Cedara Agricultural College Kwazulu Natal Government, Department of Agriculture

Cedara College of Agriculture offers a three-year Diploma in Agriculture at NQF level 6.  The qualification is accredited by the HEQC (Higher Education Quality Committee) and is recognised nationally and internationally.

• The qualification allows for specialization in Crop Production or Animal Production
• Tuition and medium of instruction at the College is in English
• A Competency Based Learning (CBL approach is used) 

The Diploma in Agriculture is based on the following:  

Competency Profile

Someone who is responsible for decision making in a sustainable profit making agricultural production system (Crop or Animal Production)  

• Makes informed decisions regarding sustainable land use (selects a feasible enterprise/s)
• Plans selected production system/s
• Manages a production system in a sustainable manner to optimize economic returns
• Adds value and markets business effectively
• Manages agribusiness finances as a means of planning and monitoring the management of the enterprise
• Manages human resources
• Manages the farm infrastructure and machinery
• Engages in factors external to the farm environment

Admission to the College

Admission Requirements for the Diploma in Agriculture – prior to 2009 (or applicants who attempted the old Senior Certificate (Matric).

The minimum academic requirement for entrance to the College is a SENIOR CERTIFICATE or equivalent qualification, with an overall standard grade pass. In addition, a student must have:

• English with a Higher Grade E;
• Mathematics with a minimum Higher Grade E or Standard Grade D;
• One of the following subjects with a minimum Higher Grade E or Standard Grade D;
• Biology, Physical Science or Geography.

All candidates who comply with the minimum entrance qualification will be subjected to a selection procedure.

Admission Requirements for the Diploma in Agriculture – from 2009 onwards (or applicants who attempted the new National Senior Certificate (NSC)
The Minister of Education gazetted the minimum legal requirements for admission into Higher Education Programmes in August 2005.

For admission to a diploma, the National Senior Certificate (NSC) must be achieved, with an achievement rating of 3 (40% or better) in four recognized NSC 20 credit subjects, together with institutional faculty or programme-specific requirements.

The Language of Teaching and Learning of the tertiary institution must be passed as Home Language or First Additional Language at a minimum of level 4 (50%).

[Recognized NSC subjects are as follows: up to three official and non-official languages, Geography, History, Religion Studies, Dramatic Arts, Music, Visual Arts, Consumer Studies, Accounting, Business Studies, Economics, Agricultural Sciences, Engineering Graphics and Design, Physical Sciences, Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, Information Technology, Life Sciences.]

Cedara College requirements:

A National Senior Certificate or equivalent qualification with an average achievement rating of level 3 (40% or better), plus the following specific requirements:

• At least 24 points on the Admission Points Score system.

NSC Rating	NSC Percentage	Points Rating for 20-credit NSC courses	Points Rating for Other NSC courses	Adjusted Percentages for APS
		8	6	90% to 100%
7	80% to100%	7	5	80% to 89%
6	70% to 79%	6	4	70% to 79%
5	60% to 69%	5	3	60% to 69%
4	50% to 59%	4	2	50% to 59%
3	40% to 49%	3	1	40% to 49%
2	30% to 39%	2	0	30% to 39%
1	0% to 29%	1	0	0% to 29%

• Two of the following subjects at level 5 (60% -69%)
• Life Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, Physical Sciences and Geography.

NOTE: One of the subjects has to be either Life Sciences or Agricultural Sciences

• At least a level 4 (50% -59%) for English.
• At least a level 4 (50% -59%) in Life Orientation.
• At least a level 4 (40% – 49%) in Mathematics (Core Maths) or a level 6 (70% to 79%) in Maths Literacy.
• Not more than one subject at level 1.

All candidates who comply with the minimum entrance qualification will be subjected to a selection procedure.

Applicants who completed their schooling outside the Republic of South Africa should have their school certificate assessed by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), Postnet Suite 248, Private Bag X06, Waterkloof, Pretoria, 0145. A copy of the assessment must accompany the application form.

Admission Requirements for the Diploma in Agriculture – National Vocational Certificates.

Applicants with a National Vocational Certificate (NVC) in Agriculture (NQF level 4) will be treated as qualifying for admission and each application will be treated on merit on an individual basis.

Other non-agricultural NVC qualifications will be treated on merit on an individual basis.

Admission through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Applicants who do not have a formal certificate or qualification may gain access into the Diploma in Agriculture through the College RPL process. The policy is available on request. It is up to the applicant to ensure that the RPL application is submitted before 30 June each year and will be treated on an individual basis.

Note: Early applications are encouraged. Applications close on 31 August each year. Successful candidates will be notified by 31 October each year.