Cum laude means “with distinction”. It is an academic distinction awarded on graduation for a high average, and there is no national standard: each South African university sets its own rule in its academic regulations. Unisa and UKZN both use an average of 75%, with further conditions.
Because the threshold and the calculation differ by institution, your own university’s rules are the only reliable answer for your situation.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
Unisa. A qualification is passed with distinction (cum laude) when you have passed all modules for the qualification at Unisa, passed all final-level modules at the first attempt, and attained an overall average of 75% or higher. See the Unisa rules for students (2024 edition).
UKZN (bachelor’s degrees, College of Law and Management Studies 2025). You need a credit-weighted average of at least 75% in the modules required for the qualification, all modules passed at the first attempt without supplementary examinations, and completion in the prescribed minimum time. Summa cum laude is awarded at 80%. See the UKZN CLMS handbook 2025.
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
Cum laude is not an admission requirement. It is decided on your results after you have completed the qualification, so the question is which marks and which modules count.
Other universities, including the University of Pretoria and the University of Cape Town, publish their own faculty rules, and the test is not always a single average. Read the rules of your own faculty rather than assuming 75% applies.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
No matric subjects or APS apply to cum laude. What matters is how the average is calculated. At Unisa the overall average and all final-level modules count. At UKZN the average is credit-weighted over the modules required for the qualification, so a module with more credits carries more weight than a simple average would give it.
Rules differ between institutions and faculties, so ask your faculty which modules and weighting apply to you.
Documents and Application Requirements
You do not apply for cum laude. The university decides it from your academic record when you complete the qualification. To check your position, read your faculty’s regulations or handbook and ask your faculty office which modules are included and how the average is weighted.
If you believe an award was wrongly withheld, raise it with your faculty office through the university’s results query process before graduation if you can.
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
Two conditions that catch students out are first-attempt passes and time. At Unisa all final-level modules must be passed at the first attempt. At UKZN every module must be passed at the first attempt without supplementary examinations, and the qualification must be completed in the minimum time. Check early whether a repeated module or an extra year affects your own award.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does cum laude mean in South Africa?
Cum laude is the “with distinction” predicate on a qualification. Unisa, for example, passes a qualification with distinction (cum laude) when you have an overall average of 75% or higher and meet its first-attempt conditions.
What average do I need for cum laude?
Unisa and UKZN both require 75%. UKZN awards summa cum laude at 80%. Other universities set their own figure, so confirm it in your university’s regulations.
Does a failed module disqualify me?
At Unisa, all final-level modules must be passed at the first attempt. At UKZN, all modules must be passed at the first attempt without supplementary examinations. Other universities have their own rules.
Which modules count towards the average?
It depends on the institution. Unisa counts the overall average across the qualification, with final-level modules passed first time. UKZN uses a credit-weighted average over the modules required for the qualification.
Do I have to apply for it?
No. The university assesses your record and awards the distinction itself. Ask your faculty office if you want to know where you stand.
Confirm the rule for your qualification with your university’s faculty office or its academic regulations. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.