University Requirements 2026 — APS & Subject Requirements for All 26 SA Universities
Every one of South Africa's 26 public universities sets its own APS requirements and subject prerequisites for each programme. Whether you are applying to UCT, Wits, UNISA, or a university of technology, understanding exactly what is needed — and how your matric marks translate into an APS score — is essential for successful applications in 2026. This guide gives you the key APS ranges and subject requirements at all major South African institutions.
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- TVET Colleges — Always Free: All 50 public TVET colleges in South Africa charge no application fee. If cost is a barrier, TVET colleges are the most accessible post-school pathway. Explore TVET Colleges →
- Lowest university fee (R100): UCT, Wits, Stellenbosch, UFS, Rhodes, UWC, WSU, UFH, Univen, UniZulu, SPU, CUT, and CPUT — the most affordable university application fees in SA.
- Fee waivers: Most universities offer application fee exemptions for financially disadvantaged applicants. Check each institution's Financial Aid or Admissions office before the deadline.
APS Requirements at South Africa's Top Universities — 2026 Entry
| University | Province | Lowest Entry APS | Application Fee | Highest Demand Programme |
|---|
| UCT (University of Cape Town) | Western Cape | 30 | R100 | Medicine 40–42, Engineering 36+, Law 36+ |
| Wits (University of the Witwatersrand) | Gauteng | 28 | R100 | MBBCh 40–42, Engineering 36+, Law 35+ |
| Stellenbosch (SU) | Western Cape | 28 | R100 | Medicine 40+, Engineering 35+, Law 34+ |
| UP (University of Pretoria) | Gauteng | 24 | R300 | Health Sciences 38+, Engineering 35+, Law 32+ |
| UKZN (KwaZulu-Natal) | KwaZulu-Natal | 22 | R250 | Medicine 38+, Engineering 34+, Law 30+ |
| UJ (University of Johannesburg) | Gauteng | 22 | R200 | Engineering 34+, BCom 28–34, Law 30+ |
| NWU (North-West University) | North West | 22 | R150 | Law 30–34, BCom 26–32, Pharmacy 34+ |
| UFS (University of the Free State) | Free State | 20 | R100 | Medicine 36+, Law 28–34, Engineering 30+ |
| UNISA | Gauteng (Distance) | 18 | R135 | BCom Accounting 28–32 (includes Life Orientation in APS) |
| TUT (Tshwane University of Technology) | Gauteng | 18 | R240 | Engineering Diploma 22–28, IT Diploma 20–24 |
Critical Facts Every Applicant Needs to Know
- APS alone is not always sufficient. Competitive programmes like Medicine and Engineering require specific subject minimums in addition to a high overall APS. Medicine needs Pure Maths 70%+ AND Physical Sciences 70%+; Engineering needs Pure Maths 60%+ and Physical Sciences 60%+ — regardless of your total APS.
- UCT requires the NBT (National Benchmark Test) for most programmes. This test measures academic literacy and quantitative reasoning. Your NBT score affects placement and, in some cases, admission decisions.
- UNISA calculates APS differently. UNISA includes Life Orientation in their APS, giving you up to 7 additional points compared to the standard 6-subject calculation used by all other universities.
- Mathematical Literacy closes doors. Most STEM programmes, BCom Accounting, Computer Science, and Architecture require pure Mathematics as a prerequisite. Mathematical Literacy is not accepted for these programmes, regardless of your APS total.
- Application deadlines vary significantly. Most universities open applications between April and September. Engineering and Health Sciences faculties often close in June or July. Apply early — late applications are rarely considered.
- Some programmes need additional assessments — Music (audition), Fine Art and Architecture (portfolio), Social Work and Psychology (personality assessment), and Teaching (interview at some institutions).
How to Calculate Your APS and Check University Eligibility
The fastest and most accurate way to check which programmes you qualify for is Career Helper's free APS Calculator. Enter your subject marks once and instantly see your APS for all 26 South African universities simultaneously — including UNISA's unique Life Orientation-inclusive calculation, institution-specific weighting differences, and programme-by-programme qualification status. No registration required.