Bridging Courses and Foundation Programmes in South Africa

Not everyone gets straight into university. Sometimes it’s because of low APS scores, missing subjects like Mathematics, or simply not meeting the faculty’s minimum entry requirements. But that doesn’t mean it’s the end of the road.

In South Africa, bridging courses and foundation programmes give students a real second chance — a way to improve your academic standing and still enter the course or career you want.

What Are Bridging Courses?

Bridging courses are short, focused academic programmes designed to help you qualify for a degree or diploma you don’t currently meet the entry requirements for.

Think of it like this: if your APS score is just below the minimum, or you didn’t take Pure Maths but want to get into a course that requires it, a bridging course helps you close that gap.

Common Bridging Scenarios:

• You didn’t pass Pure Mathematics but want to study Engineering or IT

• You dropped Maths and need it for a diploma in Accounting

• Your APS score is just a few points too low for your desired course

You may look at Courses That Don’t Require Maths in South Africa.

What Are Foundation Programmes?

Foundation programmes are typically full-year academic support courses offered by universities for students who barely missed the minimum admission requirements for certain degrees.

They don’t just upgrade your marks — they prepare you for university life. These programmes often lead directly into the first year of your degree the following year.

Example:

• The University of Pretoria’s Extended Programme for BCom takes in students with an APS around 26 (instead of the usual 30+), placing them in a support-focused first year.

• Nelson Mandela University and the University of the Free State also offer extended foundation years in Science, Education, and Humanities.

You can also look: University Courses You Can Apply for in 2026 with a Low APS Score

Who Should Consider These Programmes?

Bridging and foundation programmes are ideal for:

• Matriculants who missed degree requirements

• TVET graduates wanting to enter university

• Students switching faculties or career paths

• Anyone who is capable but lacks a specific subject

If you’re someone who almost made it, this route keeps the door open without needing to rewrite Matric.

How APS Score and Subjects Matter

Most bridging courses focus on a specific subject (like Mathematics or Science), while foundation programmes look at your total APS score.

• Bridging courses: Upgrade 1–2 subjects, usually offered by private colleges or distance learning providers

• Foundation programmes: Require a minimum APS (typically 24–28) and are university-based

Where Can You Study These?

University-Based Foundation Programmes

University of Pretoria (UP) >>  Extended Programmes for BCom, Engineering, etc.

University of Johannesburg (UJ) – Extended Diplomas and Degrees

University of the Free State (UFS) – University Access Programme (UAP)

Nelson Mandela University – Foundation programmes in Science, Business, and Humanities

Private Bridging Course Providers

• Boston City Campus – Offers bridging in Mathematics, Accounting, and English

• INTEC College – Maths and Science bridging (distance learning)

• Richfield Graduate Institute – Foundation year programmes with a focus on IT and Business

• Damelin Correspondence College – Offers subject-specific upgrades via distance learning

TVET Colleges

Some public TVET colleges offer Nated bridging options or allow you to enter Level 2–4 NCV programmes even with weak or incomplete Matric results.

Costs, Duration, and Entry Requirements

• Bridging courses usually last 3 to 12 months and cost anywhere from R4,000 to R15,000

• Foundation programmes run for one academic year and follow standard university fee structures

• Most require a National Senior Certificate (NSC) and a minimum APS score, though entry varies by institution

Note: NSFAS typically does not cover private bridging courses, but some university-based foundation programmes are NSFAS-funded. Always confirm with the financial aid office.

If you’ve already explored options like courses that don’t require Mathematics, you’ll know that there are many alternative pathways. But if your dream course does require a certain subject or higher APS, a bridging or foundation programme gives you a direct route to make it possible.

Don’t give up just because Matric didn’t go according to plan. Whether it's through a university foundation programme or a private bridging course, you still have access to real opportunities that can lead to diplomas, degrees, and fulfilling careers.