Matriculants from 2016 and 2017 who do not meet the admission requirements for higher education, but who have passed Grade 12, can still apply for admission to the year-long SciMathUS (Science and Mathematics at Stellenbosch University) Programme.

Presented by the Stellenbosch University Centre for Pedagogy (SUNCEP), the programme annually offers 100 students from educationally disadvantaged circumstances across the country, a second chance to qualify for higher education.

Since the programme's inception in 2001, more than a 1 100 students have successfully completed the programme.

To be considered for the programme matriculants should have passed Grade 12 with an average of 60% (excluding Life Orientation), a minimum of 50% in Afrikaans or English (Home Language or First Additional Language) and have obtained at least 45% in Mathematics and Physical Sciences.  

Students have the opportunity to improve their NSC marks in Mathematics and Physical Sciences. They can also choose to do Accounting and Introduction to Economics. These two subjects are offered and assessed by the University.

• The closing date for applications is 26 January 2018 and students are advised to apply online at www.sun.ac.za/suncep or to phone 021 808 3483.

Another Successful Year

As in previous years, the 2017 intake also performed well in the 2017 NSC examination boasting 8 distinctions in Mathematics and 23 in Physical Sciences.

In the group of 93 students, 83 students obtained more than 60% in Mathematics – the minimum entry requirement for most degree programmes at a university. In Physical Sciences 55 students from the 2017 group achieved more than 60%.

These students now have the opportunity to apply at any tertiary institution in South Africa.

Most of the students from the SciMathUS programme end up applying to study at Stellenbosch University, where most of them also graduate successfully. Between December 2005 and December 2017, more than 200 former SciMathUs students enrolled at SU.

At the 2017 December graduations 50 former SciMathUs students graduated, among them successfully completing BCom, BSc and LLB degrees and Post Graduate Certificates in Education.

More than academics – life-skills offered

“The SciMathUS year is not only about gaining access into higher education," says Programme Manager, Ms Nokwanda Siyengo. “It is also about helping students to understand different methods of learning and teaching. We instil skills that can help students in life-long learning and success. Most students who have written Grade 12 and didn't obtain good marks, tend to think it is an end of their academic road, yet there is a chance to expand one's opportunity to access university via the SciMathUS programme."

The programme is presented in Afrikaans and English and students attend class every weekday from 08:00 to 16:30. SciMathUS students live and study on the Stellenbosch Campus where they become part of the vibrant student community.

• Visit www.sun.ac.za/suncep for more information or liaise with Adele Pool at tel 021 808 3032, email apool@sun.ac.za.