UNIZULU Minimum APS Requirements 2026 – All Faculties
UNIZULU Minimum APS Requirements 2026 – All Faculties
The University of Zululand (UNIZULU) is a comprehensive university located in KwaDlangezwa on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast, with a satellite campus in Richards Bay. As one of the four CAO member universities, UNIZULU offers degree programmes across four faculties. This guide provides a complete breakdown of the minimum APS requirements for all UNIZULU faculties and programmes, so you know exactly what scores you need for 2026 admission.
How UNIZULU Calculates APS
UNIZULU uses the standard South African Admission Point Score (APS) system. Your APS is calculated using your best six subjects excluding Life Orientation, with each subject contributing between 1 and 7 points based on your matric achievement level. This means your maximum possible APS is 42. To quickly find out your APS, use our free APS calculator.
It is important to understand that UNIZULU considers both your total APS and specific subject requirements. You must meet both criteria to be eligible for a programme.
Faculty of Education – APS Requirements
The Faculty of Education is one of UNIZULU's most popular faculties. It prepares students for teaching careers at foundation, intermediate, senior, and FET phases. Below are the minimum APS requirements for education programmes.
| Programme | Min APS | English | Other Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.Ed (Foundation Phase) | 24 | Level 4 | Maths or Maths Lit Level 3 |
| B.Ed (Intermediate Phase) | 24 | Level 4 | Maths Level 3 |
| B.Ed (Senior Phase & FET) | 26 | Level 4 | Two teaching subjects at Level 4 |
| PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate) | N/A | N/A | Completed undergraduate degree |
If you are passionate about teaching, UNIZULU's B.Ed programmes are well-regarded and eligible for Funza Lushaka bursaries, which cover tuition, accommodation, and a living allowance in exchange for teaching at a public school after graduation.
Faculty of Arts – APS Requirements
The Faculty of Arts offers degree programmes in social sciences, communication, psychology, political science, and languages. Arts programmes generally have more flexible entry requirements than science or commerce programmes.
| Programme | Min APS | English | Other Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| BA (General) | 24 | Level 4 | None specific |
| BA (Psychology) | 26 | Level 4 | Maths or Maths Lit Level 3 |
| BA (Communication Science) | 26 | Level 4 | None specific |
| BA (Social Work) | 26 | Level 4 | Interview may be required |
| BA (Criminology) | 24 | Level 4 | None specific |
| BA (Political Science) | 24 | Level 4 | None specific |
| BA (Development Studies) | 24 | Level 4 | None specific |
| LLB (Law) | 28 | Level 5 | Strong overall academic profile |
Law at UNIZULU requires a higher APS than general arts programmes. If you are considering law, compare requirements with UKZN's law programme which requires an APS of 32.
Faculty of Science and Agriculture – APS Requirements
The Faculty of Science and Agriculture offers programmes in pure sciences, applied sciences, agriculture, and computer science. These programmes typically require pure Mathematics and Physical Science as compulsory subjects.
| Programme | Min APS | Maths | Physical Science | English |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSc (General) | 26 | Level 4 | Level 4 | Level 3 |
| BSc (Computer Science) | 26 | Level 4 | Level 3 | Level 3 |
| BSc (Mathematics) | 28 | Level 5 | Level 4 | Level 3 |
| BSc (Chemistry) | 26 | Level 4 | Level 4 | Level 3 |
| BSc (Physics) | 26 | Level 4 | Level 4 | Level 3 |
| BSc (Hydrology) | 26 | Level 4 | Level 4 | Level 3 |
| BSc Agriculture | 24 | Level 4 | Level 3 | Level 3 |
| BSc Consumer Science | 24 | Level 3 | Level 3 | Level 3 |
| B.Nursing | 26 | Level 4 | Level 4 | Level 4 |
Nursing at UNIZULU is a competitive programme. If you are interested in health sciences more broadly, see our overview of health sciences programmes in KZN.
Faculty of Commerce, Administration and Law – APS Requirements
UNIZULU's commerce faculty offers programmes in accounting, economics, business management, public administration, and information systems. Some programmes accept Mathematical Literacy, while accounting and economics require pure Mathematics.
| Programme | Min APS | Maths / Maths Lit | English | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BCom (Accounting) | 28 | Maths Level 4 | Level 4 | Accounting Level 4 |
| BCom (Economics) | 26 | Maths Level 4 | Level 4 | None |
| BCom (General) | 24 | Maths Level 3 or Maths Lit Level 4 | Level 4 | None |
| BCom (Information Systems) | 26 | Maths Level 4 | Level 4 | None |
| B.Admin (Public Administration) | 24 | Maths Lit Level 3 or Maths Level 3 | Level 3 | None |
| BCom (Human Resource Management) | 24 | Maths Lit Level 4 or Maths Level 3 | Level 4 | None |
For a detailed comparison of business programmes in KwaZulu-Natal, read our best business programmes in KZN guide.
Why Choose UNIZULU?
UNIZULU offers several advantages that make it a strong choice for prospective students:
- Lower APS thresholds: Compared to UKZN and DUT, UNIZULU's entry requirements are generally more accessible, giving more students the opportunity to pursue higher education.
- Affordable fees: UNIZULU has some of the most affordable tuition fees in KZN. Use our CAO fees calculator to estimate costs.
- NSFAS-supported: UNIZULU students are eligible for full NSFAS funding. Check your eligibility with our NSFAS eligibility checker.
- Richards Bay campus growth: The Richards Bay campus is expanding with new programmes, particularly in commerce and science, benefiting students in northern KZN.
- Strong education faculty: UNIZULU is well known for producing excellent teachers, especially for rural and semi-urban schools.
UNIZULU vs Other KZN Universities
| University | Typical Min APS Range | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| UNIZULU | 22–28 | Comprehensive University | KwaDlangezwa / Richards Bay |
| UKZN | 28–35 | Comprehensive University | Durban / PMB |
| DUT | 24–30 | University of Technology | Durban / Midlands |
| MUT | 22–26 | University of Technology | Umlazi, Durban |
Use our university comparison tool to compare UNIZULU with other KZN universities side by side.
How to Apply to UNIZULU Through CAO
UNIZULU is one of the four institutions you can apply to through the Central Applications Office (CAO). Here is what you need to do:
- Register on the CAO portal: Follow our step-by-step CAO application guide.
- Select UNIZULU programmes: You can choose up to seven programmes across the four CAO universities.
- Pay the application fee: Check the latest fees with our CAO fees calculator.
- Upload required documents: See our documents checklist for everything you need.
- Submit before the deadline: Don't miss the closing date. Check our 2026 deadline guide.
Tips to Maximise Your Chances at UNIZULU
- Calculate your APS first: Use our APS calculator to know your score before selecting programmes.
- Apply early: Places fill up quickly, especially in popular programmes like Nursing and Law.
- Improve your weak subjects: If your APS is borderline, our APS improvement guide provides actionable strategies.
- Secure funding: Apply for NSFAS and explore alternative bursaries.
- Track your application: After applying, regularly check your CAO status to stay informed of any updates.
Getting into UNIZULU starts with knowing your APS score. Calculate yours now and take the first step toward your university journey.