Tips for applying to university, college or any tertiary institutions
Let’s be honest, as someone who is unfamiliar with university, you may find the application process very stressful. This article is a guide to follow when applying for university. We cover six important tips to remember when applying.
1) Stay updated on closing dates and application fees
You always have to be mindful of the closing dates, this is because most institutions don’t accept late applications and once the date is closed, there are no exceptions. It’s also important to remember that some institutions require application fees which can range between R100-R300 for South African learners. Applications sent after the closing date are not accepted, as well as applications sent without the required application fees. Some universities have late application periods which offer learners another opportunity to apply but our advice is to apply as soon as the application dates open, so the process is less stressful and manageable. Sometimes when you apply during the late application period, you face the chance of not being accepted due to space constraints
2) Select the degree you want to study
When filling in your application forms, you will be asked to state which course you want to study. Do your research about what you would be interested in, before applying so that when you apply you are sure about what you want to study. It is possible to change your field of study but it’s a process that you can easily avoid if you are sure about your degree. This is not to say what you put in your application form is final, but it helps you in the case where you may not be able to change your course after applying.
3) Check if your grade 11 marks meet the entry requirements
Most institutions send you conditional offers based on your grade 11 marks. A conditional offer is an offer that is not confirmed yet but is considered, most institutions give you a firm offer after they receive your final grade 12 marks from the Department of Basic Education. This means that your acceptance can be confirmed or rejected after they receive your grade 12 marks. The point is to apply with your grade 11 marks if they meet the requirements so the application process can go faster, as opposed to waiting for your final grade 12 marks and possibly not being accepted due to issues such as space constraints. In a nutshell, apply as soon as you can!
4) Apply for financial aid, bursaries and scholarships
As we all know, tertiary education is very expensive and having financial aid can help. While applying at your desired institution, apply for bursaries as well. There are multiple websites which you can visit to find bursaries such as Bursaries ZA. You can also apply for NSFAS which offers financial aid for tertiary, you can find out more about NSFAS on their website. In essence, applying for financial assistance is just as important as applying for tertiary. You don’t want to find yourself accepted into the institution of your dreams without any financial assistance as this can lead to you not being able to register to study.
5) Always have all the required documents
Everything you apply for will require you to submit documents. These documents may include certified copies of your ID, certified copies of your parents or guardians IDs and proof of income, certified copies of your marks, affidavits and many more documents. This is just a general overview of the documents which are usually required; however, some institutions will require more or different documents. Please check their application forms to see which specific documents they require and submit them. If your application has missing documents, it will likely not be considered, so always have the documents. Remember, certified documents only last 3 months, after 3 months from the date of certification, you’ll need to certify them again.
6) Ensure you have a working email
Institutions mostly communicate with you through your email address, this is why it is always important that you have a working email. A working email makes it easier for universities to reach you. Always check your emails as some communication from universities may need your reply such as accepting and rejecting offers and even submitting additional documents they may require.
Hopefully this article has offered you an insight into the things you should keep in mind when applying. All the best with your application!
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