Universities with low entry requirements in South Africa (2026)
The primary goal of education is to provide learners with opportunities to reach their full potential and develop their talents and personalities. Universities with low entry requirements in South Africa understand this vital task. That is why they have set APS scores that are attainable to most high school graduates to encourage them to advance their education.
Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Key takeaways
- Universities with low entry requirements in South Africa
- What are the symbols for matric?
- What is the minimum APS score for university admission?
- What is the highest APS score you can get?
- Which university has the lowest entry requirements?
- Why should you know university entry requirements?
- What happens if you don't meet university entry requirements in South Africa?
- Can you get into a university without entry requirements?
- What are the easy universities to get into in South Africa?
- How can you get into a university in South Africa with low grades?
- Which universities accept a diploma pass in South Africa?
- Which universities accept N6 in South Africa?
- Which courses require level 2 in mathematics in South Africa?
- Which private universities in South Africa have low entry requirements?
- What are the Nelson Mandela University courses and requirements in 2026?
Key takeaways
- Admission to South African universities is usually based on the Admission Point Score (APS) calculated from a student’s matric results.
- Some universities and programmes accept lower APS scores (around 15–24), especially for diplomas, higher certificates, or extended curriculum programmes.
- Institutions such as Tshwane University of Technology, Vaal University of Technology, and Walter Sisulu University offer courses with relatively low APS requirements.
Universities with low entry requirements in South Africa
The article is based on the minimum Admission Point Score (APS) that universities use when admitting high school graduates. Nonetheless, keep in mind that the institutions listed below are not in any particular order, as APS scores are not the only requirements one should meet to gain admission to their dream university.
So, you must contact your school of choice to know the other requirements you should meet to be admitted to the course you want.
1. University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg (WITS)
Source: UGC
- Address: 1 Jan Smuts Avenue, Braamfontein 2000, Johannesburg
- Call: +27 (0)11 717 1000 | +27 (0)11 717 1888
- Email: wits.news@wits.ac.za
- Website: www.wits.ac.za
WITS has five faculties encompassing Commerce, Sciences, Law, Engineering, Management, Health Sciences, and Humanities, with 33 schools offering over 3000 courses. If you are exploring Wits courses and requirements in 2026, it is important to understand that the university uses a specialised APS calculation that differs from those of other institutions.
What APS score is required for WITS?
WITS' minimum Admission Point Score (APS) ranges from 34 to 46 across four faculties. The Health Science Faculty works on a Composite Index Score, calculated differently from the APS scoring.
It is also worth noting that meeting the minimum WITS APS score does not guarantee placement at WITS, as space is limited and competition is high.
2. Stellenbosch University (SU)
Source: UGC
- Address: Admin A, Ryneveld St, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch, 7599
- Call: 021 808 9111
- Email: info@sun.ac.za
- Website: www.sun.ac.za
Despite being a fine research centre, SU is quite liberal with its admissions and is therefore one of the universities with the lowest entrance requirements in South Africa. This institution stands in the top 100 worldwide in theology, forestry, development studies, and agriculture.
How many points are needed at Stellenbosch University?
Stellenbosch University's APS score ranges between 20 and 25.
What are the minimum academic requirements for a Bachelor's degree?
For a bachelor's degree admission, you must pass with at least:
- 40% minimum for your Home Language
- 40% for two other subjects
- 30% for two other subjects (one must be an official language at First Additional or Home Language level)
- 20% in the final subject
3. Durban University of Technology (DUT)
Source: UGC
- Address: 41/43 M L Sultan Rd, Greyville, Durban, 4001
- Call: 031 373 2000 (Durban) | 033 845 8800 (Midlands)
- Email: info@dut.ac.za
- Website: www.dut.ac.za
DUT is one of South Africa's major research institutions, with a student population of about 30,000 students. Its primary areas of specialisation are health sciences, applied sciences, engineering, and accounting.
How many points are needed in DUT?
You can gain admission to DUT with a minimum APS score of 20.
Can you apply to DUT with 20 points?
Higher Certificate in Business Administration applicants with a Senior Certificate (SC) or a National Senior Certificate (NSC) qualification must score at least 20 points.
Can you study at DUT with 25 points?
The Diploma in Management Sciences (Business Administration) applicants must score a minimum of 25 points and obtain a minimum symbol of D (Standard Grade) or E (Higher Grade) for both English and Accounting.
How many points are needed for IT at DUT?
To pursue an Information Technology degree at DUT, an applicant needs a minimum of 28 points, with at least 30 points in Math or Math Literacy.
How many points are needed for teaching at DUT?
You need at least 30 points, excluding Life Orientation, for a Bachelor of Education at DUT. Students who matriculated after 2008 must have a "Level 4" pass in English. Those who matriculated before 2008 must have either a "D" in Higher Grade English or a "C" in Standard Grade English.
4. University of South Africa (UNISA)
Source: UGC
- Address: Preller St, Muckleneuk, Pretoria, 0002
- Call: 0800 00 1870
- Email: enquire@unisa.ac.za | study-info@unisa.ac.za
- Website: www.unisa.ac.za
University of South Africa (UNISA) is among Africa's largest higher learning institutions, with over 400,000 students enrolled in various distance-learning programmes. The institution has produced notable figures such as Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu.
Because it offers flexible admission options and distance learning, UNISA is often listed among South Africa's public universities with low entry requirements, making higher education more accessible to many local and international students.
How many points do you need to study at UNISA?
Undergraduate programs at UNISA require a minimum APS score of 20 to 28. Programs with high demand or specialised fields have higher APS requirements.
What is the UNISA APS score?
A higher certificate at the University of South Africa requires a minimum APS of 15; a diploma, 18; and a degree, 21 or more.
Even if you reach or surpass the required APS score, your admission to UNISA still depends on your ability to meet the specific admission requirements for your chosen course.
5. University of Venda (UNIVEN)
Source: UGC
- Address: University Road, Thohoyandou, Limpopo, 0950
- General inquiries: +27 15 962 8000
- Application inquiries: +27 15 962 8959 | +27 15 962 8953 | +27 15 962 8974
- Application enquiries emails: undergraduateadmission1@univen.ac.za | undergraduateadmission2@univen.ac.za | undergraduateadmission3@univen.ac.za
- Website: www.univen.ac.za
UNIVEN is a rural-based university aiming to provide higher education to less privileged students in South Africa by reducing admission requirements and tuition fees. Medicine, agriculture, and education are some of the courses offered at the institution.
How many points are needed at the University of Venda?
The minimum points for admission to a bachelor's degree are 26 and can be reviewed by the Senate occasionally. Life Orientation and subjects with less than 40% are not included in calculating APS scores. Should a student have more than seven subjects, only seven subjects with the highest marks shall be used to calculate the APS score.
Achieving the minimum APS does not guarantee admission to any program. You should meet the other admission requirements for the course you want to study. All the requirements are prescribed and can be reviewed by the Senate.
6. University of Cape Town (UCT)
Source: UGC
- Address: Rondebosch, Cape Town, 7700
- Call: +27 (0)21 650 9111
- Email: admissions@uct.ac.za
- Website: uct.ac.za
UCT is one of Africa's leading higher education institutions and has a tradition of academic excellence that is respected worldwide.
How many points do I need to study at UCT?
The minimum APS score UCT accepts for a degree admission is 20 points.
What are the UCT requirements for admission to a bachelor's degree program?
The minimum admission requirement for the bachelor's degree is a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with at least 30% in a South African Language of Learning and Teaching (English or Afrikaans) and a rating of 4 (50% - 59%) in four 20-credit subjects.
What are the symbols for matric?
Matric symbols are the grades that you receive in your matric final examination. The highest symbol is A, and the lowest symbol is G. Below is a table to show you what matric subject symbols each symbol represents:
Symbol | Percentage score range | APS score |
A | 80 – 100% | 7 |
B | 70 – 79% | 6 |
C | 60 – 69% | 5 |
D | 50 – 59% | 4 |
E | 40 – 49% | 3 |
F | 30 – 39% | 2 |
G | 0 – 29% | 1 |
How to calculate APS score
Here is an example of a student's matric exam results and how to calculate the total APS score of this student:
Subject | Percentage score | APS score |
Mathematics | 60% | 5 |
English Home Language | 65% | 5 |
Afrikaans First Additional Language | 55% | 4 |
Life Orientation (it is excluded from APS score calculations) | 72% | _ |
Life Sciences | 86% | 7 |
Physical Sciences | 77% | 6 |
Business Studies | 63% | 5 |
Total APS score | 32 |
University admission requirements in South Africa for a bachelor's degree
The minimum requirements for a bachelor’s degree admission in a South African institution are:
- 40% for your Home Language
- 50% for four other Higher Credit subjects
- 30% for one other subject for the Senior Certificate or 30% for two other subjects for the National Senior Certificate
Admission requirements for the diploma
The minimum requirements for a diploma admission in a South African institution are:
- 40% for your Home Language
- 40% for four other High Credit subjects
- 30% for two other subjects for the National Senior Certificate
Admission requirements for Higher Certificate
The minimum admission requirements for a university to get a Higher Certificate are:
- 40% in your Home Language
- 40% in two other subjects
- 30% for three other subjects for the National Senior Certificate
- (One of your Home Languages must be English or Afrikaans to qualify for this certificate)
Admission requirements for the National Senior Certificate
The minimum requirements for one to get an NSC or "matric certificate" in South Africa are:
- Pass at least 3 subjects with a 40% mark. One of these subjects should be an official Home Language
- Pass at least 2 subjects with a 30% mark. One of these subjects should be a First Additional Language or Home Language
- You are allowed to fail 1 subject. The minimum percentage you can get for this subject is 20%
Source: UGC
What is the minimum APS score for university admission?
Your APS for university admission should be at least 15 points for a higher certificate, 19 points for a diploma, and 23 points for a degree course. Most universities enroll students with a minimum of 20 APS points and who meet the school's other admission requirements. Meanwhile, others expect you to have an APS Score of more than 23 points.
What is the highest APS score you can get?
The highest APS you can get is 42. Life Orientation does not count, so you will calculate your APS using six subjects. The maximum number of points you can earn in a subject is 7.
Which university has the lowest entry requirements?
Stellenbosch University (SU), the Durban University of Technology (DUT), the University of South Africa (UNISA), and the University of Cape Town (UCT) offer various courses you can be admitted to with a minimum APS score of 20.
Why should you know university entry requirements?
Admission requirements and procedures vary by university and course of study. Here are four key reasons why knowing a university's entry requirements is crucial.
- It helps students select appropriate courses.
- It establishes standards by which institutions can objectively assess students.
- It offers students clarity and understanding.
- It ensures admission to courses appropriate for each learner's strengths and abilities.
What happens if you don't meet university entry requirements in South Africa?
Consider taking a university preparation program if you still need to meet the requirements set by a specific institution. Most institutions of higher learning offer foundation training that covers basic academic knowledge, ensuring you have what you need to enroll in a degree course from that university.
Can you get into a university without entry requirements?
All universities require you to meet the APS scores and other stated entry requirements. Otherwise, your application will likely be unsuccessful.
Source: UGC
What are the minimum requirements to study at a university in South Africa?
Applicants holding the National Senior Certificate (NSC) need at least 20 APS score points to join a university in South Africa. One must pass at least 4 subjects at a rating of 4 (50-59%) or better in any four 20-credit NSC subjects.
What can you study with a 22 APS score?
You can pursue many degree courses in South Africa with a 22 APS score, depending on the university you apply to. For instance, the University of South Africa (UNISA), Stellenbosch University (SU), the Durban University of Technology (DUT), and the University of Cape Town (UCT) can admit you with 20 APS points, depending on the course you choose. Also, you must meet each school's additional admission requirements for the course you would like to apply to.
What are the easy universities to get into in South Africa?
The Durban University of Technology (DUT), Stellenbosch University (SU), the University of South Africa (UNISA), and the University of Cape Town (UCT) can admit you with 20 APS points. University of Venda (UNIVEN) requires 26 APS points, while the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg (WITS) requires 34 - 46 APS scores.
How can you get into a university in South Africa with low grades?
It is no secret that university admission can be challenging, especially if your academic results need to be on par. Fortunately, with determination and hard work, you can make this happen. Here are a few tips to follow on how to get into a university with low grades.
- Research institutions that accept students with lower grades.
- Ensure you have a proper application, including a well-written personal statement.
- Take a gap year and use it to improve your grades or gain work experience.
- Be prepared for an interview with your preferred university by perfecting your communication skills.
Which universities accept a diploma pass in South Africa?
Several universities in South Africa accept students with a diploma pass. They include the University of South Africa, Tshwane University of Technology, and Cape Peninsula University of Technology.
Which universities accept N6 in South Africa?
Several institutions accept an N6 Certificate for further studies or advanced entry into related programmes. Universities and colleges such as Tshwane University of Technology, Durban University of Technology, and University of South Africa may consider applicants with this qualification, depending on the course requirements.
Which courses require level 2 in mathematics in South Africa?
Courses that accept Mathematics Level 2 in South Africa are mostly found in education, humanities, creative arts, and some business diplomas. Admission requirements for specific programmes or courses differ by university, so applicants should always check the specific admission criteria for each programme.
Which private universities in South Africa have low entry requirements?
Private institutions such as Rosebank College, Boston City Campus, Varsity College, MANCOSA, and IIE MSA often have more flexible admission requirements, with some programmes accepting APS scores from about 15–20 or a Higher Certificate pass.
What are the Nelson Mandela University courses and requirements in 2026?
Nelson Mandela University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across several faculties. The institution provides programmes in fields such as Business, Engineering, Health Sciences, Law, Education, Humanities, and Science. Admission requirements vary by course.
While reviewing the list of universities with low entry requirements in South Africa, avoid the mindset that this is a choice between quantity and quality. Every society needs to provide education to its people because there can be no real development if the system only provides education to a select few with high academic qualifications.
Briefly.co.za listed South African universities with free online applications. Universities charge application fees to help fund the application review process. Since schools receive thousands of applications, reviewing each one takes time and costs money.
So, the application fee is intended to reduce the number of applications they receive. The fee discourages many unqualified applicants, thus enabling schools to handle and process manageable applications. Some South African universities don't mind incurring the application review costs or the time required for the process. Anyone can apply online for free.
Source: Briefly News
Ruth Gitonga (Lifestyle writer) Ruth Gitonga has a background experience in Mass Communication for over six years. She graduated from the University of Nairobi with a degree in Mass Communication in December 2014. In 2023, Ruth finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. She has worked for Briefly.co.za for seven years now. She specializes in topics like lifestyle, entertainment, travel, technology, and sports. Email: gitongaruth14@gmail.com.
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