UKZN APS Requirements Per Faculty – Full Breakdown (2027)
The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) uses the Admission Point Score (APS) to rank applicants for most undergraduate programs. Knowing the required APS for your chosen faculty helps you understand how competitive your application will be.
UKZN calculates the APS by adding the performance levels (1–7) of your best six National Senior Certificate (NSC) subjects, excluding Life Orientation. Some programmes also require specific subjects or additional tests.
📌 APS Score Calculator
https://kznuniupdates.org/aps-score-calculator/
Table of Contents
- How UKZN Calculates APS
- Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management
- Faculty of Science and Agriculture
- Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
- Health Sciences and Medicine
- FAQs
- Internal Links
- Conclusion
1. How UKZN Calculates APS
The University of KwaZulu-Natal calculates APS using your six best NSC subjects, excluding Life Orientation.
Performance levels are converted into points.
| Level | Percentage | APS Points |
|---|---|---|
| Level 7 | 80–100% | 7 |
| Level 6 | 70–79% | 6 |
| Level 5 | 60–69% | 5 |
| Level 4 | 50–59% | 4 |
| Level 3 | 40–49% | 3 |
| Level 2 | 30–39% | 2 |
| Level 1 | 0–29% | 1 |
The APS score is the total points from your six best subjects.
Because many programmes have limited spaces, meeting the minimum APS does not guarantee admission.
📌 CAO Application Guide
https://kznuniupdates.org/cao-application/
2. Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management
Programmes in the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management are among the most popular at UKZN.
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom)
Typical APS requirement: 32–48
Requirements include:
- Mathematics (not Mathematical Literacy)
- English Level 4 or higher
The Extended Curriculum Programme may accept APS scores from 28.
Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
Typical APS requirement: 32–48
Additional requirements:
- English Level 5 or higher
The extended programme may accept applicants with APS 28–31.
Bachelor of Business Science
APS requirement: 33–48
Specialisations such as Finance or Economics require:
- Mathematics Level 6
3. Faculty of Science and Agriculture
Science programmes at UKZN require strong results in Mathematics and Physical Sciences.
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
Typical APS requirement: 33–48
Requirements include:
- Mathematics Level 5 or higher
- Physical Science Level 5 or higher for physical science streams
Agricultural Programmes
Typical APS range: 30–36
Requirements:
- Mathematics and Physical Science Level 4
Some agricultural programmes may accept Mathematical Literacy, but often require a higher APS.
4. Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
Programmes in the Faculty of Humanities have slightly lower APS thresholds but may require additional assessments.
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Typical APS requirement: 28–36
Specialised programmes such as:
- Music
- Fine Arts
may require auditions or portfolios.
Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.)
Typical APS requirement: 28–32
Additional requirements vary depending on the phase:
- Foundation Phase
- Intermediate Phase
- Senior Phase
Some specialisations require specific subject combinations.
5. Health Sciences and Medicine
Health-related programmes at UKZN are among the most competitive.
MBChB (Medicine)
Typical APS requirement: 48 or higher
Applicants must also write the National Benchmark Test (NBT).
Final selection is based on:
- APS score
- NBT results
- Interview performance
Nursing and Allied Health Sciences
Typical APS requirement: 30–36
Requirements often include:
- Life Sciences
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy
Programmes such as:
- Occupational Therapy
- Physiotherapy
may require shadowing or observation hours.
6. FAQs
Does UKZN count Life Orientation in the APS?
No. UKZN calculates APS using the best six subjects excluding Life Orientation.
Is meeting the minimum APS enough for admission?
Not always. Many programmes rank applicants and admit only the highest scores.
Can I apply with Mathematical Literacy?
Some programmes accept Mathematical Literacy, but many degrees in Commerce, Law and Science require Mathematics.
Do I need to write the NBT?
Yes, some programmes such as MBChB and certain Health Sciences degrees require the National Benchmark Test (NBT).
7. Internal Links
📌 DUT APS Requirements
📌 Grade 11 University Application Guide
📌 Provisionally Accepted Explained
📌 Documents Needed for University Applications
📌 CAO Application Guide
https://kznuniupdates.org/cao-application/
8. Conclusion
APS requirements at the University of KwaZulu-Natal vary depending on the faculty and programme.
Typical APS ranges include:
- Commerce, Law and Management: 32–48
- Science and Agriculture: 33–48
- Humanities and Education: 28–32
- Health Sciences: 30–36
- Medicine (MBChB): 48+
Remember that Life Orientation is excluded from APS calculations, and meeting the minimum APS does not guarantee admission.
By understanding these requirements early, you can choose the right subjects, improve your marks and prepare a stronger application for the 2027 university intake.
