Choosing the right university programme starts with understanding the admission requirements. If you are planning to study at the University of Mpumalanga (UMP) in 2027, one of the most important factors you need to know is the Admission Point Score (APS) required for your chosen qualification.
UMP offers a variety of qualifications across different faculties, including education, agriculture, science, law, commerce, information technology, social sciences, and hospitality management.
While meeting the minimum APS requirement is essential, applicants should remember that some programmes are competitive and selection may depend on available space.
What Is APS?
APS stands for Admission Point Score. Universities use this score to determine whether applicants meet the academic requirements for admission.
Your APS is calculated using your final Grade 12 results. Each subject achievement level contributes points toward your total score.
At UMP, APS requirements vary depending on the qualification. Some programmes require an APS as low as 19, while others require 33 or higher.
Diploma in Hospitality Management
Duration: 3 Years Credits: 360
Admission Requirements
Applicants must have:
Minimum APS of 24 with Mathematics or 25 with Mathematical Literacy
Diploma endorsement
English Home Language or First Additional Language at Level 4
Mathematics at Level 3 or Mathematical Literacy at Level 4
One additional language
Any other four subjects
Bachelor of Development Studies
Duration: 3 Years Credits: 360
Admission Requirements
Applicants must have:
Minimum APS of 32
English Home Language or First Additional Language at Level 4
Mathematics at Level 2 or Mathematical Literacy at Level 3
Geography or History and one additional social or commercial subject
Sciences at Level 4
Higher Certificate in Event Management
Duration: 1 Year Credits: 120
Admission Requirements
Applicants must have:
APS of 19 with Mathematics or 21 with Mathematical Literacy or Technical Mathematics
Diploma or Higher Certificate endorsement
English Home Language or First Additional Language at Level 4
Mathematics at Level 2
Mathematical Literacy or Technical Mathematics at Level 4
Three additional vocational subjects at Level 2
NCV Requirements
UMP recommends subjects such as:
Business Studies
Hospitality Studies
Tourism-related subjects
Bachelor of Social Work
Duration: 4 Years Credits: 480
Admission Requirements
Applicants must have:
Minimum APS of 32
English Home Language or First Additional Language at Level 4
Mathematics at Level 2 or Mathematical Literacy at Level 3
English Home Language or First Additional Language at Level 4
Mathematics at Level 2 or Mathematical Literacy at Level 3
Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
Duration: 4 Years Credits: 480
Admission Requirements
Applicants must have:
Minimum APS of 33
Bachelor’s degree endorsement
English Home Language or First Additional Language at Level 4
Additional Language at Level 4
Mathematics at Level 3 or Mathematical Literacy at Level 4
Important Selection Information
The LLB programme follows a monthly selection process. Applicants who exceed the minimum requirements may receive conditional offers, while others may be placed on hold for further consideration.
UMP reserves at least 50% of available places for applicants completing the National Senior Certificate or an equivalent qualification.
Bachelor of Commerce (General)
Duration: 3 Years Credits: 360
Admission Requirements
Applicants must have:
Minimum APS of 30
English Home Language or First Additional Language at Level 4
Mathematics at Level 4
Mathematical Literacy is not accepted.
Bachelor of Administration
Duration: 3 Years Credits: 360
Admission Requirements
Applicants must have:
Minimum APS of 32
English Home Language or First Additional Language at Level 4
Second Language at Level 4
Mathematics at Level 2 or Mathematical Literacy at Level 3
Students intending to take Economics as an elective must have Mathematics at Level 4.
Diploma in Nature Conservation
Duration: 3 Years Credits: 360
Admission Requirements
Applicants must have:
Minimum APS of 30
English Home Language or First Additional Language at Level 4
Mathematics at Level 2 or Mathematical Literacy at Level 3
Recommended Subjects
Life Sciences Level 4
Geography Level 4
NCV Requirements
Applicants with NCV Level 4 in Primary Agriculture must have:
50% in English
30% in Mathematics or 40% in Mathematical Literacy
Higher Certificate in ICT in User Support
Duration: 1 Year Credits: 120
Admission Requirements
Applicants must have:
APS of 20 with Mathematics or 22 with Mathematical Literacy
English Home Language or First Additional Language at Level 4
English Home Language or First Additional Language at Level 4
Mathematics at Level 4
Bachelor endorsement
NCV Requirements
Applicants must achieve:
60% in English
60% in Mathematics
70% in four IT-related vocational subjects
Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching
Duration: 4 Years Credits: 480
Admission Requirements
Applicants must have:
APS of 26 with Mathematics or 27 with Mathematical Literacy
Selection Process
Preliminary admission is based on Grade 11 results.
Final admission is based on Grade 12 results.
APS is calculated using the prescribed seven subjects.
Life Orientation is counted at half value.
Where more than three elective subjects are presented, the best three electives will be used.
UMP APS Requirements Summary
Programme
Minimum APS
Higher Certificate in Event Management
19 (Maths) / 21 (Maths Literacy)
Higher Certificate in ICT in User Support
20 (Maths) / 22 (Maths Literacy)
Diploma in Agriculture in Plant Production
23 (Maths) / 24 (Maths Literacy)
Diploma in Hospitality Management
24 (Maths) / 25 (Maths Literacy)
Diploma in ICT in Applications Development
24
Diploma in Animal Production
24 (Maths) / 27 (Maths Literacy)
Bachelor of Agriculture
26 (Maths) / 28 (Maths Literacy)
Bachelor of Education Foundation Phase
26 (Maths) / 27 (Maths Literacy)
Bachelor of Arts
28
Bachelor of Commerce
30
Diploma in Nature Conservation
30
Bachelor of Science in Agriculture
30
Bachelor of Science in Forestry
30
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science
30
Bachelor of Science Degree
30
Bachelor of Development Studies
32
Bachelor of Social Work
32
Bachelor of Administration
32
Bachelor of ICT
32
Bachelor of Laws
33
How UMP Selects Applicants
Meeting the minimum APS requirement does not automatically guarantee admission.
Some programmes have limited spaces and applicants may be assessed monthly. Students who exceed the minimum requirements often have a stronger chance of receiving an offer, especially in competitive programmes.
Applicants may also be placed on a waiting list or hold status while the university continues evaluating applications.
Postal Address: Private Bag X11283, Mbombela, 1200
Physical Address: C/O D725 and R40, Riverside, Mbombela, South Africa, 1200
Conclusion
The University of Mpumalanga offers a wide variety of qualifications for 2027, with APS requirements ranging from 19 to 33 depending on the programme. Before applying, make sure you check not only the APS requirement but also the subject levels, endorsement requirements, and any programme-specific selection criteria.
Choosing a qualification that matches both your APS and subject results will improve your chances of receiving an offer and starting your studies successfully at UMP in 2027.
