University of Mpumalanga Application 2026

If you’re planning to study at the University of Mpumalanga in 2026, this guide will help you easily complete your online application.

You’ll find the application dates, entry requirements, step-by-step instructions, and what documents you need. The University of Mpumalanga online application is quick and easy when you follow the right process

Applications for the 2026 academic year at the University of Mpumalanga officially open on 1 June 2025.

Here’s a breakdown of the closing dates:

Application Type	Closing Date
Undergraduate Degrees & Diplomas	30 November 2025
Honours & Postgraduate Diplomas	30 November 2025
Master’s & Doctoral Degrees	30 January 2026

No late applications will be accepted, so it’s best to apply early. Some courses fill up quickly, especially popular programmes in education, agriculture, and commerce. Also, uploading the correct documents takes time, so don’t leave it for the last minute.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Go to the UMP Online Application Portal
   Visit www.ump.ac.za, click on “Apply”, and select the 2026 application link.
2. Accept the Application Rules
   Read the application terms and conditions. Then, click “Continue”.
3. Enter Personal Details
   Fill in your full name, contact details, ID number, and address.
4. Capture Academic Details
   Provide your latest school results (Grade 11 or Grade 12). You’ll also add the subjects you’ve completed.
5. Add School or College Info
   Provide the name and details of your current or previous educational institution.
6. Choose Your Programme(s)
   Select up to two study choices. Example: BEd Foundation Phase and BA in Development Studies.
7. Review Your Application
   Double-check all the information you’ve entered. Once confirmed, click “Continue”.
8. Create a 5-Digit PIN
   You’ll use this number to track your application later. Accept the terms and click “Submit Application”.
9. Upload Supporting Documents
   Upload the required files in PDF, JPG, or PNG format. These include:
   • Certified copy of your ID or passport
   • Grade 11 final report or Matric results
   • Proof of residence
   • Proof of payment (if required)
10. Complete the Upload
    After all files are uploaded, click “Complete Upload” and then “Finish Application”.

Below is a breakdown of what you need based on the type of qualification you’re applying for.

1. Undergraduate Degrees

To apply for a Bachelor’s Degree at UMP, you must meet these general criteria:

• National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a Bachelor’s Pass
• A minimum APS (Admission Point Score) that matches your course
• Course-specific subject requirements (e.g. English, Maths, Life Sciences)

Examples:

Bachelor of Arts

• APS: 28
• English: Level 4
• Maths: Level 2 or Mathematical Literacy: Level 3

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture

• APS: 30
• English: Level 4
• Mathematics: Level 4
• Any two of: Life Sciences, Geography, or Physical Sciences: Level 4

2. Diplomas

To qualify for a diploma programme, you need:

• NSC with a Diploma Pass
• APS between 22 and 26, depending on the course
• Required subjects as per programme

3. Higher Certificates

Minimum requirement:

• NSC with a Higher Certificate Pass
• APS of 18 to 24 (depending on the course)
• English at Level 3

4. Postgraduate Programmes

For honours, postgraduate diplomas, and master’s degrees:

• A relevant Bachelor’s Degree
• Minimum average pass mark (usually 60% in major subjects)
• Additional documents like academic transcripts and a CV

Your Admission Point Score (APS) is a number calculated from your Grade 12 subject results. UMP uses the APS to determine if you qualify for a course.

How APS Points Work

NSC Rating / % Range	APS Points
90-100% (A+)	8
80-89% (A)	7
70-79% (B)	6
60-69% (C)	5
50-59% (D)	4
40-49% (E)	3
30-39% (F)	2
0-29% (G)	1

Typical APS Benchmarks

• Bachelor’s degrees (e.g., Science, Commerce, Arts)
  Minimum APS: 28-30, depending on the specific program.
• Diplomas and Higher Certificates
  Minimum APS: 22-26, depending on the qualification.

How to Calculate Your APS

1. Write down your Grade 12 subject marks.
2. Match each subject percentage to APS points using the table above.
3. Add up the points from your best seven NSC subjects (including English and Maths).
4. Confirm that your total meets or surpasses the course’s APS requirement.

Why APS Matters

• Your APS determines your eligibility for your chosen qualification.
• Meeting APS is the first step, not the final acceptance.
• Popular programs may require higher APS scores due to competition.

Below is a breakdown of UMP’s key faculties with some popular courses to guide your application:

1. Faculty of Agriculture & Natural Sciences

• School of Agriculture
• School of Biological Sciences and Environmental Sciences
• School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences

2. Faculty of Education

• School of Early Childhood Education

3. Faculty of Economics, Development & Business Sciences

• School of Development Studies
• School of Hospitality and Tourism Management
• School of Social Sciences

Gather the following items before starting your online application to avoid delays:

1. Certified ID or Passport – a clear copy, certified within the last 3 months
2. National Senior Certificate (NSC) / Equivalent – certified copy of your final-grade or full transcript
3. Senior Certificate (SC) or Equivalent – if applicable
4. Academic Transcripts – for students who have completed tertiary studies
5. Proof of Payment for Application Fee – if applicable (e.g., for international applicants)
6. Proof of Residence – such as a utility bill or affidavit
7. Proof of Income – required only for financial-aid applications (NSFAS)
8. Additional Documents – depending on the programme (e.g., qualifications, certificates, or licenses)

Make Sure Your Documents Are:

• Clear and legible: All text must be readable
• Certified appropriately: At your nearest police station, within the past three months
• Uploaded in proper format: PDF, JPEG, or PNG

Upload Tips for UMP Online Application Submission

• Name each file clearly (e.g., Lastname-Firstname-ID.pdf )
• Ensure files are under 2 MB in size
• Check the upload instantly after submitting each document
• Don’t submit blurry scans or photos to prevent delays

UMP offers several financial aid opportunities to help students access higher education. These include the following:

1. NSFAS Bursary

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) provides funding for South African students from low-income households.

Who qualifies:

• Must be registered or intending to register at a public university or TVET college.
• South African citizens with a combined household income below R350,000 per year.
• Students entering for the first time or returning (if still meeting requirements).

2. Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship

This prestigious scholarship is awarded to top-performing students who:

• Demonstrate academic excellence
• Show leadership and community involvement
• Act as role models in their communities

3. Funza Lushaka Bursary

If you plan to become a teacher, this government bursary is a great option.

Eligibility:

• Enrolled in a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) or Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
• Commitment to teach in a public school upon graduation

4. External Bursaries

UMP works with a wide network of funders who offer bursaries to deserving students. These funders may manage applications directly or via UMP’s Student Financial Aid office.

Examples of funders:

• DD Mabuza Foundation
• National Research Fund
• ETDP SETA
• Mining Development Agency
• Ehlanzeni District Municipality
• Department of Cooperative Governance
• National Skills Fund (NSF)
• NYDA
• Thebe Foundation
• And many more

5. Student Financial Aid (SFA) Office

UMP’s Student Financial Aid (SFA) office coordinates all funding opportunities, including disbursements and support services. They help:

• Match students with available bursaries
• Administer funds efficiently
• Guide students through financial aid processes

If you do not have a local place to reside near or around campus, you will definitely need to secure accommodation. Here’s what you need to know:

1. On-Campus Residences

• Locations: UMP offers residences at its Mbombela and Emalahleni campuses.
• Booking Process: You’ll be prompted to apply for accommodation during the online application process (make sure to tick this option).
• Allocation: Rooms are allocated based on academic merit, financial need, and application date.
• Facilities: On-campus housing typically includes shared or private rooms, common kitchen areas, study spaces, and Wi-Fi access.

2. Off-Campus Housing

• Private Dormitories: Local private residence facilities often include cleaning, laundry, and meal services. Costs vary, so you may need to research and compare before choosing.
• Shared Apartments/Houses: Many students choose to share flats or houses near campus, which can be cost-effective but requires managing utilities and transport.
• Safety & Proximity: Always prioritize security, proximity to campus, and transportation options when choosing off-campus accommodation.

3. Support Services

Residence Managers and Student Governance Councils (RAs and SGCs) offer peer support, social events, and resolve residence-related issues.

Student Affairs assists with accommodation disputes, roommate placement, and general housing advice.