Entry requirements for students from South Africa
The University of Sheffield accepts a number of different qualifications from South Africa. Some of the most common are listed below. If your qualification is not listed here, please contact us.
High entrance requirements for our degree programmes at Sheffield reflect the quality of the University.
The information below is for guidance only - if you would like further advice please get in touch. Please be aware, however, that final decisions can only be made upon receipt of an official application.
English language requirements
All applicants are required to have an internationally recognised English language qualification such as IELTS or equivalent. Required IELTS scores can be found in our online prospectus.
The South African National Senior Certificate (SANSC), English Grade 4 or above can be accepted in place of IELTS or equivalent. Please see our guidance on English language requirements for further information.
Undergraduate Programmes e.g. BSc, BA, BEng/ MEng
A variety of qualifications can be considered for direct admission to undergraduate bachelor degree programmes. If your qualification is not listed here, or if you need further information, please get in touch.
A Levels
Applicants with a minimum of 3 A levels will be considered for direct admission to undergraduate programmes. Required scores and subjects can be found in our online prospectus.
International Baccalaureate
International Baccalaureate diploma holders will be considered for direct admission to undergraduate programmes. Required scores and subjects can be found in our online prospectus.
National Senior Certificate (NSC)/Independent Exam Board (IEB) (commonly referred to as the 'matriculation/matric) or International Secondary Certificate (ISC)
Applicants must meet a minimum requirement of five subjects at Grade 6 (70%) and Grade 7 (80%), including any required subjects at Grade 7 (80%) where an A is required.
Undergraduate pathway programmes at the University of Sheffield International College
The University of Sheffield International College provides International Foundation Year programmes specifically for international students who want to progress to the University of Sheffield. Upon successful completion, students can progress to an undergraduate degree. Students can choose to study an International Foundation Year in the following subjects:
● International Foundation Year in Business, Social Sciences and Humanities
● International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering
Postgraduate Taught Programmes e.g. MA, MSc
Holders of a Bachelors degree
You will usually need a 4 year bachelors degree with Honours from a recognised university in a relevant subject for entry. Most postgraduate courses require a UK 2:1 or equivalent for entry, but some courses may consider 2:2 grades. Please see our course finder for specific course requirements.
|
UK degree classification |
International equivalent (South Africa) |
|
First Class Honours |
First Class; 75% |
|
2:1 (Upper Second Class Honours) |
2:1; 70% |
|
2:2 (Lower Second Class Honours) |
2:2; 60% |
MBA applicants
As well as suitable qualifications (as per the information above) at least 3 years post-graduation work experience in a relevant position will be necessary for direct admission to our triple accredited MBA.
Why not visit our MBA web pages?
Postgraduate pathway programmes at the University of Sheffield International College
The University of Sheffield International College provides Pre-Masters programmes specifically for international students who want to progress to the University of Sheffield. Upon successful completion, students can progress to a postgraduate degree. Students can choose to study a Pre-Masters in the following subjects:
● Pre-Masters in Business, Social Sciences and Humanities
● Pre-Masters in Science and Engineering
Postgraduate Research Programmes e.g. MPhil, PhD
With around 2,000 postgraduate research students from over 100 different countries, Sheffield is one of the leading centres for research training in the UK.
You will usually need a bachelors degree AND a masters degree from a recognised university in a relevant subject for entry. Some courses may consider a bachelors degree on its own if it is combined with relevant research experience. Please see our departmental web pages for specific course requirements.