UWC courses offered and entry requirements -University of the Western Cape Did you wish to study at UWC? Find List of Undergraduate, post Graduate Courses and all short Courses and Programmes offered at University of the Western Cape UWC with it’s admissions entry Qualifications needed to study University of the Western Cape UWC.
Faculties & Programmes Offered at UWC
UWC graduates have successful careers and are making an impact across South Africa and internationally.
With more than 200 degree, diploma and certificate programmes and a universe of subjects to select from, the University can accommodate your career aspirations.
University of the Western Cape (UWC) Courses and Requirements.
THE POINT SYSTEM
For admission to degree and diploma programmes UWC makes use a weighted system for calculating points, they are as follows:
NCS Level UWC POINTS
| Level | Percentage | Points for English* | Points for Maths or Maths Lit. | Points for Life Orientation | Points for each other subject |
| 8 | 90-100% | 15 | 15 | 3 | 8 |
| 7 | 80-89% | 13 | 13 | 3 | 7 |
| 6 | 70-79% | 11 | 11 | 2 | 6 |
| 5 | 60-69% | 9 | 9 | 2 | 5 |
| 4 | 50-59% | 7 | 7 | 2 | 4 |
| 3 | 40-49% | 5 | 5 | 1 | 3 |
| 2 | 30-39% | 3 | 3 | 1 | 2 |
| 1 | 20-29% | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Less than 20% | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
*English here refers to either English home language or English first additional language, not second additional language, which would rather fall under „other subjects‟
| Minimum NSC Subject Requirements for 2017- Faculty of Community and Health Sciences |
| Programme | Course
code | English (Home Language) | English (1st Additional Language) | Another Language (Home or
1st Additional Language) | Mathematics
| Mathematics Literacy | Life Science | Physical Science | Point Score | |||
| BSc Dietetics | 8231 | 4
(50-59%) | or | 4
(50-59%) | 3
(40-49%) | 4
(50-59%) | or | 6
(70-79%) | 4
(50-59%) | N/A | 33 | |
| BSc(Occupational Therapy) | 8111 | 4
(50 – 59%) | or | 4
(50-59%) | 3
(40-49%) | 3
(40-49%) | or | 5
(60-69%) | 4
(50-59%) | N/A | 33 | |
| BSc (Physiotherapy)* | 8211 | 4
(50-59%) | or | 4
(50-59%) | 3
(40-49%)
| 4
(50-59%) | or | 6
(70-79%) | 4
(50-59%) | and
| 4
(50-59%) | 39 |
| BSc (Complementary
Health Science)
General Stream | 8104 | 4
(50-59%) | or | 4
(50-59%) | 3
(40-49%) | 4
(50-59%) | or | 6
(70-79%) | 4
(50-59%) | and
| 3
(40-49%) | 30 |
| B Nursing | 8311 | 4
(50-59%) | or | 4
(50-59%) | 3
(40-49%) | 4
(50-59%) | or | 6
(70-79%) | 4
(50-59%) | N/A
| 30 | |
| B Social Work | 8411 | 4
(50-59%)
| or | 5
(60-69%)
| 4
(50-59%) | 3
(40-49%) | or | 4
(50-59%) | N/A | N/A | 30 | |
| BSc (Sport & Exercise Science) | 8051 | 4
(50-59%)
| or | 4
(50-59%) | 3
(40-49%) | 4
(50-59%) | or | 6
(70-79%) | 4
(50-59%) | N/A | 33 | |
| BA (Sport Recreation & Exercise Science) | 8061 | 4
(50-59%) | or | 4
(50-59%) | 3
(40-49%) | 3
(40-49%) | or | 4
(50-59%) | N/A | N/A | 30 | |
*Partially sighted students must be able to read 24 font size.
| Minimum NSC Subject Requirements for 2017 – Faculty of Natural Sciences |
| Programme | Course code | English (Home or 1st Additional Language) | Another Language (Home or 1st Additional Language) | Mathematics | Physical Science | Life Science | Information Technology | Point Score | |||
| BSc (Computer Science) | 3221 | 4
(50-59%) | 3
(40-49%) | 5
(60-69%) | 4
(50-59%) | or | 4
(50-59%) | or | 4
(50-59%) | 33 | |
| BSc (Mathematical &Statistical Science) | 3227 | 4
(50-59%) | 3
(40-49%) | 5
(60-69%) | 4
(50-59%) | or | 4
(50-59%) | or | 4
(50-59%) | 33 | |
| BSc (Physical Science) | 3233 | 4
(50-59%) | 3
(40-49%) | 5
(60-69%) | 4
(50-59%) | N/A | N/A | 33 | |||
| BSc (Environmental & Water Science) | 3331 | 4
(50-59%) | 3
(40-49%) | 4
(50-59%) | 4
(50-59%) | or | 4
(50-59%) | N/A | 33 | ||
| BSc (Biotechnology) | 3211 | 4
(50-59%) | 3
(40-49%) | 4
(50-59%) | 4
(50-59%) | or | 4
(50-59%) | N/A | 33 | ||
| BSc (Biodiversity & Conservation Biology) | 3217 | 4
(50-59%) | 3
(40-49%) | 4
(50-59%) | 4
(50-59%) | or | 4
(50-59%) | N/A | 33 | ||
| BSc (Medical Bioscience) | 3230 | 4
(50-59%) | 3
(40-49%) | 4
(50-59%) | N/A | 4
(50-59%) | N/A | 33 | |||
| BSc (Applied Geology) | 3214 | 4
(50-59%) | 3
(40-49%) | 4
(50-59%) | 4
(50-59%) | N/A | N/A | 33 | |||
| BSc (Chemical Science) | 3220 | 4
(50-59%) | 3
(40-49%) | 4
(50-59%) | 4
(50-59%) | N/A | N/A | 33 | |||
| Pharmacy | 3305 | 4
(50-59%) | 3
(40-49%) | 4
(50-59%) | 4
(50-59%) | and | 4
(50-59%) | N/A | 38 | ||
| Minimum NSC Requirements for 2017 – Faculty of Education |
| Programme | Learning Area Specialisation | Course Code | Subjects | Point Score | |||||||
| BEd
| Languages and Social Sciences
ENGLISH | 4512 | English
(Home Language)
4
(50-59%)
|
or | English
(1st Additional Language)
5
(60-69%) |
and | Another Language
(Home or 1st Additional Language)
3
(40-49%) | Mathematics
3
(40-49%)
Or
Mathematical Literacy
3
(40-49%) |
and | History
and Geography
4
(50-59%) | 33 |
|
AFRIKAANS | Afrikaans
(Home Language)
4
(50-59%) | or | Afrikaans
(1st Additional Language)
5
(60-69%) | and | English
(Home or 1st Additional Language)
4
(50-59%) | Mathematics
3
(40-49%)
Or
Mathematical Literacy
3
(40-49%) | and | History
and Geography
4
(50-59%) | 33 | ||
|
XHOSA | Xhosa
(Home Language)
4
(50-59%) | or | Xhosa
(1st Additional Language)
5
(60-69%) | and | English
(Home or 1st Additional Language)
4
(50-59%) | Mathematics
3
(40-49%)
Or
Mathematical Literacy
3
(40-49%) | and | History
and Geography
4
(50-59%) | 33 | ||
| BEd | Languages and Life Orientation
ENGLISH | 4513 | English
(Home Language)
4
(50-59%)
|
or | English
(1st Additional Language)
5
(60-69%) |
and | Another Language
(Home or 1st Additional Language)
3
(40-49%)
| Mathematics
3
(40-49%)
Or
Mathematical Literacy
3
(40-49%) |
and | Life Orientation
4
(50-59%) | 33 |
|
AFRIKAANS | Afrikaans
(Home Language)
4
(50-59%) | or | Afrikaans
(1st Additional Language)
5
(60-69%) | and | English
(Home or 1st Additional Language)
4
(50-59%) | Mathematics
3
(40-49%)
Or
Mathematical Literacy
3
(40-49%) | and | Life Orientation
4
(50-59%) | 33 | ||
|
XHOSA | Xhosa
(Home Language)
4
(50-59%) | or | Xhosa
(1st Additional Language)
5
(60-69%) | and | English
(Home or 1st Additional Language)
4
(50-59%) | Mathematics
3
(40-49%)
Or
Mathematical Literacy
3
(40-49%) | and | Life Orientation
4
(50-59%) | 33 | ||
| BEd | Foundation Phase | 4517 | English (Home Language
or 1st Additional language
4
(50-59%)
|
and | Another language (Home or 1st Additional language)
4
(50-59%)
|
and | Mathematics
3
(40-49%)
or
Mathematical Literacy
5
(60-69%)
| N/A | N/A | 33 | |
| BEd | Languages and Mathematics
ENGLISH | 4515 | English
(Home language)
4
(50-59%)
|
or | English
(1st Additional Language)
5
(60-69%)
|
and | Another Language
(Home or 1st Additional Language)
3
(40-49%) | Mathematics
4
(50-59%)
|
or | Mathematical Literacy
6
(70-79%) | 33 |
| AFRIKAANS | Afrikaans
(Home language)
4
(50-59%) | or | Afrikaans
(1st Additional Language)
5
(60-69%) | and | English
(Home or 1st Additional Language)
4
(50-59%) | Mathematics
4
(50-59%) | or | Mathematical Literacy
6
(70-79%) | 33 | ||
| XHOSA | Xhosa
(Home language)
4
(50-59%) | or | Xhosa
(1st Additional Language)
5
(60-69%) | and | English
(Home or 1st Additional Language)
4
(50-59%) | Mathematics
4
(50-59%) | or | Mathematical Literacy
6
(70-79%) | 33 | ||
| BEd | Mathematics, and Natural Science | 4516 | English (Home or 1st Additional Language)
4
(50-59%)
| and | Another language (Home or 1st Additional language)
3
(40-49%)
| and | Mathematics
4
(50-59%)
Or
Mathematical Literacy
6
(70-79%) | Life Science
4
(50-59%)
|
or | Physical Science
4
(50-59%) | 33 |
| Minimum NSC Requirements for 2017 – Faculty of Arts |
| Programme | Course Code | English (Home or 1st Additional Language) | Another Language (Home or 1st Additional Language) | Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy | Designated Subjects | Point Score |
| Bachelor of Arts (BA)
General Admission | 2101 | 4
(50-59%) | 3
(40-49%) | No specific level required | Another Subject at level 4 (50-59%) | 32 |
|
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Subject Specific Admission
|
2101 |
4
(50-59%) |
3
(40-49%) | Subject Specific Requirements for the following programmes: Geography, Tourism, Information Systems or Psychology:
3
(40-49%) in Mathematics
OR
4
(50-59%) in Mathematical Literacy
|
Another Subject at level 4 (50-59%) |
32 |
| Bachelor of Theology (BTh)
General Admission | 2013 | 4
(50-59%) | 3
(40-49%) | No specific level required | Another Subject at level 4 (50-59%) | 32 |
|
Bachelor of Theology (BTh)
Subject Specific Admission
|
2013 |
4
(50-59%) |
3
(40-49%) | Subject Specific Requirements for the following programmes: Psychology:
3
(40-49%) in Mathematics
OR
4
(50-59%) in Mathematical Literacy |
Another Subject at level 4 (50-59%) |
32 |
| Bachelor of Library and Information Studies (BLIS) | 2201 | 4
(50-59%) | 3
(40-49%) | 3
(40-49%) in Mathematics
OR
4
(50-59%) in Mathematical Literacy
| Another Subject at level 4 (50-59%) | 32 |
| Minimum NSC Subject Requirements for 2017 – Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences |
| Programme | Course Code | English (Home or 1st Additional Language) | Another Language (Home or 1st Additional Language) | Mathematics
| Mathematical Literacy | Accounting | Point Score | |
| BAdmin | 1011 | 4
(50-59%) | 3
(40-49%) | 3
(40-49%) | or | 5
(60-69%) | N/A | 30 |
| BCom | 1008 | 4
(50-59%) | 3
(40-49%) | 4
(50-59%) | or | N/A | N/A | 30 |
| BCom Law | 1221 | 4
(50-59%) | 3
(40-49%) | 4
(50-59%) | or | N/A | N/A | 30 |
| BCom Accounting | 1021 | 4
(50-59%) | 3
(40-49%) | 4
(50-59%) | or | N/A | 5
(60-69%)
N/A if students have achieved 5 or higher in mathematics | 30 |
| BCom Financial Accounting | 1175 | 4
(50-59%) | 3
(40-49%) | 4
(50-59%) | or | N/A | N/A | 30 |
| BEconomics
(Dev Econ) | 1181 | 4
(50-59%) | 3
(40-49%) | 4
(50-59%) | or | N/A | N/A | 30 |
| Minimum NSC Subject Requirements for 2017 – Faculty of Law |
| Programme | Course Code | English (Home or 1st Additional Language) | Another Language (Home or 1st Additional Language) | Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy | Life Sciences | Point Score |
| BLaws | 7161 | 4
(50-59%) | 3
(40-49%) | 4
(50-59%) | N/A | 37 |
| Higher Certificate in Forensic Examination | 7115 | Matriculation Certificate or National Senior Certificate (NSC) plus three years working experience
(RPL Applicable) | 27 | |||
| Minimum NSC Subject Requirements for 2017 – Faculty of Dentistry |
| Programme | Course Code | English (Home or 1st Additional Language) | Another Language (Home or 1st Additional) | Mathematics
| Mathematical Literacy | Life Science | Physical Science | Point Score | |
| B Dental Surgery | 5101 | 4
(50-59%) | 3
(40-49%) | 4
(50-59%) | N/A | 4
(50-59%) | 4
(50-59%) | 40 | |
| B Oral Health | 5211 | 4
(50-59%) | 3
(40-49%) | 3
(40-49%) | or | 4
(50-59%) | 4
(50-59%) | N/A | 27 |
Admission Criteria and Information
General Admissions Criteria
The minimum admission requirement for Bachelor`s degree studies is a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with an achievement rating of 4 (adequate achievement, 50-59%) or higher in at least four subjects chosen from the 20-credit NSC subjects (known as the `designated subject list’).
These are:
Accounting
Agricultural Sciences
Business Studies
Dramatic Arts
Economics
Engineering
Graphics and Design
Geography
History
Consumer Studies
Information Technology
Language (one language of learning and teaching at a higher education institution and two other recognised language subjects)
Life Science
Mathematics
Mathematical Literacy
Music
Physical Sciences
Religion Studies
Visual Arts
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What courses does UWC offer?
UWC offers courses across Arts and Humanities, Community and Health Sciences, Dentistry, Education, Economic and Management Sciences, Law, and Natural Sciences.
What is the minimum requirement for a UWC Bachelor’s degree?
The general minimum is an NSC meeting Bachelor’s degree admission requirements, including an achievement rating of at least Level 4 in four recognised 20-credit subjects, subject to programme-specific requirements.
What is the minimum requirement for a UWC Diploma?
The general Diploma requirement is an NSC with at least Level 3 in four recognised 20-credit subjects, subject to programme-specific requirements.
What is required for a UWC Higher Certificate?
The general minimum requirement is a National Senior Certificate.
Does UWC use an APS or points system?
Yes. UWC uses an approved points system for degree and diploma admission.
What is the UWC application deadline for 2027?
The general deadline is 30 September 2026, while Dentistry and Oral Health applications close on 31 August 2026.
When did UWC 2027 applications open?
UWC opened undergraduate applications for 2027 on 1 April 2026.
How many undergraduate programmes can I choose at UWC?
Applicants may apply for a maximum of two undergraduate programme choices.
Can I apply to UWC without my final Grade 12 results?
Yes. Current Grade 12 applicants can apply using their available Grade 11 or June examination results, with final admission based on final Grade 12 results.
What documents do post-matric applicants need?
They generally need a certified NSC or Senior Certificate, certified ID, an affidavit explaining post-matric activities and relevant proof of upgraded results where applicable.
What are the UWC Law entry requirements?
The four-year LLB generally requires an NSC for Bachelor’s study, at least 37 UWC points, English Level 4, another language Level 3, and Mathematics Level 3 or Mathematical Literacy Level 5.
Is admission to the UWC LLB guaranteed if I meet 37 points?
No. The Law Faculty states that admission is competitive and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee placement.
Does UWC offer Dentistry?
Yes. UWC offers the Bachelor of Dental Surgery and Bachelor of Oral Health.
When does the UWC Dentistry application close?
For the 2027 intake, Dentistry and Oral Health applications close on 31 August 2026.
Does UWC offer BCom courses?
Yes. UWC offers several BCom-related programmes, including BCom, BCom Accounting, BCom Information Systems, BCom Financial Accounting and BCom Law.
Does UWC offer Law courses other than LLB?
Yes. The university offers programmes such as BCom in Law, BA in Law and a Higher Certificate in Forensic Examination, alongside postgraduate law qualifications.
Does UWC offer Science courses?
Yes. The Faculty of Natural Sciences offers undergraduate degrees and a professional pharmacy degree, as well as postgraduate qualifications.
Can international students apply to UWC?
Yes. International applicants can apply, but their qualifications must be evaluated by Universities South Africa and they must provide the required documentation.
Does UWC charge an application fee?
UWC’s application information states that there is no application fee.
Does meeting the UWC minimum requirements guarantee admission?
No. Admission depends on academic performance, programme-specific requirements, competition and the number of available places.
Where can I check the official UWC courses?
Applicants should use the official UWC programme and admissions pages for the most current list of courses and requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What courses does UWC offer?
UWC offers courses across Arts and Humanities, Community and Health Sciences, Dentistry, Education, Economic and Management Sciences, Law, and Natural Sciences.
What is the minimum requirement for a UWC Bachelor’s degree?
The general minimum is an NSC meeting Bachelor’s degree admission requirements, including an achievement rating of at least Level 4 in four recognised 20-credit subjects, subject to programme-specific requirements.
What is the minimum requirement for a UWC Diploma?
The general Diploma requirement is an NSC with at least Level 3 in four recognised 20-credit subjects, subject to programme-specific requirements.
What is required for a UWC Higher Certificate?
The general minimum requirement is a National Senior Certificate.
Does UWC use an APS or points system?
Yes. UWC uses an approved points system for degree and diploma admission.
What is the UWC application deadline for 2027?
The general deadline is 30 September 2026, while Dentistry and Oral Health applications close on 31 August 2026.
When did UWC 2027 applications open?
UWC opened undergraduate applications for 2027 on 1 April 2026.
How many undergraduate programmes can I choose at UWC?
Applicants may apply for a maximum of two undergraduate programme choices.
Can I apply to UWC without my final Grade 12 results?
Yes. Current Grade 12 applicants can apply using their available Grade 11 or June examination results, with final admission based on final Grade 12 results.
What documents do post-matric applicants need?
They generally need a certified NSC or Senior Certificate, certified ID, an affidavit explaining post-matric activities and relevant proof of upgraded results where applicable.
What are the UWC Law entry requirements?
The four-year LLB generally requires an NSC for Bachelor’s study, at least 37 UWC points, English Level 4, another language Level 3, and Mathematics Level 3 or Mathematical Literacy Level 5.
Is admission to the UWC LLB guaranteed if I meet 37 points?
No. The Law Faculty states that admission is competitive and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee placement.
Does UWC offer Dentistry?
Yes. UWC offers the Bachelor of Dental Surgery and Bachelor of Oral Health.
When does the UWC Dentistry application close?
For the 2027 intake, Dentistry and Oral Health applications close on 31 August 2026.
Does UWC offer BCom courses?
Yes. UWC offers several BCom-related programmes, including BCom, BCom Accounting, BCom Information Systems, BCom Financial Accounting and BCom Law.
Does UWC offer Law courses other than LLB?
Yes. The university offers programmes such as BCom in Law, BA in Law and a Higher Certificate in Forensic Examination, alongside postgraduate law qualifications.
Does UWC offer Science courses?
Yes. The Faculty of Natural Sciences offers undergraduate degrees and a professional pharmacy degree, as well as postgraduate qualifications.
Can international students apply to UWC?
Yes. International applicants can apply, but their qualifications must be evaluated by Universities South Africa and they must provide the required documentation.
Does UWC charge an application fee?
UWC’s application information states that there is no application fee.
Does meeting the UWC minimum requirements guarantee admission?
No. Admission depends on academic performance, programme-specific requirements, competition and the number of available places.
Where can I check the official UWC courses?
Applicants should use the official UWC programme and admissions pages for the most current list of courses and requirements.
