The University of Pretoria (UP), one of Africa’s top-ranked institutions, offers a BSc in Computer Science that prepares students for dynamic careers in software development, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data science. Housed within the School of Information Technology (SIT), this 3-year, full-time program is accredited by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and aligns with international standards, ensuring graduates are equipped with problem-solving skills and industry-relevant expertise. Located at UP’s Hatfield Campus in Pretoria, the program emphasizes mathematics, programming, and ethical IT practices, making it ideal for students passionate about technology. This article outlines the entry requirements, application process, curriculum, and career prospects for the BSc Computer Science at UP for 2025, based on official university sources, to guide prospective students in their academic planning.
University of Pretoria Computer Science Degree Requirements
Admission Requirements for 2025
National Senior Certificate (NSC) Applicants
- Qualification: NSC with bachelor’s degree endorsement.
- Admission Point Score (APS): Minimum APS of 30 (excluding Life Orientation).
- Subject Requirements:
- English (Home Language or First Additional Language): Level 5 (60–69%).
- Mathematics: Level 5 (60–69%); Mathematical Literacy not accepted.
- Physical Sciences: Level 5 (60–69%) recommended for science electives like Physics or Chemistry.
- Selection Criteria: Applicants are ranked by APS and Mathematics/English scores. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission due to limited spaces (approximately 200 first-year intakes).
- Conditional Admission: Grade 12 applicants use final Grade 11 results; final admission requires NSC results meeting or exceeding conditional offer.
Independent Examination Board (IEB) Applicants
- Qualification: IEB equivalent to NSC with bachelor’s degree endorsement.
- APS: Minimum 30 (excluding Life Orientation).
- Subject Requirements: Same as NSC (Level 5 English, Level 5 Mathematics, Level 5 Physical Sciences recommended).
- Selection Criteria: Identical to NSC; IEB results evaluated equivalently by UP’s Admissions Committee.
National Certificate (Vocational) (NCV) Applicants
- Qualification: NCV Level 4 with bachelor’s degree endorsement.
- APS: Minimum 30 (excluding Life Orientation).
- Subject Requirements:
- English: 60% or higher.
- Mathematics: 60% or higher.
- Physical Sciences or Computer Applications Technology: 60% recommended.
- Additional Requirements: Must meet Universities South Africa (USAf) exemption criteria for bachelor’s studies.
- Selection Criteria: Based on NCV results and USAf evaluation; limited spaces may prioritize NSC/IEB applicants.
International Applicants
- Qualification: Equivalent to NSC with bachelor’s degree endorsement, evaluated by SAQA or USAf.
- Subject Requirements:
- English: Equivalent to Level 5 (e.g., IELTS 6.0, TOEFL 80).
- Mathematics: Equivalent to Level 5 (60%).
- Physical Sciences: Recommended for science electives.
- Additional Requirements:
- SAQA/USAf exemption certificate submitted with application.
- Valid study visa for South Africa.
- Cambridge A-Level: Minimum D in required subjects.
- International Baccalaureate (IB) HL: Minimum 4 in required subjects.
- Selection Criteria: Same as local applicants, with SAQA/USAf verification of qualifications.
Transferring and Returning Students
- Transferring Students (from other institutions):
- Must have NSC or equivalent with bachelor’s endorsement.
- Previous academic performance evaluated; minimum 60% average in relevant modules.
- Students dismissed for poor performance at other institutions are not considered.
- Returning Students (previously at UP):
- Must meet NSC requirements and have a satisfactory academic record.
- Students excluded from a faculty may apply for another program, subject to faculty-specific rules.
- Selection Criteria: Based on NSC results and prior academic performance; Admissions Committee may require additional documentation.
Applicants with Prior Qualifications
- Qualification: Higher Certificate or Diploma in IT or related field (NQF Level 5/6) with a 60% average.
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
- Applicants with 2–3 years’ IT experience (e.g., programming, systems analysis) may apply for RPL.
- Requires a portfolio (e.g., coding projects, Microsoft certifications) and RPL assessment.
- Limited to 5% of intake, per UP policy.
- Selection Criteria: Academic record and RPL outcomes reviewed by Department of Computer Science.
Technical and Computer Literacy Requirements
- Computer Literacy:
- Basic proficiency in Windows, web browsers, and Microsoft Office.
- No prior programming knowledge required, but familiarity with Python or Java is advantageous.
- Technical Requirements:
- Access to a laptop (min 2 GHz processor, 8 GB RAM, 500 GB storage) and reliable internet for ClickUP and coding assignments.
- UP provides computer labs at Hatfield Campus with Visual Studio, PyCharm, and MATLAB.
Application Process for 2025
- Application Period:
- Opens: 1 April 2025.
- Closes: 30 June 2025 for South African applicants; 31 May 2025 for international applicants.
- Late applications: Considered until 30 September 2025 if spaces remain.
- Application Steps:
- Choose Program: Select BSc Computer Science (Code: 12134001) on www.up.ac.za.
- Register Online: Create an account on the UP Student Portal; verify email and cellphone.
- Complete Application: Enter personal details, academic history, and second-choice program (e.g., BSc Information and Knowledge Systems, BCom Informatics).
- Upload Documents:
- Certified NSC, IEB, NCV, or SAQA/USAf-evaluated qualification (PDF, max 2 MB).
- Certified ID or passport.
- Proof of application fee (R300 for South African applicants, R400 for international).
- Portfolio or RPL evidence (if applicable).
- Pay Application Fee: Via EFT or online portal (bank details on www.up.ac.za).
- Track Status: Monitor updates on the UP Student Portal or contact 012 420 3111.
- Outcomes:
- Conditional offers: Issued by August 2025 based on Grade 11 results.
- Final offers: Confirmed by November 2025 after NSC results.
- Unsuccessful applicants: Notified after 30 June 2025; may appeal or apply for BSc Extended Programme.
- Registration: January–February 2026 at Hatfield Campus.
Financial Support and Costs
- Tuition Fees: Estimated R50,000–R60,000 per year (2025 fees to be confirmed). Includes lab access, software licenses, and library resources.
- Additional Costs:
- Textbooks and stationery: ~R5,000–R7,000 annually.
- Laptop: ~R10,000–R20,000 (if not owned).
- Accommodation: ~R40,000–R60,000 annually for UP residences (e.g., TuksVillage).
- Financial Aid:
- NSFAS: Covers tuition, accommodation, and living expenses for South African students (household income <R350,000/year). Apply by 31 January 2025 at www.nsfas.org.za.
- UP Bursaries: Merit-based for students with APS above 35 or 70% average in prior studies.
- External Bursaries: From Microsoft, Google, or Sasol (details at www.up.ac.za).
- Funza Lushaka: For students combining Computer Science with Education modules.
Curriculum and Academic Requirements
- Year 1 (Fundamental and Core Modules):
- Computer Science: Introduction to Programming (COS 132), Computer Systems (COS 130).
- Mathematics: Calculus (WTW 114 or WTW 134), Linear Algebra (WTW 146/148).
- Science Electives: Physics (PHY 114/124) or Chemistry (CMY 117/127), based on Grade 12 Physical Sciences (min Level 5).
- Other: Academic Literacy (LST 110), Information Literacy (AIM 101).
- Year 2:
- Computer Science: Data Structures (COS 212), Algorithms (COS 221), Software Modelling (COS 226).
- Mathematics/Statistics: Mathematical Statistics (WST 211/212) or Statistics (STK 210/220).
- Electives: Choose from Information Science or Statistics.
- Year 3:
- Computer Science: Artificial Intelligence (COS 314), Database Systems (COS 326), Software Engineering (COS 301), Capstone Project.
- Electives: 43 credits from Computer Science (e.g., Computer Networks, Machine Learning), Mathematics, or Physics.
- Academic Progression:
- Pass all prescribed modules with a minimum 50%.
- Maintain a weighted average of 60% for Computer Science modules to progress to Honours.
- Degree conferred with distinction if: no repeated modules, 75% weighted average in final year, 65% subminimum per module, completed in 3 years.
Career Prospects and Further Studies
- Career Opportunities:
- Software Developer: Design applications using Python, Java, or C++.
- Data Scientist: Analyze data with machine learning and statistics.
- Cybersecurity Analyst: Secure systems against threats.
- Systems Analyst: Optimize IT infrastructure.
- Employers: Accenture, Amazon, Nedbank, SARS.
- Average Salary: R300,000–R500,000 annually (entry-level, per Payscale).
- Further Studies:
- BSc Honours in Computer Science: 1-year program (NQF Level 8, 120 credits); requires 60% average in Year 3 Computer Science modules.
- MSc/PhD: Research-based degrees in AI, cybersecurity, or data science.
- Certifications: Microsoft Azure, AWS Certified Developer, CompTIA Security+.
- Pathways: Articulate to BEng Software Engineering or BCom Informatics with additional modules.
Why Choose UP’s BSc Computer Science?
- Global Standards: Curriculum aligns with IEEE/ACM, ensuring international recognition.
- Research Excellence: UP is ranked 1st in South Africa for Computer Science by Times Higher Education (2024).
- Industry Links: Partnerships with Microsoft, IBM, and Google offer internships and projects.
- Facilities: Informatorium labs with high-performance PCs and cloud access.
- Support: Academic advisors, tutoring, and career services at Hatfield Campus.
Tips for Successful Admission
- Apply Early: Submit by May 2025 to secure a spot before the 30 June 2025 deadline.
- Boost APS: Aim for APS above 35 and Level 6 Mathematics/English to stand out.
- Prepare Documents: Ensure certified PDFs (max 2 MB) are ready to avoid delays.
- Explore Alternatives: List BSc Information and Knowledge Systems or BCom Informatics as second choices.
- Contact Support: Reach out to 012 420 3111 or ssc@up.ac.za for RPL or application queries.
Common Challenges and Solutions
- Low APS: If below 30, apply for BSc Extended Programme (4 years, APS 26) to bridge gaps.
- Mathematics Weakness: Enroll in UP’s bridging courses or TVET Mathematics upgrades.
- Financial Barriers: Apply for NSFAS by November 2024 or UP merit bursaries.
- Technical Access: Use UP’s computer labs or request laptop loans via Student Services.
- Competitive Admission: Apply to multiple UP programs (e.g., BSc IT) as backups.
BSc Computer Science Requirements at UP 2025
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Qualification | BSc Computer Science (12134001, NQF Level 7, 442 credits) |
| Duration | 3 years, full-time |
| Campus | Hatfield Campus, Pretoria |
| APS (NSC/IEB) | Minimum 30 (excluding Life Orientation) |
| Subject Requirements | English: Level 5 (60%); Mathematics: Level 5 (60%); Physical Sciences: Level 5 recommended |
| NCV Requirements | Level 4 with 60% in English, Mathematics; USAf exemption |
| International Applicants | SAQA/USAf-evaluated equivalent, IELTS 6.0/TOEFL 80, study visa |
| Computer Literacy | Windows, MS Office; Python/Java advantage |
| Technical Requirements | Laptop (2 GHz, 8 GB RAM), internet; UP labs available |
| Application Period | 1 April–30 June 2025 (international: 31 May 2025) |
| Cost | R50,000–R60,000/year (estimated); NSFAS available |
| Career Outcomes | Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst |
FAQ: Common Questions About UP Computer Science Degree Requirements
1. What is the minimum APS for the BSc Computer Science at UP for 2025?
The minimum APS is 30 (excluding Life Orientation) for NSC or IEB applicants. You need Level 5 (60%) in English and Mathematics, with Physical Sciences recommended. NCV applicants require 60% in English and Mathematics, plus USAf exemption.
2. Can I apply for UP’s Computer Science degree without Physical Sciences?
Yes, Physical Sciences is recommended but not mandatory. However, it’s required for science electives like Physics or Chemistry. Without it, you may need to select alternative electives (e.g., Statistics) and achieve a higher APS to remain competitive.
3. What documents are needed to apply for the BSc Computer Science at UP in 2025?
Submit certified copies of your NSC, IEB, NCV, or SAQA/USAf-evaluated qualification, ID/passport, proof of application fee (R300/R400), and portfolio/RPL evidence (if applicable). Documents must be PDFs (max 2 MB), certified within 6 months.
Conclusion
The BSc Computer Science at the University of Pretoria for 2025 offers a world-class education for aspiring tech professionals, combining rigorous academics, practical projects, and industry connections. With a minimum APS of 30, Level 5 English and Mathematics, and an online application process, the program is accessible to dedicated students. UP’s Hatfield Campus provides cutting-edge labs, and NSFAS or bursaries ensure affordability. Apply by May 2025 to secure your place, as spaces are limited. For more details, visit www.up.ac.za or contact ssc@up.ac.za to launch your career in computer science.