The University of KwaZulu-Natal calculates its Academic Performance Score by adding the performance levels for six National Senior Certificate subjects, excluding Life Orientation. Where you took more than seven subjects, the calculation uses English, Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, and your best remaining ratings to make up six.
UKZN states explicitly that meeting the minimum score does not guarantee a place, because the university receives more applications than it can accommodate. Selection within quotas is done on academic merit.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
UKZN assesses applications on the following.
- A National Senior Certificate with the endorsement required for the qualification type
- The Academic Performance Score, calculated from six subjects excluding Life Orientation
- The specific subject requirements for the programme
- Additional criteria for some programmes, such as a portfolio, audition or interview
- Selection within quotas on academic merit
- A separate ranking process for Medicine
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
Academic ranking for programmes other than Medicine is based on the Academic Performance Score obtained in the National Senior Certificate examinations. Medicine uses its own selection process.
Published examples include Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Social Sciences degrees, which require a National Senior Certificate with a bachelor pass and a minimum of 28 points across a minimum of seven subjects including English and Life Orientation.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
Where a subject specifically required for entry to a programme is not included in the APS calculation, UKZN may adjust the score accordingly. That adjustment can work against you, so check which subjects count for your programme.
Programme-specific APS minimums and subject requirements differ across faculties and are revised between intake years, so confirm them against the current prospectus for the year you are applying for rather than relying on figures published elsewhere.
Documents and Application Requirements
Applications normally require the following.
- A certified copy of your identity document
- Your National Senior Certificate or latest statement of results
- Proof of the application fee, where one is charged
- Your final matric results, used to confirm any conditional offer
- A SAQA evaluation certificate, if you hold a foreign qualification
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
Certain programmes impose additional criteria beyond the score, including a portfolio of work, an audition or an interview. Establish whether yours does well before the closing date, since these take preparation.
UKZN operates across several campuses and the same programme is not offered at every one. Confirm where your programme runs before applying, since campus affects both the requirement and your practical arrangements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does UKZN calculate the APS?
By adding the performance levels for six NSC subjects, excluding Life Orientation. Where more than seven subjects were taken, English and a mathematics subject are included plus your best remaining ratings.
Does meeting the minimum guarantee admission?
No. UKZN states explicitly that it receives more applications than it can accommodate, and selection within quotas is on academic merit.
Do any programmes have extra requirements?
Yes. Some impose a portfolio, audition or interview. Establish this well before the closing date.
Is Medicine selected differently?
Yes. Academic ranking by APS applies to programmes other than Medicine, which uses its own process.
Source: University of KwaZulu-Natal official undergraduate selection pages, checked August 2026. Confirm programme-specific requirements and campus offerings against the current UKZN prospectus. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.