Students from South Africa at the University of Exeter
There are currently more than 120 students from South Africa studying at the University of Exeter. Discover why international students choose to study with us and find out about our entry requirements, agent representatives, and funding opportunities.
155th in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and 172nd in the THE World Rankings 2025.
Exeter graduates are in the UK’s top 10 for most targeted by leading employers.
We're ranked in the global top 50 for nine of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of UK universities.
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Entry requirements
The information below will allow you to check qualifications from your country or territory to see if they may be accepted for entry to the University of Exeter, and the equivalent grades required. Our course pages contain typical entry requirements that are commonly held by UK applicants. You can find out details on our English language requirements here.
Undergraduate entry requirements for students from South Africa
If you have already completed your A levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma, you will be eligible for direct entry if you meet your chosen programme's entry requirements.
If you have taken the South African National Senior Certificate with grade in the range of 66665 – 77766, you will also be eligible. If your grades are slightly below this requirement, you may need to consider a Foundation Year, such as one of our International Study Centre International Foundation courses at Exeter's Streatham Campus.
| A-Level | South African National Senior Certificate (NSC) (State or IEB) |
|---|---|
| AAA | 77766 / AAABB |
| AAB | 77666 / AABBB |
| ABB | 76666 / ABBBB |
| BBB | 66666 / BBBBB |
Notes
Medicine applicants will be required to provide an average score of 6.5 from six subjects (excluding Life Orientation), and no less than scores of 7 in Biology and Physical Sciences at the Higher level. Candidates must always provide the UKCAT and the relevant English Language qualification.
SA NSC Maths requirements
- Where we require an A Level in Mathematics at Grade A for any subject, we only accept Mathematics (formerly Core Maths), or Further Studies Mathematics (formerly AP Maths) with a Grade 7 (80-89%) or higher.
- Where we require an A Level in Mathematics at Grade B for any subject, we only accept Mathematics (formerly Core Maths), or Further Studies Mathematics (formerly AP Maths) with a Grade 6 (70-79%) or higher.
- Where we only require GCSE Maths, Mathematical Literacy (Maths Lit) is accepted, grades: GCSE grade C/4 - NSC 5 (60-69%) and GCSE grace B/5 - NSC 6 (70-79%)
- Where we only require a GCSE Maths for any subject, Mathematics (formerly Core Maths) is acceptable at the following grade equivalencies: GCSE C or 4 - NSC Mathematics (formerly Core Maths) grade 2 (30-39%) and GCSE B or 5 - NSC Mathematics (formerly Core Maths) grade 3 (40-49%)
More information
Postgraduate entry requirements for students from South Africa
Postgraduate Taught
| First Degree | 4-year Honours degree | Degree in professional field |
|---|---|---|
| First | 75%+ | 1st |
| 2:1 | 70–74% | 2:1 |
| 2:2 | 60–69% | 2:2 |
Postgraduate Research
Applicants for postgraduate research programmes such as PhD or MPhil will need to demonstrate experience of research methodologies, and will normally have completed a Masters degree equivalent with a thesis or dissertation. We accept the Maestria/Magister for consideration for entry to a postgraduate research degree.
More information
Specific English language requirements for students from South Africa
| IELTS | South African National Senior Certificate / South African Matriculation Certificate at Grade 4 (D) or higher |
|---|---|
| 7.0 | C |
| 6.5 | D |
Agent representatives
The University of Exeter has agreements with independent representatives in your country, who would be pleased to tell you more about the University's programmes and assist you in making an application. Most of our representatives offer their services to applicants for free. Those that do charge a fee must make this clear from the outset of their consultation with students and issue appropriate receipts. If you have any concerns about whether an agent is an authorised representative of the University of Exeter, please contact us. We also welcome feedback on the services offered by our local representatives. Please see a list of agents operating in your country or territory below, or consult our list of agents operating globally or online.
Nic, studying Masters of Economics and Finance
"I chose to study at Exeter for the quality of education and degree you will receive. As well, the amazing rugby programme and link with Exeter Chiefs drew me to Exeter. The Best part about my course is definitely the quality of lecturers and interactions with fellow colleagues in group work.
The rugby club is a massive part of my life. It is a really tight community of brothers that everyone can be a part of. The level and competition of rugby being played is very high. EURFC are great with managing academic commitments and allowing you the balance of having a normal university life."
Jorandi, studied Masters of Business Administration
"I enjoyed sharing the classroom with individuals from 25 countries - this was my highlight! It was such an enlightening experience to learn with and from people from diverse backgrounds.
I chose to study at Exeter because of its good ranking and affordable tuition fees. If I had to choose again today, I would choose Exeter simply for its beautiful campus - that alone is enough reason for me!"
Ben, studying BSc Economics and Finance
"I play rugby and it has given me access to make lifelong friends, it involves training, gym and games on Wednesdays and follows with socials in the evenings which are loads of fun. There is a great balance of sport and the degree, for which I got a scholarship in the first year.
The campus is buzzing with so many people and different events. The people who I have met add so much value to my life in Exeter, the students here are a great group. There is also a large South African network of students and spending time with them is warming and familiar, which can make you feel more secure when you need it."
Zander, studying LLB Law
"My personal favourite aspect of studying a law degree would be the mindset that you gain as you progress through your studies. I found that studying law allowed me to develop my critical analysis skills as well as the ability to approach different problems from various angles and perspectives. This aspect can definitely be accredited to the support I got from my allocated personal mentor who has helped me understand a wide variety of legal concepts.
I think personally the connections I have made with people from completely different walks of life has been invaluable. Learning about peoples perspectives on certain topics that may vary from your own is a great way to shape and work out the type of person you want to grow up to be."
Campbell, studying BSc Marketing and Management
"The degrees are amazing including with prestigious lecturers. Being part of that and the rugby society opens the door to so much experience later in life.
Being part of the EURFC plays a great part in my University experience. There are benefits such as getting to know many more people and an opportunity to be seen by other well-known rugby clubs. The ethos around this club is great and it has a winning mentality. There are great coaches that link with the Exeter Chiefs. They provide us with high end rugby drills and make sure that the timings don’t clash with lectures."
Ross, studying BSc Economics and Finance
"EURFC was a massive part of my uni life. You spend a lot of time with the boys in the club and they end up becoming some of your best mates. The club gave me a sense of belonging at university - feeling like you’re part of something bigger than yourself is a great feeling."
Todd, studying BSc Business Economics
"The highlight of studying at the University has been the wide range of opportunities offered. I have been able to play rugby as part of the University first team, join societies as well as have a role working for the University. This has given me a wide range of experiences as well as chances to socialise with many people.
Exeter has a smaller feel to the town and campus and due to a lot of people being part of societies and playing sports, you end up meeting a lot of people regularly. So, when you are walking through campus to lectures or through town shopping you will likely meet someone you know which helps you settle in quicker."
Scholarships and funding opportunities
We are investing over £7m in a range of scholarships to support international and EU students paying international tuition fees, who choose Exeter for their studies in 2026/27. This includes the Exeter Excellence Scholarship, recognising outstanding academic achievement and support students from around the world to take their place in our vibrant, global community.
Find out more about available scholarships and funding opportunities
Immigration and visa support
The International Student Support Office can provide you with advice on any immigration and visa matters you may need help with, including applying for your student visa.
