University of Zululand Admission Requirements

The University of Zululand (UNIZULU) admits students based on admission points from six National Senior Certificate (NSC) subjects, along with the subject levels that each programme sets. Its minimum points range from 24 for diplomas to 30 for programmes such as law, engineering and nursing. The figures below come from UNIZULU's 2026 undergraduate brochure.

How UNIZULU calculates your points

UNIZULU converts each of six relevant subjects to the NSC rating levels: 80% to 100% earns 7 points, 70% to 79% earns 6, 60% to 69% earns 5, 50% to 59% earns 4, 40% to 49% earns 3, and 30% to 39% earns 2. Life Orientation earns no points.

What the points mean

Because UNIZULU uses six subjects on a 7-point scale, the highest possible score is 42. A student with level 5 (60% to 69%) in all six subjects would score 30, which meets the minimum for law, nursing and engineering. Subject levels still matter, though, so a high total cannot make up for a missing subject requirement.

Minimum points for popular UNIZULU programmes

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB): 30, with English at level 4 and Mathematics at level 3 or Mathematical Literacy at level 4
• Bachelor of Nursing Science: 30, with English and Life Sciences at level 4
• BEng in Electrical, Mechanical or Mechatronic Engineering: 30, with English at level 4 and Mathematics and Physical Sciences at level 5
• BCom in Accounting and BCom Accounting Science: 28, with English and Mathematics at level 4
• Other three-year BCom degrees: 28, with Mathematics at level 3 or Mathematical Literacy at level 6
• Bachelor of Administration degrees: 28
• Bachelor of Social Work: 28
• BSc degrees: 28, with Mathematics and Physical Sciences at the levels each stream sets
• BA in Psychology: 28
• Most other BA degrees: 26
• Bachelor of Education programmes: 26
• Diplomas, such as Logistics or Transport Management: 24

Subject requirements

Each programme also names the subjects it needs. For example, the BEd in Foundation Phase Teaching asks for isiZulu Home Language and English First Additional Language at level 4, plus Mathematics at level 3 or Mathematical Literacy at level 4. The BA in Environmental Planning and Development asks for Geography at level 4.

Four-year and foundation options

If your results fall a little short, UNIZULU offers four-year versions of many BCom degrees from 26 points, with English at level 3. The four-year BSc Foundation programme also accepts 26 points, with lower science levels. These extended routes give you extra support in your first year.

Campuses

Most degrees are taught at the KwaDlangezwa campus. The Richards Bay campus focuses on vocational programmes, such as the diplomas in logistics, transport and hospitality management.

Meeting the minimum

UNIZULU says that meeting the minimum requirements only makes you eligible for selection. It does not mean that you will be accepted, so aim above the minimum and use all your CAO choices well.