University guide

Find the university path that matches your results.

Compare all 26 South African public universities by APS requirements, programs, and application context in one place.

25 universities

University of the Western Cape

University of the Western Cape

Western Cape

UWC is the spot if you care about social justice and want to study in Cape Town. No application fee, but you need the right APS to get in.

University of Fort Hare

University of Fort Hare

Eastern Cape

Fort Hare is known for shaping leaders and activists, especially in the Eastern Cape. You need at least 26 APS to get in, so it's a real option if your marks are solid.

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University

Gauteng

If you want to be a doctor, pharmacist, or health pro in Gauteng, Sefako Makgatho is all about health sciences. Most courses need at least 32 APS to get in.

Vaal University of Technology

Vaal University of Technology

Gauteng

VUT is all about practical skills, solid diplomas and degrees, and giving you a real shot at the job market. APS scores matter here, with bonus points for core subjects.

University of the Witwatersrand

University of the Witwatersrand

Gauteng

Wits is where you go if you want to study in Joburg and aim high. Some courses need 44+ APS and Maths, so bring your A-game if you want in.

University of the Free State

University of the Free State

Free State

UFS is a solid pick in the Free State if you want real options after matric. Most degrees need at least 28-34 APS to get in.

University of Pretoria

University of Pretoria

Gauteng

UP is known for strong academics and big campus life in Gauteng. You generally need at least 28 APS to get in, but some courses want more.

University of Johannesburg

University of Johannesburg

Gauteng

UJ is straight-up practical, with a big city vibe and solid support for first-years. You need at least 28 APS to get in, but some courses want higher.

University of Cape Town

University of Cape Town

Western Cape

If you want to study in Cape Town with some of the best in SA, UCT is the spot. You need to meet their strict entry criteria, so check your APS carefully.

Tshwane University of Technology

Tshwane University of Technology

Gauteng

TUT is known for practical courses that get you job-ready. You need at least 23 APS for vocational diplomas and 25 APS for most other programs.

The University of South Africa

The University of South Africa

Gauteng

Unisa is the big name for distance learning in SA. You need around 18 APS or higher, depending on your course, to get in.

Durban University of Technology

Durban University of Technology

KwaZulu-Natal

DUT is practical, career-focused, and right in the heart of Durban. You need at least 26-28 APS for most diplomas and higher for degrees.

Walter Sisulu University

Walter Sisulu University

Eastern Cape

Walter Sisulu University is all about practical skills and real impact, especially in the Eastern Cape. You need between 18 APS and 30 APS depending on your course.

University of Zululand

University of Zululand

KwaZulu-Natal

UNIZULU is a solid choice if you want career-focused degrees in KZN. You usually need at least 25 APS to get in, but check your program specifics.

University of Venda

University of Venda

Limpopo

Univen is a straight-talking Limpopo varsity where you need at least 30 APS for most BAs and 38 APS for Law. It's a solid shot for focused, hardworking matrics.

University of Mpumalanga

University of Mpumalanga

Mpumalanga

University of Mpumalanga is a newer campus making moves in health and tech. For exact APS scores and requirements, check the official page before you apply.

University of Limpopo

University of Limpopo

Limpopo

UL is proper if you want solid degrees without needing crazy high marks. Some programs need at least 28 APS or even 30 APS.

University of Kwazulu Natal

University of Kwazulu Natal

KwaZulu-Natal

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.

Stellenbosch University

Stellenbosch University

Western Cape

Stellenbosch is known for tough entry requirements and top rankings. You need strong marks, like 65% or higher for some courses, to become a Matie.

Sol Plaatje University

Sol Plaatje University

Northern Cape

SPU is in Kimberley, right in the Northern Cape. You need at least 25 APS to get in, but some courses want 30 APS or more.

Rhodes University

Rhodes University

Eastern Cape

Rhodes is all about tight-knit campus life in Makhanda. You need at least 40 APS for a solid shot at getting in here.

North West University

North West University

North West

NWU is a practical choice if you want options across three campuses and solid programs. For some BCom degrees, you need at least 24 APS with Maths.

Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University

Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University

Eastern Cape

Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University is all about practical learning in the Eastern Cape. If you want real experience with your degree, this is your spot.

Mangosuthu University of Technology

Mangosuthu University of Technology

KwaZulu-Natal

Mangosuthu University of Technology is all about practical, career-focused qualifications. You usually need at least 25 APS with key subjects like Maths and Science to get in.

Central University of Technology

Central University of Technology

Free State

CUT is known for tech, engineering, and teaching degrees right in the Free State. Most courses want at least 27 APS and the right subjects to get in.

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