Congratulations! You have recently received your school results and have just heard that you have been accepted into the degree course of your dreams.
But remember, to complete an undergraduate degree course in a tertiary institution in South Africa, you have to have proof of your matriculation exemption.
The oversight body for this is UMALUSI and the division dealing with matriculation exemption is USAF (Universities of South Africa). For learners who wrote NSC (National Senior Certificate) or IEB (Independent Examination Board), the exemption process is done automatically, behind the scenes, so these learners don’t have to lift a finger. But what if you have completed a foreign school qualification such as Cambridge A levels or German Arbitur?
Learners doing any foreign-based school qualification need to apply for their exemption certificate independently.
Find the pre-assessment and application form here: https://mb.usaf.ac.za/online-assessment/
How do I apply?
Once you have received your last set of examination results (AS or A levels), apply for your matric exemption.
- Universities of South Africa (USAF) is the awarding body.
Apply here: https://mb.usaf.ac.za/online-assessment/
You can apply online. USAF will issue a provisional letter confirming exemption on the basis of scanned and e-mailed copies of documents.
For the final certificate to be issued by USAF, you need notarised copies of your certificates, and certified copy of an identity document, which must be couriered to USAF in Pretoria. This is essential.
The Matriculation Board requirements:
- Fees: https://mb.usaf.ac.za/fees-structure/
- Application form: https://mb.usaf.ac.za/download-application-form-m30/
While this may sound daunting, it does not need to be.
How much time do I have to do this?
Universities usually require proof of your matric exemption ( a copy of your certificate) before the end of first year.
| My top tip
Apply sooner rather than later – as soon as you have your documents in hand. You don’t want to get near the end of first year only to be told you can’t write the year-end exams as you haven’t submitted your matric exemption certificate. I have had some very panicked past students contact me in a tizz who found themselves in that situation! |
