Actuarial science has among the highest entry requirements of any South African undergraduate degree. It requires a bachelor pass with a high APS and a strong result in Mathematics, and Mathematical Literacy is never accepted. Institutions commonly require Mathematics well above the level asked for other degrees.
Qualifying as an actuary takes considerably longer than the degree. After graduating you write professional examinations set by an actuarial body and complete a work-based requirement, which together typically take several more years.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
Entry is assessed on the following, and mathematics dominates.
- A bachelor pass with a high APS, among the highest of any programme
- Mathematics at a high level, with Mathematical Literacy not accepted
- English at the level the institution requires
- For some institutions, an additional selection test or a higher mathematics threshold
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
Actuarial programmes are small and heavily oversubscribed, so the published minimum understates what is actually needed. Institutions frequently set a specific Mathematics threshold above the general APS requirement, and admission is effectively determined by that mathematics result.
The degree itself is demanding and attrition is high. Students who scrape in at the minimum frequently struggle, which is part of why institutions set the bar where they do.
If you do not meet the requirements, related routes include mathematical statistics, mathematics, financial mathematics or a BCom with a strong quantitative major. Several of these allow you to write actuarial examinations later, since the professional qualification is separate from the degree.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
Mathematics is the requirement that decides everything. Mathematical Literacy is not accepted at any institution for actuarial science, and Technical Mathematics is generally not accepted either.
Because programmes set a specific Mathematics minimum in addition to the APS, a high overall APS carried by other subjects will not compensate for a weaker mathematics result. Check the mathematics threshold separately from the APS.
Advanced Programme Mathematics, where offered, is viewed positively and is required or recommended at some institutions. Confirm whether it counts towards the APS at the institution you are applying to.
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
Places are limited and competition is severe, so apply to more than one institution and apply early. Some institutions run their own selection tests in addition to matric results.
Understand the full path before committing. The degree is the beginning: professional examinations and a work-based requirement follow, and many people take several years beyond graduation to qualify fully. Employers commonly support this while you work.
Confirm the professional qualification requirements with the actuarial professional body directly, since the examination structure and the exemptions available from each university degree are set by the profession rather than by the university.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I study actuarial science with Mathematical Literacy?
No. Mathematical Literacy is not accepted for actuarial science at South African institutions.
What APS do I need?
It is among the highest of any programme and differs by institution, and a separate Mathematics threshold usually applies on top. Check both figures with each institution.
How long does it take to qualify as an actuary?
The degree is the first step. Professional examinations and a work-based requirement follow, commonly taking several more years.
What are the alternatives if I am not accepted?
Mathematical statistics, mathematics, financial mathematics or a quantitative BCom. Several allow you to write actuarial examinations later.
Confirm the professional examination and exemption structure with the actuarial professional body. Confirm the exact APS, subject levels and closing dates with each institution for your intake year, since these differ between institutions and change between years. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.