To study radiography in South Africa you need a National Senior Certificate with a bachelor pass, English, Mathematics and at least one science subject (Physical Sciences, Life Sciences or both) at level 4 or higher, and an APS of around 30. Mathematical Literacy is not accepted. Radiography is a four-year professional bachelor’s degree, and universities run it as a selection programme, so meeting the minimum does not guarantee a place.
Radiography requirements differ by university and by discipline. The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) registers radiographers in four categories: diagnostic radiography, radiation therapy, nuclear medicine and ultrasound. Most universities make you choose the discipline when you apply, and each one has its own intake.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
Published minimums for the 2027 intake at three universities that offer the degree:
- University of Pretoria (Bachelor of Radiography in Diagnostics): APS 30, with English 4, Mathematics 4 and Physical Sciences 4. Applications close on 30 June.
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology (BSc Diagnostic Radiography, Radiation Therapy, Diagnostic Ultrasound, Nuclear Medicine Technology): APS of at least 30, with English 4 and Mathematics 4, plus Life Sciences and/or Physical Sciences at 4. Nuclear Medicine Technology needs both sciences.
- Durban University of Technology (Bachelor of Health Sciences in Diagnostic Radiography, Diagnostic Sonography or Radiotherapy): 28 points or more, with English, Mathematics, Physical Sciences and Life Sciences all at level 4. Apply through the CAO by 30 August 2026.
Other universities offer radiography too. Check the current prospectus of each one you are considering, because subject combinations and points scales differ.
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
Because radiography is a bachelor’s degree, you need a National Senior Certificate that meets the statutory minimum for bachelor’s study. Durban University of Technology states that minimum in its programme leaflet: English at level 3 or higher and level 4 in four 20-credit subjects from the designated list. The university’s own programme requirements come on top of that.
The degree takes four years of full-time study and combines university coursework with clinical training in hospitals and clinics. Students must be registered with the HPCSA as student radiographers for the whole programme; this is a legal requirement. The University of Pretoria and Durban University of Technology both state that a year of compulsory community service follows the degree.
Some programmes add non-academic requirements. Durban University of Technology sets a minimum age of 18 by the end of December 2026 for the 2027 intake. It also expects students to be physically fit, because the work is physical, and says applicants with a severe disability or a blood-related illness may not be accepted.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
All three universities require Mathematics, because the degree covers radiation physics, imaging equipment and dose calculations. The science requirement varies:
- The University of Pretoria requires Physical Sciences and does not list Life Sciences for this degree.
- Durban University of Technology requires both Physical Sciences and Life Sciences.
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology accepts Life Sciences and/or Physical Sciences for diagnostic radiography, radiation therapy and ultrasound, but requires both for nuclear medicine.
Taking both Physical Sciences and Life Sciences keeps every radiography programme open to you. Points are calculated differently at each university. The University of Pretoria leaves out Life Orientation, and Durban University of Technology awards 8 points for a mark of 90–100%. The published APS is also only a minimum. Durban University of Technology’s first selection round uses a minimum of 30 points, higher than its 28-point entry requirement. Cape Peninsula University of Technology says it gives preference to applicants with a higher APS than 30.
Documents and Application Requirements
Durban University of Technology takes applications only through the Central Applications Office (CAO). For other universities, use the application channel on their own website. If you are in Grade 12, apply with your final Grade 11 results; if you have finished school, apply with your final results. You will normally need:
- A certified copy of your ID (or passport and study permit for international applicants)
- Your final Grade 11 results, or your National Senior Certificate if you have already matriculated
- Possibly proof of job shadowing: Durban University of Technology may ask you to spend at least 8 hours in a department of your chosen discipline and bring a letter from its head of department
- A SAQA evaluation of foreign school qualifications, which Cape Peninsula University of Technology requires from international applicants
Once accepted, expect a medical examination, hepatitis B vaccinations, HPCSA student registration and a first aid or basic life support course before you enter clinical facilities. At Cape Peninsula University of Technology these are paid by the student in the first week of orientation. Durban University of Technology also requires first-year students to have blood, urine and eye tests and a chest X-ray within 30 days before registering.
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
Places are limited and much of the training happens in clinical facilities, so selection is competitive. At Durban University of Technology, applicants who pass the first academic screening sit a placement test. Based on the test results, some are invited to interview, and offers stay provisional until final matric results confirm that you meet the minimums. Durban University of Technology only interviews applicants who put radiotherapy or sonography as their first choice, or diagnostic radiography as their first, second or third choice.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology’s health sciences faculty prioritises first-choice applications and advises using your second and third choices in other faculties. Recognition of prior learning for its undergraduate radiography degrees is not available for the 2027 academic year. Durban University of Technology considers applicants aged 23 or older with work experience who lack the school-subject minimums, subject to an assessment. Those applications must be in at least four months before the academic year starts.
Pregnancy affects clinical training because of radiation exposure. Durban University of Technology requires students to disclose a pregnancy immediately and may require them to de-register during it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What APS do I need for radiography?
For 2027 the published minimum is 30 at the University of Pretoria and Cape Peninsula University of Technology, and 28 at Durban University of Technology, which uses 30 as its first selection cut-off. Because places are competitive, successful applicants usually score above the minimum.
Can I study radiography with Mathematical Literacy?
No. All three universities above require Mathematics at level 4 or higher.
Do I need Life Sciences or Physical Sciences?
It depends on the university. Pretoria requires Physical Sciences, Durban University of Technology requires both, and Cape Peninsula University of Technology accepts either for most disciplines but both for nuclear medicine. Taking both keeps your options open.
Is ultrasound studied separately from radiography?
Yes. Cape Peninsula University of Technology offers a four-year BSc in Diagnostic Ultrasound, and Durban University of Technology offers a Bachelor of Health Sciences in Diagnostic Sonography, each with its own intake. The HPCSA registers ultrasound as a separate radiography category.
What is the difference between radiography and radiology?
A radiographer is trained through a four-year degree to produce medical images or deliver radiation treatment. A radiologist is a medical doctor who specialises after qualifying in medicine and interprets the images.
Is community service compulsory after a radiography degree?
Yes. The University of Pretoria and Durban University of Technology both state that one year of compulsory community service follows the degree.
These figures are for the 2027 intake and change every year. Confirm APS, subjects and closing dates with the University of Pretoria, Cape Peninsula University of Technology or Durban University of Technology. Confirm registration rules with the HPCSA Radiography and Clinical Technology Board. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.