Introduction
The Cambridge curriculum has been the curriculum of choice for many students in South Africa for many years. This curriculum offers flexibility, creativity and a wide understanding of subjects that need to be taken in order to get a South African Matric. Students who graduate from the Cambridge curriculum are usually very well prepared for university life in South Africa, prompting many students to use this curriculum as their first choice.
However, converting to a South African Matric Certificate using the Cambridge curriculum can seem like a confusing and complicated path to navigate.
We will outline a few tips below to guide your Cambridge journey, and ensure that you are properly on track to get your South African Matric!
Results Evaluation
When applying to South African universities with foreign qualifications, including Cambridge IGCSE and AS-Levels, you may need to have your results evaluated by a recognized credential evaluation service to determine their equivalence to the South African matric. The purpose of this evaluation is to ensure that your educational background is understood and correctly assessed by the university’s admissions committee offices. SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority) is the national agency responsible for evaluating foreign qualifications and results in South Africa.
South African universities use this credential evaluation to ensure that you meet the minimum entry requirements for your chosen program.
What do you need to do?
To start the evaluation process, you will need to complete an application form provided by SAQA and pay the required fees. The application form and fee information can usually be found on the SAQA website.
Typically, you will also need to submit the following documents to SAQA for evaluation:
- Copies of your Cambridge IGCSE and/or AS-Level certificates.
- Transcripts/records of your academic performance in these qualifications.
- Any other relevant documentation, such as syllabi or course descriptions.
In order to complete your application for a South African Matric certificate, you need to complete the application form and send your Cambridge results to SAQA, either by emailing them to applications@usaf.ac.za, or hand delivering them to their offices at Block E, Hadefields Office Park, 1267 Pretorius Street, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0083.
Your results can also be submitted online with the application!
Outcome of Evaluation and Next Steps
After reviewing your documents, SAQA will issue an evaluation report that indicates the level and equivalence of your qualifications in the South African matric context. The report may specify whether your qualifications are equivalent to the South African National Senior Certificate (Matric) or other relevant qualifications.
Once you receive the evaluation report from SAQA, you should submit it along with your university application. The admissions office at the university will use this report to assess your eligibility for admission.
Make sure to start the evaluation process well in advance of your university application deadlines to ensure a smooth application process.
Conclusion
Even though this process may seem complicated, we hope that the steps outline above that you will need to take to correctly convert your Cambridge results into a South African Matric Certificate will help to make it feel less overwhelming. Once this process has been completed, your journey with tertiary education can begin!
