University of Limpopo (UL) Online Application 2026: Courses & Requirements

Key Takeaways: The Pride of Turfloop

Location: Mankweng (Turfloop), roughly 30km east of Polokwane.

Status: A historic institution known for producing top lawyers and doctors.

Application Dates: Open 01 April 2026.

Closing Dates: 31 July 2026 (Health Sciences) and 30 September 2026 (All other faculties).

The APS Rule: UL calculates your score based on your Best 6 Subjects. Life Orientation is NOT counted.

Application Fee: R200 (Non-refundable).

Mode: Online Only. No paper forms.

The University of Limpopo (UL), affectionately known as “Turfloop,” is a unique institution. Situated in the heart of the Limpopo province, it is far removed from the city lights of Johannesburg or Cape Town. For serious students, this is a massive advantage: there are fewer distractions.

UL is famous for two things: its Medical School (which merged with Medunsa for a while but is now independent and strong) and its Law Faculty, which educated many of South Africa’s struggle heroes and judges.

However, UL is administratively strict. Because they receive thousands of applications for limited spots in Medicine and Pharmacy, they close their portals early. If you miss the July deadline for Health Sciences, you are out. Period.

This guide explains the 2026 application timeline, the specific “Turfloop” APS calculation, and how to secure a bed in the notorious campus residences.

1. 2026 Application Dates (Confirmed)

UL splits its closing dates. If you want to be a Doctor, you have much less time than if you want to be an Accountant.

Faculty / Course	Opening Date	Closing Date
Health Sciences (MBChB, Pharmacy, Optometry, Dietetics)	01 April 2026	31 July 2026
Humanities (Social Work, Psychology, BA)	01 April 2026	30 September 2026
Science & Agriculture (BSc, Geology)	01 April 2026	30 September 2026
Management & Law (BCom, LLB)	01 April 2026	30 September 2026

Warning: The online system often crashes on the last day. Do not wait until 31 July.

2. The UL APS Calculation (The “No LO” Rule)

Unlike Wits or UWC, the University of Limpopo does not care about your Life Orientation distinction.

The Formula:

Count your Best 6 Subjects (excluding Life Orientation).
Language Rule: You usually need English as one of the 6.
Scoring Scale:
- Level 7 (80-100%) = 7 Points
- Level 6 (70-79%) = 6 Points
- Level 5 (60-69%) = 5 Points
- Level 4 (50-59%) = 4 Points
- Level 3 (40-49%) = 3 Points
- Level 2 (30-39%) = 2 Points
- Level 1 (0-29%) = 1 Point

Example:

English (60%) = 5
Sepedi (70%) = 6
Maths (55%) = 4
Physics (62%) = 5
Life Science (71%) = 6
Geography (50%) = 4
Life Orientation (90%) = 0 (Ignored)
Total APS = 30

3. Top Courses & Requirements 2026

UL has four faculties. Here are the minimum requirements for the most popular degrees. Note: “Minimum” allows you to apply; acceptance usually requires higher marks.

Faculty of Health Sciences (The Elite)

MBChB (Medicine):
- Minimum APS: 28 (Aim for 35+).
- Subjects: Maths, Physical Science, Life Sciences (All Level 5 or higher).
- Selection: Very rigorous. Matric average is key.
BPharm (Pharmacy):
- Minimum APS: 27.
- Subjects: Maths (Level 5), Physics (Level 5).
Bachelor of Optometry:
- Minimum APS: 27.

Faculty of Management & Law

LLB (Law):
- Minimum APS: 28.
- English: Level 5 is critical.
BCom (Accountancy):
- Minimum APS: 28.
- Maths: Pure Maths Level 4/5. (Math Lit not accepted for Chartered Accountancy stream).

Faculty of Science & Agriculture

BSc (Geology / Mining):
- Minimum APS: 26.
- Subjects: Maths and Physical Science.
- Note: Limpopo is a mining province, so UL’s Geology department is heavily recruited by mines.
BSc (Agriculture):
- Minimum APS: 26.

Faculty of Humanities

Bachelor of Social Work:
- Minimum APS: 26.
- Selection: Often includes a departmental test or interview.
BA (Psychology):
- Minimum APS: 25.

4. How to Apply Online (Step-by-Step)

UL uses the ITS i-Enabler system (the blue and grey interface).

Step 1: Get Ready

Have your R200 Application Fee ready. You cannot submit without proof of payment.
Bank Details:
- Bank: Standard Bank
- Account Name: University of Limpopo
- Account No: 030 131 405
- Reference: Your ID Number (or Student Number if you have one).

Step 2: The Portal

Go to www.ul.ac.za and click “Apply Online”.
Select “New Application”.
Enter your Biographical Details (Name, ID, Address).

Step 3: Choose Qualification

You can usually select 2 choices.
Strategy: Make your first choice your “Dream” (e.g., Medicine) and your second choice your “Safe” option (e.g., BSc Life Sciences).

Step 4: Upload Documents

Certified ID Copy (PDF).
Certified Grade 11 Final Report (or Matric Certificate).
Proof of Payment (R200).
Note: Ensure files are under 2MB.

Step 5: Submit & Track

Once submitted, you will get a Student Number.
Use this number and a PIN to log back in and check your status (“Provisional Acceptance” or “Awaiting Results”).

5. Residence: The “Turfloop” Life

Accommodation at UL is a challenge.

On-Campus Res: These are highly sought after. Priority is given to First Years who live far away (e.g., from Venda, Gauteng, or Mpumalanga) and have high academic averages.
Off-Campus (Mankweng): Thousands of students live in the surrounding township of Mankweng (“Unit C”, “Unit F”).
- Warning: Some off-campus accommodations are accredited (NSFAS pays), and some are backrooms (NSFAS won’t pay). Always check the Accredited List at the Housing Office.
Cost: Approx. R18,000 – R28,000 per year (On-campus).

6. Financial Aid (NSFAS & Bursaries)

NSFAS: UL is a public university. If you qualify for NSFAS, your Tuition, Registration Fee, and Accommodation are covered.
Provincial Bursaries: Because UL is in Limpopo, the Limpopo Office of the Premier often offers bursaries specifically for UL students in Medicine and Engineering. Check their website in January.

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Does UL accept Walk-Ins?

A: No. Security at the main gate is very strict. You will not be allowed to enter the admin building to apply manually. Use the online portal.

Q: Can I apply with Math Literacy for Social Work?

A: Yes. For Humanities degrees (BA, Social Work), Math Literacy is accepted. For Commerce and Science, Pure Maths is usually required.

Q: How do I check my status?

A: Go to the UL website > “Check Application Status”. Enter your ID number. If it says “Provisional Admission,” congratulations—you are in, pending your final Matric results.

Conclusion: The Quiet Giant

The University of Limpopo is not flashy. It doesn’t have the marketing budget of UJ. But it offers a rigorous, focused education. If you want to study Medicine or Law in an environment that respects tradition and hard work, Turfloop is the place.

Action: If you are aiming for Health Sciences, stop reading and apply. You have until 31 July, and those seats fill up with top achievers very quickly.

Disclaimer: Admission requirements and fees are subject to change. Always verify with the official University of Limpopo 2026 Prospectus.