South Africa
Source: https://www.ucd.ie/global/study-at-ucd/undergraduate/entryrequirements/southafrica/ Parent: https://www.ucd.ie/global/study-at-ucd/undergraduate/entryrequirements/
General Requirements
National Senior Certificate
Award of NSC or Senior Cert with Matric Endorsement
English Language Requirements
National Senior Certificate:
40% if taken through English or English at AP, otherwise 60%
For additional information, please refer to UCD Minimum English Language Requirements.
| If you're following an international curriculum, please see the following links for entry requirements: - Cambridge A Level - International Baccalaureate Diploma - US Curriculum In some cases, entry via UCD's International Foundation Year is also available for many programmes. If you are unsure, please contact us for further information. |
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This page provides information and guidance on entry requirements for international (non-EU/ non-EEA) students only.
Please be advised that yourfee assessment status determines how you should apply.
In all cases, UCD applicants who are granted EU fee status will only be admitted through the Central Applications Office (CAO) system, in line with CAO policies and procedures and the National University of Ireland (NUI) matriculation regulations.
If you are eligible for EU fees, please contact UCD Registry-Admissions for further advice (www.ucd.ie/askus).
Students with UK citizenship and who meet the residency requirement will continue to be assessed for EU fees in the normal manner and should apply via the Central Applications Office (CAO). All other prospective applicants with UK citizenship who are assessed for non-EU fees should apply direct to UCD. For more detailed information on the EU fee assessment process and the conditions which require a formal assessment to be submitted to UCD Registry, please refer to the EU Fee Assessment webpage.
Specific subjects and grades required for programmes are detailed below.
The equivalences are provided as guidance and are indicative only. In addition, please note that the equivalences shown are the minimum required to be eligible for consideration on a competitive basis.
The information provided below is subject to change and annual review.
‡ Indicates course has alternate entry pathway through Liberal Arts & Sciences (LBS1)
Select Subject
- Business
- Law
- Arts & Humanities
- Liberal Arts & Sciences
- Sustainability
- Social Sciences
- Engineering
- Architecture
- Science, Computer Science & Actuarial Science
- Agricultural Science
- Health Science
- Sports & Performance
- Veterinary Medicine
Business
| Code | Description | 2026 Entry Requirements | Maths | Other Language | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business | BSS1 | Commerce ‡‡ | 61% Average in 5 subjects | 65% in 1st Uni or 70% in NSC | |
| BSS2 | Economics & Finance | 100% Average in 5 subjects OR 64% Average in 5 subjects & 50% in 1st Year Uni In order to be competitive applicants require additional examinations e.g. SAT or present with International qualifications i.e. A Level / IB. | 75% in 1st Uni or 90% in NSC or 75% Math AP in IEB NSC | ||
| BSW1 | Commerce International | 61% Average in 5 subjects | 65% in 1st Uni or 70% in NSC | If choosing a language at Beginners Level, 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC in Other Language is required. If at Advanced Level, a 75% in 1st Uni or 90% in NSC in that language is required. French is only available at Advanced Level | |
| B722 | BSc Business ‡‡ | 61% Average in 5 subjects | 65% in 1st Uni or 70% in NSC |
Law
| Code | Description | 2026 Entry Requirements | Maths | Other Language | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Law | BSJ4 | Business & Law | 61% Average in 5 subjects | 65% in 1st Uni or 70% in NSC | |
| LWS2 | Law with French | 61% Average in 5 subjects | 80% in 1st Uni or 80% Math AP in IEB NSC in French | ||
| LWS6 | Law | 61% Average in 5 subjects | |||
| LWW1 | Law with Philosophy | 61% Average in 5 subjects | |||
| LWW2 | Law with History | 61% Average in 5 subjects | |||
| LWW3 | Law with Politics | 61% Average in 5 subjects | |||
| LWW4 | Law with Economics | 61% Average in 5 subjects | 65% in 1st Uni or 70% in NSC or 65% Math AP in IEB NSC | ||
| LWW9 | Law with Social Justice | 61% Average in 5 subjects | |||
| LWWD | Criminology with Psychology | 61% Average in 5 subjects |
Arts & Humanities
| Code | Description | 2026 Entry Requirements | Other Language | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arts & Humanities | BAU4 | BA Modern Languages | 57% Average in 5 subjects | At least one Advanced Level language must be selected, 75% in 1st Uni or 90% in NSC in that language required. If studying two at Advanced Level, 75% in 1st Uni or 90% in NSC required in both. |
| BAU5 | BA Arts (2 subjects) ‡‡ | 50% Average in 5 subjects | If choosing a language at Beginners Level, 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC in Other Language is required. If at Advanced Level, a 75% in 1st Uni or 90% in NSC in that language is required. French is only available at Advanced Level For Mathematics subject combinations, we strongly recommend that you also have at least a 75% in 1st Uni or 90% in NSC in Mathematics. | |
| AYS1 | Languages, Linguistics and Cultures | 50% Average in 5 subjects | If choosing a language at Beginners Level, 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC in Other Language is required. If at Advanced Level, a 75% in 1st Uni or 90% in NSC in that language is required. French is only available at Advanced Level | |
| CCS2 | Creative & Cultural Industries | 50% Average in 5 subjects | ||
| CAS1 | Classics, Art History and Archaeology | 50% Average in 5 subjects | ||
| CAS2 | Classics, English and History | 50% Average in 5 subjects | ||
| ENS5 | English Literature | 50% Average in 5 subjects | ||
| ENS6 | English with Creative Writing | 50% Average in 5 subjects | ||
| ENS7 | English, Drama and Film | 50% Average in 5 subjects | ||
| HPS1 | History And Politics | 50% Average in 5 subjects | ||
| HSS3 | History | 50% Average in 5 subjects | ||
| HSS5 | Global Studies | 50% Average in 5 subjects | If choosing a language at Beginners Level, 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC in Other Language is required. If at Advanced Level, a 75% in 1st Uni or 90% in NSC in that language is required. French is only available at Advanced Level | |
| HSS6 | European Studies | 50% Average in 5 subjects | If choosing a language at Beginners Level, 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC in Other Language is required. If at Advanced Level, a 75% in 1st Uni or 90% in NSC in that language is required. French is only available at Advanced Level | |
| ISS1 | Irish Studies | 50% Average in 5 subjects | ||
| MCS4 | Music, Film and Drama | 50% Average in 5 subjects | ||
| MCS5 | Music | 50% Average in 5 subjects |
Liberal Arts & Sciences
| Code | Description | 2026 Entry Requirements | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts & Sciences | LBS1 | Liberal Arts and Sciences | 54% Average in 5 subjects |
Sustainability
| Code | Description | 2026 Entry Requirements | Maths | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sustainability | STS1 | BSc Sustainability | 61% Average in 5 subjects | 65% in 1st Uni or 70% in NSC |
Social Sciences
| Code | Description | 2026 Entry Requirements | Maths | Other Language | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Social Sciences | COS1 | Philosophy, Politics & Economics | 57% Average in 5 subjects | 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC | |
| ECS4 | BSc Economics | 57% Average in 5 subjects | 70% in 1st Uni or 80% in NSC or 70% Math AP in IEB NSC | ||
| EMS1 | Economics, Mathematics & Statistics | 57% Average in 5 subjects | 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC | ||
| PCS2 | BSc Psychology | 67% Average in 5 subjects | 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC | ||
| PTS5 | BSc in Politics and International Relations | 57% Average in 5 subjects | 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC | ||
| SBU2 | BSocSc Social Policy & Sociology | 57% Average in 5 subjects | 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC | ||
| SBU3 | BSc Social Science (2 Subjects) ‡‡ | 57% Average in 5 subjects | 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC Please Note: In order to study Mathematics, a 75% in 1st Uni or 90% in NSC or 75% Math AP in IEB NSC in Mathematics is required. In order to study Economics, a 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC in Mathematics is required. | German: In First Year two streams are offered, one for absolute beginners and another for non-beginners. For the non-beginners level a minimum of 75% in 1st Uni or 90% in NSC or equivalent is required. | |
| SCS1 | Computational Social Science | 57% Average in 5 subjects | 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC |
Engineering
| Code | Description | 2026 Entry Requirements | Maths | Lab Science | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering ‡ | NUS1 | Engineering Omnibus‡ | 61% Average in 5 subjects | 75% in 1st Uni or 90% in NSC or 75% Math AP in IEB NSC Pilot for 2026/27 Ecctis OMPT-D: 55% | 65% in 1st Uni or 70% in NSC |
Architecture
| Code | Description | 2026 Entry Requirements | Maths | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architecture | LDS2 | Landscape Architecture | 54% Average in 5 subjects | 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC |
| RCS3 | City Planning & Environmental Policy ‡‡ | 54% Average in 5 subjects | 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC | |
| ATS4 | Architecture ‡‡ | 61% Average in 5 subjects (452) | 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC |
Science, Computer Science & Actuarial Science
| Code | Description | 2026 Entry Requirements | Maths | Lab Science | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Science, Computer Science & Actuarial Science | BSS3 | Actuarial and Financial Studies | 72% Average in 5 subjects & 61% in 1st Year Uni or In order to be competitive applicants require additional examinations e.g. SAT or present with International qualifications i.e. A Level / IB. | 85% in 1st Uni or 85% Math AP in IEB NSC | |
| CSSA | Computer Science | 61% Average in 5 subjects | 65% in 1st Uni or 70% in NSC | ||
| Science programmes, including: | |||||
| SCU1 | Science - Explore Multiple Streams ‡‡ | 61% Average in 5 subjects | 65% in 1st Uni or 70% in NSC | 65% in 1st Uni or 70% in NSC | |
| BLS1 | Biological, Biomedical & Biomolecular Sciences ‡‡ | ||||
| CHS2 | Chemistry ‡ (includes Medicinal/Sustainable/Biophysical)‡ | ||||
| EES1 | Earth & Environmental Sciences ‡‡ | ||||
| MHS2 | Mathematics ‡ (includes Applied/Financial/Statistics)‡ | ||||
| PYS2 | Physics ‡ (includes Theoretical/Astronomy & Space Science)‡ | ||||
| Check out the Science Brochure for details! |
Agricultural Science
| Code | Description | 2026 Entry Requirements | Maths | Lab Science | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Science | ANS1 | Animal Science ‡‡ | 55% Average in 5 subjects | 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC | 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC |
| CPS1 | Animal & Crop Production ‡‡ | 55% Average in 5 subjects | 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC | 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC | |
| CPS3 | Crop Science ‡‡ | 55% Average in 5 subjects | 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC | 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC | |
| DBS1 | Dairy Business ‡‡ | 55% Average in 5 subjects | 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC | 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC | |
| EQS1 | Animal Science - Equine ‡‡ | 55% Average in 5 subjects | 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC | 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC | |
| ESS1 | AgriEnvironmental Science ‡‡ | 55% Average in 5 subjects | 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC | 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC | |
| ETS2 | Agricultural Systems & Technology | 55% Average in 5 subjects | 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC | 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC | |
| FAS1 | Food and Agribusiness Management ‡‡ | 55% Average in 5 subjects | 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC | 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC | |
| FAW1 | Food Business with Chinese Studies ‡‡ | 55% Average in 5 subjects | 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC | 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC | |
| FOS1 | Forestry ‡‡ | 55% Average in 5 subjects | 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC | 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC | |
| FSS2 | Food Science ‡‡ | 57% Average in 5 subjects | 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC | 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC | |
| FSS6 | Sustainable Food Systems | 57% Average in 5 subjects | 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC | 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC | |
| HLS6 | Horticulture ‡‡ | 55% Average in 5 subjects | 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC | 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC | |
| HMS1 | Human Nutrition ‡‡ | 67% Average in 5 subjects | 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC | 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC | |
| UAS1 | Agricultural Science - Omnibus (You can decide on your area of study during first year). | 55% Average in 5 subjects | 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC | 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC |
Health Science
| Code | Description | 2026 Entry Requirements | Maths | Lab Science | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health Science | BHS1 | Biomedical, Health & Life Sciences | 67% Average in 5 subjects | 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC | 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC |
| MDS2 | Medicine | 64% Average in 5 subjects & 59% in 1st Year Uni In order to be competitive applicants require additional examinations e.g. SAT or present with International qualifications i.e. A Level / IB. + Interview Successful applicants often present with a stronger academic background. | 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC | 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC | |
| MDS4 | Radiography | 65% Average in 5 subjects | 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC | 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC | |
| MDS5 | Physiotherapy | 100% Average in 5 subjects OR 64% Average in 5 subjects & 50% in 1st Year Uni In order to be competitive applicants require additional examinations e.g. SAT or present with International qualifications i.e. A Level / IB. | 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC | 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC | |
| MDSS | Diagnostic Radiography (Graduate Entry) | The 2.5-year graduate entry programme is open to applicants who hold a 4-year Bachelor degree (NFQ Level 8) with a minimum of Second Class Honours and above, or equivalent. | 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC | ||
| MDS9 | Medicine (Graduate Entry) | The 4-year graduate entry programme is open to applicants who hold or are expected to hold a 4-year Bachelor degree(NFQ Level 8) in any discipline with a minimum overall Second Class Honours (Upper Division) and above, or equivalent. Additionally, all applicants are required to submit a current GAMSAT* or MCAT* score (minimum 57 and 503 respectively). Although only graduates are eligible to apply for this programme, the graduate Medicine degree is equivalent in standard to the undergraduate Medicine degree. *Currency of Results: GAMSAT: must have been taken within two years from 01 September prior to the start of programme (i.e. for admission in September 2026, the earliest acceptable test date would be 01 September 2024). MCAT: must have been taken within two years from 01 August prior to the start of programme (i.e. for admission in September 2026, the earliest acceptable test date would be 01 August 2024). Students who have previously been unsuccessful in any Medicine programme (i.e. have not met academic or other requirements within the programme) or have any issues which would affect their registration with the Irish Medical council will only be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis in exceptional circumstances, to be considered by the Medicine programme board. |
Sports & Performance
| Code | Description | 2026 Entry Requirements | Maths | Lab Science | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sports & Performance | MDSK | Sport, Health & Exercise Science | 65% Average in 5 subjects | 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC | 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC |
| SMS2 | Sport & Exercise Management | 61% Average in 5 subjects | 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC | 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC |
Veterinary Medicine
| Code | Description | 2026 Entry Requirements | Maths | Lab Science | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veterinary Medicine | VTS1 | Veterinary Medicine | 66% Average in 5 subjects & 50% in 1st Year Uni In order to be competitive applicants require additional examinations e.g. SAT or present with International qualifications i.e. A Level / IB. | 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC | Chemistry 70% in 1st Uni or 80% in NSC |
| Applicants must normally have at least 60 hours practical experience relevant to animal handling. This must have been undertaken in the last three years i.e. for entry in 2026, between 1st February 2023 and 5th July 2026, and all details must be submitted by 5th July 2026 to be taken into consideration. This must include experience with at least two of the following four animal categories: Pets, Horses, Farm Animals, Wildlife/Zoos. For full details and to complete your records of experience, please Veterinary Medicine Requirements page. | |||||
| VTS2 | Veterinary Nursing | 61% Average in 5 subjects | 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC | 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC | |
| VTS3 | Veterinary Medicine (Graduate Entry) | The 4 year graduate entry programme is open to applicants who hold or are expected to hold a 4-year Bachelor degree in a biological / biomedical / animal science discipline with a minimum of Second Class Honours (Upper Division) or above [or equivalent]. For full details about the application and assessment procedures, including information about pre-requisites, please refer to the UCD School of Veterinary Medicine website: www.ucd.ie/vetmed |
Contact UCD Global
UCD Global, Gerard Manley Hopkins Centre (UCD International Office), Belfield, Dublin 4. T: +353 1 716 8500 | Location Map