The Higher Certificate in Sports Sciences aims to develop sports coaches and administrators who can function successfully in an interdisciplinary environment. This qualification aims to equip students with the applied competencies that are required by individuals who work in education settings where they provide physical education through sports programmes and promote principles of good management in sports in order to improve the performance of athletes and sports teams. The qualification further provides students with basic introductory knowledge and cognitive and conceptual tools, and practical techniques required for higher education studies in sports sciences and education.

The ideal candidates hold certificates that the University deems to be equivalent to the National Senior Certificate with an APS of 20. Students who are passionate about sports and physical education excel in this programme. It is the ideal programme for student athletes and professional sports people who want to further their studies while competing in sporting events.

Many young people who have proven sports talents and the ability to learn at an advanced level, but do not meet the entry requirements for study at a diploma or degree level, develop those talents into learning and career pathways. Very few schools in South Africa have qualified sports teachers. The Higher Certificate is needed to provide an entry point into higher education training as the first step to possible career pathways in sports coaching, administration or teaching.

For more information, please consult the Faculty webpage.

Sports coaching, sports and excercise industry

Important information for all prospective students for 2025

The admission requirements below apply to all who apply for admission to the University of Pretoria with a National Senior Certificate (NSC) and Independent Examination Board (IEB) qualifications. Click here for this Faculty Brochure.

Life Orientation is excluded when calculating the APS.

Applicants currently in Grade 12 must apply with their final Grade 11 (or equivalent) results.

Applicants who have completed Grade 12 must apply with their final NSC or equivalent qualification results.

Please note that meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee admission.

Successful candidates will be notified once admitted or conditionally admitted.

Applicants should check their application status regularly on the UP Student Portal at click here.

*Admission to the Bachelor of Education with a Higher Certificate in Sports Sciences 

Applicants who obtained a Diploma Studies endorsement for the NSC or equivalent qualification, may be considered for admission to the Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training (FET) Teaching degree (09133031), with specialisation in the elective combination of Human Movement Studies and Sports Management, once they have successfully completed the Higher Certificate in Sports Sciences with a cumulative weighted average of at least 70% (excluding JRC 150 Sports Practical).

Applicants with qualifications other than the abovementioned should refer to the International undergraduate prospectus 2025: Applicants with a school leaving certificate not issued by Umalusi (South Africa), available at click here.

International students: Click here.

Transferring students

A transferring student is a student who, at the time of applying at the University of Pretoria (UP) is/was a registered student at another tertiary institution. A transferring student will be considered for admission based on NSC or equivalent qualification and previous academic performance. Students who have been dismissed from other institutions due to poor academic performance will not be considered for admission to UP.

Closing dates: Same as above.

Returning students

A returning student is a student who, at the time of application for a degree programme is/was a registered student at UP, and wants to transfer to another degree at UP. A returning student will be considered for admission based on NSC or equivalent qualification and previous academic performance.

Note:

• Students who have been excluded/dismissed from a faculty due to poor academic performance may be considered for admission to another programme at UP, as per faculty-specific requirements.
• Only ONE transfer between UP faculties and TWO transfers within a faculty will be allowed.
• Admission of returning students will always depend on the faculty concerned and the availability of space in the programmes for which they apply.

Closing date for applications from returning students

Same as above.

• Applicants who indicate the Higher Certificate in Sports Sciences as their first- or second-choice will be considered.
• All applicants will be considered by the Student Administration of the Faculty based on the academic admission requirements.
• Applicants who meet the academic requirements will then be further considered for the different sports codes in deliberation with TuksSport, according to their sports achievements.
• Students who have been nominated by an official sports club of the University will enjoy preference for selection.

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English will be the language of teaching and learning (including lectures, tutorials and assessments) for all academic modules in the undergraduate programmes, except in cases where modules or programmes require the use of a language other than English. Modules that provide professional preparation requiring separate English and Afrikaans classes will be identified and will be explicitly listed as such.

The Faculty of Education at the University of Pretoria continues to develop into one of the largest and most diverse units in South Africa for the initial and advanced training of education professionals from across the world. A distinguishing characteristic of the Faculty is that it not only trains pre-service teachers but also educational psychologists, principals, researchers, programme evaluators, curriculum designers, computer education and training experts, assessment specialists, education policy analysts, community development workers and education law advisors working in national and international agencies and organisations.

• Disclaimer: This publication contains information about regulations and programmes of the University of Pretoria. Amendments to or updating of the information may be effected from time to time without prior notification. The accuracy, correctness or validity of the information contained here is therefore not guaranteed by the University at any given time and is always subject to verification. The user is kindly requested to verify the correctness of the information with the University at all times. Failure to do so will not give rise to any claim or action of any nature against the University by any party whatsoever.