Embarking on your higher education journey means understanding the university minimum requirements for 2026 across South African institutions.
Knowing these requirements early on can significantly increase your chances of gaining admission and preparing adequately for your chosen course.
What Are the University Minimum Requirements?
The university minimum requirements are the baseline academic standards that prospective students must meet to be considered for admission to undergraduate degree programs in South Africa.
These requirements ensure that students are sufficiently prepared for tertiary study and vary slightly between universities and courses.
Important: 2026 University Application Dates for South African Institutions
National Senior Certificate (NSC)
The most fundamental aspect of the university minimum requirements is holding a valid National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a Bachelor’s Pass. This pass indicates you have met the minimum grade and subject level standards necessary for university entrance. Specifically, these requirements typically include:
- Home Language: Level 4 (50–59%)
- First Additional Language: Level 4 (50–59%)
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy: Level 3 (40–49%) or higher, depending on your chosen field of study
- Life Orientation: Level 4 (50–59%)
- Other Subjects: Minimum Level 3 (40–49%) or higher
Admission Point Score (APS)
Beyond passing your subjects, South African universities use the Admission Point Score (APS) system to evaluate applications based on academic performance. The APS is a key metric within the broader university admission requirements and assigns points to your final grades in key subjects:
- 90–100%: 8 points
- 80–89%: 7 points
- 70–79%: 6 points
- 60–69%: 5 points
- 50–59%: 4 points
- 40–49%: 3 points
- 30–39%: 2 points
- 0–29%: 1 point
Your APS is calculated by adding points from your six best subjects, excluding Life Orientation in most cases. Different universities and programs require varying minimum APS scores as part of their university admission requirements.
Program-Specific University Admission Requirements
Different degree programs have tailored university minimum requirements to reflect the skills needed for success in those fields. Here are some examples:
Medicine
Medicine programs are highly competitive, and the university minimum requirements for admission typically include:
- A minimum APS of around 38
- Compulsory subjects such as Mathematics, Physical Science, Life Science, Life Orientation, and English
Meeting these requirements is crucial but does not guarantee admission, as many universities apply further selection criteria.
Engineering
Engineering faculties usually set these university minimum requirements:
- Minimum APS of approximately 35
- Compulsory subjects with higher achievement levels, including Mathematics (Level 6), Physical Science (Level 6), and English (Level 5)
These ensure candidates possess strong quantitative and analytical skills.
Law
Law programs have their own set of university minimum requirements:
- Minimum APS around 30
- Strong performance in English (Level 5) and other academic subjects
These requirements reflect the importance of language proficiency and critical thinking skills for legal studies.
Learn More: Understanding the APS Calculator: A Guide to Maximising Your University Admission Points for 2025
Additional University Minimum Requirements and Considerations
- Many universities require applicants to take the National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) to supplement their application. These tests assess academic readiness beyond your school results.
- Some courses may have extra requirements like portfolios or auditions, which form part of the overall university minimum requirements.
- If you have international qualifications, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) must evaluate them to meet local university minimum requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How is the APS calculated for university admission?
A: APS is calculated by assigning points to your top six subject grades (usually excluding Life Orientation). Each subject’s percentage corresponds to a point value, which are then summed to get your APS total. Universities set minimum APS thresholds as part of their university minimum requirements.
Q: Do university minimum requirements differ by course or faculty?
A: Yes. Courses like Medicine, Engineering, and Law have specific subject and APS requirements. For example, Medicine typically requires a higher APS and passes in Physical Sciences and Mathematics.
Q: Are NBTs part of the university minimum requirements?
A: Many universities include NBTs to assess your readiness for university study. While not always mandatory, they often form part of the overall university minimum requirements and can influence admission decisions.
Q: Can I apply with an international qualification?
A: Yes, but your qualification must be evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) to ensure it meets the local university minimum requirements.
Understanding the university minimum requirements for 2026 is essential for all prospective students. These standards act as your roadmap to successfully applying for admission across South African universities. By ensuring that you meet or exceed these minimum requirements, you position yourself strongly for acceptance and academic success.
Always check the specific university minimum requirements for your preferred institution and program, as they may vary and evolve each academic year. For the latest details, visit official university websites or consult the Department of Basic Education’s resources.
