What APS do I need for popular courses at UKZN?

Indicative UKZN minimums are around 35+ for Medicine, about 32+ for Engineering, around 30 for BCom Accounting and Law, roughly 28+ for BSc, and around 26 for Education or Nursing. Campus choice can affect the practical competition level, so the published minimum should not be treated like a guaranteed offer level.

Does UKZN require the NBT?

UKZN generally does not require NBTs for most programmes, but that can change by faculty or year. You should always check the latest UKZN or CAO rules for the cycle you are applying in. Medicine and other selective programmes deserve extra attention here.

Which UKZN campus should I apply to?

That depends on what you want to study. Howard College, Westville, Pietermaritzburg, the Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, and Edgewood all have different programme mixes. You choose campus preferences through CAO, so it helps to match the campus to the course before you submit.

When do UKZN and CAO applications open and close?

CAO applications for UKZN usually open in April and close around 30 September. The CAO application fee applies rather than a direct UKZN university fee. You should monitor your application through your CAO account because that is where the process is managed.

What APS do I need for law (LLB) at UKZN?

To study Bachelor of Commerce 4 General (Extended Curriculum) at UKZN you need a minimum of about APS 26, with Maths 40%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+. Law is competitive, so aim higher than the minimum and confirm the current cut-off in the UKZN prospectus.

What APS do I need for teaching (BEd) at UKZN?

Check the education programmes in the list above for the UKZN teaching (BEd) minimum APS. The phase you choose changes the subjects you need.

Does meeting the minimum APS get me into UKZN?

Not on its own. The APS is the first gate at UKZN. You also need the right subjects at the right level, and popular programmes fill up, so they take the top students first. Some programmes add a test like the NBT or an interview.

Durban and Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

University of Kwazulu NatalAPS Calculator

In South Africa

#501-600

In the world

UKZN is a solid pick if you want options in science, business, or teaching. You need at least 28 APS for many degrees, but some programs want more.

Calculate my APS See full university guide

Verified against UKZN Points Table, Study@UKZN brochure

Published 16 Apr 2026 by NavyBlue Editorial Team

www.ukzn.ac.za is the official University of Kwazulu Natal site. Always confirm programme cutoffs in the current prospectus before you apply.

How does UKZN calculate APS?

UKZN uses best 6 on an 8 point scale. Your best 6 NSC subjects are converted to APS points using the standard bands: 90 to 100% = 8, 80 to 89% = 7, 70 to 79% = 6, 60 to 69% = 5, 50 to 59% = 4, 40 to 49% = 3, 30 to 39% = 2, and 0 to 29% = 1. Life Orientation is excluded from the core APS total. UKZN runs the 8 point ladder, so 90%+ scores an 8. Programme and faculty cut-offs still vary widely.

Does UKZN include Life Orientation in APS?

No. Life Orientation is excluded from the core APS total.

Compare all 26 SA universities →

What's the UKZN APS system at a glance?

Method: Best 6 on an 8 point scale
Max APS: 48
LO rule: No
Basis: Best 6 on an 8 point ladder (LO excluded)

How to calculate your UKZN APS step by step

Convert each eligible subject into APS points using the 1 to 7 bands.
Keep English and the course required subjects in the mix where a faculty asks for them.
Add the best eligible subjects on that university's calculator method and compare the total with the programme cut-off.

Before you apply, know what you want to study and check that you qualify. Use the calculator below to see your APS score and how it stacks up against UKZN's requirements.

Calculate your APS score

Enter your matric marks below. We'll convert them into your APS for every university or pick a specific one.

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What APS do you need for UKZN?

Programmes at UKZN range from about APS 26 for the lowest-entry courses up to APS 45 for the most competitive. The minimum APS and required subjects for each programme are below, grouped by faculty. UKZN scores APS using Best 6 on an 8 point ladder (LO excluded) (max 48).

Popular programme cut-offs at UKZN

The minimum APS for the programmes people ask about most. Aim higher than the minimum for competitive courses.

Law (LLB): Bachelor of Commerce 4 General (Extended Curriculum) · Maths 40%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+
Engineering: Bachelor of Science - Augmented Programme · Maths 40%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+, Agricultural Sciences 40%+, Life Sciences 40%+, Physical Sciences 40%+
Medicine (MBChB): Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery · Maths 65%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+, Life Sciences 65%+, Physical Sciences 65%+
Commerce (BCom): Bachelor of Commerce 4 General (Extended Curriculum) · Maths 40%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+
Science (BSc): Bachelor of Science - Augmented Programme · Maths 40%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+, Agricultural Sciences 40%+, Life Sciences 40%+, Physical Sciences 40%+

College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science

BSc Eng Agricultural

Subjects: Maths 60%+, English 50%+, Physical Sciences 60%+

See prospectus

Bachelor of Agriculture - Agricultural Management

Subjects: Maths 50%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+, Agricultural Sciences 50%+, Economics 50%+, Life Sciences 50%+, Physical Sciences 50%+

APS 30

Bachelor of Agriculture - Extension and Rural Resource Management

Subjects: Maths 50%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+, Agricultural Sciences 50%+, Life Sciences 50%+, Physical Sciences 50%+

APS 30

Bachelor of Science - Applied Chemistry

Subjects: Maths 50%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+, Agricultural Sciences 50%+, Life Sciences 50%+, Physical Sciences 50%+

APS 35

Bachelor of Science - Augmented Programme

Subjects: Maths 40%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+, Agricultural Sciences 40%+, Life Sciences 40%+, Physical Sciences 40%+

APS 26

Bachelor of Science - Biological Sciences

Subjects: Maths 50%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+, Agricultural Sciences 50%+, Life Sciences 50%+, Physical Sciences 50%+

APS 32

Bachelor of Science - Chemistry and Chemical Technology

Subjects: Maths 50%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+, Agricultural Sciences 50%+, Life Sciences 50%+, Physical Sciences 50%+

APS 32

Bachelor of Science - Computer Science and Information Technology

Subjects: Maths 65%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+, Agricultural Sciences 50%+, Life Sciences 50%+, Physical Sciences 50%+

APS 35

Bachelor of Science - Crop and Horticultural Science

Subjects: Maths 50%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+, Agricultural Sciences 50%+, Life Sciences 50%+, Physical Sciences 50%+

APS 35

Bachelor of Science - Dietetics and Human Nutrition

Subjects: Maths 50%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+, Agricultural Sciences 50%+, Life Sciences 50%+, Physical Sciences 50%+

APS 30

Bachelor of Science - Engineering Access

Subjects: Maths 50%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+, Physical Sciences 50%+

APS 30

Bachelor of Science - Environmental Science

Subjects: Maths 50%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+, Agricultural Sciences 50%+, Life Sciences 50%+, Physical Sciences 50%+

APS 32

Bachelor of Science - Environmental and Earth Science

Subjects: Maths 50%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+, Agricultural Sciences 50%+, Life Sciences 50%+, Physical Sciences 50%+

APS 32

Bachelor of Science - Geographic Information Systems and Earth Observation

Subjects: Maths 65%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+, Agricultural Sciences 50%+, Life Sciences 50%+, Physical Sciences 50%+

APS 35

Bachelor of Science - Geological Science

Subjects: Maths 50%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+, Agricultural Sciences 50%+, Life Sciences 50%+, Physical Sciences 50%+

APS 32

Bachelor of Science - Industrial and Applied Biotechnology

Subjects: Maths 50%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+, Agricultural Sciences 50%+, Life Sciences 50%+, Physical Sciences 50%+

APS 32

Bachelor of Science - Land Surveying

Subjects: Maths 65%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+, Physical Sciences 65%+, Life Sciences 50%+

APS 40

Bachelor of Science - Marine Biology

Subjects: Maths 50%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+, Agricultural Sciences 50%+, Life Sciences 50%+, Physical Sciences 50%+

APS 32

Bachelor of Science Stream - Life and Earth Sciences

Subjects: Maths 60%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+, Agricultural Sciences 50%+, Life Sciences 50%+, Physical Sciences 50%+

APS 32

Bachelor of Science Stream - Mathematics

Subjects: Maths 60%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+, Agricultural Sciences 50%+, Life Sciences 50%+, Physical Sciences 50%+

APS 38

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture - Agribusiness

Subjects: Maths 50%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+, Agricultural Sciences 50%+, Life Sciences 50%+, Physical Sciences 50%+

APS 35

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture - Agricultural Economics

Subjects: Maths 50%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+, Agricultural Sciences 50%+, Economics 50%+, Life Sciences 50%+, Physical Sciences 50%+

APS 32

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture - Agricultural Plant Sciences

Subjects: Maths 50%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+, Agricultural Sciences 50%+, Life Sciences 50%+, Physical Sciences 50%+

APS 32

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture - Animal and Poultry Science

Subjects: Maths 50%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+, Agricultural Sciences 50%+, Life Sciences 50%+, Physical Sciences 50%+

APS 35

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture - Plant Pathology

Subjects: Maths 50%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+, Agricultural Sciences 50%+, Life Sciences 50%+, Physical Sciences 50%+

APS 35

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture - Soil Science

Subjects: Maths 50%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+, Agricultural Sciences 50%+, Life Sciences 50%+, Physical Sciences 50%+

APS 35

Bachelor of Science in Engineering - Agricultural

Subjects: Maths 65%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+, Physical Sciences 65%+, Life Sciences 50%+

APS 40

Bachelor of Science in Engineering - Chemical

Subjects: Maths 65%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+, Physical Sciences 65%+, Life Sciences 50%+

APS 40

Bachelor of Science in Engineering - Civil

Subjects: Maths 65%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+, Physical Sciences 65%+, Life Sciences 50%+

APS 40

Bachelor of Science in Engineering - Computer

Subjects: Maths 65%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+, Physical Sciences 65%+, Life Sciences 50%+

APS 40

Bachelor of Science in Engineering - Electrical

Subjects: Maths 65%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+, Physical Sciences 65%+, Life Sciences 50%+

APS 40

Bachelor of Science in Engineering - Electronic

Subjects: Maths 65%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+, Physical Sciences 65%+, Life Sciences 50%+

APS 40

Bachelor of Science in Engineering - Mechanical

Subjects: Maths 65%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+, Physical Sciences 65%+, Life Sciences 50%+

APS 40

College of Health Sciences

Bachelor of Audiology

Subjects: Maths 40%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+, Life Sciences 40%+, Physical Sciences 40%+

APS 32

Bachelor of Dental Therapy

Subjects: Maths 40%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+, Life Sciences 40%+

APS 32

Bachelor of Medical Science - Anatomy

Subjects: Maths 50%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+, Life Sciences 50%+, Physical Sciences 50%+

APS 35

Bachelor of Medical Science - Physiology

Subjects: Maths 50%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+, Life Sciences 50%+, Physical Sciences 50%+

APS 35

Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery

Subjects: Maths 65%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+, Life Sciences 65%+, Physical Sciences 65%+

APS 45

Bachelor of Nursing

Subjects: Maths 40%+, Maths Lit 40%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+, Life Sciences 50%+

APS 32

Bachelor of Occupational Therapy

Subjects: Maths 40%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+, Life Sciences 40%+, Physical Sciences 40%+

APS 32

Bachelor of Optometry

Subjects: Maths 50%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+, Life Sciences 50%+, Physical Sciences 50%+

APS 38

Bachelor of Oral Hygiene

Subjects: Maths 40%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+, Life Sciences 40%+

APS 32

Bachelor of Pharmacy

Subjects: Maths 50%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+, Life Sciences 50%+, Physical Sciences 50%+

APS 38

Bachelor of Physiotherapy

Subjects: Maths 50%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+, Life Sciences 50%+, Physical Sciences 50%+

APS 38

Bachelor of Speech-Language Therapy

Subjects: Maths 40%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+, Life Sciences 40%+, Physical Sciences 40%+

APS 32

Bachelor of Sport Science

Subjects: Maths 40%+, Maths Lit 40%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+

APS 32

College of Law and Management Studies

Bachelor of Administration

Subjects: Maths 40%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+

APS 32

Bachelor of Business Administration

Subjects: Maths 40%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+

APS 30

Bachelor of Business Science in Economics

Subjects: Maths 70%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+

APS 40

Bachelor of Business Science in Finance

Subjects: Maths 70%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+

APS 40

Bachelor of Business Science in Investment Science

Subjects: Maths 70%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+

APS 40

Bachelor of Commerce - Accounting

Subjects: Maths 60%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+

APS 38

Bachelor of Commerce - General

Subjects: Maths 50%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+

APS 35

Bachelor of Commerce 4 Accounting (Extended Curriculum)

Subjects: Maths 50%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+

APS 28

Bachelor of Commerce 4 General (Extended Curriculum)

Subjects: Maths 40%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+

APS 26

Bachelor of Laws

Subjects: Maths 60%+, English HL 65%+, English FAL 65%+

APS 38

Bachelor of Laws (Part-time)

Subjects: Maths 40%+, English HL 65%+, English FAL 65%+

APS 38

APS is the first gate. You also need the right subjects at the right level, and competitive programmes fill up, so they take the top students first and may add a test (like the NBT) or an interview. Always confirm the current cut-off in the official UKZN prospectus before you apply.

Calculate my UKZN APS →

Popular programmes at UKZN

ProgrammeMin. APS

Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting

48-32

Bachelor of Commerce Extended Curriculum (Accounting)

48-28

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Information Technology

48-30

Bachelor of Science in Crop and Horticultural Science

48-28

Bachelor of Education (Foundation Phase)

48-28

About UKZN

UKZN is one of the bigger universities in KwaZulu-Natal, with campuses in Durban and Pietermaritzburg. It’s a proper choice if you’re into science, engineering, teaching, or business.

Campus and residence

If you want residence or financial aid, handle those separately after your CAO application. Each university still has its own housing and registration process.

View all 57+ programmes →

FAQ

How does University of Kwazulu Natal calculate APS? Common questions

These are the calculator questions that matter most before you apply.

Need help with University of Kwazulu Natal?

If you are stuck between programmes, deadlines, or subject requirements, send us a message and we'll help.

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You do not apply directly to UKZN for standard undergraduate admission. You apply through the Central Applications Office at cao.ac.za, choose your UKZN programmes there, and CAO sends the application on. Missing that CAO step is one of the easiest ways to lose your place in the process.

Important Disclaimer

This APS calculator is for information only. We aim to be accurate based on public university requirements, but admission decisions are made by each university and may consider factors beyond APS scores.

We do not guarantee admission based on our calculations. Requirements may change, and universities may consider additional criteria such as:

Portfolio submissions, interviews, or entrance tests
Specific subject requirements and combinations
Language proficiency requirements
Availability of spaces in programs

Always verify admission requirements directly with the universities you're applying to. Use this tool as a starting point, not a definitive guide for applications.

Where we show how your APS compares to other students, those marks are typed in by students themselves and are not verified. The comparison covers people who used this calculator, not every matric learner in South Africa, so it shows you what is normal here rather than a national ranking.

Three quick links most people open after calculating their UKZN APS.

Compare APS requirements at other universities before you apply.

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APS Tool

UCT

See the APS UCT uses and which courses you qualify for.

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Wits

See the APS Wits uses and which courses you qualify for.

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APS & University

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University of Kwazulu NatalAPS Calculator

How does UKZN calculate APS?

Does UKZN include Life Orientation in APS?

What's the UKZN APS system at a glance?

How to calculate your UKZN APS step by step

Calculate your APS score

What APS do you need for UKZN?

Popular programme cut-offs at UKZN

College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science

College of Health Sciences

College of Law and Management Studies

Popular programmes at UKZN

About UKZN

Campus and residence

How does University of Kwazulu Natal calculate APS? Common questions

Need help with University of Kwazulu Natal?

Important Disclaimer

Read the full breakdown

How to apply to UKZN

Courses by APS score

Related

APS Calculator

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University of Kwazulu NatalAPS Calculator

How does UKZN calculate APS?

Does UKZN include Life Orientation in APS?

What's the UKZN APS system at a glance?

How to calculate your UKZN APS step by step

Calculate your APS score

What APS do you need for UKZN?

Popular programme cut-offs at UKZN

College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science

College of Health Sciences

College of Law and Management Studies

Popular programmes at UKZN

About UKZN

Campus and residence

How does University of Kwazulu Natal calculate APS? Common questions

Need help with University of Kwazulu Natal?

How do I apply to UKZN?-

How does UKZN calculate APS?+

What APS do I need for popular courses at UKZN?+

Does UKZN require the NBT?+

Which UKZN campus should I apply to?+

When do UKZN and CAO applications open and close?+

What APS do I need for law (LLB) at UKZN?+

What APS do I need for teaching (BEd) at UKZN?+

What APS do I need for engineering at UKZN?+

Does meeting the minimum APS get me into UKZN?+

Important Disclaimer

More on UKZN admissions

Read the full breakdown

How to apply to UKZN

Courses by APS score

Related

APS Calculator

Browse courses by university

All 26 public universities

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