1
UNIVERSITY OF ZULULAND
MANUAL
ON
POLICY AND PROCEDURES
FOR
ADMISSION TO UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.
INTRODUCTION……………………………………………………………………………………….5
2.
OBJECTIVES…………………………………………………………………………………………….6
3.
DEFINITIONS ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………7-10
4.
CHAPTER 1……………………………………………………………………………………………..11
POLICY ON ADMISSION TO UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES…………………………………………………………11
GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS………………………………………………………………………………..11
MINIMMUM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR BACHELOR’S DEGREE, DIPLOMA AND
HIGHER CERTIFICATE PROGRAMMES REQUIRING A NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE
(NSC)/OLD MATRIC CERTIFICATE/N3/N4/N5/6 AND OTHER EQUIVALENT CERTIFICATES…………………12-13
ADMISSION TO DEGREE PROGRAMMES (PRIOR 2008)……………………………………………………………..13
SPECIFIC ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS AND OR ADDITIONAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS……………..13
MATRIC TYPES/CATEGORIES……………………………………………………………………………………………..13
ORDINARY CONDITIONAL EXEMPTION…………………………………………………………………………………..13
MATURE AGE CERTIFICATE………………………………………………………………………………………………14
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETE OR CONDITIONAL EXEMPTION TO APPLICANTS FROM FOREIGN
COUNTRIES…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..14
COMPLETE EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE………………………………………………………………………………….14
CONDITIONAL EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE………………………………………………………………………………14
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETE EXEMPTION BY VIRTUE OF POST-SCHOOL QUALIFICATIONS……………....14-15
ISSUING OF CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETE OR CONDITIONAL EXEMPTION BY VIRTUE OF
MEDICAL OR PHYSICAL DISABILITY……………………………………………………………………………………..15
N5/N6 CERTIFICATE (OBTAINED FROM AN FET COLLEGE)………………………………………………………..15
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETE EXEMPTION BY VIRTUE OF AGE……………………………………………………16
SENATE DISCRETION………………………………………………………………………………………………………..16
CONDONATION OF ERROR………………………………………………………………………………………………..16-17
ADMISSION TO DIPLOMA PROGRAMMES (AFTER 2007)……………………………………………………………..17
ADMISSION TO DIPLOMA PROGRAMMES (PRIOR 2008)……………………………………………………………….17
N3/N4 CERTIFICATE (OBTAINED FROM AN FET COLLEGE)…………………………………………………………17-18
ADMISSION TO HIGHER CERTIFICATE…………………………………………………………………………………….18
INTERRUPTION OF STUDY…………………………………………………………………………………………………….19
POLICY STATEMENT……………………………………………………………………………………………………………19
RULES AND PROCEDURES……………………………………………………………………………………………………19
RE-ADMISSION……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………20
POLICY STATEMENT…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….20
RULES AND PROCEDURES…………………………………………………………………………………………………….20
ACADEMIC EXCLUSION OF FULL-TIME STUDENTS…………………………………………………………………..20-21
RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING………………………………………………………………………………………22
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POLICY STATEMENT…………………………………………………………………………………………………..22
RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING (RPL) RULES AND PROCEDURES………………………………….22
ADMISSION OF STUDENTS WITH EXCEPTIONAL CONDITIONS……………………………………………….23
POLICY STATEMENT…………………………………………………………………………………………………..23
RULES AND PROCEDURES………………………………………………………………………………………….23-24
4.
CHAPTER 2……………………………………………………………………………………………25
ENQUIRIES…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………25
POLICY STATEMENT………………………………..…………………………………………………………………..25
RULES AND PROCEDURES……………………………………………………………………………………………25
APLICATION FOR ADMISSION…………………………………………………………………………………………26
POLICY STATEMENT……………………………………………………………………………………………………26
APPLICATION RULES AND PROCEDURES…………………………………………………………………………26-29
5.
CHAPTER 4…………………………………………………………………………………………….30
SELECTION PROCESS…………………………………………………………………………………………………...30
POLICY STATEMENT……………………………………………………………………………………………………..30
SELECTION RULES AND PROCEDURES……….……………………………………………………………...….30-31
KEY ADMISSION PROCESSES………………………………………………………………………………………….32
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POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR
ADMISSION TO UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES
INTRODUCTION
The University of Zululand (UNIZULU) admits applicants with respect to the stipulations of section 74 (1) of
the Higher Education Act, 1997 (Act No. 101 of 1997 as amended) and it is committed to complying with
these stipulations. The Council of the University, in consultation with the Senate, determines the
Admissions Policy.
This policy is also in line with the mission,vision and values of the University. Its aim is to provide guidelines
on selection and admission to undergraduate studies.
The University selects students who may have the ability to succeed at the university. The selection of the
students is based on academic performance.
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OBJECTIVES
The Admissions Policy of the University of Zululand is governed by the Higher Education Act 101 of
1997 (as amended). The policy also takes into account the Mission, Vision and key principles of the
Institution. The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines regarding the admission of undergraduate
students. It gives access and also facilitates the transportability of applicants with qualifications
obtained from the different levels of Higher Education System.
The University through this policy promotes and encourages students from diverse backgrounds as per
mission statement of the University. It also draws students from other countries in the African continent
and overseas. The University is not only a modern tertiary institution but is one of the six
Comprehensive Universities in the country.
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DEFINITIONS
2.1
In this document, unless otherwise indicated –
“Admission” is the process or act of inviting successful applicants to register for the proposed academic
programme;
"Certificate of complete exemption" means a certificate issued by the Committee of Principals in terms of
the provisions of section 7(1)(e) and (3) of the Act, admitting a candidate to bachelor's degree study at a
South African university without any conditions or limitations;
"Certificate of conditional exemption" means a certificate issued by the Committee of Principals in terms
of the provisions of section 7(1)(e) and (3) of the Act, admitting a candidate to bachelor's degree study at a
South African university, subject to specified conditions and for a specified period;
“Conditional Offer” means a conditional offer that was made to a prospective student who applied
through the Central Application Office (CAO) prior to the final grade twelve (12) results;
"Council" means the Council of the UNIVERSITY OF ZULULAND, duly constituted in terms of the Higher
Education Act 101 (1997 as amended) ;
“Disability” means a long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairment which in interaction
with various barriers may hinder a full and effective participation in tertiary environment on an equal basis;
"Endorse" means the effecting of an endorsement by the Council that a senior certificate candidate has
satisfied the requirements for matriculation endorsement in terms of the provisions of section 7(1)(d) of the
Act;
“Firm Offer” means an offer that is made to a selected prospective student who applied through the
Central Application Office;
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“Foreign student” means a non-South African citizen. Excluding an individual that has been awarded
permanent residence and asylum status;
“Grade 12” means the highest grade in which education is provided by a school as defined in the South
African Schools Act, 1996 (Act 84 of 1996);
“HESA” means Higher Education South Africa;
"Matriculation examination" means the matriculation examination of the universities conducted by the
Matriculation Board prior to 4 September 1992;
"Matriculation Exemption" means exemption from the matriculation examination conducted by the
Matriculation Board prior to 4 September 1992;
"N3 standard" means the standard achieved in a subject at the National Certificate: N3 passed at a South
African further education and training college;
"N5 standard" means the standard achieved in a subject at the National Certificate: N5 passed at a South
African further education and training college;
"National Senior Certificate" means a school-leaving certificate conferred by the South African
Certification Council, UMALUSI;
"Official Language" means an official language as approved by COUNCIL;
“Pending” means a decision has not yet been taken with regards to the applicant’s request for admission
to study at the University;
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“Principal” means the chief executive and accounting officer of a public higher education institution, and
includes a vice-chancellor and a rector;
"Prospective Student" means an applicant who wishes to become a student at Unizulu, for the first time;
“SAQA” means the South African Qualification Authority;
“School Point Score” means the minimum cut off points that must be achieved by the applicant in order to
be selected and admitted into an academic programme;
"Selection" is a process whereby an applicant has been considered by the department for admission to the
University of Zululand;
"Senate" means the Senate of the UNIVERSITY OF ZULULAND, duly constituted in terms of the Higher
Education Act 101 of 1997 as amended;
"Senior certificate" means a school-leaving certificate with at least five Higher Grade or five Standard
Grade subjects or a combination of five Higher Grade and Standard Grade subjects, approved by the
Committee of Principals and issued by the Council, or an equivalent certificate issued prior to the
commencement of section 9 of the South African Certification Council Act, 1986 (Act 85 of 1986);
“Study permit” means a document that all non-South Africans must possess in order to study in our South
African Institution of Higher Education. The University of Zululand shall not register a Foreign student for an
academic programme until a valid study permit has been produced in the name of UNIZULU;
“Undergraduate” means a student who is selected and admitted to study a bachelor degree or a diploma
or a certificate;
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"University" means any institution of higher education established in terms of an Act of Parliament with a
view to the provision of Higher/Tertiary education;
"University Certificate" means any degree, diploma or any other certificate issued on the successful
completion of a university programme.
"UNIZULU" means the UNIVERSITY OF ZULULAND, duly constituted in terms of the provisions of the
Higher Education Act, 1997 (Act No. 101 of 1997);
“Walk-in applicant” means a prospective student who has not applied to the Central Application Office
prior to the closing date for applications
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CHAPTER 1
UNIVERSITY OF ZULULAND
POLICY ON ADMISSION TO UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES
POLICY NUMBER
APPROVAL DATE
POLICY OWNER
REVISON DATE
POLICY STATEMENT
It is the policy of the UNIVERSITY OF ZULULAND to admit applicants subject to the stipulations of
section 74 (1) of the Higher Education Act, 1997 (Act No. 101 of 1997 as amended). The admission of
students to UNIZULU shall be conducted in terms of the rules and regulations of UNIZULU, as
approved by the Council, on the recommendation of the Senate
GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS
1.1
The rules in this policy are based on the Higher Education Act 101 of 1997, and the statutes and
regulations framed thereunder, and the resolutions taken by Council and Senate in terms of the Act
and in terms of such statutes and regulations
1.2
This policy and its rules, guidelines and procedures shall replace all previous policies and/or
circulars on the admission of students to study at the UNIVERSITY OF ZULULAND.
1 .3
All previous policies, rules, guidelines and procedures shall be rendered obsolete by this policy,
as approved.
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2. MINIMUM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
for
BACHELOR'S DEGREE, DIPLOMA, AND HIGHER CERTIFICATE PROGRAMMES REQUIRING A
NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE (NSC)/OLD MATRIC C+ERTIFICATE/N3/N4/N5/N6 AND OTHER
EQUIVALENT CERTIFICATES
2.1
All the applications for admission to UNIZULU shall be considered in respect of one campus only.
2.2
The Council stipulates as follows:
2.3
No person may be registered as a student in a programme of UNIZULU, unless he or she has
complied with the following:
3. GENERAL ADMISSIONS CRITERIA
(a)
ADMISSION TO DEGREE PROGRAMMES (after 2007)
All Faculties of the University shall apply the admission requirements as stipulated in the Higher
Education Act;
The minimum admission requirement is a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a minimum of 30%
in the language of learning and teaching of the higher education institution as certified by Umalusi,
coupled with an achievement rating of 4 (Adequate Achievement, 50-59%) or better in four
subjects chosen from the following recognized 20-credit NSC subjects (which will be known as the
designated subject list):
(Accounting, Agricultural Sciences, Business Studies, Dramatic Arts, Economics, Engineering
Graphics and Design, Geography, History, Consumer Studies, Information Technology, Consumer
Studies, Information Technology, Languages (one language of learning and teaching at a higher,
education institution and two other recognized language subjects), Life Sciences, Mathematics,
Mathematical Literacy, Music, Physical Sciences
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Religion Studies, Visual Arts)
Adequate Achievement in four designated NSC subjects provides the primary basis for admission
to a Bachelor's Degree programme. An institution is entitled to specify an appropriate level of
subject achievement for a particular programme. For example, admission requirements for a
Bachelor's Degree in Fine Art or Music might include a specified level of achievement in the
corresponding recognised NSC subjects. Similarly, an institution will be entitled to specify subject
requirements for a particular programme.
For example, Mathematics and Physical Sciences might be considered as requirements for
admission to a Bachelor's Degree in Science.
or
(b)
ADMISSION TO DEGREE PROGRAMMES (prior 2008)
An old Senior Certificate (obtained prior 2008) with an endorsement that the holder has complied
with the minimum statutory matriculation requirements for admission to a bachelor’s degree study
at a University in the Republic of South Africa
The Council may, in consultation with the Senate may add –
(c)
Specific Admissions Requirements and or additional admission requirements
Over and above the General Admissions Criteria, each faculty shall apply its own School Points Scores
as well as other additional requirements like Maths at level 6 or “A” SG/ “D” HG in certain academic
programmes. Other additional requirements may include the following:
(d)
-
Interviews or
-
Portfolio of evidence (e.g. drawings, photos, paintings etc.)
MATRIC TYPES/CATEGORIES
1. ORDINARY CONDITIONAL EXEMPTION
Applicants who do not meet the requirements in i.- and who qualify for an Ordinary Conditional
Exemption Certificate may be considered for academic programmes specifying “Matric Exemption”
provided that the other requirements (see i. Above) are met.
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2. MATURE AGE CERTIFICATE
Applicants who do not meet the requirements in in sub sections (a), (b), ( i) and (1) above but obtained
a Senior certificate/school leaving certificate from the matriculation examination or an equivalent
certificate, and seek to qualify for conditional exemption, may be considered for academic programmes
specifying “Matric Exemption” provided that they are 23 years old and above and meet the other
requirements.
3. CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETE OR CONDITIONAL EXEMPTION TO APPLICANTS
FROM FOREIGN COUNTRIES
Foreign nationals with the following certificates may qualify for academic programmes specifying matric
exemption
COMPLETE EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE
(a) A & O Level subjects
(b) A/S, HIGCSE & O Level/IGCSE Level subjects
(c) NSSC, HIGCSE & IGCSE Level subjects
(d) Advanced International Certificate of Education
CONDITIONAL EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE
(e) A & O level
(f) AS/HIGCSE/IGCSE/O level
(g) Immigrant‘s
4.
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETE EXEMPTION BY VIRTUE OF POST-SCHOOL
QUALIFICATIONS
(a) a senior certificate issued by the Council or any of the examining institutions previously
recognized for this purpose by the Matriculation Board for matriculation exemption, or any other
qualification approved by the Committee of Principals; and
(b) a diploma approved by the Committee of Principals, from a University or Technikon, with a
minimum prescribed full-time post-school duration of two years; or
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(c) one of the following diplomas approved by the Committee of Principals/HESA, with a
minimum prescribed full-time post-school duration of study of three years:
(i) teachers' diploma obtained from a South African teachers' training college;
(ii) nursing diploma obtained from a South African nursing college in terms of a cooperation
agreement with a South African university; or
(iii) any other equivalent post-school qualification approved by the Committee of
Principals/HESA.
5.
ISSUING OF CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETE OR CONDITIONAL EXEMPTION BY VIRTUE
OF MEDICAL OR PHYSICAL DISABILITY
Applicants with medical or physical disability and who do not meet the requirements for a complete
exemption certificate but have sat for examination prior and after 2008 may qualify for academic
programmes specifying matric exemption. The Committee of Principals/HESA may issue a
certificate of complete exemption or a certificate of conditional exemption to any person who, owing
to medical or physical disability, is in the Committee's opinion unable to satisfy the endorsement
requirements.
6.
N5/N6 CERTIFICATE (Obtained from an FET College)
Candidate with N5/N6 Certificate (obtained from an FTE College) may qualify for a degree
programme. One must at least have obtained 40% in at least four subjects, and have passed one
of the official languages as his or her First Language, at least in the Standard Grade, and have
passed any other official language as his or her Second Language, at least in the Standard Grade,
in the Senior Certificate examination or an equivalent examination, or has passed any subject in
any official language, which the Council has approved to be an equivalent, in the manner stipulated
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7.
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETE EXEMPTION BY VIRTUE OF AGE
Applicants who do not meet the requirements in the above-mentioned sub paragraphs may
be considered for degree programmes specifying matric exemption provided that they are:
(a)
45 years and above and
(b)
Faculties may require additional requirements (please see sub paragraph (c)) in
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8.
SENATE DISCRETION
A. Certificate of conditional exemption by virtue of a certificate issued by the senate of a
university
(a) The Committee of Principals shall issue a certificate of conditional exemption to a
person who, in the opinion of the senate of the University, has demonstrated, in a selection
process approved by that senate, that he or she is suitable for admission to bachelor's
degree studies, which certificate shall be valid for admission to UNIZULU only.
(b) Where the senate of UNIZULU certifies that the holder of a certificate of conditional
exemption issued in terms of this paragraph has completed one full credit of instructional
offerings, the Committee of Principals shall issue a certificate of complete exemption to
him or her, dated from the first day of the month of the period of academic residence in
which the first degree credit was obtained.
(c) Where the senate of a second university requests this, in respect of a candidate
transferring to that university, a certificate issued in terms of (1) shall be amended to be
valid for admission to the second university.
9.
CONDONATION OF ERROR
A. Issuing of certificate of complete or conditional exemption by virtue of condonation
authority
B. The Committee of Principals may issue a certificate of complete exemption, or a certificate
of conditional exemption, in any of the categories provided for in these requirements,
where a candidate:
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(a) has met all but one of the requirements prescribed in these requirements for the
certificate; and
(b) is acceptable by the University as a candidate for degree study; or
(c) did not meet one or more of the requirements prescribed for the certificate and shows
to the satisfaction of the Committee of Principals that he or she has not met this or these
requirements because of a bona fide error on the part of the Matriculation Board, a
university, an examining authority, or a school; and
(d) is acceptable by the University as a candidate for degree study.
10.
ADMISSION TO DIPLOMA PROGRAMMES (after 2007)
The minimum admission requirement is a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a minimum of 30%
in the language of learning and teaching of the higher education institution as certified by Umalusi,
coupled with an achievement rating of 3 (Moderate Achievement, 40-49%) or better in four
recognised NSC 20-credit subjects. In addition, applicants must have an achievement rating of 3
(40%) in Life Orientation; and an achievement rating of 3 (40%) in English as First Additional
Language (FAL), or 4 (50%) in English as Home Language;
Institutional and programme needs may require appropriate combinations of recognized National
Senior Certificate subjects and levels of achievement. For example, a Diploma in Datametrics
might require a pass at a prescribed level in Mathematics or Information Technology
11.
ADMISSION TO DIPLOMA PROGRAMMES (Prior 2008)
If an applicant holds a Senior Certificate with at least 5 subjects on Higher and or Standard Grade,
such an applicant may be eligible to apply for a diploma programme.
(not applicable to students who wrote the new National Senior Certificate examination from 2008).
12.
N3/N4 CERTIFICATE (obtained from an FET College)
Candidates with N3/N4 Certificate (obtained from an FTE College) may qualify for a
Diploma/Certificate programme. One must at least have obtained 50% in at least four subjects, and
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have passed one of the official languages as his or her First Language, at least in the Standard
Grade, and has passed any other official language as his or her Second Language, at least in the
Standard Grade, in the Senior Certificate examination or an equivalent examination, or has passed
any subject in any official language, which the Council has approved to be an equivalent, in the
manner stipulated
(not applicable to students who wrote the new National Senior Certificate examination from 2008).
13.
ADMISSION TO HIGHER CERTIFICATE
The minimum admission requirement is a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a minimum of
level 2 (30% or higher) in the language of learning and teaching of the higher education institution
and one home language as certified by the Council for General and Further Education and Training
(Umalusi). In addition, they must have four recognized NSC 20 credit subjects. Institutional and
programme needs may require appropriate combinations of recognized NSC subjects and levels of
achievement. For example, an institution may determine that a Higher Certificate in Architectural
Design requires in addition to the NSC a specified level of attainment in Design and an associated
recognized subject;
14.
Any person who meets the requirements stipulated in subparagraphs above shall be regarded
as having met the admission requirements of UNIZULU.
15.
The Council may, in consultation with the Senate –
a. determine the number of students that may register for a specific programme; or
b. lay down the minimum requirements for readmission to study at UNIZULU; or
c. refuse admission to a student who does not comply with the minimum
requirements for readmission to study at UNIZULU.
16.
The Council may refuse any prospective student admission to UNIZULU, if the Council considers it
to be in the interest of UNIZULU to do so.
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INTERRUPTION OF STUDY
POLICY NUMBER
APPROVAL DATE
POLICY OWNER
REVISON DATE
POLICY STATEMENT
It is the policy of the University of Zululand that students who interrupted their studies may be allowed
to register to continue with their studies.
RULES AND PROCEDURES
1. Students who interrupt their studies for whatever reason, except academic exclusion from the
University, may resume their studies in subsequent years, provided that they meet the entry and/or
academic progression requirements for their programmes and provided further that enrolment
targets for that programme have not been exceeded.
2. Students who wish to return to the University after interrupting their studies shall apply for readmission prior to the final date for admissions stipulated in the Calendar in the year preceding
their return, in which event their applications will be assessed against the usual progression criteria
applying to returning students who have not interrupted their studies, as set out in the rules. The
re-admission applications of students who fail to meet the stipulated deadline will be judged against
the same criteria, except that they will be re-admitted only if the enrolment targets for that
programme have not been exceeded.
3. In the event of a programme not being offered in a particular year, or having been discontinued
altogether, students who have interrupted their studies shall not be entitled to be registered for
modules or programmes that are not offered by the University and may be required to enrol for
different modules or programmes, provided that they meet stipulated entry requirements and
provided further that, where appropriate, credits obtained prior to the interruption may be
recognised towards fulfilment of the requirements of the new programme.
4. Should a returning student wish to enrol for a programme different from the one for which he or she
has been registered, the General Rule for the change of programme shall apply.
5. Prescribed fee must be paid.
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RE-ADMISSION
POLICY NUMBER
APPROVAL DATE
POLICY OWNER
REVISON DATE
POLICY STATEMENT
It is the policy of the University of Zululand that students who meet the minimum requirements for readmission may be allowed to register to continue with their studies.
RULES AND PROCEDURES
G21 A. ACADEMIC EXCLUSION OF FULL-TIME STUDENTS
1. A student who does not perform satisfactorily may be placed on academic probation, be
excluded from a faculty or be excluded from the University.
2. Full-time students in their first academic year who have failed to obtain any credits for which
they were registered, shall be excluded from the University on academic grounds and shall
thereafter not be entitled to register for any programme offered at the University.
3. In addition to sub-rule 2, full-time students in their first or second years of study who have
failed to obtain the minimum number of credits towards the qualification for which they are
registered, according to the following criteria, shall be excluded from their faculty on academic
grounds:
3.1 After one year, a minimum of 60 credits
3.2 After two years, a minimum of 120 credits
4. Students contemplated in sub-rule 3 may apply for registration for programmes in another
faculty, subject to the provisions of the relevant rules.
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5. Full-time students in their third or subsequent years of study who have failed to obtain the
minimum number of credits towards the qualification for which they are registered, according to
the following criteria, shall be excluded from the University on academic grounds:
In the case of a three-year degree programme
5.1 After three years, a minimum of 180 credits
5.2 After four years, a minimum of 300 credits
5.3 After five years, if a degree has not been obtained
In the case of a four-year degree programme
5.4 After three years, a minimum of 240 credits
5.5 After four years, a minimum of 360 credits
5.6 After five years, a minimum of 420 credits
5.7 After six years, if a degree has not been obtained
6.
All students are required to apply for re-admission using the University’s prescribed form
that is obtainable from the Admissions Office.
7.
The form must be accompanied by proof of payment of the applicable fee and must be
signed by the Head of Department.
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RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING
(Refer to the existing RPL policy to be obtained from T & L)
POLICY
NUMBER
OVERSEEING COMMITTEE(S)
APPROVAL
DATE
POLICY
OWNER
REVISION
DATE
POLICY STATEMENT
It is the policy of the University of Zululand to formally identify, assess and acknowledge
the full range of individual skills, knowledge and capabilities, irrespective of how and
where they have been acquired.
RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING (RPL) RULES AND PROCEDURES
7.1
UNIZULU’s admission criteria also provide applicants who do not have formal learning access to its
academic programmes through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), he or she must please
contact the admissions office at admission@unizulu.ac.za
7.2
Consideration for RPL request shall be limited to career-focused programmes
7.3
A formal application providing full support of any formal learning must be provided to the University
for assessment.
7.4
Assessment should be carried out against the current programme and subject requirements of the
intended study programme.
7.5
Credit for recognition of prior learning will not be in the form of certification but for admission credit
purposes only. RPL admission will only be applicable for studying at the University of Zululand
only, it is not transferable for admission to another institution;
7.6
Application for RPL must be submitted at least six months prior the commencement of registration.
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ADMISSION OF STUDENTS WITH EXCEPTIONAL CONDITIONS
POLICY
NUMBER
OVERSEEING COMMITTEE(S)
APPROVAL
DATE
POLICY
OWNER
REVISION
DATE
POLICY STATEMENT
The University Council allows access to tertiary education for people with exceptional
conditions. It considers medical or physical disability as exceptional conditions and
applicants with such conditions are provided the opportunity to enroll provided they meet
all the requirements.
RULES AND PROCEDURES
8.1
Applicants who are unable to satisfy the endorsement requirements because of exceptional
conditions may qualify for a certificate of complete exemption or certificate of conditional
exemption.
8.2
The admissions office will apply for the relevant exemption certificate on behalf of the applicant.
The applicant must pay the applicable exemption certificate fee and provide the admissions office
with the proof of payment
8.3
The University will provide an atmosphere that will enable the disclosure of disability and such
information to be treated as private and confidentially.
8.4
Categories of disabilities may include:
(a) Sight
(b) Communication (talking, listening)
(c) Hearing (with a hearing aid)
(d) Physical (move, stand, grasp)
(e) Intellectual-learning difficulty
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(f) Emotional (behavioural/psych)
(g) Multiple disabled but functional
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CHAPTER 2
ENQUIRIES
POLICY STATEMENT
POLICY
POLICY
NUMBER
OWNER
OVERSEEING COMMITTEE(S)
APPROVAL
REVISION
DATE
DATE
It is the policy of the University of Zululand that enquiries of all prospective students will be
handled by the enquiry desk/call centre in the Registrar’s Section
RULES AND PROCEDURES FOR ENQUIRIES FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS
Methods that can be used by prospective applicants :
-
Telephone
-
Email
-
Internet
-
Walk-ins
The CAO shall, on request, issue an application form for admission to prospective applicants.
The following may approach CAO directly for enquiries
-
Grade 12 learners
-
Transferring students (UG) may also apply directly to the University?????
-
Foreign students
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APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION
POLICY STATEMENT
POLICY
POLICY
NUMBER
OWNER
OVERSEEING COMMITTEE(S)
APPROVAL
REVISION
DATE
DATE
It is the policy of the University of Zululand that prospective students should apply to the
Central Applications Office as approved by COUNCIL
APPLICATION RULES AND PROCEDURES
9.1
All applicants currently in grade twelve with June, trial results or with final grade twelve results or
students transferring from other Institutions of Higher Education are required to apply via the
Central Applications Office
9.2
All applicants who were offered a place to study at the University but failed to take up the offer and
or did not register shall be required to re-apply through the Central Applications Office
9.3
No prospective student shall be permitted to follow any programme without prior evaluation. The
application forms must be submitted with the fixed administration fee to the Central Applications
Office and the closing date/s, shall be as follows:
a. The closing date for year programmes and programmes commencing in the first
semester: 15 September of the year preceding the proposed year of study.
b. The dates for departments with further or additional selection requirements like
interviews or tests for first time entering students shall be:
- The first Friday of OCTOBER TO the third Monday of NOVEMBER of the year
preceding the proposed year of study and as individually arranged.
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9. 4
The following documents should accompany the application form:
9.5.1
A certified copy of the applicant’s Senior Certificate/NSC or an equivalent qualification which must
be submitted no later than August, as well as any other document required for admission to the
programme he or she intends to follow.
9.5.2
With regard to such copies, the following shall apply and must be submitted to the Central
Applications Office:
(a)
UNIZULU shall accept as correct only that spelling and sequence of the student’s surname and
first names that appear on the Identity Document or Passport required for admission to UNIZULU
for studies towards a certificate, diploma or degree.
(b)
A married woman shall submit a certified copy of her marriage certificate (or divorce order, where
applicable), should any of her certificates have been issued in her maiden name.
(c)
Other names and/or spellings shall be accepted only on receipt of a certificate duly amended and
endorsed by the Department of Education or the institution that has issued it, or on receiving
proof that the student’s surname and/or first names have been changed officially.
(d)
Such proof shall be supplied or issued by the Department of Home Affairs or, where applicable, a
similar body, and should indicate the student’s date of birth, his or her former name, and his or
her present name. Sworn statements, birth certificates, passports and/or identity documents shall
not be accepted for such purpose.
(e)
Prospective students who have their qualifications obtained outside the Republic of South Africa
should contact the Higher Education South Africa (HESA) beforehand to have their qualifications
evaluated.
(f)
A statement of symbols shall be acceptable for first registration and a certified copy of the Senior
Certificate/NSC must be submitted before the end of August of the same academic year.
Foreign national students must in addition provide:
(g)
Valid passport and study permit
(h)
Proof of valid medical insurance which is renewable annually
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(i)
Proof of financial means for NON-SADC students (bank statement-,bursaries, cash
available/traveller’s cheque to cover envisaged living expenses during the sojourn in the Republic
and to pay tuition fees)
(j)
All SADC applications are handled in terms of the SADC Protocol as far as the fee structure is
concerned and they are expected to comply with Rule/s 9.5.2
9.7 It is compulsory that Foreign national applicants approach the South African Embassy in
their home countries for more information or requirements before they come to the Republic of
South Africa to study. Alternatively, applicants may visit the Department of Home Affairs at
www.dha.gov.za
9.8
If an applicant was previously registered at another institution of higher education where he or she
had discontinued his or her studies before obtaining the diploma or degree he or she had
registered for, he or she shall submit, as soon as possible, an original academic record and a
certificate of conduct issued by the Registrar of that institution.
9.9
If an applicant was previously registered at more than one institution of higher education, he or she
should obtain the documents referred to in rule 9.5.2 hereto from each of those institutions, where
applicable. Please note that UNIZULU shall keep the original documents and that they will not be
returned to the applicant.
9.10
CAO screens the applicants and allocates appropriate statuses (e.g. Met, Partially Met, Pending,
Evaluate, Not Screened). This information is made available on the CAO Database which the
University via its Faculties gains access to and makes the necessary selection. The CAO then
sends out a notice via sms or correspondence informing applicants of their status.
9.11
The University uses the information available on the CAO data to make the final selection.
In implementing the Policy, the University uses the score points system which is based on the
matriculation results (levels/symbols). The levels/symbols are allocated points that are added and
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the total will indicate if the applicant meets the required points and other requirements for that
particular qualification.
9.12
In the event that the minimum school points score achieved are not sufficient, such an applicant
will not be considered.
However, where an applicant is 23 years and above with a senior certificate whose points are
below the required score, such a student qualifies for a mature age exemption certificate and shall
be referred to the faculty for a decision. This information is readily available on the CAO database
and it is up to each Faculty to consider it when making a selection.
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CHAPTER 10
SELECTION PROCESS
POLICY
NUMBER
OVERSEEING COMMITTEE(S)
APPROVAL
DATE
POLICY
OWNER
REVISION
DATE
POLICY STATEMENT
It is the policy of the University of Zululand that Faculties will select applicants on a
continuous basis as from the 1st May for the following academic year.
SELECTION RULES AND PROCEDURES
10.1
Faculties will start the selection of applicants on or after the 1st of May for the following academic
year. Selection will be on a continuous basis and is based on the information or data that is made
available on the CAO system.
10.2
It is the duty and responsibility of the Faculties to consider all applicants including those applicants
who qualify for Mature Age Exemption and applicants living with disabilities (this information is
available on the CAO database under comments)
10.3
The faculties put the following statuses on the CAO system:

Firm offer (for applicants who have completed their matric)

Conditional offer (for applicants who are still doing their matric)

Pending

Waiting for a decision
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10.4

Withdrawn

Unsuccessful
Once the status has been updated by the faculties, the CAO system will generate an SMS
notification and or correspondence informing the applicant of his or her application status.
10.5
The admissions office uploads the data that has been updated by the faculties onto our
ITS on a continuous basis. This will allow the ITS to generate student numbers, create
qualification records and letters of offer (conditional or firm) to all selected applicants on a
continuous basis.
10.6
All applicants must respond within the prescribed period in order to secure the selected
offer.
10.7
The prospective students must confirm to the University their acceptance of the offer by
doing the following:
(a) Submitting a completed acceptance form, and
(b) Proof of payment of a non-refundable acceptance fee as prescribed by the University
10.8
Change of status from a conditional to a firm offer must be done by the selectors in the first
week of January
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11.4
KEY ADMISSION PROCESSES:
Enquiries
Application
Selection
Outcome
Status
Filing
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