Sol Plaatje University in Kimberley gives the Northern Cape its own university, and for 2027 it has an up-to-date guide: the Undergraduate Prospectus 2027: General Information and Admission Requirements. SPU publishes it as an online flipbook rather than a PDF, opened from the “2027 Prospectus” link on the SPU Apply to Study page. The previous 2026 Undergraduate Prospectus (PDF) is still online if you prefer a download, but its requirements are for the 2026 intake.
There is still time to apply. SPU says undergraduate and postgraduate applications for the 2027 academic year are open until 31 October 2026, later than most South African universities. No programme has an earlier cut-off listed.
Bonus points for Maths and your home language
SPU’s points table rewards strong results more generously than a plain 1-to-7 count. The top level is split in two, so a distinction above 90% scores 8 while 80–89% scores 7; below that, every 10-point band is worth one point less. On top of that, Mathematics and your home language earn extra points, and Life Orientation counts on a reduced scale of its own. The table on page 2 of the prospectus works like this:
- 60% or more in Mathematics or your home language: +2 extra points; 40–59%: +1.
- Life Orientation: 4 points for 90–100%, 3 for 80–89%, 2 for 70–79%, 1 for 60–69%, and nothing below 60%.
- The home-language bonus applies to any official language taken at home-language level.
- Every programme also needs English Home Language at level 4 or English First Additional Language at level 5, since English is the teaching language.
SPU stresses that meeting a minimum does not guarantee a place. It decides on academic performance and on space in each programme, so a score comfortably above the minimum improves your chances. The prospectus mentions no NBT, selection test or interview for undergraduate programmes.
What SPU asks for, programme by programme
- BEd Foundation Phase (Grade R–3): APS 30; bachelor’s pass; Afrikaans, Setswana or isiXhosa at level 4; Mathematics 3 or Mathematical Literacy 4.
- BEd Senior and FET Phase: APS 30 in every stream, plus stream subjects, for example Mathematics 4 and Life Sciences 4 for the science and maths stream, or two of Accounting, Business Studies and Economics at level 4 for the economic sciences stream.
- BCom Accounting: APS 30; bachelor’s pass; Mathematics 5, or Mathematics 4 with Accounting 3.
- BSc Data Science: APS 30; bachelor’s pass; Mathematics 5, with no Mathematical Literacy route.
- Bachelor of Science and the four-year Bachelor of Environmental Science: APS 30; Mathematics, Physical Sciences and Life Sciences at level 4.
- Diploma in ICT in Applications Development: APS 25; diploma pass; Mathematics 3 or Mathematical Literacy 5. SPU strongly recommends school CAT or IT.
- Diploma in Retail Business Management: APS 25; Mathematics 3 or Mathematical Literacy 5; one of Accounting, Business Studies or Economics at level 4.
- Higher Certificate in Heritage Studies: APS 25; Mathematics 2 or Mathematical Literacy 3.
SPU does not offer law, medicine or engineering. Its four faculties cover education, economic and management sciences, humanities, and natural and applied sciences. Many of its teaching degrees aim to meet the Northern Cape’s need for Afrikaans and Setswana teachers.
Living in Kimberley as a first-year
SPU requires all first-year students to live in university-owned residences. In 2025 its seven halls housed almost 1,854 students, each named after a character in Sol Plaatje’s novel Mhudi. Accredited private housing nearby goes to senior students. For admissions help, SPU lists applications@spu.ac.za and 053 491 0116. Our SPU application guide walks through the portal, and the full prospectus list covers every other public university.