University Admissions & ANHRD Scholarship Framework in Seychelles
Higher education in Seychelles centers around the University of Seychelles (UniSey), established in 2009 with its main campus at Anse Royale on Mahé, alongside national funding programs managed by the Agency for National Human Resource Development (ANHRD). For Seychellois students graduating from the School of Advanced Level Studies (SALS), university admission and government bursaries are determined primarily by performance in the Cambridge International GCE Advanced Level examinations. Understanding how A-Level letter grades translate into UniSey admission points and UCAS tariff points is critical for selecting undergraduate courses, obtaining local bursaries, or securing prestigious government overseas scholarships.
How Cambridge A-Level Points & UCAS Tariffs Are Calculated
Seychellois universities and international tertiary institutions utilize two primary mechanisms to evaluate Cambridge A-Level certificates:
UniSey 3-Subject Points System
Used by the University of Seychelles for undergraduate degree selection:
- Grade A* = 6 Points
- Grade A = 5 Points
- Grade B = 4 Points
- Grade C = 3 Points
- Grade D = 2 Points
- Grade E = 1 Point (Minimum Principal Pass)
- Grade U = 0 Points (Ungraded / Fail)
Official UCAS Tariff System
Used for University of London partnerships and overseas scholarships:
- Grade A* = 56 UCAS Points
- Grade A = 48 UCAS Points
- Grade B = 40 UCAS Points
- Grade C = 32 UCAS Points
- Grade D = 24 UCAS Points
- Grade E = 16 UCAS Points
- AS-Level Grades A to E = 20, 16, 12, 10, or 6 Points
University of Seychelles (UniSey) Degree Matriculation Requirements
To be formally admitted into an undergraduate degree at UniSey, a candidate must satisfy both general entrance requirements and specific faculty prerequisites:
1. Minimum Statutory General Degree Entry
A minimum of two (2) Cambridge International A-Level principal passes (Grades A* through E), together with at least three (3) IGCSE credit passes at Grade C or above, including compulsory English Language and Mathematics.
2. BSc in Business Administration / Accounting & Finance (UniSey & UoL)
Delivered under the academic direction of the London School of Economics (LSE) / University of London. Requires at least 2 A-Level passes, with Mathematics at IGCSE Grade C or higher, and a minimum of 6 to 8 UniSey points (e.g. Grades B and C or C and C).
3. BSc in Environmental Science
Vital for Seychelles' fragile oceanic biodiversity and conservation sectors. Requires at least 2 A-Level passes in Science subjects (such as Biology, Chemistry, Geography, or Mathematics) with a minimum of 6 points.
4. Bachelor of Laws (LL.B)
Offered in collaboration with the University of London. Requires 2 to 3 A-Level passes in humanities or social sciences (such as History, English Literature, Sociology, or Economics) with a strong command of English evidenced by high IGCSE or A-Level grades.
ANHRD Government Sponsorship & Overseas Scholarship Criteria
The Agency for National Human Resource Development (ANHRD) administers public funding for tertiary education in Seychelles under strict national priority frameworks:
- UniSey Local Government Sponsorship: Seychellois citizens who meet the entry criteria for any accredited undergraduate degree at UniSey receive full government tuition funding and a monthly student maintenance allowance, subject to signing a national bonding agreement.
- Overseas National Priority Scholarships: Funded study abroad (in the United Kingdom, Australia, South Africa, Malaysia, France, or Mauritius) is strictly reserved for national priority human resource fields (e.g. Medicine, Aviation, Specialized Engineering, Marine Architecture, Actuarial Science) not offered locally. Candidates typically require a minimum of 12 to 15 UniSey points (ABB or AAA across 3 A-Levels) or 128+ UCAS tariff points.
- President's Cup / Academic Excellence Awards: Best-performing SALS graduates achieving straight A* / A grades receive prestigious government-sponsored international scholarships with priority university placement worldwide.
Step-by-Step Realistic Worked Examples
Candidate: Melissa completed SALS with Cambridge A-Levels in Biology, Chemistry, and Geography, seeking local degree admission.
- A-Level Biology: Grade B (4 points / 40 UCAS)
- A-Level Geography: Grade B (4 points / 40 UCAS)
- A-Level Chemistry: Grade C (3 points / 32 UCAS)
- IGCSE Prerequisites: Cleared English (Grade B) & Mathematics (Grade B)
UniSey Admission Points: 4 + 4 + 3 = 11 points.
UCAS Tariff Points: 40 + 40 + 32 = 112 UCAS points.
Verdict: Directly cleared for admission into the BSc in Environmental Science at UniSey. Fully qualifies for ANHRD local government tuition sponsorship and monthly student living allowance.
Candidate: Denis completed SALS with A-Levels in Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics, applying for an ANHRD overseas medical scholarship.
- A-Level Chemistry: Grade A (5 points / 48 UCAS)
- A-Level Biology: Grade A (5 points / 48 UCAS)
- A-Level Mathematics: Grade A (5 points / 48 UCAS)
UniSey Points: 5 + 5 + 5 = 15 points.
UCAS Tariff: 48 + 48 + 48 = 144 UCAS points.
Verdict: Meets and exceeds the highest tier (AAA / 15 points) for ANHRD overseas medical scholarships, qualifying for fully funded international university placement.
How to Use This Admission Calculator
- Choose your desired degree or scholarship path: Pick your target program at the University of Seychelles or an ANHRD overseas scholarship.
- Select your Cambridge A-Level subject grades: Input your letter grades (A* to E) for your 2 or 3 principal subjects.
- Enter optional AS-Level results: Add any subsidiary Advanced Subsidiary paper to evaluate international UCAS tariff additions.
- Confirm IGCSE English and Maths passes: Toggle the checkboxes to confirm essential prerequisite clearance.
- Click Calculate UniSey Admission Points: View your total UniSey points, UCAS tariff, matriculation audit, and government scholarship standing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I gain admission to UniSey with only 2 Cambridge A-Level passes? ▼
Yes. The general minimum entrance requirement for undergraduate degrees at the University of Seychelles is two (2) principal A-Level passes at Grade E or above, provided you satisfy the faculty prerequisites and hold at least three IGCSE credits including English Language and Mathematics.
What is an ANHRD priority area scholarship? ▼
The Agency for National Human Resource Development (ANHRD) publishes an annual National Human Resource Development Plan identifying critical labor shortages in Seychelles (such as medicine, specialized engineering, veterinary science, and maritime logistics). Scholarships for overseas study are strictly restricted to these published priority fields.
Are UniSey degrees recognized internationally? ▼
Yes. UniSey programs are accredited by the Seychelles Qualifications Authority (SQA) and many are delivered in academic partnership with renowned international institutions, including the University of London, the London School of Economics (LSE), and the Université de La Réunion.
What happens if I do not meet the direct A-Level degree cut-off? ▼
Students who do not meet direct degree requirements may enroll in a one-year pre-degree Access / Foundation Program at UniSey or complete an advanced diploma at a Post-Secondary Institution (such as SIT or TGTC) before bridging into the second year of a degree.