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INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS
Apply to UWC as an International Student


If you obtained your qualifications outside South Africa, there are a few additional steps before you submit your UWC application. Follow the steps below to prepare your documents and apply online.
Before You Begin

Before starting your application, make sure you have the following ready:

  • A valid email address
  • A certified copy of your passport
  • Your latest academic results or qualifications
  • Your USAf Exemption Certificate (undergraduate applicants) or SAQA Evaluation Certificate (postgraduate applicants), if already available
Important

If your USAf Exemption or SAQA Evaluation is still being processed, you may submit your UWC application in the meantime. Upload proof that you have applied and submit the final certificate as soon as it becomes available and before the applicable deadline.

1 Step One

Check Your Admission Eligibility

Use the UWC APS Calculator to determine whether your qualifications meet the minimum admission requirements for undergraduate study. The calculator also supports many international school qualifications.

You'll Need:

  • Your latest school results or final qualification
  • Your intended programme, if known
Important

The APS Calculator provides only an indication of your eligibility. Meeting the minimum APS does not guarantee admission.

2 Step Two

Choose Your Programme

Once you've confirmed your eligibility, review the admission requirements for your chosen programme. Some programmes may have additional requirements.

Additional Requirements May Include

  • Required school subjects
  • Faculty selection criteria
3 Step Three

Determine Your Qualification Assessment

Before submitting your UWC application, determine which qualification assessment applies to you. This depends on whether you are applying for undergraduate or postgraduate study.

Undergraduate

USAf Exemption Certificate

If you obtained your school-leaving qualification outside South Africa, you must apply for a USAf Exemption Certificate before you can be admitted to study at UWC.

Complete the following steps:
  • Submit your final school results to Universities South Africa (USAf) for evaluation
  • Complete the USAf online Assessment and Exemption Application
  • Obtain your USAf Exemption Certificate confirming you qualify for admission to a South African university
  • Upload a certified copy of your passport as part of your UWC application
If you already have your USAf Exemption Certificate

Upload it together with your UWC application.

If your USAf application is still in progress

You may still submit your UWC application. Upload proof that you have applied and submit your USAf Exemption Certificate once issued.

Important: Your application cannot be considered for selection until your USAf Exemption Certificate has been received. The Certificate and all other outstanding documentation must be uploaded by 30 September.

Postgraduate

SAQA Evaluation Certificate

If you obtained your undergraduate qualification outside South Africa, you must apply for a SAQA Evaluation Certificate before your application can be assessed for postgraduate admission to UWC.

Complete the following steps:
  • Register on the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) online system
  • Submit your foreign qualification documents for evaluation
  • Obtain your SAQA Evaluation Certificate confirming the South African NQF level and comparability of your qualification
  • Upload your academic qualification(s) and supporting documents as part of your UWC application
If you already have your SAQA Evaluation Certificate

Upload it together with your UWC application.

If still in progress

You may still submit your UWC application. Upload proof that you have applied and submit your SAQA Evaluation Certificate once issued.

Important: Your application cannot be considered for selection until your SAQA Evaluation Certificate has been received. The Certificate and all other outstanding documentation must be uploaded by 30 September.

4 Step Four

Submit Your Online Application

Once you have completed all the steps above, you are ready to submit your UWC Online Application.

Before you apply, make sure you have:

  • Checked your admission eligibility
  • Reviewed your programme requirements
  • Completed the required USAf and/or SAQA process
  • Prepared your supporting documents
Already submitted your application?

If you need to change one of your programme choices after submitting your application, you can do so by completing the Application Change Request Form .



After You Apply

What Happens Next?

Once your application has been submitted, here is what to expect.

1

You will receive an acknowledgement email confirming receipt of your application.

2

Please use your applicant number in all future correspondence with UWC.

3

Monitor your email regularly for requests for additional documentation or updates.

4

Successful applicants will receive further communication regarding admission and next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions


Click any question to expand the answer.

An international applicant is anyone applying with qualifications obtained outside South Africa, regardless of their nationality or current country of residence.
Generally, undergraduate applicants require a USAf Exemption Certificate and postgraduate applicants require a SAQA Evaluation Certificate.
You should begin the USAf or SAQA process as early as possible, as your application cannot be fully assessed until the required documentation has been received. Starting early avoids delays.
You may apply for a maximum of two programme choices when submitting your UWC application.
Yes. If you would like to change one of your programme choices after submitting your application, you may do so by completing the Application Change Request Form.
Yes, where your academic records or certificates are not in English, you will need to provide certified English translations alongside the original documents.

Need Assistance?


Get in Touch

Our offices are here to guide and support you throughout your application. Reach out to the International Student Support Office for application-specific enquiries, or contact our general support lines below.

Primary Contact

International Student Support Office (ISSO)

For all international application inquiries—eligibility, USAf and SAQA guidance, documentation requirements, and support throughout the application process.

isso@uwc.ac.za uwc.ac.za/isso Mon–Fri, 08:00–16:30
General Queries

UWC Contact Centre

For general UWC enquiries, prospectus requests, and directing calls to the correct department.

Office hours: 09h00–16h00, Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.

Student Admin Helpdesk

Your central point of contact for applicants, documentation, forms, and academic enquiries. 

Office hours: 09h00–16h00, Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.