Xcel programme
What is the Xcel programme?
The Xcel program is a bridging program that prepares students for engineering studies. The program
has two main parts:
Mathematics and Physical Science (Basic Education)
1. The Xcel programme offers small classes consisting of 25 places, so the selection process is
quite competitive.
2. Students can improve their SBA marks, which are part of a portfolio that counts toward their
final matric exam results.
3. Students repeat the Grade 11 and 12 curricula and sometimes Grade 10 material too. They have 10
hours each of Mathematics and Physical Science classes weekly, plus 2 hours of tutorials per
subject. Attendance is mandatory.
4. The students retake the NSC exams in Mathematics and Physical Science under the Department of
Basic Education’s supervision at Ferdinand Postma High School. All classes take place on the
Ferdinand Postma campus.
University Subjects (Higher Education)
1. ALDE111 and ALDE121 (Academic Literacy Development)
The Xcel students register for a single university subject (ALDE 111 and 121 - language reading,
and writing skills) and are thus NWU students. They must learn to take responsibility for mastering
their subjects on their own and integrate into larger classes. They must pass ALDE111 in the first
semester to continue with ALDE121 in the second semester. Therefore, students who fail ALDE111 will
have to discontinue the Xcel program before the start of the second semester.
2. CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and Programming
Students also take two practical courses to prepare for formal engineering studies. They 3D-print
their designs and present them to a panel of engineers in an oral exam. This assessment helps them
prepare for their final-year engineering project,
which is judged nationally by an engineering panel.
During the Xcel year, students develop good study habits, effective study methods and time
management skills. Individual academic and psychological support is available
where needed.
We do not recommend university hostel accommodation. The hostel activities usually conflict with
the compulsory classes in the Xcel program. Accommodation is available on the premises of Ferdinand
Postma High School. The school offers a selection of apartments as well as a male student house,
providing comfortable and convenient accommodation options on the Xcel campus.
Please contact Mariëtte Geldenhuys (ferdiesxcel@gmail.com) on (018) 290 5539 to obtain the
application form for the Xcel programme. The application form and brochure can also be viewed and
downloaded here:
/sites/engineering.nwu.ac.za/files/files/2026/XCEL/Application%20form%20Xcel%20for%202027.pdf or see our brochure.
The impact of a second chance
A second chance to achieve better matric results may just be the key to a thriving career in
engineering. Through the innovative Xcel Programme and the North-West University (NWU), in
partnership with Ferdinand Postma High School it, offers talented matriculants, whose final results
may stand in the way of their dream of becoming engineers, a valuable opportunity to pursue their
passion.
To learn more about the positive impact the Xcel Programme has already made, click here (https://news.nwu.ac.za/xcel-opening-closed-doors-engineering).
