Before you apply to the University of Mpumalanga (UMP), you need to make sure you meet the minimum admission requirements for your chosen programme. You also need to have the correct documents ready before starting your online application.
This page covers both: what you need to qualify, and exactly what documents to submit.
General Admission Requirements
To be considered for a UMP undergraduate programme, you must have:
- A National Senior Certificate (NSC / Matric) with a Bachelor’s, Diploma, or Higher Certificate pass, depending on the level of study
- A minimum score in specific subjects relevant to your chosen programme
- In some cases, proof of English proficiency
Applicants with foreign qualifications must have them evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) before applying.
Minimum APS Score Requirements by Qualification Level
| Qualification Level | Minimum APS Required |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 26 to 30+ (varies by faculty) |
| Diploma | 20 to 25 |
| Higher Certificate | 15 to 19 |
Each faculty and programme sets its own minimum requirements. Always check the specific programme’s entry requirements on the UMP website.
Programme-Specific Requirements (Examples)
Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences
- Agriculture: NSC with Mathematics and Life Sciences
- Environmental Management: NSC with Geography or Life Sciences
Faculty of Education
- BEd Foundation Phase: NSC with English and at least one other language
- BEd Intermediate Phase: NSC with the relevant subject specialisation
Faculty of Business Sciences
- BCom / Diploma in Business: NSC with Mathematics (not Maths Literacy)
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
- BA General: NSC with English and two additional languages or social sciences
Documents Required for Application
All Applicants Must Submit
- Certified copy of South African ID (green barcoded ID book or smart ID card)
- Certified copy of your National Senior Certificate (Matric) or most recent school report (Grade 11 if Grade 12 results are not yet available)
- Completed application form (online or printed)
- Proof of payment of the application fee
Additional Documents (Where Applicable)
- Foreign nationals: Valid passport, study visa, and SAQA evaluation of qualifications
- Mature students (23+): Evidence of prior learning or work experience
- RPL applicants (Recognition of Prior Learning): Portfolio of evidence
- Postgraduate applicants: Certified copy of undergraduate degree or diploma certificate and transcript
- Transfer students: Official academic record / transcript from previous institution
How to Certify Your Documents
Documents must be certified by one of the following:
- Commissioner of Oaths (available at police stations)
- Magistrate’s office
- Bank or post office (for specific document types)
Certification must not be older than 3 months at the time of application.
Document Upload Tips
- Scan documents at a minimum of 300 DPI for clarity
- Accepted file formats: PDF (preferred), JPEG, PNG
- Maximum file size per document: usually 2 MB
- Name your files clearly (e.g.,
ID_JohnDoe.pdf,Matric_JohnDoe.pdf)
Common Reasons Applications Are Rejected
- Uncertified documents
- Expired certifications
- Missing documents
- Not meeting the minimum APS score
- Applying after the deadline without a late application slot available
What to Do If You Do Not Meet the Requirements
If your APS score is below the minimum for your first-choice programme, consider:
- Applying for a Higher Certificate in a related field (articulation pathway into a degree)
- Applying for a bridging programme if available at UMP
- Exploring other DHET-registered institutions with lower entry thresholds