Cambridge Requirements for Entrance to South African Universities & Tertiary Study

Cambridge students need to apply for a certificate of exemption in order to pursue a first degree at a South African university. This can be done independently once final results have been received or with the help of the university at which the student receives a place. Please note that an exemption does not guarantee a place at university. Universities are autonomous and set their own admission criteria per course and per faculty.

Qualification combinations: You must meet the minimum qualification combinations and subject group requirements to obtain the certificate of exemption. The following options are available:

Cambridge International AS Level exemption
  • Four subjects at Cambridge International AS Level (Grade A–D) plus one subject at Cambridge IGCSE (Grade A*–C).
  • The two-sitting rule applies to this exemption (see below); need not be consecutive years.
  • Two languages must be passed for complete exemption, with English Language at AS level, and the other at IGCSE level.
  • IGCSE Mathematics (Grade A*-C)
Cambridge International A Level exemption
  • Four subject option: three subjects at Cambridge International A level (A*-E) plus one subject at Cambridge IGCSE (Grade A*–C).
  • Five subject option: A minimum of two subjects at Cambridge International A Level (A*–E) plus three subjects at Cambridge IGCSE (Grade A*–C).
  • IGCSE English Language (A*-C) and IGCSE Mathematics (A*- C)

What is the Two-Sitting Rule?

In terms of Cambridge qualifications, the two-sitting rule for USAf (Universities South Africa) exemption applies to Cambridge International AS Levels and the Cambridge AICE Diploma. Candidates qualifying for the exemptions for Bachelor degree purposes need to meet the minimum qualification combination requirement in two examination sittings, e.g. four AS Levels and one IGCSE. Examinations taken within a 12-month period are regarded as ONE sitting. Where a subject is only examined in either the November or the June series, the following or preceding November or June series is regarded as the same sitting, e.g. Cambridge does not offer Afrikaans Language in the June series nor Portuguese Language in the November series. You can find more on the conditions and subject requirements to gain exemption for entry to South African public universities by clicking here.