Higher Education South Africa (HESA) is the leadership association of the university sector representing the heads of all public universities, universities of technology and comprehensive universities. The Matriculation Board forms an integral part of HESA’s service. This Board advises the Minister of Education via HESA on the minimum general admission requirements for first bachelor’s degree studies.

The Board regulates admission to Bachelor degree studies by requiring all applicants who are completing or have completed their schooling outside of South Africa or through a system other that the South African National Senior Certificate examinations to fulfil the criteria that the Matriculation Board has set for that system. The Matriculation Board regularly updates the list of qualifications that are acceptable on face value for admission to first degree studies at South African universities. These can be found at www.hesa-enrol.ac.za

Matriculation exemption, a minimum average percentage plus individual programme criteria are the entrance requirements for Bachelors (undergraduate) degree studies. For the exemption requirements according to the most common systems/countries from which we receive applications, please see requirements

If you are not sure whether you qualify for matriculation exemption, HESA offer an Online System of Assessment to enable prospective first Bachelor’s degree students who want to study at a South African university to assess whether they meet the minimum legal admission requirements.
The system results will state whether an applicant meets the minimum legal requirements or not. If the applicant is successful, hard copies of certificates will have to be sent to the Matriculation Board for verification and issuance of the exemption certificate

To access this online system of assessment, click here.