UNIVERSITY LINKS BLOG

    As a Grade 12 learner preparing for life after high school, you're probably hearing a lot about your options for further study — and two of the most common institutions mentioned are universities and TVET colleges . But what exactly is the difference between them? Which one is better for you? And how do you know which one to choose? Let’s break it down so you can make an informed decision about your future. What Is a University? A university is a higher education institution that offers academic and professional qualifications , including: Degrees (e.g. Bachelor of Arts, BSc, BCom, LLB, etc.) Postgraduate qualifications (Honours, Masters, and Doctorates) Universities focus on: Theoretical knowledge Research and academic study Preparing students for careers that require in-depth study (like medicine, law, engineering, accounting, etc.) Examples of public universities in South Africa: University of Cape Town (UCT) University of Johannesburg (UJ) ...

  Failing in varsity can feel like the end of the world — especially when you've worked hard to get there. Whether you're overwhelmed by the course content, struggling with motivation, or just not seeing the results you hoped for, know this: you are not alone , and this is not the end . Academic failure happens for many reasons, and it doesn’t define your future. What matters most is what you do next. If you're wondering whether you should change your course, switch universities, or take a completely different route, this blog post is for you. 1. Pause. Reflect. Be Honest With Yourself. Before making any big decisions, take time to reflect on why things aren't working out. Ask yourself: Did I choose this course for the right reasons? Do I genuinely enjoy the subjects I'm studying? Have I been giving it my best effort? Are there personal, financial, or mental health challenges affecting my performance? Sometimes, failure is more about the environment ...

    Applying to universities in South Africa can be an exciting yet daunting process, especially with the additional costs that come with it. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect to pay for application fees at various institutions:   University Application:  https://www.universitylinks.co.za/index.html     Universities with No Application Fees University of Johannesburg (UJ) : No application fee for online applications University of the Free State (UFS) : No application fee Central University of Technology (CUT) : No application fee Nelson Mandela University (NMU) : No application fee for South African citizens University of the Western Cape (UWC) : No application fee for online applications Walter Sisulu University (WSU) : No application fee Sol Plaatje University (SPU) : No application fee North-West University (NWU) : No application fee for South African citizens Universities with Application Fees University of Cape Town (UCT) : R100 for South A...

   Are you planning to pursue higher education in South Africa in 2026? Here's a comprehensive list of universities that are currently accepting applications for the 2026 academic year. Eastern Cape Nelson Mandela University (Port Elizabeth) - Closing date varies by program Rhodes University (Grahamstown) - Closing date: September 30, 2025 University of Fort Hare (Alice) - Closing date: September 30, 2025 Walter Sisulu University (Mthatha) - Closing date: September 30, 2025 (Health Sciences), October 31, 2025 (Other programs) Eastern Cape University Applications   Free State Central University of Technology (Bloemfontein) - Closing date: September 30, 2025 University of the Free State (Bloemfontein) - Closing date: September 30, 2025 Free State University Applications   Gauteng University of Johannesburg (Johannesburg) - Closing date: October 1, 2025 University of Pretoria (Pretoria) - Closing date: June 30, 2025 University of the Witwatersrand (Johannesburg...

Applying to university is a major step in shaping your academic and professional future. It’s exciting, but also a process that requires careful attention to detail. A single error can delay your application or even cost you a spot in your chosen program. To help you navigate the process smoothly, here are some of the most common university application mistakes to avoid. 1. Missing the Application Deadline One of the most frequent and costly mistakes is missing the application deadline. Many universities in South Africa open applications as early as April and close them between August and October. Certain competitive programs, such as medicine or law, may have earlier deadlines. Tip: Keep a calendar with all key deadlines and set reminders well in advance. 2. Not Meeting the Minimum Admission Requirements Each course and institution has specific minimum entry requirements, often based on your National Senior Certificate (NSC) results, your APS (Admission Point Score), and someti...

As we gear up for the 2026 university application season , it’s important to approach the process with strategy, preparation, and confidence. Many students miss out on opportunities simply because they weren’t informed or didn’t act early enough. At UniversityLinks , we’re here to ensure you don’t make the same mistakes ! Here are 5 essential rules to follow to make your university application successful: 1. Don’t “Try Your Luck” – Know the Requirements Applying for a course you're not qualified for is a waste of your time and resources. That spot could go to someone who meets – or even exceeds – the requirements. Before applying, check the APS score and subject requirements to make sure you're eligible. 🎓 Pro Tip: UniversityLinks provides APS calculators and guides to help you understand what you qualify for.  Course Connect 2. Apply Early & Upload the Right Documents The earlier you apply, the better your chances. Late applications often face unnecessary delays or e...

  Admission Point Scores (APS)   are used by universities to assess the suitability of students for a specific course. The APS is calculated based on your final high school results. Each subject you take is assigned a certain number of points, and these points are then added together to give you’re a total APS score. For example, in South Africa, the APS is calculated using your Matric marks. The marks are separated into percentage brackets, and each bracket has a corresponding number of points. Once you know how many points you have for each subject, you can add them together to get your APS total point to see which courses you qualify for at a specific university. Different universities and courses may have different APS requirements, so it’s important to check the specific requirements for the course you’re interested in, to be able to calculate your APS points. Do you have any particular university or course in mind that you’d like to know more about? If you do let us help...