List of Actuarial Science UCT Requirements 2026: The “Gold Standard” Guide

Key Takeaways: The Hardest Course in SA

• The Golden Number: You generally need a Faculty Points Score (FPS) of 500+ (Band A) to be safe.
• The Non-Negotiable: If you do not have 80% (Level 7) for Pure Mathematics in Matric, you cannot apply. Math Literacy is not accepted.
• The NBT Surprise: Unlike Science or Health Sciences, Commerce applicants (Actuarial) generally ONLY write the AQL NBT. You do not write the Maths NBT for admission (though it may be used for placement).
• The Two Streams: You can study Actuarial Science as a 3-year BCom or a 4-year BBusSc (Bachelor of Business Science). The BBusSc is preferred by employers.
• The Deadline: Applications close 31 July 2025.

If you are reading this, you are likely in the top 1% of your grade. Actuarial Science at the University of Cape Town (UCT) is widely considered the “Harvard of Africa” for actuaries. It produces the highest number of qualified actuaries in the country.

But getting in is brutal.

While a “Bachelor of Science” might accept a 60% for Maths, Actuarial Science demands near-perfection. You are not just competing against the curriculum; you are competing against the smartest matriculants in South Africa.

Here is the definitive guide to the 2026 admission requirements, broken down by faculty and degree type.

1. BCom vs. BBusSc: What is the Difference?

Before you look at the marks, you must choose your vehicle. UCT offers Actuarial Science through two primary degrees in the Faculty of Commerce.

Option A: Bachelor of Business Science (BBusSc) in Actuarial Science

• Duration: 4 Years (Honours equivalent).
• Focus: Deep technical skills + Management + Economics.
• Exemptions: You can earn up to 10 Exemptions from the Actuarial Society of South Africa (ASSA) board exams.
• Verdict: The Gold Standard. Most students choose this route because it clears more board exams before you even start working.

Option B: Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) in Actuarial Science

• Duration: 3 Years.
• Focus: Pure Actuarial Science (less management theory).
• Exemptions: You earn fewer exemptions (approx. 7) and usually need to do a 1-year Honours degree afterwards to catch up to the BBusSc students.
• Verdict: Good if you want to finish university quickly, but you will have more exams to write while working.

2. The “Golden Numbers” (Admission Requirements)

UCT divides applicants into “Bands.” If you are in Band A, you are guaranteed a spot (provided you write the NBTs). If you are in Band B, you are on the waiting list.

The Minimum Subjects (Must Have)

• Mathematics:80% (Level 7).
  • Note: If you have 79%, you are usually rejected. There is almost no leniency here.
• English Home Language: 60% (Level 5).
• OR English First Additional: 80% (Level 7).

The Faculty Points Score (FPS)

UCT does not use the standard APS (1-7). They use percentages.

• How to Calculate: Add the percentages of your 6 Best Subjects.
• Life Orientation: For Commerce, LO is NOT included in the calculation. (Score is out of 600).
  • Example:
    • Maths: 90%
    • English: 80%
    • Accounting: 85%
    • Physics: 80%
    • History: 85%
    • Drama: 80%
    • Total FPS: 90+80+85+80+85+80 = 500.

The Thresholds (2026 Estimates)

• Guaranteed Admission (Band A): FPS of 500+.
• Probable Admission (Band B): Weighted Points Score (WPS) of 480+. (This includes disadvantage factors).

3. The NBT Requirement (Don’t Panic about Maths)

This is where UCT Commerce is unique.

• Tests Required: AQL Only (Academic & Quantitative Literacy).
• Maths NBT (MAT):Not required for Admission to the Commerce Faculty.
  • Why? The Commerce Faculty trusts your Matric Maths mark (80%) more than the NBT.
  • Caveat: If you apply via the Science Faculty, you MUST write the MAT NBT.
• Required Score: You must score “Proficient” (usually 65%+) in both Academic Literacy and Quantitative Literacy. If you score “Basic” in QL, you will be placed in the Academic Development Programme (ADP) regardless of your Maths mark.

Deadline: You must write the NBT by 4 October 2025.

4. Can I Study Actuarial Science in the Science Faculty?

Yes, but it is less common.

• Degree: Bachelor of Science (BSc) majoring in Actuarial Science and Mathematics.
• Requirements:
  • Maths: 80%+.
  • Physical Science: 60%+.
  • NBT: You MUST write the MAT (Maths) NBT for the Science Faculty.
• Why choose this? If you love Physics or Biology and want to double major. However, the BBusSc (Commerce) is generally preferred by corporate employers (banks/insurers) because of the business background.

5. The “Safety Net”: Academic Development Programme (ADP)

What if you get 75% for Maths and an FPS of 460? Is it over?

Not necessarily. You might be placed in the Commerce ADP stream.

• What is it? It spreads the degree over 5 years (for BBusSc) or 4 years (for BCom).
• The Curriculum: You do the exact same Actuarial modules, but you get extra support in Maths and Stats in the first year.
• The Qualification: The final degree is identical. It does not say “ADP” on your certificate.

6. Comparison Table: 2026 Intake

Feature	BBusSc (Actuarial)	BCom (Actuarial)	BSc (Actuarial)
Faculty	Commerce	Commerce	Science
Duration	4 Years	3 Years	3 Years
Maths Req	80%	80%	80%
English Req	HL 60% / FAL 80%	HL 60% / FAL 80%	HL 50%
FPS Target	500+	500+	660+ (Doubled Maths/Sci)
NBTs	AQL Only	AQL Only	AQL + MAT
Exemptions	Max 10	Max 7	Max 7

Summary: Aim for 90%

If you want to sleep soundly in January 2026, aim for an FPS of 500.

This effectively means you need an average of 83% across your top 6 subjects (excluding LO).

Action Plan:

1. Check your Maths: If you are sitting at 75% in Grade 11, get a tutor immediately. You need that 80%.
2. Book the NBT: Book the AQL test for June/July.
3. Apply Early: Applications close 31 July. Select “Bachelor of Business Science in Actuarial Science” as your first choice.

Disclaimer: Admission policies are subject to change. Always consult the 2026 UCT Commerce Undergraduate Prospectus for the final authority.