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) ...

  So, you’ve been accepted to university—congratulations! One of your next big decisions is where you’re going to stay. For many students, the choice comes down to on-campus vs off-campus accommodation. Each option has its pros and cons, and the right choice depends on your personality, budget, lifestyle, and support needs. In this post, we’ll break down the differences , benefits , and challenges of each to help you make the best decision. What Is On-Campus Accommodation? On-campus accommodation refers to university residences (also called res , hostels , or digs ) that are located within or very close to the university campus . These are managed by the university or in partnership with student housing providers. Pros of Staying On-Campus: Convenience You’re close to lecture halls, libraries, cafeterias, labs, and support services. No transport stress. Student Life & Community You’ll be surrounded by fellow students, making it easier to make friends and feel...

  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...

Starting university is an exciting and transformative experience that marks a significant milestone in your life. As you embark on this journey, you'll encounter a mix of academic challenges, personal growth, and social experiences that shape your university years and beyond. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you understand what to expect from university life. Academics University academics are designed to foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and independent learning. Here are some key aspects to expect: Lectures and Tutorials : Attend lectures to gain foundational knowledge and participate in tutorials to engage in discussions and clarify concepts. Assignments and Projects : Complete assignments and projects to demonstrate your understanding and application of course material. Research and Critical Thinking : Develop research skills and critical thinking to analyze complex issues and present well-supported arguments. Assessment and Feedback : Receive regular assessmen...

   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...