Paramedic course requirements depend on the qualification level and the institution. At the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), the minimum APS is 26 for the Higher Certificate, 28 for the Diploma and 30 to 34 for the Bachelor. At Durban University of Technology (DUT), you need 30 points or more for the four-year degree, with level 4 in English, Mathematics and a science.
Every route ends in registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), and the qualification you complete decides the category you register in.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
CPUT offers three levels in emergency medical care:
- Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care (one year): leads to registration as an Emergency Care Assistant (ECA).
- Diploma in Emergency Medical Care (two years): leads to registration as a Paramedic (ANT).
- Bachelor of Emergency Medical Care (four years): leads to registration as an Emergency Care Practitioner (ECP), with an advanced scope of practice.
DUT offers the four-year Bachelor of Health Sciences in Emergency Medical Care and Rescue for the paramedic profession. Short courses outside these programmes are not described by either institution as a route to these registrations, so check that any course you consider is accredited and names the HPCSA category it leads to.
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
At CPUT the minimum APS is 26 for the Higher Certificate, 28 for the Diploma, 30 to 34 for the Bachelor and 35 or more for the Bachelor Extended Curriculum Programme. CPUT does not state the intake year on its page, so confirm the figures for the year you are applying.
At DUT, applicants with 30 points or more will be considered for the 2027 intake. DUT places are limited, so meeting the minimum does not guarantee a place.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
- CPUT Bachelor: Mathematics, Life Sciences, Physical Sciences and English, each at level 4.
- CPUT Diploma: Mathematics at level 3.
- CPUT Higher Certificate: Mathematics at level 3, Technical Mathematics at level 4, or Mathematical Literacy at level 6.
- DUT (2027 intake): English 4, Mathematics 4, Life Science and/or Physical Science 4, plus two 20-credit subjects at level 4 (not more than one of them a language).
So Mathematical Literacy is only accepted at CPUT’s Higher Certificate. For the Diploma or either degree you need Mathematics.
Documents and Application Requirements
CPUT applicants are assessed through a selection interview, a physical and medical assessment, a height and claustrophobia test and job shadowing.
DUT applicants must pass medical, physical and environmental fitness evaluations. Accepted DUT applicants must obtain a driver’s licence by the end of the first year, so a licence is not needed to apply there. CPUT does not list a licence as an entry requirement on its page.
Apply to CPUT through its online application on the CPUT emergency medical sciences page. DUT applications go through the Central Applications Office (CAO) under code DUDHS4.
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
DUT’s closing date for the 2027 intake was 30 September 2026, so that application window has closed. Check the CAO for the next cycle.
CPUT’s final selection considers overall performance, not just the APS. Because of the medical, height and claustrophobia checks, prepare early for these assessments and for arranging job shadowing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications lead to emergency care registration?
At CPUT, the Higher Certificate registers you as an Emergency Care Assistant, the Diploma as a Paramedic (ANT), and the Bachelor as an Emergency Care Practitioner. DUT’s four-year degree prepares you for the paramedic profession. Confirm the categories and scopes of practice with the HPCSA.
What are the requirements for a paramedic course?
For the degree, CPUT asks for APS 30 to 34 with English, Mathematics, Life Sciences and Physical Sciences at level 4. DUT asks for 30 points with English 4, Mathematics 4 and Life and/or Physical Science 4. Both add fitness and medical assessments.
Do I need Mathematics?
For the degree and the CPUT Diploma, yes. The CPUT Higher Certificate is the only route listed that accepts Mathematical Literacy (at level 6).
Do I need a driving licence?
Not to apply. DUT requires accepted students to obtain a driver’s licence by the end of the first year. CPUT does not list one as an entry requirement.
Are short paramedic courses enough?
The shorter CPUT qualifications are the one-year Higher Certificate (Emergency Care Assistant) and the two-year Diploma (Paramedic ANT). The Bachelor gives the advanced Emergency Care Practitioner scope. Confirm which category you need with the HPCSA before choosing.
Requirements change each intake, so confirm APS, subject levels and closing dates with CPUT or DUT, and confirm registration categories with the HPCSA. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.