Sol Plaatje University (SPU) in Kimberley, which has grown quickly since it opened its doors to students just over a decade ago, offers higher certificates, diplomas, advanced diplomas, bachelor's degrees and postgraduate certificates through four faculties. The details below come from SPU's 2026 undergraduate prospectus.
SPU's four faculties
- Faculty of Education: BEd degrees in Foundation Phase, Intermediate Phase, and Senior Phase and FET Teaching, specialising in subjects such as Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Life Sciences, Geography, Technology, History, Afrikaans, English or Setswana, plus a one-year PGCE
- Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences: the BCom in Accounting, the BCom in Economics and the Diploma in Retail Business Management
- Faculty of Humanities: the BA, with majors such as Geography, and the Higher Certificate in Court Interpreting
- Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences: the BSc in Mathematical and Computer, Biological or Physical Sciences, the BSc in Data Science, the Bachelor of Environmental Science, and diplomas in ICT and Agriculture
Why the BEd matters
SPU designed its BEd programmes around national shortages of Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Geography and Technology teachers, and the Northern Cape's need for Afrikaans and Setswana teachers.
Minimum APS
- Bachelor's degrees: 30
- Diplomas and higher certificates: 25
SPU adds bonus points for Mathematics and your home language, and counts Life Orientation on its own scale. Every programme needs English Home Language at level 4 or First Additional Language at level 5. See the SPU admission requirements page.
Teaching practice
PGCE students spend 10 weeks of teaching practice in a selected school, and face-to-face and online lectures on campus are compulsory. SPU is not obliged to provide accommodation during teaching practice.
Qualification lengths
SPU's prospectus sets out typical durations: higher certificates take 1 year, diplomas 3 years, advanced diplomas 1 to 2 years, bachelor's degrees 3 to 4 years, and postgraduate certificates 1 year.
Faculty application champions
Each faculty has an application contact who helps applicants with the online system, such as EMS_Applications@spu.ac.za for Economic and Management Sciences and EDU_Applications@spu.ac.za for Education.
New programmes
SPU is still developing new programmes, so check its website regularly for the latest accredited additions.
Recognition of prior learning
SPU applies recognition of prior learning according to its policy, and some programmes accept mature applicants with relevant industry experience.
Costs
For tuition quotations, contact SPU's Student Accounts office. Read more on the SPU fees page.
Applying
You apply online, with no application fee for online applications. See the how to apply to SPU page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many faculties does SPU have?
Four: Education, Economic and Management Sciences, Humanities, and Natural and Applied Sciences.
What APS do SPU degrees need?
Most bachelor's degrees need an APS of 30.
Does SPU offer a Data Science degree?
Yes, the BSc in Data Science.