If you are planning to study further in 2017, now is a good time to start researching your options.

Universities and colleges have started bringing out their Student Guides for 2017. Please note: Check the closing dates for app lications. They can be as early as 31 May for Medicine and Health Sciences and 30 June for other programm es and University residence acc omm odation.

Central Applications Office

The Central Applications Office processes applications for first time admission to study in KwaZulu-Natal.

http://www.cao.ac.za

Applications to the following institutes are processed:

• Universities âˆ'University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), University of Zululand (UniZulu),
• Universities of Technology âˆ' DUT (Durban University of Technology), Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT),
• TVET Colleges (Further Education & Training) âˆ' Elangeni TVET College, Majuba TVET  ollege, Umfolozi TVET College
• Private Colleges âˆ' Berea Technical College, CTU Training Solutions, Central Technical College, ICESA Education, Institute for Quality Education, Training & Development, IStudent, MANCOSA, Oval International Campus, Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology, Regent Business School, Rosebank College, Springfield TVET College

For other universities and institutes go directly to their websites and follow the directions.

Steps To Take

• Decide on a career path â€" you may need to talk to parents and teachers regarding options or do some workplace shadowing or experience.
• Compare institutions’ subject choices and courses
• Check out the entry requirements for your choice of qualification (Each University, University of Technology , TVET College or other training institute has their OWN requirements for each course)
• Contact the Admissions Office of the institutions concerned to find out details about campus life and fees for tuition and residence.
• Check the application process âˆ' on line or manual

South Africans learners wishing to apply online will need a working email address and an ID number. Foreign learners wishing to apply will need to have their passport number.

Application Forms

More than likely, it will consist of the following: A personal statement, letters of recommendation, possible
course selections, and a general information form.

General Information Forms: This will probably be just a generic form requiring the basics like personal information, emergency contacts, degree information, etc.

Academic Results You will need to supply your latest exam results including Grade 11 results if currently in Matric.

Possible Course Selections: Make sure you’ve looked at your progress toward graduation. Compare courses from your selected university or college study guide with those courses you’ll need to complete your major/ minor and fulfill general requirements, and also identify courses that just generally seem interesting.

Letters of Recommendation: Depending on if required, ask your teachers and mentors if they would be willing to write you a letter of recommendation.

National Benchmarking Tests

The National Benchmark Tests (NBT) measures your academic readiness for University. Some South African higher education institutions use the NBTs for admission and others use them to determine whether you will need extra academic support during your studies. They also assist with the development of curricula. Find out from the institution you are applying to whether you are required to write the tests.

There are two tests: AQL, which is the Academic Literacy and Quantitative Literacy test, and MAT, which is the Mathematics test.

The MAT test is reserved for those who wish to apply to courses that require Mathematics, such as Engineering and the Sciences.

http://www.nbt.ac.za/

Funding

Studying is an expensive undertaking. You can expect to pay between R20 000 and R40 000 for each year of undergraduate study for tutition. Specialised or professional degrees, such as medicine and engineering, can cost much more. Study materials including computers and books, accommodation, transport and general living costs are additional expenses to consider.

Be sure to consider your options before deciding how to pay for your studies, and apply for any award or bursary for which you›re eligible. Do your research, there are many options available:

• University financial aid
• Government financial aid
• External bursaries
• Student loans
• Sports Scholarships

Acceptance

• Your acceptance will generally be based on:
• Your subjects
• Number of applicants
• Your marks for individual subjects
• Marks for all, or some of your subjects added together â€" which is called Academic Point Score (APS). Certain qualifications like music or art also need proof that you have the ability to create or perform music or art.