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On my previous blog posts, Where to study graphic design in South Africa and Study Graphic Design: Universities vs Independent Design Schools, I have had several queries regarding admission requirements for the Graphic Design Programme.  If you want an accredited National Diploma in Graphic Design or a BA Design Degree you need to make sure that you have a National Senior Certificate (NSC) as certified by Umalusi (or equivalent). But what does this mean? Below are some guidelines for you to follow, but please note that different institutions may have specific levels of subject achievement, ie they may only require a 2 for Mathematics on the APS scale of achievement or a 4 for Mathematical Literacy.  Some may even have Visual Arts as a compulsory subject. Note also that Life Orientation only has a credit value of 10 and may be divided by 2 in the calculation of the final APS rating.

For the National Diploma Programme

The minimum admission requirement is a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a minimum of 30% in the language of teaching, coupled with an achievement rating of 3 (Moderate Achievement, 40-49%) or better in four recognised NSC 20-credit subjects (see recognised NSC 20-credit subjects below).

For the Bachelor’s Degree Programme

The minimum admission requirement is a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a minimum of 30% in the language of teaching, coupled with an achievement rating of 4 (Adequate Achievement, 50-59%) or better in four subjects chosen from the following 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 recognised language subjects)
  • Life Sciences
  • Mathematics
  • Mathematical Literacy
  • Music
  • Physical Sciences
  • Religion Studies
  • Visual Arts

Recognised NSC 20-credit subjects:

GROUP A: COMPULSORY NSC SUBJECTS

LANGUAGES (20 credits each)
Two official languages at Home and First Additional Language level:
Home Language or First additional language of: Afrikaans, English, IsiNdebele, IsiXhosa, IsiZulu,
Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, SiSwati, Tshivenda or Xitsonga

MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES (20 credits each)
Mathematics
Mathematical Literacy

HUMAN AND SOCIAL STUDIES (10 credits)
Life Orientation

GROUP B: RECOGNISED NSC ELECTIVES

AGRICULTURE (20 credits each)
Agricultural Management Practices
Agricultural Science
Agricultural Technology

CULTURE AND ARTS (20 credits each)
Dance Studies
Design
Dramatic Arts
Music
Visual Arts

BUSINESS, COMMERCE AND MANAGEMENT STUDIES (20 credits each)
Accounting
Business Studies
Economics

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (20 credits each)
Civil Technology
Electrical Technology
Mechanical Technology
Engineering Graphics and Design

HUMAN AND SOCIAL STUDIES (20 credits each)
Geography
History
Religion Studies

PHYSICAL, MATHEMATICAL, COMPUTER AND LIFE SCIENCES (20 credits each)
Computer Applications Technology
Information Technology
Life Sciences
Physical Sciences

SERVICES (20 credits each)
Consumer Studies
Hospitality Studies
Tourism

APS scale of achievement Rating Marks %
7 Outstanding achievement 80-100
6 Meritorious achievement 70-79
5 Substantial achievement 60-69
4 Adequate achievement 50-59
3 Moderate achievement 40-49
2 Elementary achievement 30-39
1 Not achieved 0-29
APS = Admission point score