University Admission Requirements
Complete guide to South African university entry requirements, APS scores, and subject prerequisites for 2024
General Admission Requirements
South African universities accept various qualifications. Here are the main pathways and their requirements:
National Senior Certificate (NSC)
14-42 APS pointsMinimum Requirements:
- Minimum 4 subjects at 30% or above (Level 2)
- Two official languages at 40% or above (Level 3)
- Mathematics at 30% minimum (40%+ recommended)
- Life Orientation does not count for admission
Independent Examinations Board (IEB)
14-42 APS pointsMinimum Requirements:
- National Senior Certificate with IEB endorsement
- Minimum 4 subjects at 30% or above
- Two languages at 40% or above
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy
Cambridge Assessment International
Converted to APS equivalentMinimum Requirements:
- AS Level: Minimum grade E (converted to Level 3)
- A Level: Minimum grade E (converted to Level 4)
- IGCSE: Grade C minimum for foundation subjects
- English Language requirement must be met
International Baccalaureate (IB)
Converted to APS equivalentMinimum Requirements:
- IB Diploma with minimum 24 points
- Higher Level subjects carry more weight
- Standard Level minimum grade 4
- English Language proficiency required
Requirements by Study Field
Different study fields have specific subject and performance requirements. Here's what you need for major study areas:
Medicine & Health Sciences
Specific Requirements:
Engineering & Technology
Specific Requirements:
Commerce & Business
Specific Requirements:
Law
Specific Requirements:
Education & Teaching
Specific Requirements:
Arts & Humanities
Specific Requirements:
Science & Natural Sciences
Specific Requirements:
Psychology
Specific Requirements:
Language Requirements by University
Each university has specific language requirements. Most offer instruction in English, with some offering Afrikaans options.
| University | English Requirements | Afrikaans Requirements | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
University of Cape Town (UCT) | Academic Literacy for EAL (English Additional Language) or English Home Language Level 4 (50%) | Not required unless studying in Afrikaans | Additional language requirements for specific programs |
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) | English Home Language Level 4 (50%) or English First Additional Language Level 5 (60%) | Not required for English-medium instruction | NBT Academic Literacy component required |
Stellenbosch University | English Level 4 (50%) for English programs | Afrikaans Level 4 (50%) for Afrikaans programs | Dual-medium instruction available in many programs |
University of Pretoria (UP) | English Level 4 (50%) minimum | Afrikaans Level 4 (50%) for Afrikaans programs | Language proficiency tests may be required |
Alternative Admission Routes
Don't meet standard requirements? There are several alternative pathways to university study:
Mature Age Admission
For applicants 23+ without formal qualifications
Requirements:
- Must be 23 years or older
- Relevant work experience
- Pass university entrance exam
- Portfolio or interview may be required
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) assessment
Foundation/Extended Programs
Additional year for students who don't meet direct entry requirements
Requirements:
- Lower APS than mainstream programs
- Commitment to extended program duration
- Academic support and mentoring
- Success leads to mainstream program entry
TVET College Graduates
Diploma holders seeking university admission
Requirements:
- National Diploma with appropriate subjects
- Specific subject requirements met
- Possible additional assessments
- Credits may be transferred
International Students
Foreign qualifications requiring evaluation
Requirements:
- Qualification evaluation by SAQA
- English proficiency tests (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Study permit requirements
- Financial proof and medical clearance
💡 Application Success Tips
Increase your chances of university admission with these proven strategies:
Apply Early
highSubmit applications as early as possible, especially for competitive programs like Medicine and Engineering.
Meet Subject Requirements
highEnsure you take the correct subjects in Grade 12. Some subjects cannot be substituted later.
Aim Higher Than Minimum
highMinimum requirements don't guarantee admission. Aim for marks well above the minimum APS.
Prepare for NBT
mediumPractice for National Benchmark Tests if required by your chosen universities.
Have Backup Options
mediumApply to multiple universities and consider alternative programs in case your first choice is full.
Check Closing Dates
highDifferent programs have different application deadlines. Some close as early as June.
Complete All Documentation
mediumEnsure all required documents are submitted. Incomplete applications may be rejected.
Consider Foundation Programs
lowIf you don't meet direct entry requirements, foundation programs can provide an alternative path.