Admissions
Admission is an academic decision of the Institute. Meeting the minimum entry requirement does not guarantee admission, because the number of places is limited. Applicants must satisfy one of the ordinary routes below, or reach the programme through one of the alternative access routes.
National Senior Certificate
An NSC granting admission to Bachelor's degree study, together with any approved programme and language requirements.
Senior Certificate
A Senior Certificate with endorsement, or a valid complete or conditional matriculation exemption for Bachelor's degree study.
National Certificate (Vocational) Level 4
At least 50% in three fundamental subjects, including the language of learning and teaching, and at least 60% in four vocational subjects.
International or equivalent qualification
The applicable matriculation exemption or recognised first-degree admission equivalence, together with a SAQA evaluation for foreign post-school qualifications where one is required.
Alternative access
A school-leaving certificate that grants admission only to Higher Certificate study is not sufficient for ordinary admission to this degree. Two other routes are open. A completed, relevant Higher Certificate at NQF level 5, or another completed accredited qualification at NQF level 5 or above, may provide an articulation route where it gives adequate preparation for the programme. Recognition of Prior Learning for access is available where the ordinary formal gateway is absent: a documented assessment demonstrates learning equivalent to NQF level 4 and readiness for degree study.
Selection
The Institute admits no more than 15 new students to the Bachelor of Divinity per annual intake, across the Afrikaans and English class offerings. The first intake plans for 10 to 15 students. A small cohort is deliberate: it allows close contact with lecturers, early support and supervised professional formation.
The Registrar checks that an application is complete and identifies the admission route. The Admissions Committee then assesses statutory eligibility, academic readiness and the programme requirements. Where eligible applicants outnumber the places available, the published selection matrix ranks them. The applicant receives a written decision, any conditions, any credits recognised, and the route of appeal. Church membership, sponsorship and ability to pay do not replace academic eligibility or readiness. A classis or other church body may recommend or select a person for a ministry pathway, but it does not make the academic admission decision, and church documentation is required only where an applicant is pursuing that pathway.
Selection matrix · 100 points
How to apply
- There is no application fee. Applying costs you nothing.
- You will hear from us within three weeks. We respond to every application within three weeks of receiving it.
- Finish later if you need to. If you are not ready to upload everything, sign back in with your ID number and complete your application later.
Advanced standing — RPL and CAT
If you have studied elsewhere, or have learned through years of ministry and experience, you may be able to enter the programme with advanced standing. Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CAT) applies where you have completed a diploma or degree at a recognised institution, similar modules elsewhere, or an incomplete BDiv or BTh. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) applies where you have workplace experience or informal training — you may either compile a portfolio of evidence showing that you meet the requirements of the modules concerned, or complete an assessment designed for that purpose. Applications for advanced standing are made on the application form, supported by evidence: for CAT, an originally certified academic transcript and the contact details of the institution concerned.
Register your interest
Register your interest and we will be in touch. You can also sign up for our newsletter and download the prospectus.
There is no application fee.