What is Matriculant Exemption?
A matriculation exemption is a legal requirement for the first-degree study at a South African university. Students who did not pass Senior Certificate with endorsement are required by law to apply for a matriculation exemption through the Matriculation Board. A certificate of exemption is issued on application to prospective students who have obtained a Senior Certificate without endorsement or equivalent foreign school-leaving qualification, which meets the requirements of the published regulations and wishes to study at a South African university.
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How do I apply for an exemption certificate?
You need to get hold of the M30e form which is obtainable from:
a) Admissions Offices of universities or
b) Download it from the Matriculation Board website or
c) Request it via e-mail addressed to applications@usaf.ac.za
or
d) Request that the form be faxed to you.
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What types of exemption certificates can I obtain?
There are various types of exemption certificates issued depending on the qualifications of the applicant, e.g. complete exemption certificates and conditional exemption certificates.
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a) Complete exemption certificates are: certificates that do not have expiry dates but take effect on a date that is dependent on the qualification based on which it is awarded. A detailed explanation of the different types of exemption certificates can be found on this page of the website.
b) Conditional exemption certificates are: Mature age which is offered to 23-year-old students and lasts for the full-time duration of study plus two years,
Foreign conditional which lasts for the full-time duration of study plus two years and
Ordinary conditional which lasts for a year, and have to be renewed every year until the student meets the requirements of the exemption.
Senate’s discretionary exemption, which is granted once the student, has completed a recognized Access course or a Foundation programme and it lasts for three years.
Take online assessment to check if you qualify for matriculation exemption