Normal Registration

National Senior Certificate

The National Senior Certificate (NSC) is a 130-credit certificate, which is rated at level 4 by the National Qualification Framework (NQF) and will be issued for the first time at the end of 2008.

Minimum admission requirements are:

• Certificates: National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a minimum of 30% in English as certified by Umalusi.
• Diplomas: National Senior Certificate (NSC) with: A minimum of 30% in English as certified by Umalusi, and an achievement rating of 3 (Moderate Achievement, 40-49%) or better in four recognised NSC 20-credit subjects.
• Degrees: The minimum admission requirement for degree studies is a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a minimum of 30% in English, as certified by Umalusi, and an achievement rating of 4 (Adequate Achievement, 50-59%) or better in four subjects from the designated subject list: Accounting, Agricultural Sciences, Business Studies, Dramatic Arts, Economics, Engineering Graphics and Design, Geography, History, Consumer Studies, Information Technology, Languages (two other recognised language subjects), Life Sciences, Mathematics, Mathematical Literacy, Music, Physical Sciences, Religion Studies, Visual Arts.

Besides these, there further requirements may be specific to certain programmes.

Grade 12 before 2008

A Grade 12 Certificate with university exemption (endorsement) is required to register for degree studies.

To apply for normal registration for Certificate- and Diploma studies at Southern Business School, the applicant must be in possession of:

• A matriculation certificate issued by the Matriculation Board; or
• A certificate endorsed by the South African Certification Board as equivalent to the minimum admission requirements for higher education; or
• Any certificate which is deemed equivalent and which has been registered on the NQF.

The senior certificate must reflect a minimum of five subjects in higher or standard grade or combination of subjects on the higher grade and the standard grade.

The Academic Board may admit a person with a senior certificate with a minimum of four subjects (which may not include more than two of the official languages) passed on higher or standard grade, provided the remaining subject(s) passed on lower grade are not a prerequisite for the proposed instructional programme.
If one of the official languages is passed on lower grade, or you do not meet the requirements above, you will be obliged to apply for conditional admission.

Conditional admission

Where an applicant is at least 23 years of age on the date of registration, in possession of standard 8 or a grade 10 certificates or equivalent qualification and possesses work experience as a manager or supervisor, she or he may apply for conditional admission to Southern Business School.

The following documents must be submitted, in addition to those listed above:

• A letter from the employer verifying a minimum of two years work experience in the field of study.

Should a learner be granted conditional admission, s/he must pass two subjects in the first semester. If the learner passes two subjects, conditional admission is revoked and the learner is registered as a “normal registration”. Should a learner fail to pass two subjects, s/he will not be allowed to continue his / her studies.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Where a learner did not acquire appropriate learning in a formal- or structured non-formal manner, she or he may apply for recognition of prior learning. Where informal and/or non-formal and/or experiential learning took place it may lead to formal recognition – contact SBS for the necessary application forms.

Selection Criteria

Selection criteria further to the admission requirements will be applied if the number of applicants exceeds the planned number of applicants. Should the number of applicants exceed the planned number of applicants; applicants will be screened on the basis of merit and with the aim to widen access to higher education, with emphasis on academic achievement, gender representation, and previously disadvantaged individuals. Southern Business School is committed to ensuring that no potential student receives prejudicial treatment on the basis of age, colour, creed, disability, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, nationality, race, sexual orientation or social class or is disadvantaged by requirements, peer and employee’s attitudes or behaviour that cannot be seen as justifiable.