Welcome to the Centre for Access Assessment & Research

The Centre for Access Assessment & Research (CAAR) is one of four support units that have been grouped into a larger division – Higher Education Access and Development Services (HEADS) – which reflects at an organisational level, the NMMU’s commitment to optimising human potential and “access for success”

Why a University Access Assessment Programme?

Changes in the national educational environment (e.g. the NSC / NCV), and the ongoing need to be sensitized and responsive to the regional educational context has fostered the development and the continued existence of access assessment programmes in South African Higher Education (HE) institutions.

How does CAAR promote University Access?

Before making a decision about whether or not an applicant can be accepted into the programme that they have applied for, CAAR gathers as much information as possible about them, including information about their school performance, their study interests, work experience, future goals, and any additional training. CAAR also gathers additional information on basic competencies in the areas of English, Numeracy and Mathematics through the use of the NMMU access test. ALL of this information is carefully considered by a specially trained Consultant before a final decision is made about an applicant's acceptance into a programme.