The University of Limpopo (UL) admits students based on an Admission Point Score (APS) and the subject requirements that each faculty sets. You need a National Senior Certificate that qualifies you for your level of study, plus the APS for your programme. The figures below come from UL's undergraduate prospectus for 2027.
How UL calculates your APS
UL adds up the achievement levels in six recognised 20-credit subjects, as each faculty specifies. Life Orientation is not used in the calculation. However, you must still pass Life Orientation at level 3 or higher, and English, the language of instruction, at level 3 or higher.
National law also applies. For degree programmes, you need at least four 20-credit subjects at level 4 or higher. For diploma programmes, you need at least four at level 3 or higher. If you finished Grade 12 before 2008, UL converts your Senior Certificate symbols to an APS.
Minimum APS for popular UL programmes
- Bachelor of Accountancy (BAcc): APS 30
- BCom in Accountancy: APS 28
- BCom in Economics: APS 26, or 22 for the extended curriculum programme
- LLB: APS 30, or 26 for the extended curriculum programme
- Bachelor of Administration: APS 26
- Bachelor of Social Work: APS 26
- BA (Languages stream): APS 25
- BEd (Senior Phase and FET Teaching): APS 24
- MBChB (Medicine): APS 27, with English at level 4 and level 5 in Mathematics, Physical Sciences and Life Sciences
- BSc extended curriculum programmes: APS 22
Subject requirements
Each programme lists the subjects and levels it needs. For example, the MBChB asks for level 5 (60% to 69%) in Mathematics, Physical Sciences and Life Sciences, along with level 4 in English and two further subjects. The BSc in Dietetics asks for level 4 in English and Mathematics and level 5 in Physical Sciences and Life Sciences. So check the full table for your programme in the prospectus.
Extended curriculum programmes
UL offers extended curriculum programmes in several faculties for students whose results fall a little short. These add support in the first year, and they usually accept a lower APS. For example, the extended BCom in Economics and the extended BSc streams start from an APS of 22.
Other qualifications
If you have a National Certificate (Vocational) or a non-NSC qualification, UL converts it with its own conversion tables in the prospectus. International applicants follow these tables as well.
Meeting the minimum
UL says that meeting the minimum APS for a programme does not guarantee admission, because space in each programme is limited. So apply early, and use your second study choice for a programme where your APS sits comfortably above the minimum.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does UL count Life Orientation in the APS?
No, but you must pass it at level 3 or higher.
What APS do I need for medicine at UL?
The MBChB needs an APS of 27, with level 5 in Mathematics, Physical Sciences and Life Sciences.
What APS do I need for LLB at UL?
The LLB needs an APS of 30, or 26 for the extended programme.