Key Takeaways
- High Demand Profession: Radiography is a critical skills shortage area in South Africa and globally, offering excellent job security and high starting salaries.
- Strict Subject Requirements: To study radiography, Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Life Sciences are almost always compulsory. Mathematical Literacy is rarely accepted.
- Average APS Requirement: Most public universities require a minimum Admission Point Score (APS) of 30, excluding Life Orientation. However, because of limited space, you should aim for an APS of 35 or higher to secure your spot.
- Four Specializations: When you apply, you often have to choose between Diagnostic Radiography, Diagnostic Ultrasound, Nuclear Medicine, or Radiation Therapy.
- NBT Requirements: Several top universities will require you to write the National Benchmark Test (NBT) as part of your health sciences application.
When most people think about working in a hospital, they picture doctors and nurses. However, modern medicine relies entirely on technology to see inside the human body. Without radiographers, doctors cannot diagnose broken bones, locate tumors, or treat cancer.
Because of this heavy reliance on medical imaging, radiography has become one of the most sought-after and high-demand medical degrees in South Africa. Graduates are instantly employable in both government hospitals and private healthcare groups like Netcare and Mediclinic. Furthermore, South African radiography qualifications are highly respected internationally, opening doors to work in the United Kingdom, Australia, and the Middle East.
However, because this is a specialized health science degree, gaining admission is incredibly competitive. You need excellent high school marks to be considered. In this comprehensive guide, we will break down the exact APS score for radiography, the specific subjects you need, and provide a complete list of all the institutions in South Africa where you can study this fascinating field.
What Does a Radiographer Actually Do?
Before you commit four years of your life to studying, it is important to understand what the job entails. Radiography is not just “taking X-rays.” It is a diverse field that combines advanced technology, physics, and patient care.
In South Africa, a Bachelor of Radiography (BRad) degree usually takes four years to complete. When you apply, or during your studies, you will typically specialize in one of four main categories:
- Diagnostic Radiography: This is the most common branch. You will use X-rays, CT scanners, and MRI machines to capture images of bones, organs, and tissues to help doctors diagnose illnesses and injuries.
- Diagnostic Ultrasound (Sonography): You will use high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of the inside of the body. This is most famous for monitoring pregnancies, but it is also used to examine the heart, blood vessels, and abdominal organs.
- Radiation Therapy (Oncology): You will work closely with oncologists to treat cancer. Your job will be to operate highly complex machines that deliver targeted doses of radiation to destroy cancer cells while protecting healthy tissue.
- Nuclear Medicine: You will administer small, safe amounts of radioactive substances to patients. You then use specialized cameras to see how these substances move through the body, which helps diagnose diseases at a cellular level.
The APS Score for Radiography: University Breakdown
Because radiography involves radiation physics, advanced human anatomy, and calculating chemical dosages, universities demand a high level of academic excellence.
While the minimum APS score to qualify on paper is usually around 30, the reality is much harsher. Health Science faculties receive thousands of applications for very few spaces. This means universities use academic merit to select students. A student with an APS of 35 will be chosen over a student with an APS of 30.
Below is a detailed table outlining the minimum required APS score for radiography at major South African public universities.
Minimum APS Score for Radiography by Institution
| University Name | Minimum APS Score | Does Life Orientation Count? | NBT Required? |
| University of Johannesburg (UJ) | 30 | No | No |
| University of Pretoria (UP) | 30 | No | Yes |
| Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) | 30 | No | No |
| Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) | 28 | No | No |
| University of the Free State (UFS) | 30 | No | Yes |
| Nelson Mandela University (NMU) | 36 (Uses unique NMU point system) | No | No |
| Durban University of Technology (DUT) | 30 | No | No |
Important Note: Meeting the minimum APS score does not guarantee you a place. It simply means your application will be reviewed. Always strive to achieve marks well above the minimum requirement.
Exact High School Subject Requirements
Your total APS score is only half of the admission requirement. You can have an APS of 40, but if you do not have the correct subjects, your application will be immediately rejected.
Radiography requires a very specific combination of high school subjects. You must perform well in the “hard sciences.”
Standard Subject Level Requirements for Radiography
To give you a clear picture, here is the standard breakdown of subject levels required by universities like the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and the University of Pretoria (UP).
| Compulsory Subject | Minimum Required Percentage | Minimum Level |
| Home Language or First Additional Language (English) | 60% – 69% | Level 5 |
| Mathematics | 60% – 69% | Level 5 |
| Physical Sciences | 60% – 69% | Level 5 |
| Life Sciences | 60% – 69% | Level 5 |
The Mathematics vs. Mathematical Literacy Debate
Can you study radiography with Mathematical Literacy? The short answer is No.
Almost all universities in South Africa strictly require pure Mathematics. Radiography involves complex calculations regarding radiation exposure times, angles of machinery, and physics formulas. Mathematical Literacy does not cover the necessary syllabus for these tertiary-level physics and chemistry modules. If you are currently in Grade 9 and want to be a radiographer, you must choose pure Mathematics.
Complete List of Institutions Offering Radiography in South Africa
If you want to become a registered radiographer with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), you must study at an accredited institution. Here is a breakdown of the universities offering this high-demand degree and what makes them unique.
1. University of Johannesburg (UJ)
UJ is one of the most popular choices for radiography in Gauteng. They offer the Bachelor of Radiography across all four specializations: Diagnostic, Nuclear Medicine, Radiation Therapy, and Ultrasound. Their Doornfontein campus boasts state-of-the-art simulation laboratories where students practice on high-tech clinical dummies before touching real patients.
2. University of Pretoria (UP)
UP offers a highly competitive Bachelor of Radiography (Diagnostics). The Faculty of Health Sciences at UP is world-renowned, and students get extensive practical training at the Steve Biko Academic Hospital. Note that UP is very strict about early closing dates for health sciences, so you must apply as early as April.
3. Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
Located in the Western Cape, CPUT offers a Bachelor of Science in Radiography. CPUT is highly respected for its practical, hands-on approach to learning. Students spend a significant amount of time doing clinical rotations in major provincial hospitals like Groote Schuur and Tygerberg.
4. Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU)
Formerly known as Medunsa, SMU is located in Pretoria North and is the only university in South Africa solely dedicated to health sciences. They offer an excellent BRad degree and have a slightly lower official minimum APS (28), making it a vital option for students aiming for medical careers.
5. Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
Located in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), NMU offers a Bachelor of Radiography (Diagnostic). NMU uses a slightly different point calculation system compared to the standard APS, so you must check their specific prospectus carefully. They have strong ties with local Eastern Cape healthcare facilities for practical training.
6. University of the Free State (UFS)
UFS in Bloemfontein offers a highly regarded BRad degree. The university is known for producing incredibly competent clinical radiographers. Like UP, they require applicants to complete the National Benchmark Test (NBT) to assess academic readiness.
7. Durban University of Technology (DUT)
For students in KwaZulu-Natal, DUT is the primary destination for radiography. They offer degrees in Diagnostic Radiography, Ultrasound, and Therapy. DUT requires a minimum APS of 30 and places a heavy emphasis on clinical workplace learning.
What to Do If Your APS Score is Too Low
If you have received your final Matric results and your APS score for radiography is sitting at a 25 or 26, or if you achieved a Level 3 in Physical Sciences, you will not be accepted directly into the four-year degree. However, you should not give up on your medical dreams.
Here are the best alternative pathways to reach your goal:
1. Upgrade Your Matric Results
The most effective way to improve your chances is to rewrite the subjects that are dragging your score down. If you missed the mark in Mathematics and Physical Sciences, you can register to rewrite these specific exams. Upgrading your marks turns a rejection into an acceptance.
2. Enroll in a Bachelor of Science (BSc) General Degree
Many students who do not get into health sciences immediately will register for a general BSc degree (e.g., BSc in Human Physiology or Life Sciences). If you perform exceptionally well in your first year of the BSc, you can apply to transfer into the Radiography program in your second year. Universities often reserve a few spots for top-performing internal university students.
3. Look into Higher Certificates
While there are no bridging courses that automatically grant you entry into radiography, completing a Higher Certificate in a related science field at a university can boost your academic profile and prove to the admissions faculty that you can handle tertiary-level science.
Summary
Radiography is a vital, high-demand medical career that offers incredible job security both in South Africa and abroad. Because of the technical nature of the work, the APS score for radiography is high, generally requiring a minimum of 30 points with strong marks in pure Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Life Sciences. With top institutions like UJ, UP, CPUT, and SMU offering the degree, you have multiple options for where to apply.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I study radiography with Mathematical Literacy?
No. Almost all accredited universities in South Africa require pure Mathematics (usually at a minimum of Level 4 or 5) to study radiography. Mathematical Literacy does not cover the required physics formulas and calculations needed for the degree.
How many years does it take to study radiography in South Africa?
A Bachelor of Radiography (BRad) or Bachelor of Science in Radiography takes four years of full-time study to complete. This includes academic coursework and extensive clinical practical training in hospitals.
Does NSFAS fund radiography degrees?
Yes. Because radiography is a critical skills degree offered at public universities, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) fully funds eligible students who are accepted into the program.
What is the difference between diagnostic radiography and sonography?
Diagnostic radiography primarily uses radiation (like X-rays and CT scans) to look at bones and dense tissues. Sonography (diagnostic ultrasound) uses high-frequency sound waves (no radiation) to look at soft tissues, blood flow, and developing babies during pregnancy.
Is a radiography degree very difficult to pass?
Yes, it is considered a rigorous and demanding degree. It requires a strong understanding of human anatomy, physics, pathology, and patient care. Furthermore, you will be required to work long clinical shifts in hospitals while simultaneously studying for exams.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and guidance purposes only. University admission policies, APS calculation methods, and subject requirements are subject to change annually based on faculty capacity and institutional rules. Always verify the latest admission requirements, closing dates, and NBT policies directly with the specific university’s official health sciences prospectus before making your final application.
Educational Strategist & Publisher.
Shadrach Aliu bridges the gap between Matric results and university dreams. As a dedicated digital publisher, he personally audits higher education admission protocols and university prospectuses to ensure the data on apsscore.com is mathematically accurate and accessible. His mission is to cut through the confusion of the admission process and provide students with clear, actionable pathways.