Computer science requirements at South African universities come down to three things: a National Senior Certificate (NSC) that admits you to bachelor’s degree study, Mathematics (not Mathematical Literacy) at a high level, usually level 6 (70%+), and the university’s minimum Admission Point Score (APS). For the 2027 intake, the University of Pretoria asks for APS 30 with English level 5 and Mathematics level 6, and the University of Johannesburg asks for the same APS, English and Mathematics levels for its BSc in Computer Science and Informatics.
Meeting the minimum does not guarantee a place. Computer science is a limited-intake programme, and universities rank applicants on their results.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
Here are the published minimums for three universities’ undergraduate computer science degrees, for the 2027 intake.
- University of Pretoria (UP), BSc in Computer Science (12134002): APS 30, English level 5, Mathematics level 6. Three years full-time. Closing date 30 June 2026.
- University of Johannesburg (UJ), BSc in Computer Science and Informatics (B2I02Q): APS 30, English 5 (60%+), Mathematics 6 (70%+). Three years, Auckland Park Kingsway campus. Applications open from 1 April to 31 October 2026.
- UJ, BSc in Computer Science and Informatics (Extended): APS 26, English 4 (50%+), Mathematics 5 (60%+).
- Wits University, BSc in the field of Computer Science: APS 44+ on the Wits scale, English level 5, Mathematics level 6, and the National Benchmark Test (NBT). Three years. Closing date 30 September 2026.
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
A bachelor of comp sci (a BSc in Computer Science or a BSc with computer science as a major) is a degree, so you need an NSC or IEB certificate that endorses you for bachelor’s degree study. You then have to meet the faculty’s own minimums on top of that.
Mathematics is the subject that decides whether you qualify. UP says the degree includes a significant number of mathematics and natural sciences modules, because software development and computer science research rely on mathematical skill. Every programme listed above requires Mathematics, so if you took Mathematical Literacy you will not meet the requirements for computer science.
If your Mathematics mark is just below the mainstream level, look at an extended programme. UJ’s extended BSc in Computer Science and Informatics accepts Mathematics 5 (60%+), English 4 (50%+) and APS 26.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
The subject minimums for computer science qualifications are almost always the same two: English and Mathematics. None of the programmes above lists Physical Sciences or Information Technology as a compulsory school subject.
APS figures cannot be compared directly between universities, because each one calculates the score differently:
- UP excludes Life Orientation from the APS, so its minimum of 30 counts your other subjects only.
- Wits counts your best seven subjects including Life Orientation (at a lower weighting) and adds bonus points for higher marks in English and Mathematics. That is why its computer science minimum is 44+. Wits says applicants with 41 to 43 points may be wait-listed, depending on space.
- UJ publishes its APS minimum on each programme page. Check the calculation method in the UJ undergraduate prospectus.
Names differ between universities, but the qualification is the same kind of degree. UJ calls it a BSc in Computer Science and Informatics, and it also offers a version specialising in artificial intelligence with its own entry requirements. At Wits it is a BSc in the field of Computer Science, with computer science and computational applications as majors. At UP it is a stand-alone BSc in Computer Science in the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology.
Documents and Application Requirements
You apply online, directly to each university. Have these ready:
- Your identity document or passport
- Your final Grade 11 results if you are in Grade 12 now, or your final NSC or equivalent results if you have finished school (this is UP’s rule)
- Your NBT results, if you are applying to Wits Faculty of Science. You must write the NBT by 31 October 2026
- Academic records from any previous institution, if you are transferring
- The university’s guidance for your certificate, if it was not issued by Umalusi. UP publishes a separate international prospectus for these applicants
For UP, you can track your application on the UP Student Portal. Successful applicants must accept or reject their offer by 30 September, and must still meet the minimum requirements with their final results to keep the place.
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
Computer science has more applicants than places. UP ranks applicants on their final Grade 11 or 12 results and says competition for places in some programmes is exceptionally strong. It sends feedback by mid-August. Wits also has a fixed number of first-year places, approved by the Department of Higher Education and Training. So scoring well above the minimum improves your chances more than just meeting it.
Put a second choice on your application. UP suggests the BSc in Information Systems (Information and Knowledge Systems) and the BCom specialising in Information Systems as second choices for Computer Science. At UJ, the extended programme is the route if your marks are one level short.
Transferring students are considered on their school results and their university record. UP will not consider applicants who were academically excluded from another institution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements for computer science?
You need an NSC endorsed for bachelor’s degree study, Mathematics at level 6 (70%+) at most universities, English at level 5 (60%+), and the university’s minimum APS. The APS is 30 at UP and at UJ, and 44+ on the Wits scale.
What are the computer science requirements at UP?
For 2027, UP’s BSc in Computer Science requires APS 30 (not counting Life Orientation), English Home Language or First Additional Language at level 5, and Mathematics at level 6. Applications closed on 30 June 2026.
Can I study computer science with Mathematical Literacy?
No, not at the universities on this page. All of their programmes require Mathematics. Look at IT diplomas or higher certificates instead, and check what each one requires.
What is computer science and informatics?
It is the name UJ uses for its three-year BSc in computer science, taught by the Academy of Computer Science and Software Engineering. It requires APS 30, English 5 and Mathematics 6. There is also an extended version with lower entry requirements.
Do I need Physical Sciences or IT as a school subject?
Neither is a listed minimum for the UP, UJ or Wits computer science degrees above. English and Mathematics are the subjects that count. Check the programme page each year, because requirements can change.
Does meeting the minimum APS guarantee a place?
No. UP, UJ and Wits all have limited places and select on results, so the effective cut-off is often higher than the published minimum.
These figures are from each university’s official programme pages for the 2027 intake, and they change every year. Before you apply, confirm the requirements and closing dates on the UP programme page, the UJ programme page or the Wits course finder. Next, see the general admission requirements guide.
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