Architecture requirements in South Africa are set by each university, so they differ sharply. For the 2027 intake, Wits asks for an APS of 29 or more, 50% in Mathematics and 50% in English, while UJ asks for an APS of 30 with 60% in both English and Mathematics. Mathematical Literacy is not accepted at either.
Meeting the minimum is not enough on its own. Architecture programmes are small and selective, and Wits also weighs a written and graphic exercise and a possible interview. Becoming a registered architect is a separate step, handled by the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP).
Entry Requirements at a Glance
These are the three programmes whose 2027 requirements we have checked against the universities’ own publications.
- Wits Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS, 3 years): Wits APS of 29 or higher, at least 50% in Mathematics, and at least 50% in English Home or First Additional Language. Mathematical Literacy is not accepted.
- UJ Bachelor of Architecture (B8BA3Q, 3 years): minimum APS of 30, English at level 5 (60%+) and Mathematics at level 5 (60%+). Mathematical Literacy and Technical Mathematics are not accepted.
- University of Pretoria BSc in Architecture (code 12132031): English at level 5, Mathematics at level 4, Physical Sciences at level 4 and an APS of 30 for the 2027 intake. UP considers the programme only as a first study choice, and selection runs through four elimination rounds: academic merit, homework assignments, selection tests and interviews. See UP’s programme page.
- Other universities: SACAP lists several more programmes (see below). Their APS, subject and selection requirements differ, so check each one before you apply.
Details for Wits are on the Wits course page; UJ publishes its figures in its 2027 undergraduate prospectus on the UJ undergraduate admissions pages.
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
A first degree is only the start of the path. Under the Architectural Profession Act 44 of 2000, people practise in registered categories, and nobody may practise in a category unless registered in it. Candidates may work only under the supervision of a professional.
To register as a professional, you must show competence against the standards SACAP sets for that category and pass any additional examinations the council determines. The professional categories are:
- Professional Architect
- Professional Senior Architectural Technologist
- Professional Architectural Technologist
- Professional Architectural Draughtsperson
SACAP’s registration categories page also lists Apprentice, Student and Building Control Officer. Registration fees, forms and processing times are published by SACAP, so ask the council directly.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
Mathematics is the subject that matters most in the two sets of requirements above, and Mathematical Literacy is not accepted at either university. UJ calculates its APS from your six best subjects, excluding Life Orientation. For Wits, the APS is the Wits APS score rather than a general one, so use the Wits calculation.
SACAP lists its validated learning sites, which are the programmes it recognises for registration. For architects these include programmes at UP (BScArch, BArch Hons, MArch Prof), UJ, UCT, Wits, UKZN, UFS, NMU and TUT. The technology routes include CPUT (National Diploma and BTech in Architectural Technology), DUT (BBE in Architecture) and Inscape (Higher Certificate in Architectural Technology, NQF 5). Check the SACAP list before you choose a programme, because only validated programmes lead towards registration.
The entry requirements of UCT, UKZN and TUT are set by each university and change from year to year. Ask the faculty for the current figures.
Documents and Application Requirements
Wits BAS applicants first apply online through the general undergraduate process, then upload two set exercises. For 2027 entry the online application closed on 30 June 2026 and the exercises were due by 31 July 2026, so that window has passed. Exercises sent by email are not accepted. Applicants invited to interview may upload additional portfolio material, but a portfolio is not a stand-alone requirement for the BAS. The BAS application process document sets out the process, so check it for the next cycle.
UP’s closing date for 2027 entry was 30 June 2026, so that window has closed. UJ’s 2027 applications close on 31 October 2026 at 12:00. Confirm the documents UJ asks for on its admissions pages when you apply.
For any other university, get the application dates, documents and any portfolio or aptitude task from its architecture department. These differ by institution.
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
At Wits, the written and graphic exercise, the interview and your Wits APS are weighed equally. A strong APS alone does not secure a place. UJ states that meeting its minimum does not guarantee a place.
Before committing, check that the programme is validated by SACAP, because your degree is only the first stage of registration. Registration requires the competence assessment and any examinations SACAP prescribes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements for architecture at Wits?
For the BAS you need a Wits APS of 29 or higher, at least 50% in Mathematics and at least 50% in English. Selection also rests on a written and graphic exercise and a possible interview, weighted equally with your APS.
What are the requirements for architecture at UJ?
The Bachelor of Architecture needs an APS of at least 30, with 60% or more in English and in Mathematics, for the 2027 intake. Mathematical Literacy and Technical Mathematics are not accepted.
Can I study architecture with Mathematical Literacy?
Not at Wits or UJ, where Mathematical Literacy is not accepted. Ask other universities for their own rules.
What is the difference between an architect and an architectural technologist?
They are separate registration categories under the Architectural Profession Act, each with its own SACAP registration requirements. See the registration categories page to compare them.
Are there shorter routes into the profession?
SACAP validates technology programmes at CPUT, DUT and Inscape, including an NQF 5 Higher Certificate in Architectural Technology. These lead towards the technologist and draughtsperson categories rather than the architect category. Confirm the exact path with SACAP.
Confirm entry requirements with each university and registration with SACAP. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.