Dlamini BlessingFor many South African students, the absence of Pure Mathematics in their matric subjects can feel like a barrier to university education. The University of Venda (UNIVEN) in Thohoyandou, Limpopo, offers numerous programmes across multiple faculties that accept Mathematical Literacy, making higher education accessible to students from diverse academic backgrounds .
University of Venda Courses That Don’t Require Maths
General Admission Requirements at UNIVEN
Before applying, you must meet UNIVEN’s minimum statutory requirements for your chosen qualification level :
For a Bachelor’s Degree: Pass the NSC with an achievement rating of Level 4 (50-59%) or better in four subjects chosen from the recognised 20-credit NSC subjects. In addition, applicants must have a minimum point score of 26. A Grade 12 certificate with a bachelor or matric exemption is required .
For a Diploma: Pass the NSC with an achievement rating of Level 3 (40-49%) or better in four recognised NSC 20-credit subjects .
For a Higher Certificate: Pass the NSC as certified by Umalusi .
UNIVEN uses a scoring scale where higher NSC levels convert into more points. The minimum points for admission to a bachelor’s degree study is 26, and this can be reviewed by Senate from time to time .
Important note: Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission, as selection depends on the number of applicants and available space in each programme .
Courses That Accept Mathematical Literacy
The following courses at the University of Venda are open to students who do not have Pure Mathematics. Many of these programmes accept Mathematical Literacy.
Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences and Education
This faculty offers the widest range of options for students without Pure Mathematics .
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
The Bachelor of Arts degree is one of the most flexible options for students without Pure Mathematics. This programme offers majors in languages, history, geography, sociology, psychology, and other humanities disciplines.
Mathematics Requirement: Mathematical Literacy is accepted. There is no specific requirement for Pure Mathematics for most majors .
Additional Requirements: English Home Language or First Additional Language is required and is included in the points calculation .
APS Requirement: Minimum 26 points for degree admission .
Bachelor of Social Work
This professional degree prepares students to become social workers, registered with the South African Council for Social Service Professions.
Mathematics Requirement: Mathematical Literacy is accepted .
Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) Foundation Phase Teaching (Grades R to 3)
This four-year degree trains students to teach at the early primary school level, focusing on foundational literacy, numeracy, and life skills.
Mathematics Requirement: Mathematical Literacy is accepted. The programme looks for solid overall academic performance across languages and social science subjects .
Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) Intermediate Phase Teaching (Grades 4 to 6)
This programme prepares teachers for the intermediate primary school phase.
Mathematics Requirement: Mathematical Literacy accepted. Humanities, Social Sciences and Education programmes look for solid overall academic performance across languages and social science subjects .
Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) Senior Phase and FET Teaching
For students who want to teach at high school level, certain subject combinations such as Languages, History, and Geography accept Mathematical Literacy. However, students choosing Mathematics as a teaching subject would need Pure Mathematics .
Diploma in Grade R Teaching
This diploma focuses on early childhood education at the Grade R level. It is a practical, career-focused qualification.
Mathematics Requirement: Mathematical Literacy accepted .
Faculty of Management, Commerce and Law
The Faculty of Management, Commerce and Law offers several programmes that accept Mathematical Literacy, particularly at diploma level .
Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
The LLB is the professional law degree required to practice as an attorney or advocate in South Africa. This is a four-year degree covering all core areas of South African law.
Mathematics Requirement: Mathematical Literacy is accepted. Management, Commerce and Law qualifications emphasise solid language performance and quantitative skills, but Pure Mathematics is not a strict requirement .
Diploma in Human Resource Management
Focusing on personnel management, recruitment, training coordination, and employee relations, this programme does not require advanced mathematics.
Mathematics Requirement: Mathematical Literacy accepted .
Diploma in Marketing
Marketing focuses on consumer behaviour, branding, and communication strategies rather than mathematics.
Mathematics Requirement: Mathematical Literacy accepted .
Diploma in Public Management
This programme focuses on public sector administration, governance, and policy implementation.
Mathematics Requirement: Mathematical Literacy accepted .
Diploma in Hospitality Management
This programme covers hotel operations, food and beverage management, and guest services.
Mathematics Requirement: Mathematical Literacy accepted .
Diploma in Tourism Management
South Africa’s tourism industry offers many opportunities. This diploma covers travel operations, hospitality management, and destination marketing.
Mathematics Requirement: Mathematical Literacy accepted .
Diploma in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
This programme covers supply chain coordination, warehousing, and transportation management.
Mathematics Requirement: Mathematical Literacy accepted .
Faculty of Health Sciences
The Faculty of Health Sciences offers select programmes that may accept Mathematical Literacy, though many have additional science requirements .
Higher Certificate in Dental Assisting
This one-year programme prepares students to work as dental assistants in private practices or public hospitals.
Mathematics Requirement: Mathematical Literacy may be accepted. Check the official prospectus for specific requirements .
Diploma in Nursing
This programme prepares students for careers as registered nurses.
Mathematics Requirement: Check the official prospectus for specific requirements. Health Sciences usually has competitive entry and may require specific subject achievement levels .
Faculty of Science, Engineering and Agriculture
Most programmes in this faculty require Pure Mathematics. However, there may be select programmes that accept Mathematical Literacy.
Diploma in Agricultural Management
This diploma focuses on equipping students with modern agricultural and agribusiness management skills.
Mathematics Requirement: Science, Engineering and Agriculture programmes often require strong results in Mathematics, Physical Sciences or Life Sciences. Check the official prospectus for specific requirements .
Important note: For science-related fields, you generally need Mathematics and Physical Sciences or Life Sciences at specified achievement levels. Mathematical Literacy is rarely accepted for B.Sc. programmes or Engineering degrees .
Important Note on Programmes That Do NOT Accept Mathematical Literacy
For clarity, it is equally important to know which UNIVEN courses will not accept Mathematical Literacy. Students without Pure Mathematics cannot apply for the following programmes :
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) programmes – Most B.Sc. programmes in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Biochemistry, and related fields require Pure Mathematics and often Physical Sciences.
Engineering degree programmes – Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Agricultural Engineering all require Pure Mathematics and Physical Sciences.
BCom in Accounting (mainstream degree) – This degree generally requires Pure Mathematics.
Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm.) – Requires Pure Mathematics and Physical Sciences.
B.Sc. in Computer Science – Requires Pure Mathematics.
Quick Reference Table by Qualification
Qualification / Mathematics Requirement / APS Required
Bachelor of Arts (BA) / Maths Lit accepted / Minimum 26
Bachelor of Social Work / Maths Lit accepted / Minimum 26
B.Ed. Foundation Phase / Maths Lit accepted / Minimum 26
B.Ed. Intermediate Phase / Maths Lit accepted / Minimum 26
LLB / Maths Lit accepted / Minimum 26
Diploma in Human Resource Management / Maths Lit accepted / Diploma entry
Diploma in Marketing / Maths Lit accepted / Diploma entry
Diploma in Public Management / Maths Lit accepted / Diploma entry
Diploma in Hospitality Management / Maths Lit accepted / Diploma entry
Diploma in Tourism Management / Maths Lit accepted / Diploma entry
Diploma in Logistics / Maths Lit accepted / Diploma entry
Higher Certificate in Dental Assisting / Maths Lit may be accepted / Certificate entry
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) / Maths Lit NOT accepted / Minimum 26 with Pure Maths
Engineering Programmes / Maths Lit NOT accepted / Pure Maths and Physical Sciences required
How to Calculate Your APS at UNIVEN
UNIVEN uses a scoring scale based on your NSC percentage to determine your Admission Point Score . Here is the scoring scale:
Matric NSC Level / Percentage / Score
Level 7 / 80-100% / 8.0 – 10
Level 6 / 70-79% / 7.0 – 7.9
Level 5 / 60-69% / 6.0 – 6.9
Level 4 / 50-59% / 5.0 – 5.9
Level 3 / 40-49% / 4.0 – 4.9
Level 2 / 30-39% / 0
Level 1 / 0-29% / 0
Your best subjects, including English and programme-specific subjects, are converted into points according to this scale. Higher actual marks earn more points. A higher APS score increases your chances of acceptance .
Application Tips for Students Without Pure Mathematics
1. Verify Your Specific Requirements: While this guide provides general requirements, always check the official UNIVEN prospectus for your specific programme, as requirements can change annually .
2. Calculate Your APS Correctly: UNIVEN uses a unique scoring scale. Use the official conversion table in the prospectus to calculate your APS accurately. The minimum APS for degree admission is 26 .
3. English is Mandatory: English Home Language or First Additional Language is required and is included in the points calculation for all programmes .
4. Four Designated Subjects Required: For degree admission, you need four subjects at Level 4 or higher from the recognised 20-credit subjects. Mathematical Literacy is on this list, so it counts toward your four subjects .
5. Meeting Minimums Does Not Guarantee Admission: UNIVEN admission is competitive, especially for high-demand courses. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee a place. Apply early .
6. Apply Early: Applications typically open in April and close on 26 September for most programmes. Health Sciences and Education programmes may fill up quickly .
7. No Application Fee for 2026: For the 2026 academic year, UNIVEN has removed the application fee, making it highly accessible for all students .
8. Prepare Your Documents: You will need certified copies of your ID and latest academic results, including Grade 11 final results with the school’s stamp .
How to Apply
Applications to the University of Venda are submitted online through the official UNIVEN website at www.univen.ac.za. The application process is fully online .
You will need :
Your South African ID number or passport number
A valid 10-digit cell phone number
A unique email address
Your Grade 11 final results with the school’s stamp
Grade 12 results (if available)
Certified copies of your ID and latest academic results
You will be required to create a 5-digit PIN for your application process. Once you have completed the online application, click the submit button and upload all the required documents .
After submitting your application, you will receive a student number. Obtaining a student number does not guarantee acceptance .
For any queries, you can contact the admissions office :
Main Switchboard: +27 15 962 8000
Undergraduate Admissions Email: [email protected]
Postal Address: Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou, Limpopo, 0950, South Africa
Understanding the Maths Requirement at UNIVEN
UNIVEN, like most South African universities, treats Mathematics and Mathematical Literacy differently for admission purposes. For the majority of programmes in the Humanities, Education, Law, and Social Sciences, Mathematical Literacy is accepted .
It is important to note that Mathematical Literacy is included in UNIVEN’s list of recognised subjects for admission. This means that having Mathematical Literacy on your matric certificate does not disqualify you from degree studies, provided you meet the other requirements .
Conclusion
The University of Venda offers genuine opportunities for students who did not take Pure Mathematics in high school. From the humanities and education programmes in the Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences and Education to the law and commerce diplomas in the Faculty of Management, Commerce and Law, there are multiple accredited pathways to meaningful careers.
The Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences and Education provides the widest range of options, including the BA, Social Work, and Education programmes. The Faculty of Management, Commerce and Law offers the LLB with Mathematical Literacy, as well as diplomas in Human Resources, Marketing, Public Management, Hospitality, Tourism, and Logistics. The Faculty of Health Sciences offers select programmes like Dental Assisting.
However, it is crucial to note that Science, Engineering, and most Agriculture programmes at UNIVEN strictly require Pure Mathematics and will not accept Mathematical Literacy. Students interested in these fields should either upgrade their Mathematics qualification or consider alternative programmes.
The key is to identify which programme aligns with your interests and strengths, then ensure you meet the specific Mathematical Literacy and English requirements for that course. With no application fee for 2026 and a commitment to accessible education, UNIVEN is an excellent choice for students who want to succeed without Pure Mathematics. Your matric results do not define your future, and at the University of Venda, the door to higher education remains wide open.