University Courses That Don’t Require Maths in South Africa (2025)

Posted on Author Dlamini Blessing

Pursuing higher education in South Africa opens doors to diverse career paths, but for many students, excelling in Mathematics can feel like a barrier. Fortunately, numerous universities across the country offer undergraduate programs that either accept Mathematical Literacy or require no math at all, allowing students to leverage their strengths in humanities, arts, law, or social sciences. In 2025, institutions like the University of Johannesburg (UJ), University of South Africa (UNISA), Walter Sisulu University (WSU), and others provide accessible, high-quality courses tailored to students who prefer to avoid complex calculations. This guide explores university courses in South Africa that don’t require Maths for 2025, detailing admission requirements, program structures, and career prospects to help you find a fulfilling academic journey.

University Courses That Don’t Require Maths in South Africa (2025)

South African universities offer a wide range of undergraduate degrees, diplomas, and certificates across fields like humanities, education, law, and media that prioritize communication, creativity, and critical thinking over mathematical skills. Below, we highlight key programs from prominent institutions, based on official 2025 prospectuses and verified sources. These courses either have no Mathematics requirement or accept Mathematical Literacy, making them accessible to students with diverse academic backgrounds.

University of Johannesburg (UJ)

UJ, with over 50,000 students across its Auckland Park, Doornfontein, and Soweto campuses, is a leading institution offering math-free courses in its Faculty of Humanities and Faculty of Education.

  • Bachelor of Arts (BA)

    • Duration: 3 years

    • Campus: Auckland Park Kingsway

    • Admission Requirements: National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a bachelor’s pass, Admission Point Score (APS) of 27, Level 5 (60–69%) in English, and no Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirement. National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) in Academic Literacy (AL) may be required.

    • Overview: Covers 360 credits with majors like Anthropology, History, Psychology, or Sociology. Students select two majors, engaging in research and community projects.

    • Career Paths: Policy analyst, researcher, or community developer.

    • Why Choose It?: A flexible degree for students passionate about societal issues, free of math demands.

  • Bachelor of Social Work

    • Duration: 4 years

    • Campus: Auckland Park Kingsway

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with a bachelor’s pass, APS of 30, Level 5 in English, and no Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirement. NBTs in AL required. Selection includes an interview.

    • Overview: Spans 480 credits in social work theory, counseling, and community development, with field placements in Johannesburg’s social agencies.

    • Career Paths: Social worker, counselor, or NGO coordinator.

    • Why Choose It?: A rewarding career addressing social challenges, bypassing math prerequisites.

  • Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching

    • Duration: 4 years

    • Campus: Soweto

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with a bachelor’s pass, APS of 26, Level 4 (50–59%) in English, and Level 4 in Mathematical Literacy or Level 3 (40–49%) in Mathematics. NBTs in AL required.

    • Overview: Prepares teachers for grades R–3 across 480 credits, focusing on literacy, life skills, and multilingual education with school-based practice.

    • Career Paths: Foundation phase teacher or early childhood educator.

    • Why Choose It?: Addresses teacher shortages, accepting Mathematical Literacy.

University of South Africa (UNISA)

UNISA, a global leader in distance learning with over 400,000 students, offers flexible math-free courses through its College of Human Sciences and College of Education, ideal for working students or those in remote areas.

  • Bachelor of Arts in Communication Science

    • Duration: 3–6 years (distance learning)

    • Campus: Online

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with a bachelor’s pass, APS of 20, Level 4 in English, and no Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirement. NCV Level 4 with 50% in English accepted.

    • Overview: Covers 360 credits in media studies, corporate communication, and public relations, with assignments and online exams.

    • Career Paths: PR specialist, media planner, or communications officer.

    • Why Choose It?: A flexible program for communicators, free of math demands.

  • Bachelor of Arts in Social Work

    • Duration: 4–8 years (distance learning)

    • Campus: Online

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with a bachelor’s pass, APS of 20, Level 4 in English, and no Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirement. NCV Level 4 with 50% in English accepted. Selection includes a screening process.

    • Overview: Spans 480 credits in social work practice, policy, and fieldwork, with practical placements arranged near students’ locations.

    • Career Paths: Social worker, community developer, or counselor.

    • Why Choose It?: A meaningful career with flexible study, bypassing math prerequisites.

  • Higher Certificate in Education

    • Duration: 1–2 years (distance learning)

    • Campus: Online

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with a higher certificate pass, APS of 15, Level 4 in English, and no Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirement. NCV Level 4 with 40% in English accepted.

    • Overview: Covers 120 credits in education foundations, serving as a pathway to BEd degrees. Focuses on teaching principles and classroom management.

    • Career Paths: Teaching assistant or pathway to full BEd qualification.

    • Why Choose It?: An accessible entry into education, free of math barriers.

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Walter Sisulu University (WSU)

WSU, with 30,000 students across Mthatha, Butterworth, Buffalo City, and Komani, focuses on rural development and offers math-free courses in its Faculty of Education and Faculty of Law, Humanities and Social Sciences.

  • Bachelor of Arts (BA)

    • Duration: 3 years

    • Campus: Mthatha, Buffalo City

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with a bachelor’s pass, APS of 28, Level 4 in English, and no Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirement. NCV Level 4 with 50% in English accepted. NBTs in AL may be required.

    • Overview: Covers 360 credits with majors like Criminology, Political Science, or Sociology, addressing Eastern Cape’s social issues.

    • Career Paths: Researcher, policy analyst, or community developer.

    • Why Choose It?: A versatile degree for social impact, free of math demands.

  • Bachelor of Laws (LLB)

    • Duration: 4 years

    • Campus: Mthatha

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with a bachelor’s pass, APS of 32, Level 5 (60–69%) in English, and no Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirement. NCV Level 4 with 60% in English accepted. NBTs in AL required. Selection includes screening.

    • Overview: Covers 480 credits in constitutional, criminal, and commercial law, with practical training at WSU’s Legal Aid Clinic.

    • Career Paths: Lawyer, legal advisor, or magistrate.

    • Why Choose It?: A prestigious program for analytical students, bypassing math prerequisites.

  • Diploma in Journalism

    • Duration: 3 years

    • Campus: Buffalo City

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with a diploma pass, APS of 24, Level 4 in English, and no Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirement. NCV Level 4 with 50% in English accepted. Portfolio or writing sample required.

    • Overview: Covers 360 credits in reporting, multimedia journalism, and media ethics, with training in WSU’s newsroom.

    • Career Paths: Journalist, media producer, or content creator.

    • Why Choose It?: A creative program for storytellers, free of math barriers.

University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)

Wits, a top-ranked university in Johannesburg with 37,000 students, offers math-free courses in its Faculty of Humanities and Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management.

  • Bachelor of Arts in Dramatic Art

    • Duration: 4 years

    • Campus: Braamfontein

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with a bachelor’s pass, APS of 34–36, Level 5 in English, and no Mathematics requirement (Mathematical Literacy Level 6 [70%+] accepted). NBTs in AL required. Audition required.

    • Overview: Spans 480 credits in acting, directing, and theatre production, with performances at Wits Theatre.

    • Career Paths: Actor, director, or theatre educator.

    • Why Choose It?: A professional program for performing arts enthusiasts, free of math demands.

  • Bachelor of Arts in Law (BA Law)

    • Duration: 3 years

    • Campus: Braamfontein

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with a bachelor’s pass, APS of 34–36, Level 5 in English, and no Mathematics requirement (Mathematical Literacy Level 6 accepted). NBTs in AL required.

    • Overview: Combines 360 credits in legal studies with humanities majors like Political Studies, serving as a standalone degree or LLB pathway.

    • Career Paths: Paralegal, policy analyst, or legal consultant.

    • Why Choose It?: A flexible law-related degree, avoiding math barriers.

  • Bachelor of Education (Senior Phase and Further Education and Training)

    • Duration: 4 years

    • Campus: Parktown

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with a bachelor’s pass, APS of 36–39, Level 5 in English, and Level 4 in Mathematics or Level 7 (80%+) in Mathematical Literacy. NBTs in AL required.

    • Overview: Trains teachers for grades 7–12 in subjects like History or Languages across 480 credits, with teaching practice.

    • Career Paths: High school teacher or curriculum specialist.

    • Why Choose It?: Focuses on humanities-based teaching, accepting Mathematical Literacy.

University of Pretoria (UP)

UP, with 50,000 students in Pretoria, offers math-free courses in its Faculty of Humanities and Faculty of Law.

  • Bachelor of Arts in Languages

    • Duration: 3 years

    • Campus: Hatfield

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with a bachelor’s pass, APS of 30, Level 5 in English or Afrikaans, and no Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirement. NBTs in AL required.

    • Overview: Covers 360 credits in linguistics, translation, and African languages like Sepedi or isiZulu, with practical language labs.

    • Career Paths: Translator, language planner, or editor.

    • Why Choose It?: Ideal for multilingual students, free of math demands.

  • Bachelor of Laws (LLB)

    • Duration: 4 years

    • Campus: Hatfield

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with a bachelor’s pass, APS of 32, Level 5 in English or Afrikaans, and no Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirement. NBTs in AL required.

    • Overview: Covers 480 credits in legal practice, with training at UP’s Law Clinic serving local communities.

    • Career Paths: Lawyer, legal advisor, or advocate.

    • Why Choose It?: A prestigious program for analytical thinkers, bypassing math prerequisites.

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Summary Table: University Courses Without Maths in South Africa (2025)

Program

University

Duration

Campus

Key Admission Requirements

Career Prospects

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

UJ

3 years

Auckland Park

APS 27, Level 5 English, no math required, NBTs

Policy analyst, researcher

Bachelor of Social Work

UJ

4 years

Auckland Park

APS 30, Level 5 English, no math required, NBTs, interview

Social worker, counselor

BEd Foundation Phase Teaching

UJ

4 years

Soweto

APS 26, Level 4 English, Level 3 Math or Level 4 Math Literacy, NBTs

Foundation phase teacher

BA in Communication Science

UNISA

3–6 years

Online

APS 20, Level 4 English, no math required

PR specialist, media planner

BA in Social Work

UNISA

4–8 years

Online

APS 20, Level 4 English, no math required, screening

Social worker, counselor

Higher Certificate in Education

UNISA

1–2 years

Online

APS 15, Level 4 English, no math required

Teaching assistant

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

WSU

3 years

Mthatha, Buffalo City

APS 28, Level 4 English, no math required, NBTs

Researcher, policy analyst

Bachelor of Laws (LLB)

WSU

4 years

Mthatha

APS 32, Level 5 English, no math required, NBTs, screening

Lawyer, legal advisor

Diploma in Journalism

WSU

3 years

Buffalo City

APS 24, Level 4 English, no math required, portfolio

Journalist, content creator

BA in Dramatic Art

Wits

4 years

Braamfontein

APS 34–36, Level 5 English, no math required (Math Lit Level 6), NBTs, audition

Actor, director

BA in Law

Wits

3 years

Braamfontein

APS 34–36, Level 5 English, no math required (Math Lit Level 6), NBTs

Paralegal, legal consultant

BEd Senior Phase and FET

Wits

4 years

Parktown

APS 36–39, Level 5 English, Level 4 Math or Level 7 Math Literacy, NBTs

High school teacher

BA in Languages

UP

3 years

Hatfield

APS 30, Level 5 English/Afrikaans, no math required, NBTs

Translator, editor

Bachelor of Laws (LLB)

UP

4 years

Hatfield

APS 32, Level 5 English/Afrikaans, no math required, NBTs

Lawyer, advocate

Why Choose Math-Free Courses in South Africa?

Enrolling in programs that don’t require Mathematics offers several benefits:

  • Accessibility: Accepting Mathematical Literacy or no math requirement makes higher education inclusive for students with strengths in languages or creativity.

  • Career Diversity: Graduates enter high-demand fields like education, law, media, and social work, valued for communication and problem-solving skills.

  • Practical Training: Universities emphasize hands-on learning through legal clinics, teaching practice, and media projects, ensuring workplace readiness.

  • Regional Impact: Programs like Social Work at WSU address rural challenges, while UNISA’s distance learning supports students nationwide.

How to Apply for 2025 University Courses

Application processes vary by university, but most are online with deadlines between September and November 2025 for 2026 intake. General steps include:

  1. Check Requirements: Review APS, subject, and NBT requirements in university prospectuses (e.g., www.uj.ac.za, www.unisa.ac.za).

  2. Apply Online: Submit applications via university portals, uploading certified copies of ID, NSC or Grade 11 results, and NBT proof. Fees range from free (WSU, UNISA) to R100–R300 (UJ, Wits, UP).

  3. Write NBTs: Register for Academic Literacy tests by October 2025 via www.nbt.ac.za, required by most universities.

  4. Track Application: Monitor status using student numbers. Outcomes are emailed by November 2025 (non-Grade 12) or January 2026 (Grade 12).

  5. Accept Offer and Register: Accept offers within 10 days and register by January 31, 2026, paying a deposit.

Note: Competitive programs like LLB or Social Work may require interviews, portfolios, or auditions. Contact admissions offices for support (e.g., UJ: +27 (0)11 559 4555, UNISA: +27 (0)12 429 3111).

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Career Prospects and Industry Demand

Math-free courses lead to rewarding careers aligned with South Africa’s needs:

  • Education: BEd graduates earn R150,000–R300,000 annually, with a projected teacher shortage of 400,000 by 2030, per Department of Basic Education reports.

  • Social Sciences: BA and Social Work graduates earn R100,000–R250,000 in NGOs or government, addressing urban and rural challenges.

  • Law: LLB graduates earn R200,000–R600,000 as lawyers or advisors, with demand in legal aid and corporate sectors.

  • Media and Arts: Journalism and Dramatic Art graduates earn R80,000–R200,000 in media or theatre, with growth in South Africa’s creative economy.

  • Communication: Communication Science graduates earn R120,000–R300,000 in PR or corporate roles, per Payscale data.

Universities’ partnerships with schools, NGOs, and industry, plus career services, ensure over 80% of graduates find employment within a year, per institutional reports.

Tips for Success in Math-Free Courses

To thrive in these programs, try these strategies:

  • Engage in Practical Work: Maximize field placements, teaching practice, or studio projects to build skills.

  • Hone Communication Skills: Join university radio, debate clubs, or cultural societies to enhance verbal abilities.

  • Use Campus Resources: Access libraries, career centers, and online platforms (e.g., UNISA’s myUnisa, UJ’s uLink).

  • Network Actively: Attend open days (e.g., UJ’s May 2025 event) or industry talks to connect with professionals.

  • Stay Organized: Use planners to manage assignments and deadlines, especially in distance learning or four-year programs.

South Africa’s University Landscape

South Africa’s 26 public universities, from urban hubs like Wits to rural-focused WSU, offer diverse learning environments. UNISA’s distance learning supports flexibility, while Wits’s research excellence (381 NRF-rated researchers) enhances teaching quality. UJ’s urban campuses foster industry connections, and WSU’s rural focus addresses Eastern Cape’s needs. UP’s multilingual approach supports Afrikaans and English learners. With 10–15% international students, these institutions create vibrant, inclusive communities. Student life includes societies, sports, and cultural events like Wits’s WALE or WSU’s Cultural Festival, enriching the academic experience.

Financial Aid and Support

Universities offer funding to ensure affordability:

  • NSFAS Bursaries: Covers tuition, accommodation, and living costs for students with household incomes below R350,000 annually. Apply by November 30, 2025, via www.nsfas.org.za.

  • University Bursaries: Merit- and need-based funding (e.g., UJ’s Natie Kirsh endowment, WSU’s “missing middle” support). Check university websites for 2025 deadlines.

  • Private Loans: Providers like Fundi offer loans. Contact financial aid offices (e.g., Wits: +27 (0)11 717 1080, WSU: +27 (0)47 502 2100).

Apply early, as funding is limited. Universities provide counseling, career advising, and academic support through dedicated units and online platforms.

FAQ: Common Questions About Math-Free University Courses

1. Can I study at a South African university without Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy?
Yes, programs like BA, LLB, Social Work, and Journalism at UJ, UNISA, WSU, Wits, and UP don’t require Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, needing only an NSC with the specified APS and English proficiency. Education programs often accept Mathematical Literacy. Check university prospectuses for details.

2. What are the job prospects for math-free university courses in South Africa?
Graduates enter fields like teaching (R150,000–R300,000), social sciences (R100,000–R250,000), law (R200,000–R600,000), media and arts (R80,000–R200,000), and communication (R120,000–R300,000). Over 80% find employment within a year, supported by practical training and industry links.

3. Are there short courses in South Africa that don’t require Maths?
Yes, universities like UNISA (e.g., Short Learning Programmes in communication) and WSU (e.g., community development) offer short courses requiring only a Grade 12 certificate. Contact unisa.ac.za or [email protected] for 2025 offerings.

Conclusion

South Africa’s universities offer a wealth of undergraduate courses for 2025 that don’t require Mathematics, empowering students with talents in humanities, education, law, and media to pursue rewarding careers. From UJ’s vibrant BA to UNISA’s flexible distance learning and WSU’s rural-focused LLB, these programs provide accessible, practical education aligned with national needs. With streamlined applications, robust financial aid, and supportive campuses, 2025 is an ideal time to explore these opportunities. Visit university websites, prepare for the 2026 application cycle (opening March–June 2025), and embark on a transformative academic journey tailored to your strengths.