University of Mpumalanga Courses and Requirements (2025)

The University of Mpumalanga (UMP), located in Mbombela, South Africa, is a dynamic institution dedicated to fostering innovation and addressing regional needs through quality education. Established in 2014, UMP offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across four faculties, ideal for students seeking careers in fields like agriculture, education, and technology. For those planning to apply for the 2025 academic year, understanding the courses offered and their admission requirements is key to a successful application. This comprehensive guide details UMP’s 2025 programs, entry criteria, and application process, providing clear, practical information to help you embark on your academic journey with confidence.

University of Mpumalanga Courses and Requirements

UMP organizes its academic offerings across four faculties: Agriculture and Natural Sciences, Economics, Development and Business Sciences, Education, and Humanities. Each faculty provides qualifications from Certificates to Postgraduate Degrees, designed to equip students with skills for local and global challenges. Admission is based on the National Senior Certificate (NSC), Admission Point Score (APS), and subject-specific requirements, with a minimum APS of 28 for most degree programs. Below, we explore the key courses and their entry criteria for 2025, ensuring accuracy based on official UMP sources.

Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Sciences

This faculty focuses on sustainable agriculture, environmental management, and scientific innovation, addressing food security and conservation.

Bachelor of Science (BSc): Requires an NSC with Bachelor’s degree endorsement, APS of 30, English Home Language (HL) or First Additional Language (FAL) level 4 (50–59%), Mathematics level 4, and Physical Sciences or Life Sciences level 4. Offers majors like Environmental Science or Biology.
BSc in Agriculture: APS of 30, English HL/FAL level 4, Mathematics level 4, and Agricultural Sciences or Life Sciences level 4. Prepares students for agribusiness and farming innovation.
Diploma in Agriculture in Plant Production: APS of 25, English HL/FAL level 4, Mathematics level 3 or Mathematical Literacy level 5 (60–69%), and Life Sciences level 4. Focuses on crop production techniques.
Diploma in Nature Conservation: APS of 25, English HL/FAL level 4, Mathematics level 3 or Mathematical Literacy level 5, and Life Sciences level 4. Emphasizes biodiversity and wildlife management.
Advanced Diploma in Agricultural Extension: Requires a relevant Diploma at NQF Level 6 with a 60% average. Enhances skills for agricultural advisory roles.

Faculty of Economics, Development and Business Sciences

This faculty prepares students for careers in business, governance, and development, with a focus on economic growth in Mpumalanga.

Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) General: APS of 28, English HL/FAL level 4, Mathematics level 3 or Mathematical Literacy level 5. Covers accounting, economics, and management.
Bachelor of Development Studies: APS of 28, English HL/FAL level 4, Mathematics level 3 or Mathematical Literacy level 5. Focuses on community development and policy analysis.
Bachelor of Administration: APS of 28, English HL/FAL level 4, Mathematics level 3 or Mathematical Literacy level 5. Prepares students for public sector roles.
Diploma in Hospitality Management: APS of 25, English HL/FAL level 4, Mathematics level 3 or Mathematical Literacy level 5. Trains students for tourism and hospitality careers.
Advanced Diploma in Development Studies: Requires a relevant Diploma or Bachelor’s degree with a 60% average. Enhances expertise in sustainable development.

Faculty of Education

UMP’s Education programs train teachers to meet South Africa’s demand for quality educators, particularly in early childhood and secondary education.

Bachelor of Education (BEd) in Foundation Phase Teaching: APS of 28, English HL/FAL level 4, and an additional language at level 4. A four-year, 480-credit program for grades R–3 teachers.
BEd in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching: APS of 28, English HL/FAL level 4, and subject-specific requirements (e.g., Mathematics level 4 for teaching mathematics). Prepares teachers for grades 7–12.
Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE): Requires a relevant Bachelor’s degree with a 60% average and teaching subjects at level 4. For aspiring educators transitioning from other fields.

Faculty of Humanities

This faculty fosters critical thinking and cultural understanding, ideal for careers in communication, governance, and social sciences.

Bachelor of Arts (BA) General: APS of 28, English HL/FAL level 4, Mathematics level 2 or Mathematical Literacy level 3. Offers majors like Sociology, Anthropology, or Languages.
BA in Media, Communication and Culture: APS of 28, English HL/FAL level 5. Focuses on journalism, media production, and cultural studies.
Bachelor of Social Work: APS of 28, English HL/FAL level 4, and a selection process. Prepares students for social welfare and community support roles.
Diploma in Arts and Language Education: APS of 25, English HL/FAL level 4, and an additional language at level 4. Trains educators for language teaching.

Faculty of Engineering and Technology

UMP is developing its engineering offerings, with new programs introduced to meet industry needs.

Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology (BICT): APS of 30, English HL/FAL level 4, Mathematics level 4. Focuses on software development, networking, and IT solutions.
Diploma in ICT in Applications Development: APS of 25, English HL/FAL level 4, Mathematics level 3 or Mathematical Literacy level 5. Prepares students for app development and IT support.

General Admission Requirements

UMP’s admission criteria ensure students are prepared for academic success:

National Senior Certificate (NSC): Must have a Bachelor’s degree endorsement for degrees, Diploma endorsement for diplomas.
Minimum APS: 25 for Diplomas, 28–30 for Bachelor’s degrees, depending on the program.
English Requirement: English HL or FAL at level 4 for most programs, with BA in Media requiring level 5.
Mathematics: Required for numerate programs (e.g., BSc, BICT), typically at level 4. Mathematical Literacy is accepted for select programs (e.g., BEd, BCom).
Application Period: Opens May 1, 2024, closes June 30, 2025, for BEd and Nursing; September 30, 2025, for other undergraduate programs; November 30, 2025, for Honours and Advanced Diplomas; January 30, 2026, for Master’s programs.

Admission Point Score (APS) Breakdown

The APS is calculated using the six best NSC subjects, excluding Life Orientation:

NSC Level	Percentage	APS Points
7	80–100%	7
6	70–79%	6
5	60–69%	5
4	50–59%	4
3	40–49%	3
2	30–39%	2
1	0–29%	1

For example, a student with English HL (60%, level 5), Mathematics (50%, level 4), and four other subjects at level 4 scores: 5 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 = 25 APS points. UMP requires four designated 20-credit NSC subjects at level 4 for degree admission.

Alternative Admission Pathways

UMP offers flexible entry options for non-standard applicants:

National Certificate (Vocational) Level 4: Accepted for BICT with 50% in English, 50% in Mathematics, and 70% in four IT and Computer Science subjects. Other programs require equivalent NSC endorsements.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): Applicants with relevant work experience can apply for RPL assessment, subject to faculty approval.
Senior Certificate (Pre-2008): Accepted with specific subject passes (e.g., English HG 40%).
Access Programmes: UMP offers extended programs for students with APS below 28, adding one year to build foundational skills.

Postgraduate Programs

UMP offers Honours, Master’s, and Advanced Diplomas:

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Sociology: Requires a BA with a 65% average in final-year subjects.
Master’s in Development Studies: Requires a relevant Honours or four-year Bachelor’s degree with a 65% average and a research proposal.
Advanced Diploma in Hospitality Management: Requires a relevant Diploma with a 60% average. Enhances skills for tourism management.

Application Process for 2025

Applying to UMP is streamlined but requires attention to deadlines:

Online Application: Submit via the UMP website from May 1, 2024.
Required Documents: Certified copies of ID, NSC or equivalent results, and proof of application fee payment.
Application Fee: Approximately R150 for South African applicants, R350 for international students.
Selection Process: Programs like Social Work and Nursing require interviews or additional assessments.
Track Application: Monitor your status through the UMP online portal.

International Students

International applicants must meet additional criteria:

SAQA Evaluation: Non-South African qualifications require verification by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
English Proficiency: TOEFL or IELTS scores for non-English-speaking applicants.
Study Permit: Required before registration.

Financial Aid and Funding

UMP supports students through various funding options:

NSFAS: For South African students with a household income below R350,000 per year.
UMP Bursaries: Merit-based awards for top performers.
External Scholarships: Available through private and government programs.
Postgraduate Funding: Research grants for Master’s students.

Apply for funding early to align with admission deadlines.

Why Choose UMP?

UMP stands out for its:

Regional Impact: Programs address Mpumalanga’s needs, fostering local development.
Modern Facilities: State-of-the-art labs and libraries support learning.
Growing Reputation: UMP’s 48 accredited programs attract over 8,000 students annually.
Student Support: Academic advising, career services, and wellness programs enhance the experience.

Campus Life and Orientation

UMP’s Mbombela and Siyabuswa campuses offer vibrant student experiences. The 2025 orientation program, held in January, introduces first-years to academic resources and campus life. Students can engage in:

Sports Facilities: Soccer, netball, and athletics programs.
Cultural Events: Music festivals and art exhibitions.
Student Societies: Clubs for academic, social, and professional development.

Summary Table: Key UMP Courses and Requirements (2025)

Faculty	Course	APS	Key Requirements
Agriculture and Natural Sciences	BSc	30	English HL/FAL level 4, Maths level 4, Physical/Life Sciences level 4
Agriculture and Natural Sciences	Diploma in Nature Conservation	25	English HL/FAL level 4, Life Sciences level 4, Maths level 3 or Maths Lit 5
Economics, Development and Business	BCom General	28	English HL/FAL level 4, Maths level 3 or Maths Lit 5
Education	BEd Foundation Phase Teaching	28	English HL/FAL level 4, additional language level 4
Humanities	BA General	28	English HL/FAL level 4, Maths level 2 or Maths Lit 3
Engineering and Technology	BICT	30	English HL/FAL level 4, Maths level 4

FAQ: Common Questions About UMP Courses and Requirements

What is the minimum APS for UMP in 2025?
The minimum APS is 25 for Diplomas and 28–30 for Bachelor’s degrees, depending on the program. For example, BSc requires an APS of 30, while BA General needs 28.

Can I apply to UMP with an NCV Level 4?
Yes, an NCV Level 4 with appropriate endorsement is accepted, particularly for BICT with 50% in English, 50% in Mathematics, and 70% in IT subjects. Other programs require equivalent NSC standards.

When do UMP applications close for 2025?
Applications close on June 30, 2025, for BEd and Nursing; September 30, 2025, for other undergraduate programs; November 30, 2025, for Honours and Advanced Diplomas; and January 30, 2026, for Master’s programs.

Conclusion

The University of Mpumalanga offers a diverse range of programs for 2025, from Diplomas to Postgraduate Degrees, tailored to empower students for careers in agriculture, business, education, humanities, and technology. By meeting the APS and subject requirements, you can secure a spot in one of UMP’s 48 accredited qualifications. Start your application early, prepare your documents, and explore funding options to ensure a smooth process. With its regional focus, modern facilities, and growing reputation, UMP is an excellent choice for your higher education journey.