The Health Sciences Consortium (HSC)

 What is the HSC

The Health Sciences Consortium (HSC) is a sub-committee of the national Committee of Health Sciences Deans. The HSC has a membership comprising the Health Sciences Faculties of the following institutions: The University of Cape Town (UCT); Free State University (UFS); University of Kwazulu-Natal (UKZN); University of Pretoria (UP); Stellenbosch University (US); Walter Sisulu University (WSU); and University of the Witwatersrand (WITS).

The AARP developed and administered Health Sciences Placement Tests (HeSPT) are co-ordinated by the Health Sciences Consortium.

 What are the HeSPT's and what do they do?

The Health Sciences Placement Tests (HeSPT) enhances an applicant’s opportunity for admission. Test results are used to complement existing measures for the assessment of applications to Health Sciences Faculties. The HeSPT is not a substitute for the National Grade 12 Matriculation examinations.

The HeSPT gives applicants an opportunity to demonstrate their potential for access to university study although they may come from diverse educational backgrounds. The tests also provide diagnostic information about the individual applicants’ strengths and weaknesses in important areas of academic literacy, numeracy and scientific reasoning. This information can be used to improve access opportunities and, if coupled with appropriate teaching and learning interventions, can enhance the possibilities of success for students.