The University of Pretoria (UP) publishes its minimum requirements programme by programme, as an Admission Point Score (APS) plus subject levels. For the 2027 intake the UP requirements tables give examples such as an APS of 30 for a three-year BCom, 35 for the LLB and 35 for MBChB. All UP programmes are number-limited, so meeting the minimum does not guarantee a place.
Applications for the 2027 intake closed on 30 June (31 May for Veterinary Science). Applications open on 1 April in the year before you study, so check the closing date for your year on the UP online application page.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
UP assesses applications on the following.
- The minimum APS and subject levels published for your specific programme
- Your Grade 11 results, used for conditional admission
- Your final NSC (or equivalent) results, on which final admission depends
- Programme selection: every programme is number-limited, so qualifying applicants can still be turned away
- The closing date for your faculty: 30 June, or 31 May for Veterinary Science (2027 intake)
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
The faculties in UP’s 2027 requirements tables are Economic and Management Sciences, Education, Law, Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology, Health Sciences, Humanities, Theology and Religion, Veterinary Science, and Natural and Agricultural Sciences. Each faculty lists its own degrees, and each degree has its own minimum.
UP does not use one APS for the whole university. For the 2027 intake the tables give, for example:
- BCom (three-year): APS 30, with English at level 5 and Mathematics at level 4
- BCom Accounting Sciences: APS 34, with English at level 5 and Mathematics at level 6
- LLB: APS 35, with English at level 6
- MBChB: APS 35, with English at level 5, Mathematics at level 6 and Physical Sciences at level 5
- Bachelor of Engineering: APS 33, with 65% in each of three specified subjects
- BEd phases: APS 28, with English at level 4
- Higher Certificate in Sports Sciences (a selection programme): APS 20, with English at level 4, the lowest published example
Requirements are revised each year. The 2027 tables apply to the 2027 intake, and the 2026 undergraduate prospectus sets out the rules for 2026. Do not rely on older figures, such as requirement lists from 2022.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
UP calculates the APS on the NSC 1 to 7 scale using six recognised 20-credit subjects, to a maximum of 42. Life Orientation is a 10-credit subject and is excluded. The achievement levels convert to percentages as follows.
- Level 7: 80 to 100%
- Level 6: 70 to 79%
- Level 5: 60 to 69%
- Level 4: 50 to 59%
- Level 3: 40 to 49%
- Level 2: 30 to 39%
- Level 1: 0 to 29%
So English at level 5 means 60 to 69% in English. Each programme sets its own subject levels on top of the APS, so a high total does not replace a missing subject level. UP does not accept School of Tomorrow, ACE or GED qualifications; an NCV Level 4 may be considered if the bachelor’s exemption criteria and the programme requirements are met.
Documents and Application Requirements
UP asks you to upload scanned PDFs of the following. Certification is not required.
- Your final Grade 11 report, showing the promotion mark
- Your ID or birth certificate
- Proof of payment of the application fee, if you pay at a bank
UP sets the application fee; confirm the amount on the UP online application page before you pay.
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
UP uses Grade 11 results for conditional admission, and final admission depends on your final NSC or equivalent results. A conditional offer is not a confirmed place until those results are in.
Because every programme is number-limited, meeting the minimum does not guarantee admission. Applications open on 1 April in the year before study, so applying early is sensible for competitive programmes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does UP calculate the APS?
On the NSC 1 to 7 scale using six recognised 20-credit subjects, to a maximum of 42. Life Orientation is excluded.
When do UP applications close?
For the 2027 intake, 30 June for the faculties of Economic and Management Sciences, Education, Law, Engineering, Health Sciences, Humanities, Theology and Natural and Agricultural Sciences, and 31 May for Veterinary Science. Both have passed. Applications open on 1 April in the year before study; confirm the closing date for the year you want.
What courses does the University of Pretoria offer?
It offers programmes in nine faculties: Economic and Management Sciences, Education, Law, Engineering, Built Environment and IT, Health Sciences, Humanities, Theology and Religion, Veterinary Science, and Natural and Agricultural Sciences. UP’s own programme listing on up.ac.za shows every degree.
What are the University of Pretoria courses and requirements for 2026 and 2027?
The 2026 prospectus covers the 2026 intake and UP publishes a separate requirements tables PDF for 2027. The figures on this page are the 2027 intake figures unless stated.
Does UP use Grade 11 results?
Yes, for conditional admission. Final admission depends on your final NSC or equivalent results.
Confirm your programme with the University of Pretoria before you apply. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.