CAO South Africa Course Codes
How to Use the CAO South Africa Course Codes Search ToolClick here to Access CAO Course List ( Opens in a New Tab )
To find a programme Look up the field of study, for example, Sport, in the “Index” and then go directly to the page/s specified. Within each career direction, programmes are grouped according to the level of entry. The three main levels of entry are:
Within each category, the programmes are listed in alphabetical order by programme name. What the programme list shows you
MOST programmes will consider all applications received before 31 October. If your application is received after that date, the programme will only be able to consider you if there are still places available. However, some programmes close much earlier than 31 October, because time is needed to carry out interviews and assessment tests. Most Medical programmes close early for this reason. If your application is late, it may not be possible to consider you. The selection status you are given will show if a programme was already closed when we received your application. The most popular programmes will not consider applications received after the closing date. Make sure that your application form AND fee reach the CAO before the closing date shown. The earlier we get it, the easier it will be for us to sort out any queries in time for your application to be considered.
The numbers printed in red give you the minimum points required for that programme. The first set of points relate to the NSC and the second set are for the Senior Certificate. Meeting the minimum points requirement does not guarantee that you will be offered a place. You can calculate your total points from your latest examination results by adding up the points for each subject as follows:
The full name of the programme, for example, B Human Movement Science.
The six-letter programme code, which must be entered on the application form under “What programmes are you applying for?” The first two letters show the name of the institution offering the programme. The third letter shows the campus of study. A summary and explanation of these codes is on page 36. The last three letters show the programme.
The examinations and subjects you need to pass to be considered for a particular programme. For a full list of the abbreviations used, refer to Acronyms and abbreviations. The icon  means students must have access to a computer and appropriate software.
NSCMinimum entry requirements for applicants writing NSC are
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| Be careful: If a programme is not listed with a particular institution or campus code, then that programme is not offered at that institution or campus. |
Degree study
Your results will indicate if you meet the minimum entry requirements for degree study, which are four subjects from the list below at level 4 (50-59%) and your Home Language at level 3 (40-49%).
Approved subjects for degree study
- Up to 3 languages
- Accounting
- Agricultural Sciences
- Business Studies
- Consumer Studies
- Dramatic Arts
- Economics
- Engineering Graphics and Design
- Geography
- History
- Information Technology
- Life Sciences
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy
- Music
- Physical Sciences
- Religion Studies
- Visual Arts
| NOTE |
| This list is referred to in the programme list as the designated list. |
Where you see NSC Deg in the programme list, this means that you must meet the above requirements. If the institution wants you to offer more than this, it will be indicated:
Example: NSC Deg with Maths and Phys Sci 5 and Engl and LO 4 and three other subjects from designated list.
This means that in addition to an NSC pass meeting the minimum standard required for entry into a degree programme, you must have passes in Mathematics and Physical Science at level 5 and English Home Language or First Additional Language and Life Orientation at level 4. Your three other subjects must also be from the designated list.
Diploma study
Your results will indicate if you meet the minimum entry requirements for diploma study, which are four subjects including your Home Language at level 3 (40-49%).
Example: NSC with Engl HL 4/FAL 5 and Maths 4 and two 20 credit subjects (not more than one lang) 3.
This means that you must have an NSC pass with English Home Language at level 4 or English First Additional Language at level 5 and Mathematics at level 4. You must have two other subjects at level 3, which cannot include Life Orientation (which is a 10 credit subject) or more than one language.
SENIOR CERTIFICATE
Minimum entry requirements for applicants who have written Senior Certificate are shaded turquoise.
Example: Matric Exemption with Maths `D` HG/`A` SG and Agric Sci or Biol or Phys Sci `E` HG/`C` SG.
This means that your Senior Certificate or Statement of Symbols must state that you have been granted an “endorsement”. In addition, you must have passed Mathematics with `D` on Higher Grade or `A` on Standard Grade and at least one of Agricultural Science, Biology or Physical Science with `E` on Higher Grade or `C` on Standard Grade.
If you qualify for an Ordinary Conditional Exemption you could be considered for programmes specifying “Matric Exemption” provided the other subject requirements are met.
Mature Age applicants (over 23 years of age) and those seeking admission on the basis of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or foreign qualifications should consult the institution.
POST-DIPLOMA STUDY (FOR PEOPLE WITH AN N DIP)
If you are still at school you should NOT apply for B Tech programmes requiring an N Dip or equivalent. You must apply for the N Dip in the fi rst instance.
| entry term |
The time of year the programme starts. There are two entry terms: `1`- entry at the beginning of the year/first term, January and February `3`- entry in the second semester/third term, July
| duration |
The minimum number of months or years you would have to study. Bear in mind that many students take longer than the minimum period of study, and that part-time study takes longer than full-time study.
| access route |
A, B, C etc. in this column indicates that the programme has an access route for applicants who do not meet the entry requirements. More information can be found in `Alternative Access Routes`
| colour codes |
The different colours used in the programme list have different meanings:
Green: Distance learning (home study), UNISA. For full details of the advantages and disadvantages of distance learning refer to “DISTANCE LEARNING”
Pink: Part-time study. For full details of the advantages and disadvantages of part-time study refer to “Part Time”
Blue: Programmes requiring relevant work experience or relevant current employment.
Brown: A new programme not yet approved by the Ministry of Education. Contact the institution to confirm that the programme will run.
Where a programme falls into two of these categories, for example, a part-time programmerequiring work experience, both colours are used.
Minimum entry requirements shaded lilac: NSC exam 2008 onwards
Minimum entry requirements shaded tuquoise: Senior Cert exam up to 2007
Minimum entry requirements shaded tuquoise: N3, N4 exam
> IMPORTANT |
| The entry requirements listed in this handbook are minimum requirements only and possession of these requirements does not guarantee admission. Institutions` selection processes frequently involve other criteria, especially for programmes that receive large numbers of applications. If you do not have the entry requirements stipulated, but you have other, equivalent qualifications – such as N4, N5 or foreign qualifications – please consult the institution concerned. |
SUMMARY OF CODES
- Red – minimum points total required for admission
- Pink – part-time programme
- Blue – relevant work experience/current employment required
- Green – distance learning (home study)
- Brown – awaiting Ministerial approval – contact the institution to confirm that the programme will run
Minimum entry requirements shaded lilac: NSC exam 2008 onwards
Minimum entry requirements shaded tuquoise: Senior Cert exam up to 2007
Minimum entry requirements shaded tuquoise: N3, N4 exam
entry term: 1 – entry in January/February 3 – entry in July
access route: A, B, C etc. denotes access programmes for people who do not meet the entry requirements. Some of these programmes only consider applicants from a disadvantaged educational background.
= computer needed
| INSTITUTION | CAMPUS |
| Durban University of Technology – DU |
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| Mangosuthu University of Technology – MN |
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| University of KwaZulu-Natal – KN |
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| University of Zululand – ZU |
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