A BCom in Economics is a quantitative degree. That single fact explains most of its entry requirements: economics at university level is built on mathematics, statistics and econometrics, so the mathematics requirement is firm and non-negotiable at almost every institution.
Applicants who assume a commerce degree is a soft alternative to a science degree are the ones who struggle, both at the application stage and in first year.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
Entry requires a bachelor’s pass and a strong mathematics result.
- A National Senior Certificate with admission to bachelor’s degree study requires at least 40% in your home language, at least 50% in four subjects from the designated subject list, and at least 30% in two further subjects.
- Mathematics at the level the faculty requires — Mathematical Literacy is generally not accepted for a BCom Economics
- English at the level required by the institution
- An APS meeting the programme minimum, which differs by university
- A South African ID, or a passport and study visa for international applicants
- Application by the university’s closing date, which for many institutions falls mid-year
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
Mathematics is where applications are decided. Commerce faculties typically set a minimum achievement level in Mathematics specifically, and an applicant who meets the overall APS but falls short on that level will be declined.
Accounting is useful but not usually compulsory for an economics stream, unlike for accounting-focused BCom degrees where it often is. If you are choosing between BCom streams, check the subject requirements separately — they are not uniform across a commerce faculty.
Economics itself as a school subject is not generally required. Universities teach it from first principles, and having taken it at school is an advantage rather than a prerequisite.
Where your mathematics result falls short, extended or foundation commerce programmes exist at several universities. They add a year and provide a supported route into the degree, and are a better outcome than a declined application.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
Most South African universities calculate an Admission Point Score (APS) from your best six 20-credit NSC subjects on a seven-point scale, giving a maximum of 42. Life Orientation is excluded at most institutions, and level 1 subjects generally do not count. Each university publishes its own APS table and programme minimums, and these are revised annually, so confirm the figure for your intake year with the institution itself.
Programme minimums vary widely for the same degree name. A BCom Economics at a research-intensive university and at a smaller institution can differ substantially in required APS, so check each one individually rather than working from a single number.
Consider what the degree leads to when choosing electives. Economics graduates move into financial services, government and policy work, consulting, and research. Combining economics with statistics, econometrics, finance or data science materially widens the options, and some of those combinations must be chosen at registration rather than later.
Postgraduate study in economics is quantitatively demanding. If honours or a master’s is the plan, take the mathematics and statistics modules seriously from first year, because entry into good postgraduate programmes is assessed on those specifically.
Documents and Application Requirements
Applications run through each university’s own system, and closing dates for the following year often fall mid-year.
- Certified copy of your South African ID, or passport for international applicants
- Grade 11 final results and Grade 12 mid-year results when applying
- Final National Senior Certificate once available
- Proof of payment of the application fee where one is charged
- Proof of residence, where required
- For transferring students: academic transcripts and a certificate of conduct from the previous institution
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
Commerce faculties are among the largest in South African universities, but popular programmes still fill on APS. Apply early and to more than one institution.
Funding is worth addressing in parallel. NSFAS funds qualifying students at public universities, and corporate bursaries in financial services and accounting are widely available — most with deadlines well before registration.
- Apply to several universities and check each one’s mathematics requirement separately
- Confirm whether the specific BCom stream requires Accounting
- Consider an extended programme if your mathematics result falls short
- Apply for NSFAS and bursaries early — deadlines usually precede registration
- Choose electives with postgraduate study or a career direction in mind
- Check closing dates, which for many institutions fall mid-year
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need Mathematics for a BCom Economics?
Almost always, yes. Mathematical Literacy is generally not accepted, because the degree includes statistics and econometrics from early on.
Do I need Economics as a school subject?
Usually not. Universities teach it from first principles. Having taken it helps but is rarely a requirement.
Is Accounting required?
Not usually for an economics stream, though it often is for accounting-focused BCom degrees. Check the specific stream’s requirements.
What if my APS is too low?
Extended or foundation commerce programmes at several universities add a year and provide a supported route into the degree.
APS minimums, subject requirements and closing dates differ by university and change each year. Confirm current requirements directly with the institutions you are applying to.