UJ offers the Bachelor of Optometry (B9O02Q), a full-time four-year degree on the Doornfontein Campus. The 2027 UJ Undergraduate Prospectus and the programme page both list a minimum APS of 34 for the 2027 intake, with English, Mathematics, Physical Science and Life Science each at level 5 (60%+). Mathematical Literacy, Technical Mathematics and Technical Science are not accepted.
Meeting the minimum does not guarantee a place, because UJ selects from a limited number of seats. The Department of Optometry page still shows an older APS of 31, but the 2027 prospectus sets 34, so work to 34. Applications for the 2027 intake are open until 31 October 2026 at 12:00, and UJ accepts no late applications.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
For UJ optometry requirements, use this checklist for the 2027 intake.
- A National Senior Certificate with a minimum APS of 34, calculated without Life Orientation
- English at level 5 (60%+)
- Mathematics at level 5 (60%+)
- Physical Science at level 5 (60%+)
- Life Science at level 5 (60%+)
- No Mathematical Literacy, Technical Mathematics or Technical Science in place of the pure subjects
- Selection from a limited number of places, so the minimum is not a guarantee
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
The Bachelor of Optometry is a professional degree at NQF level 8 with 480 credits. It takes a minimum of four years full-time, and the department says graduates complete an internship and register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) before practising.
The Department of Optometry undergraduate page describes the entry requirements as the minimum to be considered. Because selection is based on academic excellence and places are limited, UJ says acceptance is not assured even if you meet them. It also says six subjects are considered.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
Four subjects matter most: English, Mathematics, Physical Science and Life Science. UJ lists level 5 (60%+) for each, so check every subject separately. A high APS does not make up for a missing level.
UJ calculates the APS from your six best school subjects, excluding Life Orientation. The six must include the required programme subjects. UJ does not accept Mathematical Literacy, Technical Mathematics or Technical Science for this programme, so if you took one of them you would need to look at a different route.
Documents and Application Requirements
Apply online through the UJ undergraduate admission page. Applying to UJ is free, and you can make only two study choices per academic year. You cannot change them once you submit. South African applicants with no previous studies do not have to upload supporting documents. Transfer applicants must submit their academic record, and international applicants must submit a certified passport and school results. UJ also asks applicants to declare any previous studies.
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
Optometry is a competitive, limited-seat programme and the published minimum is the threshold for consideration, not a guarantee. Apply with your final Grade 11 results if you are still in Grade 12. UJ does not consider Grade 12 mid-term results, and it ranks applicants again in January on final Grade 12 results, by total APS and available places.
Check the dates on the UJ undergraduate admissions page: the closing date for the 2027 intake is 31 October 2026 at 12:00. Apply to more than one institution, and use your second UJ choice on a related health or science programme that fits your subjects. If you are not selected, ask UJ what you can improve, such as your final-year results, before you reapply.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the optometry requirements at UJ?
A National Senior Certificate with English, Mathematics, Physical Science and Life Science each at level 5 (60%+), and a minimum APS of 34. Mathematical Literacy is not accepted.
Is meeting the minimum APS enough for UJ optometry?
No. UJ selects from a limited number of seats, and acceptance is not assured even if you meet the minimum.
Can I study optometry at UJ with Mathematical Literacy?
No. UJ does not accept Mathematical Literacy, Technical Mathematics or Technical Science for the Bachelor of Optometry.
Is Life Orientation counted in the APS?
No. UJ calculates the APS from your six best subjects excluding Life Orientation.
What registration do I need to practise as an optometrist?
Registration with the HPCSA, after the internship that UJ’s department says graduates complete. Confirm with the HPCSA that your qualification supports registration before you enrol.
How much does it cost to apply, and when do applications close?
Applying to UJ is free. Undergraduate applications close on 31 October 2026 at 12:00 for the 2027 intake, with no late applications.
Confirm the current optometry requirements and closing date with the University of Johannesburg on the UJ undergraduate admission page. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.