The University of Mpumalanga (UMP) offers a diverse range of undergraduate qualifications across education, agriculture, commerce, ICT, science, social sciences, and more. This page provides the complete list of available courses for 2027, including the minimum APS (Admission Point Score) required for each programme, based on the official UMP 2027 Undergraduate Prospectus.
What Is an APS Score?
Your APS (Admission Point Score) is calculated from your NSC (Matric) Grade 12 results across seven subjects. Important rules:
- Life Orientation counts at half its achievement rating in the APS calculation
- Some programmes accept Mathematical Literacy (Math Lit) — but many degree-level programmes require pure Mathematics
- A higher APS gives you a stronger chance of admission, especially in competitive programmes
- Most programmes require English at Level 4 (Home Language or First Additional Language)
APS Rating Scale
| NSC Achievement Rating | Description | APS Points |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | Outstanding Achievement | 7 |
| 6 | Meritorious Achievement | 6 |
| 5 | Substantial Achievement | 5 |
| 4 | Adequate Achievement | 4 |
| 3 | Moderate Achievement | 3 |
| 2 | Elementary Achievement | 2 |
| 1 | Not Achieved | 1 |
Summary: All UMP Courses at a Glance
| Programme | Level | APS (Maths) | APS (Math Lit) |
|---|---|---|---|
| BEd Foundation Phase Teaching | Degree | 26 | 27 |
| BA General | Degree | 28 | 28 |
| Bachelor of Development Studies | Degree | 32 | 32 |
| Bachelor of Social Work | Degree | 32 | 32 |
| Bachelor of Laws (LLB) | Degree | 33 | 33 |
| BCom General | Degree | 30 | Not accepted |
| Bachelor of Administration | Degree | 32 | 32 |
| BSc Agriculture | Degree | 30 | 30 |
| BAgric Extension and Rural Resource Management | Degree | 26 | 28 |
| BSc General | Degree | 30 | 30 |
| BSc Environmental Science | Degree | 30 | 30 |
| BSc Forestry | Degree | 30 | 30 |
| Bachelor of ICT in Application Development | Degree | 32 | Not accepted |
| Diploma in Hospitality Management | Diploma | 24 | 25 |
| Diploma in Animal Production | Diploma | 24 | 27 |
| Diploma in Agriculture in Plant Production | Diploma | 23 | 24 |
| Diploma in Nature Conservation | Diploma | 30 | 30 |
| Diploma in ICT in Applications Development | Diploma | 24 | 24 |
| Higher Certificate in ICT in User Support | Higher Certificate | 20 | 22 |
| Higher Certificate in Event Management | Higher Certificate | 19 | 21 |
Qualification Levels Explained
| Level | NQF Level | Duration | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Higher Certificate | NQF 5 | 1 year | Entry-level; pathway to Diploma |
| Diploma | NQF 6 | 3 years | Vocational and practical skills |
| Bachelor’s Degree | NQF 7 | 3 to 4 years | Academic and theoretical foundation |
| Honours Degree | NQF 8 | 1 year | Postgraduate; research-focused |
| Master’s Degree | NQF 9 | 1 to 2 years | Advanced postgraduate research |
Articulation Pathways
UMP is designed to allow students to progress through qualifications:
- Higher Certificate to Diploma (in a related field)
- Diploma to Bachelor’s Degree (via bridging or advanced standing in some faculties)
- Bachelor’s Degree to Honours to Master’s (postgraduate pathway)
This means that even if you do not qualify directly for a degree, you can start with a Higher Certificate or Diploma and work your way up.
Which Campus Offers Which Programmes?
UMP has two campuses:
| Campus | Location | Key Programmes |
|---|---|---|
| Mbombela Campus | Mbombela (Nelspruit) | Education, Commerce, ICT, Law, Social Sciences, Science |
| Siyabuswa Campus | Siyabuswa | Agriculture, Nature Conservation, Animal Production, Forestry |
Always confirm which campus your chosen programme is based at when applying, as this affects your accommodation and travel arrangements.
Tips for Choosing the Right Course
- Match your matric subjects — check whether your subject combination meets the specific requirements of the programme
- Check the APS honestly — calculate your APS before applying to avoid disappointment
- Think about your career — research what jobs your qualification can lead to
- Consider NSFAS coverage — confirm your chosen programme is covered before committing
- Start low if needed — a Higher Certificate is not a failure; it is a strategic entry point
How to Apply
- Visit www.ump.ac.za
- Navigate to the Applications section
- Create an applicant profile
- Select your programme (confirm APS requirements first)
- Upload all required documents
- Submit before the deadline