If you’re applying to a college or university and come across the status “Awaiting Academic Eligibility Check”, it can be confusing and even a little stressful. This guide will help you understand exactly what this status means, why it appears, and what you can do while you wait for it to change.
What Does “Awaiting Academic Eligibility Check” Mean?
“Awaiting Academic Eligibility Check” is a status used by universities, TVET colleges, and other higher education institutions to indicate that your academic records are being reviewed. This is part of the admissions evaluation process, where the institution checks whether you meet the minimum academic requirements for the course or programme you’ve applied for.
This process includes:
- Verifying your grades or final exam results (e.g., matric results).
- Checking whether you meet the subject requirements (for example, Mathematics or Physical Science for engineering programmes).
- Confirming that your qualifications are valid and complete.
Until this review is done, your application cannot move forward to the next stage—whether that’s admission, rejection, or being waitlisted.
When Does This Status Usually Appear?
You’ll typically see this status in the following situations:
- Just after submitting your application: The system acknowledges that your academic documents have been received but not yet assessed.
- After matric results are released: If you applied with Grade 11 marks or a combination of older results, the institution will re-check your eligibility once your final results are available.
- If you’re upgrading results or completing pending subjects: Your application will stay on this status until you upload and submit your final or improved results.
What Is Being Checked?
The admissions team looks at different academic factors depending on the course and institution. These usually include:
- Your overall pass level: Whether you have a Bachelor’s, Diploma, or Higher Certificate pass.
- APS (Admission Point Score): Many South African institutions use this score to decide eligibility. Your APS is calculated based on your top subjects and their performance levels.
- Required subjects and minimum marks: Certain programmes have specific subject requirements. For example, a BCom degree might need at least 50% in Mathematics.
- Equivalent international qualifications: If you studied outside of South Africa, the institution may need to verify the equivalency of your results through a body like SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority).
Read more: APS Score Too Low? Here’s 7 Alternative Pathways to Higher Education
How Long Does the Eligibility Check Take?
The time frame can vary depending on the institution, how many applications they’re processing, and whether they are waiting on final results from examination bodies like the Department of Basic Education (DBE) or IEB.
Typically, the eligibility check may take:
- A few days to a few weeks after results are released.
- Longer if the institution needs to verify qualifications manually or if there are errors in your uploaded documents.
During peak periods, especially just after matric results are released in January, it might take longer due to high volumes.
What You Can Do While Waiting
While you can’t speed up the internal processing, there are a few steps you can take:
- Make sure your documents are complete and correct. Double-check your uploads on the application portal.
- Respond to any requests from the admissions office promptly. They may need clarification or additional documents.
- Monitor your email and application portal regularly for updates.
- Apply to multiple institutions or courses as a backup plan while waiting.
Also check: How to Use the APS Calculator for 2026 Application
When to Be Concerned
If your status remains unchanged for an extended period—such as several weeks after results have been released—you should contact the admissions office. Delays might be caused by:
- Missing or invalid documents.
- System errors.
- A need for manual intervention in special cases.
“Awaiting Academic Eligibility Check” simply means that your academic qualifications are under review. It’s a normal part of the admissions process, especially for competitive programmes. As long as you’ve submitted all required documents and meet the academic requirements, you have a good chance of moving to the next step—whether that’s receiving an offer, being waitlisted, or getting feedback on alternative options.
Patience and vigilance are key while you wait. Keep checking your portal, ensure your documents are in order, and don’t hesitate to follow up if necessary.
