Eta College Entry Requirements for 2024/2025

Admission to Bachelor degree, NQF Level 7 

The minimum requirement for admission to Bachelor Degree programmes is either:   

• A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with bachelor degree admission with minimum of 40% in English, coupled with an achievement rating of 4 (adequate achievement 50–59%) or better in four recognised NSC 20-credit subjects (refer annexure 7 for list). 
• A National Certificate Vocational (NCV). A student must achieve at least 60% in three fundamental subjects, including the language of learning and teaching in the higher education institution, and at least 70% in four vocational subjects, chosen from the NC (V) Level 4 subjects. 
• A Senior Certificate (SC) (with relevant endorsement). 
• A Further Education and Training Certificate (NQF 4) in a cognate field, e.g. fitness, coaching or sport administration. 
• A Higher Certificate or Advanced Certificate in a cognate field.  For example, a Higher Certificate in Fitness or in Coaching Science enables access to the Diploma in Sport and Exercise.  The Higher Certificate in Sports Recreation and Fitness Management enables access to the Diploma in Sport and Recreation Management 

 Selection to NQF Level 7 Degree The list below lists the subjects that inform selection to the degree programme

Admission to Diploma, NQF Level 6
The minimum requirement for admission to Diploma programmes is either:

• A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with Diploma admission with minimum of 40% in English, coupled with an achievement rating of 3 (moderate  achievement of 40–49% or better in four recognised NSC 20-credit subjects).
• A National Certificate Vocational (NCV). A student must (a) achieve at least 50% in three fundamental subjects, including the language of learning and teaching in the higher education institution, and (b) achieve at least 60% in the three compulsory vocational subjects.
• A Senior Certificate (SC) (with relevant endorsement) or equivalent.
• A Further Education and Training Certificate (NQF 4) in a cognate field, e.g. fitness, coaching or sport administration.
• A Higher Certificate or Advanced Certificate in a cognate field. For example, a Higher Certificate in Fitness or in Coaching Science enables access to the Diploma in Sport and Exercise. The Higher Certificate in Sports Recreation and Fitness Management enables access to the Diploma in Sport and Recreation Management.

Admission to Advanced Certificates, NQF Level 6
Admission to Advanced Certificates is based on the successful completion of a level 5 Higher  Certificate or National Certificate in a cognate field. See below for specific programmes.

Advanced Certificate (Fitness) > The requirement for admission to the NQF level 6 programme for the Advanced Certificate in Fitness is successful achievement of the Higher Certificate in Fitness or a cognate Higher Certificate or National Certificate at NQF level 5.
Advanced Certificate (Coaching Science) > The requirement for admission to NQF level 6 programme for the Advanced Certificate in Coaching Science is successful achievement of the Higher Certificate in Coaching Science or a cognate Higher Certificate or National Certificate at NQF level 5.
Advanced Certificate (Sports, Recreation and Fitness Management) > The requirement for admission to NQF level 6 programme for the Advanced Certificate in Sports, Recreation and Fitness Management is successful achievement of the Higher Certificate in Sports Recreation and Fitness Management or a cognate Higher Certificate or National Certificate at NQF level 5.

For candidates who wish to enter an Advanced Certificate but may not have the specific admission criteria, please refer to the Policy for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to determine possible credit accumulation and transfer.

Admission to NQF Level 5 Higher Certificate
The following relates to CHE-accredited qualifications registered on the Higher Education Qualifications Sub Framework (HEQSF). The minimum requirement for admission to Higher Certificate programmes is either:

• A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with Higher Certificate admission and compliance with the language requirements for eta. The NSC pass required is an elementary achievement (rating code 2/F) with an overall score of 30–39% and a minimum pass of 40% in English.
• A National Certificate Vocational (NCV) and compliance with the language requirements for eta.
• An alternative matriculation exam, e.g. Independent Examination Board (IEB), which is the body representing private schools and compliance with the language requirements for eta.
• A Further Education and Training Certificate (NQF 4) in a cognate field, e.g. fitness, coaching or sport administration.
• Under certain conditions, level 4 Occupational Certificates in a cognate field may be considered for admission along with relevant work experience (see RPL policy).

Admission to National Certificate or Diplomas, NQF Level 5
The following relates to CATHSSETA-accredited qualifications registered on the Occupational Qualifications Sub Framework (OQSF). The minimum requirement for admission is the following:

• A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with Higher Certificate admission and compliance with the language requirements for eta. The NSC pass required is an elementary achievement (rating code 2/F) with an overall score of 30–39% and a minimum pass of 40% in English.
• A National Certificate Vocational (NCV) and compliance with the language requirements for eta.
• An alternative matriculation exam, e.g. Independent Examination Board (IEB), which is the body representing private schools and compliance with the language requirements for eta.
• A Further Education and Training Certificate (NQF 4) in a cognate field, e.g. fitness, coaching or sport administration.
• Under certain conditions, level 4 Occupational Certificates in a cognate field may be considered for admission, along with relevant work experience (see RPL policy)

Students who do not meet the admission criteria
If an applicant does not have the NSC pass required for admission to an eta programmeme but can provide relevant evidence that enables recognition of their prior learning, they may be accepted for the eta programmeme as long as they meet registration requirements and if recognition of prior learning is applicable. Depending on age, experience and supporting evidence, students can be admitted at the discretion of the campus manager and according to the eta RPL policy.

Assessment for access
Applicants should be referred for RPL assessment and psychometric testing provided by NOME. Please refer to the NOME RPL Guidelines linked to eta’s RPL and CAT Policy. After psychometric testing, if applicants do not meet criteria for the level of the programmeme for which they are applying, they may be recommended for a cognate programmeme at a lower NQF level. For example, ifthe candidate is unable to be admitted to a level 5 Higher Certificate, it may be recommended that complete a Fitness Instructor Certificate at NQF level 4, which is registered on the OQSF. Successful achievement of the programmeme may enable entry to a level 5 programmeme.