Occupational therapy requirements in South Africa depend on the university, but all of them ask for Mathematics (or, at UCT, Mathematical Literacy at a higher mark) and a science subject. UCT, for example, asks for English 65%, Mathematics 60% and Physical or Life Science 65%, with an APS of at least 340. Stellenbosch, Wits and the University of Pretoria set their own, different minimums.
Occupational therapy is a four-year degree followed by community service and registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). It focuses on function and participation in daily activities, where physiotherapy focuses on physical movement and rehabilitation. The figures below come from each university and change between intakes, so check the year you are applying for.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
- UCT (BSc Occupational Therapy): English Home Language or First Additional Language 65%; Mathematics 60% or Mathematical Literacy 70%; Physical Science or Life Science 65%; your next three best subjects at 60% (excluding Life Orientation); an APS of at least 340; and the NBT in the Intermediate range. UCT does not state the intake year on its page.
- Stellenbosch University (Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, 2027 intake): an NSC aggregate of at least 60% (level 5, excluding Life Orientation), Mathematics 50% (level 4) and Life Sciences 50% (level 4). Physical Sciences is strongly recommended.
- Wits (BSc Occupational Therapy, 2027 intake): English Home Language or First Additional Language, Mathematics, and Life Sciences and/or Physical Sciences, each at level 4.
- University of Pretoria (Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, 2027 intake): English, Mathematics and Physical Sciences at level 4, and an APS of 30.
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
All four universities treat these as minimums, not guarantees. UCT says places are limited and selection is competitive, and Stellenbosch says meeting the minimum is no guarantee of selection.
Stellenbosch is raising its bar. For the 2028 intake it asks for an aggregate of at least 65% (level 5), Mathematics 50% (level 5) and Life Sciences 65% (level 5). If you are planning ahead, aim for the higher figures.
You must also meet HPCSA registration requirements. Stellenbosch cancels the registration of students who do not, and says that after a year of community service you may register with the HPCSA as an occupational therapist.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
Mathematics is required everywhere, but Mathematical Literacy is not always ruled out: UCT accepts it at 70% as an alternative to Mathematics at 60%. The other three universities above list Mathematics at level 4 or 50%, so check before you rely on Mathematical Literacy anywhere else.
The science requirement differs more than people expect:
- UCT accepts Physical Science or Life Science.
- Wits accepts Life Sciences and/or Physical Sciences.
- Stellenbosch requires Life Sciences and strongly recommends Physical Sciences.
- The University of Pretoria requires Physical Sciences.
Points are calculated differently at each university: UCT works with an APS of 340 and the NBT, Pretoria with an APS of 30, and Wits ranks applicants on a Composite Index (75% from five matric subjects and 25% from the NBT). The in-person NBT is required for Wits.
Documents and Application Requirements
Apply directly through the university you choose. Wits applications are made through the Wits undergraduate application page, and UCT through its online application.
Wits also requires a job-shadowing certificate of at least 16 hours, completed between 1 July 2025 and 31 July 2026 for the 2027 intake. Without it you will not be considered. Ask the other universities whether they require job shadowing; either way, shadowing an occupational therapist is a good way to confirm the career is right for you.
Closing dates for the 2027 intake: Wits closed on 30 June 2026 for occupational therapy, and the University of Pretoria’s Health Sciences closing date is 30 June. UCT and Stellenbosch dates should be confirmed with the university for the next cycle.
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
Intakes are small. Stellenbosch selects about 50 students, and UCT students move into practice learning from second year, spending four days a week in practice settings in fourth year.
Stellenbosch does not allow selection to be deferred from one year to another; if you defer and are unsuccessful, you must reapply. Check the deferral rules of any other university before you apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the occupational therapy requirements at UCT?
English 65%, Mathematics 60% or Mathematical Literacy 70%, Physical Science or Life Science 65%, your next three best subjects at 60% (excluding Life Orientation), an APS of at least 340 and the NBT in the Intermediate range. Meeting the minimum does not guarantee admission.
Can I study occupational therapy with Mathematical Literacy?
At UCT, yes, at 70% in place of Mathematics at 60%. Stellenbosch, Wits and Pretoria list Mathematics, so confirm with each university before applying.
Do I need Physical Sciences?
Not everywhere. UCT accepts Physical Science or Life Science, Wits accepts either or both, Stellenbosch requires Life Sciences, and Pretoria requires Physical Sciences.
What is the difference between occupational therapy and physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy focuses on physical movement and rehabilitation. Occupational therapy focuses on function and participation in daily activities.
Is community service required?
Stellenbosch states that you may register with the HPCSA as an occupational therapist after a year of community service. Confirm the current rules with the HPCSA.
Do I need job shadowing?
Wits requires a certificate of at least 16 hours. Ask the other universities whether they require it.
These requirements change each intake. Confirm the exact APS, subject levels and closing dates with UCT, Wits or your chosen university, and confirm registration rules with the HPCSA. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.