciences and the next best 3 subjects other than Life Orientation to compute the NSC score towards the APS.
Results below 40% for any subject do not attract a score.
Schools Offering National Diploma In South Africa
University of Western Cape
University of Eastern Cape
University of Limpopo
University of KwaZulu-Natal
University of Mpumalanga
How do I get a diploma in South Africa?
There are two parts attached to getting your National Diploma: theory and practical training.
To get your qualification you must complete your N4, N5 and N6 courses in a particular field.
Once you have successfully completed your subjects, you must then do 18 months of practical training in the workplace.
How many credits is a national diploma in South Africa ?
Qualifications: credits, modules and NQF levels
| New NQF level | Vocational | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | Advanced diploma | Bachelor degree Advanced diploma |
| 6 | Diploma (240 credits and 360 credits) | Diploma (360 credits) |
| 6 | Advanced certificate (120 credits) | |
| 5 | Higher certificate (120 credits) |
Is Higher National Diploma a degree in South Africa ?
A Higher National Diploma (HND) is a Level 5 qualification that is equivalent to a foundation degree, i.e., which is two-thirds of an Honours Bachelor’s Degree. A Foundation Degree, is a combined academic and vocational higher education qualification.
Can I convert my diploma to a degree in South Africa ?
Therefore, it’s supposed to be easy for students to study for a degree once they’ve finished their diploma. But this is not always the case. You will have a better chance applying to a private university or learning institution to study towards a degree.
Does Unisa Credit National N diploma in South Africa ?
You may only apply for credits / exemptions of study units passed at other higher education institutions if you are registered for a formal qualification at Unisa. Please note: No credits / exemptions will be granted if you are registered for NDP (non-degree purposes).