Top 15 Best Bridging Courses in South Africa

In South Africa, many students experience difficulties while trying to meet certain requirements stipulated by the higher institution they intend to enroll in. 

This is where the bridging courses come in—they become lifelines for students who seek opportunities between their current qualifications and the required entry standards.

In this article, we will discuss these bridging courses in South Africa, their cost, and the best institutions that offer them.

What Are Bridging Courses?

Essentially, bridging courses aim to bridge a gap in extended skills and knowledge for performance in the field of study. Many universities and colleges offer courses to students who may not meet admission criteria for any particular degree program.

It is expected that a bridging course in South Africa is generally designed to help a student improve his or her academic skills, particularly in mathematics, science, and language. Students can increase their chances of entry into an institution and the degree of their choice by passing a bridging course.

They are usually provided by universities, high schools, online schools, and other education providers. They aim to prepare students for the rigors of university-level study, which are probably quite different from high school.

Bridging courses will increase your chances of getting into a university by giving you the necessary foundation skills and knowledge to succeed in your degree studies.

This could also mean meeting the academic entry requirement, which could be a minimum grade in a certain subject or a certain achieved level of proficiency in language proficiency.

By taking this bridging course, you will show university admissions officers your commitment to learning and your willingness to do whatever it takes to succeed in tertiary studies.

How do Bridging Courses work?

Bridging courses can be offered online or in person, and their length and intensity can vary depending on the student’s specific needs and degree of choice.

After a student finishes a bridging course, they will typically receive a completion certificate showing that they are ready to enter university studies.

This certificate will also accompany the university application to indicate that one has been taking the necessary steps toward polishing their academic skills and values their education.

Type of Bridging Courses

Bridging courses involve varying subjects, such as mathematics, sciences, and English, amongst others deemed key to the degree pursued.

1. Mathematics: Matric bridging courses are for students who, in their final year of schooling, did not attain the minimum requirements to enter university. Such bridging courses will make students academically sound and endowed in mathematics, science, and English, adequately preparing them for university study.

2. Maths: Math bridging courses are designed to enhance students’ skills and knowledge in mathematics. Students who enroll in this type of bridging course intend to further their education by pursuing higher educational degrees in math, science, statistics, technology, engineering, medicine, or other related field courses in mathematics.

3.  Science: Science Bridging courses aim to provide the students with a firm foundation in the principles of biology, chemistry and physics.

These courses are particularly helpful for students who did not take any science classes in high school or who need to review the subject matter before initiating their program of study.

4. English: The Bridging course in the English language is specially designed to help students improve their skills in using the English language, such as writing, reading, speaking, and listening.

This course will be particularly helpful for students whose mother tongue is not English or who need to improve their proficiency in the language before the degree program commences.

They may also be helpful for students who want to enhance their academic writing skills or simply feel more confident using English in a tertiary educational environment.

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What careers require Bridging courses?

These courses will help students who might have wanted to pursue a career in the field they studied. It arms the student both academically and practically so that he or she can be successful in their career.

Following are some examples of possible career-specific bridging courses:

1. Medicine: The bridging course for medicine can assist students in preparing them for the academic entry requirements of medical school. It may include biology, chemistry, and physics and can even offer practical experience through laboratory work or clinical placements.

2. Engineering: The engineering Bridging courses are meant to equip students with the intellectual capability needed for an engineering program at the degree level. Some of the courses in this area may involve Math, Physics, and Computer Science. The courses may also introduce hands-on laboratory work and/or project-based learning.

3. Nursing: The nursing Bridging course will help students develop the required academic and practical skills necessary to undertake higher education in nursing. The courses might include full coverage of anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology. They may also offer students the opportunity to apply their learning in a clinical placement or simulation about patient care.

Completion of a bridging course will be helpful in the cases of:

• Who did not achieve the required marks in their Matric Grade 12 examinations for admission into a course or university they applied to?
• Who would like to change their field of study and acquire the necessary knowledge in another subject area?
• Those who have been out of the system for years want to catch up with knowledge and skills in preparation for higher education.
• Those students from abroad must meet specific conditions for South African Higher Education Institutions.

Upon completion of this course, students can get direct admission into an appropriate higher education course if their institutional policies and course requirements permit it.

How much does a bridging course cost in South Africa?

The cost varies from one institution to another and depends on the course offered. On average, the cost of a bridging course can be estimated to range between R10,000 and R30,000 per year, inclusive, though some institutions allow financing or bursaries for qualifying students.

In some cases, colleges may offer financial assistance or installment plans to make such programs more affordable.

Students must research the fees involved in their bridging course of choice and intended institution for proper financial preparation.

Does Colleges in SA offer Bridging courses?

Yes, many South African colleges offer bridging courses. Most public and private institutions have identified the need to develop various options for their students.

Thus, the most promising bridging courses that are available within South African educational institutions can be found at universities, vocational colleges, and community education centers.

Indeed, many of the country’s best colleges, such as the University of the Witwatersrand, the University of Cape Town, and the University of Pretoria, offer bridging courses in various fields.

These courses are meant to give the student a solid grounding in their field of specialization, thereby readying them for future studies. At the same time, some colleges are offering online Bridging courses that allow students to take the courses at their own pace.

What are the minimum requirements for a Bridging course in South Africa?

Generally speaking, for one to qualify to study a bridging course in South Africa, he or she would need at least an NSC or its equivalent with a minimum of 30% in the language that is used for teaching and learning, either Afrikaans or English is required, besides the same percentage in the particular subject for which a student seeks to take the bridging course.

Does the University of Johannesburg offer any bridging courses?

Yes, the University of Johannesburg offers Bridging Courses in almost all fields, including Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects, Commerce, and Education.

Also see:Nosa Courses and Prices in South Africa

How to apply for a bridging course

Institutes may require students to, upon being granted admission, normally:

• The applicant should meet the minimum admission requirement for the bridging course as prescribed above.
• If the institution offers an online application, you can apply through its website or through the application process of the relevant institution.
• Please attach all the necessary documents to support your application: your NSC or equivalent qualification, an identity document, and proof of payment.
• Pay the application fee
• Go for an interview or assessment if required
• Get an offer of admission and accept the offer if successful

Top 15 Best Bridging Courses in South Africa and Their Fees

Bridging courses are gaining momentum in South Africa, especially for those students who did not perform well during the matric exams or would want better grades to enter the university of their choice.

This is the kind of course that is supposed to efficiently equip learners who already have knowledge and skills relevant to their field of study.

Several different types of bridging courses are available at different higher institutions across South Africa; each has its own distinguishing features and advantages.

1. University of Pretoria’s Bridging Course

The University of Pretoria’s Bridging Course is in high demand for undergraduate studies in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

 Fee: Approximately R12,000 per year.

2. University of Cape Town’s ASPE

The University of Cape Town offers a bridging course, the Academic Support Programme for Engineering, designed to provide students with mathematical and scientific skills.

Fee: R13,000

3. Boston City Campus and Business College’s Bridging Programme

One such premier bridging course is the Bridging Programme offered by Boston City Campus and Business College. It gets students better equipped to study at a higher degree level by equipping students with a sound mathematical, scientific, and English foundation to succeed.

Fee: R35,000 to R45,000.

4. Damelin Bridging Programme

The other well-known bridging course is the Damelin Bridging Programme by Damelin Correspondence College. This course is an easy way to improve your matric results and get accepted into the field of your choice. Mathematics, science, and languages are just some of the courses this program offers.

Fee: R15,000 to R25,000

5. South African College of Applied Psychology (SACAP)

SACAP has a one-year Bridging Course in Psychology to equip students for undergraduate studies in the same area.

Fee: R9,000 per year.

6. University of Pretoria’s Bridging Programme

Another of the best bridging courses is the Bridging Programme at the University of Pretoria. This course was developed to offer a way into higher education at a higher degree level, such as engineering studies, law, and commerce.

This makes the course competitive, and only the best-performing students get selected to pursue this field.

Fee: R20 000 – R30 000

7. University of the Witwatersrand’s Bridging Programme

Others include the University of Witwatersrand’s Bridging Programme. University of Witwatersrand’s bridging course, Wits, into Science and Engineering aims to equip students adequately to pursue undergraduate study in the fields of Science and Engineering.

It aims to prepare students for science, engineering, and commerce degree studies.

Fees: R25,000 – R 35,000.

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8. University of Johannesburg Bridging Programme

The University of Johannesburg’s Bridging Programme is next on the list of the best bridging courses in South Africa. This program gives students an opportunity to enter a degree course such as engineering, law, or commerce.

Fee: R20,000-R30,000

9. Tshwane University of Technology at Bridging Programme

The other popular bridging course in South Africa is the Bridging Programme offered by Tshwane University of Technology. This program is structured to significantly aid students in helping them with matric improvement and gaining entry into their respective fields.

Fee: R15,000 to R25,000

10. Vega School’s Bridging Programme

Vega School offers the Bridging Programme, one of the best bridging courses in South Africa. The program aims to prepare students for the leading and successful study of design, marketing, and branding disciplines at a degree level.

Fee: R30,000- R40 000

11. University of Cape Town – Bridging Programme

The University of Cape Town Bridging Programme is the next more accessible bridging course in South Africa. It is specially designed to help students enhance their matric results and subsequently get admitted to the course they want to take.

Fees: R20 000 to R30 000

12. Stellenbosch University Bridging Course

Another one of the best bridging courses in South Africa is the Stellenbosch University Bridging Programme. The course is structured to prepare students for degree-level studies in fields such as engineering, law, and commerce.

Fees: R25,000 – R35,000

13. Nelson Mandela University Bridging Courses

Some bridging courses offered by Nelson Mandela University are Science bridging course, Commerce bridging course, and Engineering bridging course. The courses are imparted by experienced faculties at the university through NMU bridging courses. These courses will give you the required skill level so that you can succeed in your studies.

Fee: R25 000 – R35 000

14. Monash South Africa’s Bridging Programme

The other very viable bridging course in South Africa is the Bridging Programme offered by Monash South Africa. The program is designed to assist students in enhancing their matric results so that their field of study would be open to them.

Fees: R20 000 – R30 000

15. Pearson Institute of Higher Education’s Bridging Programme

Another bridging course in South Africa is the Bridging Programme offered at Pearson Institute of Higher Education. The program is designed in a manner that it would prepare students for degree-level studies within the specified discipline fields such as business, engineering, and commerce.

Fee: R25,000 – R35,000

16. Univen Bridging Courses

The University of Venda, Univen, offers several bridging courses in these disciplines: humanities, science, and technology. Thus, the bridging course at UNIVEN will target students from disadvantaged backgrounds to gain admission to higher education institutions.

Fee: R20,000 to R30,000

17. Central University of Technology Bridging Courses

The Bridging Programme offered by CTU Training Solutions is a bridging course in South Africa. CUT also offers engineering bridging courses, technology bridging courses, and applied sciences bridging courses. CUT bridging courses are meant to equip students for careers in those fields.

Tuition Fee: R10 000- R15 000

18. Regent Business School Bridging Programme

This leaves Regent Business School’s Bridging Programme as one of the most popular bridging courses in South Africa. This program is designed to assist students in improving their matric results and furthering their desired fields.

Fee: R10 000 – R20 000

19. Unisa Bridging Courses

The University of South Africa offers e-learning bridge courses in subjects like mathematics, English, and science. The Unisa bridging course is structured to assist the student in developing the skills needed for further studies.

Explore to see Free Online Courses With Certificates In South Africa

FAQs

Conclusion

Bridging courses in South Africa help students gain a second chance to pursue their academic dreams. 

With various bridging courses in different institutions in South Africa, higher learning becomes pretty easy; it bridges the gap between one’s current qualifications and the qualifications required for admission.

References

• studychoices.org.za/bridging courses in South Africa
• fundiconnect.co.za/best bridging courses in South Africa
• careersportal.co.za/top bridging courses in South Africa
• studyinvarsity.co.za/bridging courses in South Africa

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