List of Universities that offer 2026 Bridging Courses in South Africa

For in case you were wondering on which universities offer bridging courses in South Africa for 2026 academic year, there are a number of universities that accommodate students who want to enroll for the courses that they can’t currently qualify for. Bridging courses offer you access to extended degrees (usually 4 years instead of 3 years). Bridging courses are at times referred to as extended curriculum programmes.

60% of matriculants fail to meet university entry requirements each year.

Only 2 in 10 rejected students ever upgrade or take a bridging course.

In Medicine and Law, up to 80% of applicants are turned away first time.

@nellysfundi Study choice selection is a big step, but dont sleep on doing the extended programs . . . . . . . #extended #UniversityPrep #Matric #southafricanstudents #matric2024 #university ♬ Inspirational – neozilla

Contents

What are Bridging Courses
List of Universities that Offer Bridging Courses in South Africa
List of Universities that offer Bridging Courses in South Africa

What are Bridging Courses

Bridging courses in South Africa are short, focused programs designed to help students bridge the gap between their current level of education and the requirements of a specific higher education course or degree. These courses are usually aimed at students who do not meet the necessary entry requirements for their desired field of study or those who need to improve their skills or knowledge in a particular subject area.

Bridging courses can be offered by various institutions, such as universities, colleges, or private training providers. They can cover a range of subjects, including mathematics, science, languages, and more. The duration of these courses may vary depending on the institution and the specific program, but they typically last a few weeks to a few months.

Completing a bridging course can be beneficial for students who:

Did not achieve the required grades in their Matric (Grade 12) exams to gain admission into a specific course or university.
Want to change their field of study and need to acquire the necessary knowledge in a new subject area.
Have been out of the education system for a while and need to refresh their knowledge and skills before pursuing higher education.
Are international students who need to meet specific requirements for South African higher education institutions.

After successfully completing a bridging course, students may gain direct entry into their desired higher education program, depending on the institution’s admission policies and the specific course requirements.

List of Universities that Offer Bridging Courses in South Africa

Bridging courses in South Africa are not only for those without matric, but also for students who need a second chance to qualify for university entrance. Below you will find a detailed list of institutions that offer bridging courses, including UNISA bridging courses, NWU bridging courses, and many others:

University of Johannesburg (UJ) Bridging Courses

The University of Johannesburg offers a wide range of extended degrees designed to assist learners who narrowly missed the admission points for mainstream programmes. These UJ bridging courses focus on subjects such as Mathematics, Science, and English to prepare students for degrees in Engineering, Law, Health Sciences, and Education. UJ remains one of the most popular institutions for learners who are looking for a bridging course for university entrance in 2026 and beyond.

North West University (NWU) Bridging Courses

At NWU, bridging or extended programmes give students access to faculties such as Health Sciences, Law, Education, and Natural Sciences. These NWU bridging courses 2026 are structured to provide extra academic support in the first year, helping learners adapt to university life while improving their foundational knowledge.

University of Venda (Univen) Bridging Courses

The University of Venda offers extended programmes in areas like Nursing, Education, and Social Work. These Univen bridging courses are specifically targeted at students from rural areas who need additional academic preparation before moving into full-time degrees.

Central University of Technology (CUT) Bridging Courses – Free State

The Central University of Technology (CUT) provides bridging courses for learners who want to enter fields such as Engineering, IT, and Health Sciences. These courses focus on strengthening Mathematics and Science skills, making CUT a good choice for students who want a technical career but need more academic support.

Nelson Mandela University (NMU) Bridging Courses

Nelson Mandela University in Gqeberha offers bridging and extended access programmes in Education, Commerce, and Health Sciences. NMU is especially popular for learners who want to study teaching or nursing, as these bridging courses provide a solid academic foundation.

University of Pretoria (UP) Bridging Courses

The University of Pretoria has a strong system of extended programmes, especially for Engineering, Veterinary Sciences, and Health Sciences. These courses, often called UP Extended Programmes, are ideal for learners who just missed the admission requirements but show strong potential.

Vaal University of Technology (VUT) Bridging Courses

The Vaal University of Technology provides bridging programmes in areas like Engineering, Applied Sciences, and IT. VUT is especially supportive of learners who want to study technical fields but require additional Mathematics or Physical Science support.

Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) Bridging Courses

TUT bridging courses are known as extended degrees, and they are widely available across its faculties. These programmes support students in fields such as Engineering, Business, Education, and Arts, making TUT one of the biggest providers of bridging opportunities in Gauteng.

University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Bridging Courses

UKZN offers bridging and extended programmes in faculties like Law, Education, and Health Sciences. The UKZN bridging courses are important for learners in KwaZulu-Natal who want to access competitive fields such as medicine and pharmacy but need extra academic preparation.

University of South Africa (UNISA) Bridging Courses

UNISA bridging courses are popular because they are offered through distance learning. Many learners choose UNISA bridging course application 2026 to upgrade their matric subjects, meet entry requirements, or prepare for university while working. UNISA provides one of the few options for bridging courses without matric, making it accessible for adult learners.

University of Limpopo Bridging Courses

The University of Limpopo offers bridging programmes in Science, Education, and Health. These courses are designed for students who did not achieve the minimum entry points but still want to study at a public university in Limpopo.

Why Choose a Bridging Course in South Africa?

A bridging course for university entrance gives learners a second chance to pursue their dream degree.
Many colleges that offer bridging courses and universities include extra tutoring, mentorship, and academic support.
Students can upgrade their marks or complete additional foundational modules that lead into mainstream degrees.

Whether you are applying for NWU bridging courses, a UNISA bridging course application 2026, or exploring institutions that offer bridging courses, South Africa has a wide network of universities that provide these opportunities.

List of Universities that offer Bridging Courses in South Africa

The universities in South Africa usually offer bridging or extended courses and programmes for fields such as: medicine, nursing, teaching, accounting, law, pharmacy and more: