What Is Agriculture
Agriculture is the practice of cultivating plants and livestock. Agriculture was the key development in the rise of sedentary human civilization, whereby farming of domesticated species created food surpluses that enabled people to live in cities. The history of agriculture began thousands of years ago.
Entry Requirements To Study Agriculture In South Africa
Admission Requirements
ADMISSION PROCESS
Applications for admission to the College must be made on the prescribed application forms. The application form must be completed in detail and signed by the learner or parent or guardian and submitted to the College by the prescribed date.
Each application for admission must be accompanied by documentation as stipulated in the Regulations for Admission of the College.
Admission to the College of students with special learning needs (disabilities) is investigated in each specific case and tested against this policy and ability to meet the requirements and outcomes of the practical training program.
Entrance to the Diploma in Agriculture
The qualifications offered by the college are currently accredited under the auspices of the Council on Higher Education (CHE), with quality assurance being undertaken by the Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC), a permanent sub-committee of the CHE. The qualifications are recognized on a national scale.
- Entrance Requirement
The College uses five systems for determining eligibility:
Applicants who completed matric prior ,
Applicants who completed matric ,
Applicants who have completed NQF4 NCV Agricultural Production,
Applicants who are eligible in terms of the College RPL policy,
Applicants who have completed their schooling outside the Republic of South Africa.
1)Applicants who completed matric prior
The applicant must have at least 22 points calculated using the table below and are subjected to the following limitation;
- The minimum acceptable symbol for any subject at Higher grade (HG) is E; applicants with any subject with a symbol lower than E will not be considered. The minimum acceptable symbol for any subject at Standard grade (SG) is D; applicants with any subject with a symbol lower than D will not be considered.
Calculating matric points prior
| SUBJECT | GRADE | SYMBOL | |||||
| A | B | C | D | E | F | ||
| English, Maths, Physical Science | HG | 18 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 8 | 4 |
| Biology, Geography, Accountancy, Agricultural Science, Home Economics | 14 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 | |
| All other subjects | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | |
| English, Maths, Physical Science | SG | 14 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 3 | 0 |
| Biology, Geography, Accountancy, Agric. Science, Home Economics | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 | |
| All other subjects | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
5.2)Applicants who completed matric from 2009
The applicant must have a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent qualification with an average achievement rating of level 3 (40% or better), with least 24 points on the Admission Points Score system plus the following specific requirements at using the table below, subject to the following limitations:
At least 2 subjects at level 5 (60% – 69%), preferably Physical Science.
English at least a level 4 (50% – 59%)
Mathematics (Core Maths) at least a level 3 (40% – 49%) OR Maths Literacy at at least a level 5 (60% to69%)
Life Orientation at least a level 4 [1]
Not more than one subject at level 1.
[1] For applicants with a post-2009 NSC, a minimum achievement rating of level 3 (40%) in Life Orientation (LO) is required for the National Senior Certificate. In order to signal the importance of this subject, this standard specifies, for admission to all qualifications, a minimum performance of level 4 (50%).[Does not apply to students with a NSC prior to 2009; such applications will be handled at the discretion of the Principal; lack of an LO farm.
Calculation matric points
| NSCRating | NSCPercentage | Points Rating for APS | Adjusted Percentages for APS |
| 8 | 90% to 100% | ||
| 7 | 80% to100% | 7 | 80% to 89% |
| 6 | 70% to 79% | 6 | 70% to 79% |
| 5 | 60% to 69% | 5 | 60% to 69% |
| 4 | 50% to 59% | 4 | 50% to 59% |
| 3 | 40% to 49% | 3 | 40% to 49% |
| 2 | 30% to 39% | 2 | 30% to 39% |
| 1 | 0% to 29% | 1 | 0% to 29% |
5.3)Applicants who have completed NQF4 NVC Agricultural Production
The applicant must have a passed the qualification with at least a 50% aggregate,at least a 50% pass in the highest NQF level foundation English in the program, and no module/unit standard with a mark of less than40%.
- 4)Applicant who apply using RPL
Applicant applying with RPL will be eligible if they have attained the to the status of either the post-2009 NSC or the NQF4 NCV as set out in 3.1.1.2 and 3.1.1.3 by way of the prevailing RPL policy of the College.
- 5)Applicants who completed their schooling outside the Republic of South Africa
The applicants must have attained the to the status of either the post-2009 NSC or the NQF4NCV asset out in 3.1.1.2 and 3.1.1.3 by way of an official assessment by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA)[2] and which assessment must accompany the application form.
[2] Postnet Suite 248, Private Bag X06, Waterkloof, Pretoria, 0145; Website: saqa.co.za
Schools Offering Agriculture In South Africa
University Of Cape Town, South Africa
The University of Cape Town (UCT) is a public research university located in Cape Town in Western Cape of South Africa, founded in 1829.
Consisting of 57 departments divided into six faculties and the multidisciplinary Centre for Higher Education Growth, the University has approximately 29,000 to 30,000 students in liberal arts, pure science and technical degrees ranging from bachelor’s degree to doctoral degree level. It offers degrees in six faculties: Commerce, Engineering & the Built Environment, Health Sciences, Humanities, Law, and Science.
Tuition Fees: 75,000 ZAR approx for 2021
ACT/SAT Score: 1120 SAT
Acceptance Rate: NA
Graduation Rate: NA
Required GPA: 3.0 Average
Rank: ranked #103 in Best Global Universities
Contact No.: +27 (0)21 650 2128
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Grootfontein Agricultural College, South Africa
Grootfontein was founded in 1911 as one of the oldest agricultural institutions in South Africa. Grootfontein offers a broad range of agricultural specializations, such as National Diploma in Agriculture, Skills Training of New Farmers and Farm Employees, Research & Technology Development, Extension and Outreach. The Grootfontein College of Agriculture is well known for its research history as a major contributor to livestock farming.
University Of Free State, South Africa
Established in 1904, the University of the Free State is a multi-campus public university in Bloemfontein, offering various undergraduate and postgraduate courses: Economics and Management Sciences, Education, Health Sciences, Law, Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Humanities, Theology, Business. Any UFS qualification degree would make students very competitive in the laboratory.
Tuition Fees: 75,000 ZAR approx for 2021
Acceptance Rate: Undefined
Required GPA: NA
Rank: ranked #949 in Best Global Universities
Contact No.: +27 51 401 9111
Location: Bloemfontein, South Africa
Elsenburg Agriculture Training College, South Africa
In 1898, the Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute was established in South Africa as its kind first agricultural College. The Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences at the University of Stellenbosch offers a bachelor’s degree in agriculture.
The Department offers two diploma programmes in Agriculture and Agricultural Management. The Agriculture Diploma has a technical emphasis and consists of various options on major production systems, e.g. Agronomy, Oenology and Viticulture, Livestock, Crop.
Tuition Fees: 75,000 ZAR approx for 2021
ACT/SAT Score: NA
Acceptance Rate: NA
Graduation Rate: NA
Required GPA: NA
Rank: ranked #4th in agricultural colleges in South Africa
Contact No.: +27 21 808 7700
Location: South Africa
What subjects are needed for agriculture in South Africa ?
Subjects such as Soil Microbiology, Plant Breeding and Genetics, Agricultural Economics, Agronomy, Plant Pathology, Statistical Methods, Post Harvest Technology, etc. are included in the BSc Agriculture syllabus.
What qualifications do you need to study agriculture in South Africa ?
You’ll need practical farming experience, gained by working as a supervisor, dairy or arable unit manager, or assistant manager. Most farm managers have a qualification in Agriculture, like a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like Agriculture or Farm Business Management.
How many points are needed for agriculture in South Africa?
22 points
The applicant must have at least 22 points calculated using the table below and are subjected to the following limitation; The minimum acceptable symbol for any subject at Higher grade (HG) is E; applicants with any subject with a symbol lower than E will not be considered.
What is the APS score for agriculture in South Africa ?
Agricultural subjects. Preference will be given to applicants with Biology and/or Physical Sciences. Selection criteria: To be considered for this qualification, applicants must have an Admission Point Score (APS) of at least 19 (with Mathematics) and 20 (with Mathematical Literacy).
Can I study agriculture without maths in South Africa ?
No, Mathematics is not a compulsory subject for BSC in Agriculture. To get a seat in BSC Agriculture , you should be science student, with PCB or PCM. But you should score minimum 50% or 60% ( depending on Institute) . and also you will have to go for one of the entrance exam like ICAR or TS EAMCET or JCECE.
Is agriculture course hard in South Africa ?
Whereas, the other majors focus on the study of the actual plant, soil and animal specimen. Agriculture is very scientific and well, difficult. The course revolves around Economics, Plant Pathology, Horticulture, Animal Science, Entomology, Extension Education and Soil Science.
How many years does it take to study agriculture in South Africa ?
The Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Agriculture is a four year undergraduate degree programme with its first cohort enrolled. The programme fits under the hard-applied and life system category. Scientific knowledge in Agricultural production is a critical skill identified in the National Development Plan (NDP).
Can I study agriculture without matric in South Africa ?
Students without Grade 10, but with practical experience on farms, are also encouraged to apply and may be granted entry through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) This assessment has been put in place to ensure the success of our students.
Where can I study agriculture in South Africa?
Agriculture Colleges in South Africa
Cedara Agricultural College.
Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute/ Cape Institute of Agricultural Training: Elsenburg.
Fort Cox College of Agriculture and Forestry.
Glen College of Agriculture.
Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute.
Madzivhandila College of Agriculture.
What are the subjects in B Sc Agriculture in South Africa ?
B.Sc Agriculture Core Subjects:
Fundamentals Of Agricultural Economics.
Fundamentals Of Agronomy.
Fundamentals Of Plant Biochemistry And Biotechnology.
Fundamentals Of Soil Science.
Human Values And Ethics.
Introduction To Forestry.
Intellectual Property Rights.
Principles Of Organic Farming.
How many points are needed for agriculture in South Africa ?
Admission Requirements
Admission points score (APS): 23 with Mathematics or 24 with Mathematic Literacy. English (home language or first additional language): Level 4. Mathematics: Level 3 or Mathematical Literacy: Level 4. Agriculture: Level 4.