How to Apply to University with Grade 11 Results

Many Grade 11 learners worry that they have to wait until their final
Grade 12 marks to apply to university. The good news is that most South African
universities – including those in KZN – use your final Grade 11 results or your
mid‑year Grade 12 results for early selection. According to the national
Department of Basic Education, you will need to supply either or both of your
Grade 11 final results and your Grade 12 June results along with the
application form and proof of payment. Universities such as the
University of KwaZulu‑Natal (UKZN) use these grades to make provisional
offers – conditional acceptances that become final once you meet the entry
requirements. Current Grade 12 applicants may therefore apply
with their Grade 11 marks, giving them a head start on the following year
admissions cycle.

Table of Contents

1. Why Apply Early with Grade 11 Results
2. What Results Are Accepted
3. Step‑by‑Step Application Process
4. Tips for a Strong Application
5. FAQs
6. Conclusion

Why Apply Early with Grade 11 Results

Submitting your application with Grade 11 results allows universities to assess your
academic potential before the final matric exams. UKZN’s selection procedure
states that applicants can be considered using Grade 11 or Grade 12 June/trial
results and may receive a conditional offer, provided they maintain or improve
their performance in the final exams. By applying early you:

• Secure an early place: High‑demand programmes fill quickly, so early
  applicants often stand a better chance of being considered.
• Gain more time to plan: With a provisional offer in hand you can start
  arranging accommodation, funding and travel plans sooner.
• Identify gaps: Early feedback helps you see where you need to improve
  academically before final exams.

What Results Are Accepted

Universities and the Central Applications Office (CAO) accept the following
documents for early selection:

• Grade 11 final progress report: The Department of Basic Education notes
  that you must submit your Grade 11 final results when applying. This is
  particularly important for current Grade 12 learners.
• Mid‑year Grade 12 results: If available, include your June or September
  Grade 12 results – universities will update your application once final
  marks are received.
• Supporting documents: CAO terms and conditions specify that current Grade 12
  applicants must provide their ID, Grade 11 progress report and mid‑year
  Grade 12 results. Applicants who have already passed Grade 12
  need only supply their ID, while those who have studied at another institution
  must include a full academic record.

Step‑by‑Step Application Process

1. Research programmes and universities. Identify the courses you are
   interested in and verify admission requirements, APS scores and closing
   dates.
2. Gather documents. Compile certified copies of your ID or passport,
   final Grade 11 results and any available Grade 12 results. Ensure documents
   are clear and legible.
3. Apply through CAO or directly to the university. Most KZN institutions
   (UKZN, DUT, MUT and UniZulu) require applications via the CAO. Visit
   the CAO website, create a profile and complete the online form.
   📌 Full CAO guide: https://kznuniupdates.org/cao-application/
4. Pay the application fee. The Basic Education department notes that the
   non‑refundable fee for university applications ranges between R100 and
   R550. Payment can usually be made online or at EasyPay
   outlets.
5. Upload supporting documents. Use the CAO portal or university system to
   upload your certified documents; hard copies are generally not accepted.
6. Track your application. After submitting, log into the CAO portal to
   monitor your status. Early applicants may be provisionally accepted
   pending final results.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Maintain or improve your marks. Provisional offers are based on
  Grade 11 or mid‑year Grade 12 results but can be withdrawn if your final
  performance declines.
• Provide accurate contact details. CAO and universities communicate via
  SMS and email; incorrect details can delay important notifications.
• Apply early in the year. The CAO processes applications from March for
  first‑semester intake and from August for second‑semester intake.
• Double‑check subject requirements. Some programmes require specific
  subjects (e.g., Mathematics for engineering). Use our APS guides for DUT
  and UKZN for detailed requirements.
  📌 APS Score Calculator: https://kznuniupdates.org/aps-score-calculator/

FAQs

Can I apply with Grade 11 results only? Yes. Many universities, including
UKZN, accept applications based on Grade 11 final results. You’ll
receive a provisional offer subject to your final matric marks.

Do I still need to submit Grade 12 results? Yes. Universities will
update your application with your Grade 12 June and final results; these
determine final admission.

Are Grade 11 results good enough for all programmes? Competitive
programmes may require very high Grade 11 marks. If your results are
marginal, improve them in Grade 12 and consider applying for extended or
foundation programmes.

What happens if my marks drop in Grade 12? Conditional offers can be
withdrawn. Focus on maintaining or improving your performance to secure final
admission.

Is there an application fee waiver? Some institutions (such as UWC) do not
charge an application fee. Check each university’s fees page.

Conclusion

Applying to university with Grade 11 results gives students a strategic
advantage. Universities and the CAO encourage early applications and accept
Grade 11 final marks or mid‑year Grade 12 results. By gathering
your documents early, paying the fee and submitting through the CAO portal, you
can secure a provisional place. Remember to maintain your
academic performance, upload all required documents and monitor
your status. Early planning will ensure you’re ready for the following year admission
cycle and help you transition smoothly into university life.