University of Fort Hare Admission Requirements for 2028 Admission
Are you planning to study at the University of Fort Hare (UFH) in 2028? Understanding the admission requirements early can help you prepare the right subjects, improve your APS score, and submit a successful application. Read more about University of Fort Hare Admission Requirements for 2028.
The University of Fort Hare Admission Requirements for 2028 vary depending on the qualification and faculty you wish to study in. Whether you are applying for a bachelor’s degree, diploma, higher certificate, or postgraduate qualification, meeting the minimum entry requirements is essential for consideration.
This guide provides an overview of the UFH admission requirements for 2028, including APS scores, subject requirements, application documents, and important information for international students.
Check On: University of Fort Hare Courses for 2028
About the University of Fort Hare
The University of Fort Hare (UFH) is one of South Africa’s oldest and most respected universities. Established in 1916, the institution has produced many notable African leaders and professionals.
UFH has campuses in:
- Alice
- East London
- Bhisho
The university offers qualifications through six faculties:
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Health Sciences
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Management and Commerce
- Faculty of Science and Agriculture
- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities
University of Fort Hare Admission Requirements for 2028
All prospective undergraduate students must possess a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or an equivalent qualification with the required subject combinations and achievement levels.
Minimum Requirements for Bachelor’s Degree Programmes
To qualify for admission into most bachelor’s degree programmes at UFH, applicants generally need:
English Requirement
- Level 4 (50–59%) or higher in:
- English Home Language, or
- English First Additional Language.
Subject Performance Requirement
Applicants should have:
- Level 4 (50–59%) or above in at least four subjects.
- Level 2 (30–39%) or above in one additional subject.
Life Orientation Requirement
- Level 4 (50–59%) or above in Life Orientation.
Minimum APS Score
Most bachelor’s programmes require a minimum:
APS Score: 26 points or higher
However, certain programmes may require a significantly higher APS score depending on competition and faculty requirements.
What Is APS at UFH?
APS stands for Admission Point Score.
It is a system used by South African universities to assess whether applicants meet admission requirements.
Your APS score is calculated using your National Senior Certificate results. The higher your marks, the higher your APS score.
Typical APS Calculation
| NSC Achievement Level | Percentage | APS Points |
|---|---|---|
| Level 7 | 80–100% | 7 |
| Level 6 | 70–79% | 6 |
| Level 5 | 60–69% | 5 |
| Level 4 | 50–59% | 4 |
| Level 3 | 40–49% | 3 |
| Level 2 | 30–39% | 2 |
| Level 1 | 0–29% | 1 |
Different qualifications may require different APS scores.
Faculty-Specific Admission Requirements
While the minimum APS is 26 points, individual faculties may prescribe higher requirements.
Faculty of Science and Agriculture
Programmes in Science and Agriculture often require:
- Mathematics
- Physical Sciences
- Higher APS scores
Examples include:
- BSc
- Agricultural Science
- Environmental Science
- Biotechnology
Faculty of Health Sciences
Health-related programmes are highly competitive and may require:
- Mathematics
- Physical Sciences
- Life Sciences
- Higher APS scores
Examples include:
- Nursing
- Human Movement Science
- Public Health
Faculty of Management and Commerce
Programmes may require:
- Mathematical Literacy or Mathematics
- English proficiency
Popular qualifications include:
- BCom
- Accounting
- Economics
- Business Management
Faculty of Education
Applicants generally need:
- Good language proficiency
- Suitable APS scores
Programmes include:
- Bachelor of Education (BEd)
- Foundation Phase Teaching
- Intermediate Phase Teaching
Faculty of Law
Law programmes often require:
- Strong English marks
- Competitive APS scores
Programmes include:
- LLB
- Bachelor of Administration
Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities
Qualifications in this faculty include:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Political Studies
- Communication
- Music
- Fine Arts
Specific subject requirements vary by programme.
Diploma Admission Requirements
Students applying for diploma programmes generally require:
- National Senior Certificate.
- Appropriate subject combinations.
- Lower APS requirements than degree programmes.
Diplomas are ideal for students whose APS scores may not meet bachelor’s degree requirements.
Higher Certificate Requirements
Higher Certificate programmes usually have:
- Lower APS requirements.
- More flexible subject combinations.
These programmes provide an alternative pathway into higher education and may allow progression into diploma or degree studies later.
Postgraduate Admission Requirements
Admission requirements for postgraduate qualifications vary by programme and faculty.
Honours Degree
Applicants usually need:
- Relevant bachelor’s degree.
- Required minimum average marks.
Master’s Degree
Applicants generally need:
- Relevant honours degree.
- Faculty-specific requirements.
Doctoral Degree (PhD)
- Appropriate master’s qualification.
- Research proposal approval.
Some faculties may require professional registration or additional academic criteria.
International Student Admission Requirements
International students are welcome to study at UFH.
Undergraduate International Applicants
Applicants with foreign school qualifications must obtain:
- A Matriculation Exemption Certificate.
Postgraduate International Applicants
Additional requirements may include:
- Study permits.
- Passport copies.
- Medical insurance.
- Proof of English proficiency.
Documents Required for UFH Applications
Applicants are generally required to submit:
- Certified copy of South African ID or passport.
- National Senior Certificate or Grade 12 results.
- Academic transcripts (if applicable).
- Proof of payment of application fee.
- Guardian consent form for applicants under 18 years old.
Additional documents may be required depending on the programme selected.
Can You Apply Using Grade 12 Mid-Year Results?
Yes.
UFH allows current Grade 12 learners to apply using:
- Grade 12 June results.
- Mid-year examination results.
Final admission will depend on your final matric results.
Application Fee
The University of Fort Hare generally charges a non-refundable application fee.
Recent application cycles have used an application fee of R120, although future fees may change. Applicants should always verify current fees before submitting applications.
How to Improve Your Chances of Admission
To increase your chances of acceptance into UFH:
Some programmes require:
- Mathematics
- Physical Sciences
- Life Sciences
- Accounting
Higher APS scores improve your competitiveness.
Do not wait until the closing date.
Ensure all certified documents are readable and complete.
Some courses have requirements above the university minimum.
Why Study at the University of Fort Hare?
UFH remains one of South Africa’s leading universities because of its:
- Rich academic heritage.
- Affordable tuition fees.
- NSFAS funding opportunities.
- Diverse programmes.
- Multiple campuses.
- Strong graduate reputation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most bachelor’s degrees require a minimum APS score of 26 points, although some programmes require higher scores.
Does UFH accept Mathematical Literacy?
Yes, many programmes accept Mathematical Literacy, but certain courses require pure Mathematics.
Yes. Grade 12 learners may apply using June or mid-year results.
Do international students need SAQA evaluation?
Yes. International postgraduate applicants must have their qualifications evaluated by SAQA.
Does meeting the minimum requirements guarantee admission?
No. Meeting minimum requirements only makes you eligible for consideration. Admission depends on programme capacity and competition.
The University of Fort Hare Admission Requirements for 2028 are designed to ensure that students are academically prepared for their chosen qualifications. Although the general minimum requirement for bachelor’s degrees is an APS score of 26 points, many programmes have additional subject and faculty-specific requirements.
Prospective students are encouraged to prepare early, choose suitable subjects, and monitor official UFH communications for the latest application information. By understanding the requirements in advance, you can significantly improve your chances of securing admission to one of South Africa’s most historic and respected universities.