UWC Undergraduate Admission Requirements — 2027

UWC uses its own UWC Points system (distinct from the standard APS used at many other South African universities). Points are calculated differently depending on which subjects you take and how they are weighted.

Key rules for all programmes

English (Home Language or First Additional Language): minimum Code 4 (Level 4, 50–59%) required for all programmes, except where a higher level is stated
Life Orientation is generally not counted toward UWC Points
Whether you have taken Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy produces different point scores — note this distinction when calculating your total
Four recognised 20-credit NSC subjects must be passed at Level 4 or higher for bachelor's degree entry
Meeting the minimum UWC Points does not guarantee admission

Language requirements applicable to all 3-year programmes (unless otherwise stated):

English: Code 4 (Home Language OR First Additional Language)
Another language: Code 3 (Home Language OR First Additional Language)

Faculty of Arts and Humanities:

BA (3 years): Minimum 30 UWC Points; English Code 4; another language Code 3; Mathematics Code 3 OR Mathematical Literacy Code 4
BLIS — Bachelor of Library and Information Studies (3 years): Minimum 30 UWC Points; English Code 4; another language Code 3; Mathematics Code 3 OR Mathematical Literacy Code 4; Accounting Code 5 (not required if applicant has Mathematics at Code 5)
BTh — Bachelor of Theology (3 years): Minimum 30 UWC Points; English Code 4 (Home Language) OR Code 5 (First Additional Language); another language Code 4 (Home or First Additional Language)

Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences:

BCom (3 years): Minimum 30 UWC Points; English Code 4; another language Code 3; Mathematics Code 3 OR Mathematical Literacy Code 4
BCom (4-year stream): Minimum 30 UWC Points; same subject requirements as BCom 3-year; available for students who qualify but choose the extended route

Faculty of Education:

BEd (4 years): Minimum 30 UWC Points; English Code 4; another language Code 3; Mathematics Code 3 OR Mathematical Literacy Code 4

Faculty of Law:

LLB (3 years): Minimum 34 UWC Points; English Code 4; another language Code 3; Mathematics Code 3 OR Mathematical Literacy Code 4

Faculty of Natural Sciences:

BSc — Mathematics and Statistical Sciences (3 years): Minimum 30 UWC Points; English Code 4; Mathematics Code 4; Physical Sciences Code 4 AND Life Sciences Code 4
BSc in Dietetics: English Code 4; Mathematics Code 4; Physical Sciences Code 4; Life Sciences Code 4 — minimum UWC Points apply (confirm with faculty)
BPharm (Bachelor of Pharmacy): English Code 4; Mathematics Code 4; Physical Sciences Code 4; Life Sciences Code 4 — confirm current minimum UWC Points with the Faculty of Natural Sciences

Faculty of Community and Health Sciences:

BSc (Physiotherapy), BSc (Occupational Therapy): English Code 4; Mathematics Code 4; Life Sciences Code 4; Physical Sciences Code 4 — subject to selection; confirm current minimum UWC Points with the faculty
BNurs (Bachelor of Nursing): English Code 4; Mathematics Code 4 (not required if applicant has Mathematics Literacy at specified level); Life Sciences Code 4
BA (Social Work): English Code 4; another language Code 3; Mathematics Code 3 OR Mathematical Literacy Code 4; minimum UWC Points — confirm with faculty

Faculty of Dentistry:

BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery): English Code 4; Mathematics Code 4; Physical Sciences Code 4; Life Sciences Code 4; closing date 31 August 2026; subject to selection — confirm minimum UWC Points and full selection criteria with the Faculty of Dentistry
Bachelor of Oral Health: English Code 4; Mathematics Code 4 OR Mathematical Literacy; Life Sciences Code 4; closing date 31 August 2026 — confirm minimum UWC Points with faculty

Important note on UWC Points calculation

The UWC Points system uses a specific weighting formula that differs from the standard NSC APS. The prospectus states that Mathematics and Mathematical Literacy produce different point contributions. Students are strongly advised to use the UWC Points calculator to confirm their score for their chosen programme before applying, as the weighting formula is applied per subject code level.

Postgraduate admission requirements

Honours degrees: Relevant bachelor's degree in the related field; minimum academic average as specified by the relevant department — contact the faculty directly
Postgraduate Diplomas: Relevant bachelor's degree or equivalent
Master's degrees: Relevant honours degree or equivalent NQF Level 8 qualification; research proposals and supervisor identification required for dissertation-based degrees
Doctoral degrees: Relevant master's degree; research proposal; supervisor appointment

University of the Western Cape

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