The University of Pretoria (UP) is one of South Africa’s leading universities and receives thousands of applications every year for its undergraduate programmes. To determine whether applicants qualify for admission, the university uses an Admission Point Score (APS) system together with specific subject requirements.
Understanding the UP APS requirements for 2027 is important if you want to apply for competitive programmes such as Medicine, Law, Engineering, Commerce, or Health Sciences. Each faculty has different admission requirements, APS scores, and subject combinations that applicants must meet.
In this guide, we explain how the University of Pretoria APS system works, how APS is calculated, and the minimum requirements needed for different faculties and programmes for the 2027 academic year.
University of Pretoria Admission Requirements for 2027
The University of Pretoria (UP) uses the Admission Point Score (APS) system to assess applicants for undergraduate programmes.
Each faculty and programme has its own:
- APS requirements
- Subject requirements
- Selection criteria
Meeting the minimum APS does not always guarantee admission, especially for competitive programmes.
Important Things to Know About UP APS
1. APS is Based on NSC/IEB Results
UP calculates APS using your:
- National Senior Certificate (NSC)
- Independent Examinations Board (IEB) results
2. Different Courses Require Different APS Scores
Some programmes require:
- APS 28–30 → General degrees
- APS 32–36+ → Competitive programmes
3. English Requirements Matter
Most UP programmes require:
- English Home Language or First Additional Language
- Achievement levels between 4 and 6, depending on the programme
Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences APS Requirements
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom)
| Programme | APS |
|---|---|
| BCom (3-year) | 30 |
| BCom (4-year) | 26 |
| BCom Accounting Sciences | 34 |
| BCom Law | 32 |
| BCom Economics | 32 |
| BCom Information Systems | 30 |
Mathematics Requirements:
- Maths levels range from 3 to 6 depending on programme
Faculty of Engineering APS Requirements
Engineering programmes are highly competitive.
Bachelor of Engineering Programmes
| Programme | APS |
|---|---|
| Chemical Engineering | 35 |
| Civil Engineering | 35 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 35 |
| Electrical Engineering | 35 |
Subject Requirements:
- English: Level 5
- Mathematics: Level 6
- Physical Sciences: Level 6
Faculty of Health Sciences APS Requirements
MBChB (Medicine)
| Programme | APS |
|---|---|
| MBChB | 35 |
Requirements:
- English: Level 5
- Mathematics: Level 6
- Physical Sciences: Level 5
Other Health Programmes
| Programme | APS |
|---|---|
| Physiotherapy | 30 |
| Occupational Therapy | 30 |
| Nursing Science | 28 |
| Dietetics | 28 |
Faculty of Law APS Requirements
Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
| Programme | APS |
|---|---|
| LLB | 35 |
Requirement:
- English: Level 6
Faculty of Humanities APS Requirements
| Programme | APS |
|---|---|
| BA General | 30 |
| BA Law | 34 |
| BA Audiology | 32 |
| BA Speech-Language Pathology | 32 |
| Social Work | 30 |
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences APS Requirements
Science Programmes
| Programme | APS |
|---|---|
| BSc Chemistry | 34 |
| BSc Physics | 34 |
| BSc Biotechnology | 32 |
| BSc Mathematics | 34 |
| Actuarial Science | 36 |
Faculty of Veterinary Science APS Requirements
| Programme | APS |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Science | 35 |
| Veterinary Nursing | 28 |
How APS is Calculated at UP
APS is calculated using your best subjects according to university rules.
Example APS Calculation
| Subject | Percentage | APS Level |
|---|---|---|
| English | 75% | 6 |
| Mathematics | 82% | 7 |
| Physical Sciences | 78% | 6 |
| Geography | 65% | 5 |
| Life Sciences | 70% | 6 |
| Business Studies | 68% | 5 |
Total APS:
6 + 7 + 6 + 5 + 6 + 5 = 35 APS
Selection Programmes at UP
Some programmes are selection-based and may require:
- Interviews
- Additional assessments
- Portfolio submissions
- Higher APS scores
Examples:
- Medicine
- Veterinary Science
- Architecture
- Fine Arts
Important Application Deadlines
Closing Dates:
- Most programmes: 30 June 2026
- Veterinary Science: 31 May 2026
Final Thoughts
The University of Pretoria APS requirements for 2027 are highly competitive, especially in faculties such as Engineering, Health Sciences, and Law.
To improve your chances:
- Aim above the minimum APS
- Meet all subject requirements
- Apply early
Understanding the UP APS system early can help you choose the right programme and prepare a stronger application for 2027.