Actuarial science has some of the highest entry requirements of any South African undergraduate degree, and each university sets its own. For the 2027 intake, the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) asks for an APS of 44 or more with Level 7 in Mathematics, English and Physical Science, while Stellenbosch asks for 80% in Mathematics and an 80% average at minimum.
The degree is only the first step. Qualifying as an actuary means passing the Actuarial Society of South Africa (ASSA) examinations and building work-based skills, which ASSA says usually takes three to eight years.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
Requirements below are the published minimums for the 2027 intake (Stellenbosch’s page is undated). Actuarial science is a mathematics-led degree, so Mathematics sets the bar.
- Wits, BSc Actuarial Science: APS 44+, with English (Home or First Additional Language), Mathematics and Physical Science all at Level 7 (Wits course page)
- University of Johannesburg (UJ), BSc Mathematical Sciences (Actuarial Science): minimum APS 40, English Level 5 (60%+), Mathematics Level 7 (80%+) (UJ 2027 undergraduate prospectus)
- University of Pretoria (UP), BSc Actuarial and Financial Mathematics: APS 36, English Level 5, Mathematics Level 7 (UP programme page)
- Stellenbosch, BCom Actuarial Science: NSC average of 80% across your six best subjects (excluding Life Orientation), Mathematics 80%, Home Language 60% (Stellenbosch programme page)
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
Nationally, a bachelor’s degree needs an NSC with at least 30% in the institution’s language of learning and teaching and a rating of 4 (50-59%) or better in four 20-credit subjects. Actuarial programmes sit far above that floor.
Stellenbosch is explicit that the minimum is not the realistic mark: it says Mathematics of at least 85% and an NSC average of at least 85% are what to aim for. If English is not your Home Language, Stellenbosch asks for 75% in English First Additional Language. Meeting a minimum at UJ does not guarantee a place either.
ASSA notes that each university has its own acceptance criteria, so contact your chosen university to find out more.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
Mathematics decides your application. Every programme above asks for Level 7 (80%+) Mathematics or its equivalent mark, so a high APS built on other subjects will not make up for a weaker Mathematics result. Check the Mathematics level separately from the APS. Wits also asks for Level 7 in Physical Science.
APS is worked out differently by each university. UJ and UP both exclude Life Orientation, and UJ counts your six best subjects. Use the figure published by the university for your intake year.
A degree at an ASSA-accredited university can earn you exemptions from ASSA examinations. Stellenbosch says successful students can obtain up to 8 exemptions, and UJ’s degree offers exemption recommendations for ASSA subjects A111 to A213. ASSA’s qualification roadmap explains how Part A1 subjects are credited.
Documents and Application Requirements
Each university runs its own application. Wits requires every Faculty of Science applicant to write the National Benchmark Tests (Academic and Quantitative Literacy plus Mathematics) by 31 October 2026; Wits uses the results with your Grade 12 results to identify students who need additional support.
Each university lists its own required documents and any application fee on its application page, so check the list for your programme before you apply.
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
Dates for the 2027 intake, as published, are as follows. Check each university’s page for the current position.
- Wits: applications for this programme closed on 30 September 2026. Applicants with 44+ points, English Level 6, Mathematics Level 7 and Physical Sciences Level 7 may be wait-listed, subject to places
- UJ: applications close on 31 October 2026 at 12:00
- UP: the 2027 programme page shows a closing date of 30 June 2026, so it has closed
If you have missed a closing date, ask the university whether late applications or wait-lists are open. After the degree, ASSA says to become an Associate or Fellow you must pass its examinations (or be exempted) and attain satisfactory work-based skills. There is no age limit for joining the profession. See ASSA: becoming an actuary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the actuarial science requirements?
They are set by each university. For 2027, Wits asks for APS 44+ with Level 7 in Mathematics, English and Physical Science, UJ for APS 40 with Mathematics Level 7, UP for APS 36 with Mathematics Level 7, and Stellenbosch for 80% in Mathematics and an 80% average.
What are the UJ actuarial science requirements?
UJ’s BSc in Mathematical Sciences (Actuarial Science), code B2M52Q at Auckland Park Kingsway, lists a minimum APS of 40, English Level 5 (60%+) and Mathematics Level 7 (80%+) for 2027. Applications close on 31 October 2026 at 12:00, and meeting the minimum does not guarantee a place.
What are the UP actuarial science requirements?
UP’s BSc in Actuarial and Financial Mathematics lists APS 36, English Level 5 and Mathematics Level 7 for the 2027 intake, with Life Orientation excluded from the APS. Its 2027 closing date was 30 June 2026.
Can I study actuarial science with Mathematical Literacy?
Not on the requirements above. Every programme listed asks for a high Mathematics mark (Level 7 or 80%), and none lists Mathematical Literacy as an alternative. Confirm with the university if you are unsure.
How long does it take to qualify as an actuary?
ASSA says qualifying usually takes between three and eight years, covering its examinations (studied by distance learning) and work-based skills. Exemptions earned during your degree can shorten the exam load.
What are the alternatives if I am not accepted?
ASSA credits its Part A1 subjects either through an exemption recommendation from a degree at an ASSA-accredited university or by writing the ASSA examination. If you do not meet a university’s requirements, ask ASSA how a different degree or the exams alone would count.
Confirm the professional route with ASSA and the exact APS, subject levels and closing dates with each university for your intake year. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.