🎓 Admission vs Selection Courses at Universities: What’s the Difference?
Choosing a university course is one of the biggest decisions a student will make – and understanding the type of course you’re applying for is just as important as choosing the subject. Many students (and parents) are surprised to learn there’s a key distinction between admission courses and selection courses.
Here’s what you need to know:
âś… What is an Admission Course?
An admission course is one where students are accepted as long as they meet the minimum entry requirements. These requirements usually include:
- A specific APS score (based on Grade 11 or 12 results)
- Required school subjects (e.g. Mathematics for BSc)
- Minimum performance levels in those subjects
If you meet those requirements, you’ll be automatically considered for the course – there is no additional selection process.
Examples of admission courses at many South African universities:
- BCom (Accounting or Economics)
- BA (Psychology, Languages)
- BSc (Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology)
- BEd (Education)
These courses are generally less competitive, and universities can accept more students if space allows.
🎯 What is a Selection Course?
A selection course involves an extra step in the application process. Even if you meet the academic requirements, you are not guaranteed acceptance. The university uses additional criteria to select only a limited number of students from the full list of applicants.
Selection criteria can include:
- A higher APS score than the minimum
- Performance in specific subjects (like Life Sciences for Medicine)
- Results of the NBTs (National Benchmark Tests)
- AÂ motivation letter, portfolio, or interview
- Psychometric testing or other assessments
Examples of selection courses:
- MBChB (Medicine)
- Bachelor of Dental Surgery
- Bachelor of Nursing (at some universities)
- Architecture
- Fine Arts
- Physiotherapy
- Veterinary Science
These courses are often resource-intensive (e.g. labs, hospitals, clinical placements) and/or very competitive, which is why they have strict selection processes.
đź“Ś Why Does This Matter?
Knowing whether a course is admission-based or selection-based helps students to:
- Prepare early: Selection courses often have earlier closing dates and extra steps.
- Avoid false assumptions: Meeting the academic minimum isnÂ’t always enough.
- Strengthen your application: For selection courses, you may need to write a compelling personal statement or do well on additional tests.
🔍 Final Tip: Always Check the University’s Website
Each university sets its own rules, and the same course might be an admission course at one institution and a selection course at another. Always check:
- The university’s admissions guide or prospectus
- The course-specific entry requirements
- Deadlines and whether additional documentation is needed
If you are unsure whether a course is selection-based or not, or if you’d like help navigating a specific university’s process, you’re welcome to get in touch for personalised guidance.