The University of KwaZulu-Natal uses an Admission Point Score (APS) system to assess applications for undergraduate programmes.
Understanding the APS requirements is essential before applying to UKZN for the 2027 academic year. Different faculties and programmes have different APS and subject requirements.
How UKZN APS Is Calculated
UKZN calculates APS using your National Senior Certificate (NSC) results.
UKZN APS Points Table
| NSC Level | Percentage | APS Points |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 90% – 100% | 8 |
| 7 | 80% – 89% | 7 |
| 6 | 70% – 79% | 6 |
| 5 | 60% – 69% | 5 |
| 4 | 50% – 59% | 4 |
| 3 | 40% – 49% | 3 |
| 2 | 30% – 39% | 2 |
| 1 | 0% – 29% | 1 |
Important: Meeting the minimum APS requirement does not guarantee admission. Selection depends on competition and available spaces.
College of Law and Management Studies APS Requirements
Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting
- APS Range: 32 – 48
- Mathematics: Level 5
- English: Level 4
- Life Orientation: Level 4
- Duration: 3 Years
Bachelor of Commerce (General)
- APS Range: 30 – 48
- Mathematics: Level 4
- English: Level 4
- Duration: 3 Years
Specialisations include:
- Marketing Management
- Supply Chain Management
- Information Systems and Technology
- Human Resource Management
- Finance
- Economics
- Public Administration
Bachelor of Administration
- APS Range: 28 – 48
- Mathematics: Level 3
- English: Level 4
- Duration: 3 Years
Bachelor of Business Science
- APS Range: 33 – 48
- Mathematics: Level 6
- English: Level 4
- Duration: 4 Years
Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
- APS Range: 32 – 48
- English HL: Level 5 or English FAL: Level 6
- Mathematics: Level 3 or Mathematical Literacy: Level 5
- Duration: 4 Years
College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science APS Requirements
BSc Computer Science and Information Technology
- APS Range: 30 – 48
- Mathematics: Level 5
- English: Level 4
- Life Sciences, Agricultural Sciences or Physical Sciences: Level 4
- Duration: 3 Years
BSc Environmental Science
- APS Range: 28 – 48
- Mathematics: Level 4
- English: Level 4
- Science Subject: Level 4
BSc Biological Sciences
- APS Range: 28 – 48
- Mathematics: Level 4
- English: Level 4
- Science Subject: Level 4
BSc Applied Chemistry
- APS Range: 28 – 48
- Mathematics: Level 4
- English: Level 4
- Science Subject: Level 4
Engineering APS Requirements
BSc Engineering Programmes
Available in:
- Agricultural Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
Requirements:
- APS Range: 33 – 48
- Mathematics: Level 6
- Physical Sciences: Level 6
- English: Level 4
- Life Orientation: Level 4
Note: Chemical, Civil, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering consider first-choice applicants only.
Engineering Augmented Programme
- Mathematics: Level 4
- Physical Sciences: Level 4
- English: Level 4
- Duration: 5 Years
College of Health Sciences APS Requirements
Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBChB)
Requirements:
- Mathematics: Level 5
- Physical Sciences: Level 5
- Life Sciences: Level 5
- English: Level 5
- Life Orientation: Level 4
- Minimum aggregate: 65%
- Duration: 6 Years
Bachelor of Nursing
- APS Range: 30 – 48
- Life Sciences: Level 4
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy: Level 3
- Duration: 4 Years
Bachelor of Pharmacy
- APS Range: 33 – 48
- Mathematics: Level 4
- Physical Sciences: Level 4
- Life Sciences: Level 4
- Duration: 4 Years
Bachelor of Optometry
- APS Range: 33 – 48
- Mathematics: Level 4
- Life Sciences or Physical Sciences: Level 4
- Duration: 4 Years
Other Health Sciences Programmes
- Audiology
- Speech-Language Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Oral Hygiene
- Dental Therapy
- Sport Science
Most require APS scores between 30 and 48.
College of Humanities APS Requirements
Bachelor of Arts (General)
- APS Range: 28 – 48
- English: Level 4
- One designated subject: Level 5
- Duration: 3 Years
Bachelor of Social Science
- APS Range: 28 – 48
- English: Level 4
- One designated subject: Level 5
Bachelor of Social Work
- APS Range: 28 – 48
- English: Level 4
- One designated subject: Level 5
BA Philosophy, Politics and Law
- APS Range: 30 – 48
- English: Level 4
- Designated subject: Level 5
Bachelor of Architectural Studies
- APS Range: 30 – 48
- Mathematics: Level 5
- Portfolio may be required
College of Humanities Education Programmes
Bachelor of Education (Foundation Phase)
- APS Range: 28 – 48
- English: Level 4
- isiZulu: Level 4
Bachelor of Education (Intermediate Phase)
- APS Range: 28 – 48
- English: Level 4
- Two relevant subjects at Level 5
Bachelor of Education (Senior Phase and FET)
- APS Range: 30 – 48
- English: Level 4
- Relevant teaching subjects required
Important UKZN Application Information
Applications to UKZN are processed through the:
Central Applications Office (CAO)
Applicants can:
- Apply online
- Track application progress
- Receive offers through the CAO system
Final Thoughts
The University of KwaZulu-Natal APS Requirements for 2027 vary by programme and faculty. Competitive qualifications such as Engineering, Medicine, Pharmacy, Computer Science, Accounting and Law generally require higher APS scores and stronger Mathematics and Science results.
Before applying, carefully check both the APS requirements and subject requirements for your chosen programme to improve your chances of admission to UKZN in 2027.