High School Subjects Needed to Study Architecture in South Africa

In order to study architecture in South Africa, there are a few important things that will determine if you get accepted or not. Unlike other degrees that rely only on your marks, architecture is one of those fields where the high school subjects needed, your APS score, and your creative abilities all play a role. Some universities expect a portfolio. Others may call you for an interview. If you are missing any of the key subject requirements, your application will not be successful.

This guide is for learners completing their matric in 2025, applying to study architecture in 2026. It outlines the high school subjects needed and other key details for getting into top architecture courses in South Africa.

Before choosing this field, you need to understand exactly what subjects universities expect, what results they want, and what additional work like portfolios or interviews are required.

What Are the High School Subjects Needed for Architecture in South Africa?

Architecture is a structured career path. Most universities begin with an undergraduate course like the Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS), Bachelor of Science in Architecture (BSc Arch), or Bachelor of Architecture (BArch). These are followed by postgraduate studies leading to professional registration with SACAP.

Let us now explore the high school subjects needed at each major university.

Nelson Mandela University Architecture Requirements

Nelson Mandela University offers the Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) course. It is a three-year foundation that prepares students for further studies in architecture. To apply, the high school subjects needed are:

• Mathematics: 55% or higher
• English: Minimum 50%
• Applicant Score (AS): At least 370
• Portfolio submission is required
• Interview forms part of the selection

This course combines creative, theoretical, and technical learning, and your portfolio plays a huge role in showing your talent.

University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) Architecture Requirements

Wits offers a complete architecture study path that starts with BAS and ends with a professional Master’s. To enter the first-year course, the high school subjects needed include:

• English: Minimum 60–69% (level 5)
• Mathematics: Minimum 60–69% (level 5)
• Physical Science: Recommended but not required
• APS Score: 34 or more

Wits pays strong attention to academic performance, so your Maths and English must be well above average.

University of Johannesburg (UJ) Architecture Requirements

UJ offers the Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) course, which provides the technical and design foundations needed in this field. The high school subjects needed to study this course are:

• English: Minimum 60% (level 5)
• Mathematics: Minimum 60% (level 5)
• APS Score: 30 or above
• A portfolio is compulsory

If you are considering UJ, your creative portfolio and academic marks must both be strong.

University of Pretoria (UP) Architecture Requirements

UP’s course structure starts with the Bachelor of Science in Architecture (BSc Arch) and ends with the Master’s in Architecture. The high school subjects needed are:

• Mathematics: Minimum 50% (level 4)
• English: Minimum 60% (level 5)
• Physical Sciences: Minimum 50% (level 4)
• APS Score: 27 or higher

This course has a balance between design and scientific knowledge, so doing Physical Sciences gives you an advantage.

University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Architecture Requirements

UKZN offers the Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) course, with further studies leading to professional registration. The high school subjects needed include:

• Mathematics: 60–69% (level 5)
• English: 50–59% (level 4)
• Minimum APS: 30 points (excluding Life Orientation)
• Portfolio and a written task are required

This course focuses heavily on creativity and concept development, so your written task must show your thinking clearly.

Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) Architecture Requirements

CPUT provides a more technical course through its National Diploma in Architectural Technology. Students can later move on to BTech. The high school subjects needed are:

• Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and English: All at 50–59% (level 4)
• Portfolio submission required
• Interview also forms part of the selection

This course is well-suited for those who want a mix of technical knowledge and architectural design.

Durban University of Technology (DUT) Architecture Requirements

DUT offers the Bachelor of the Built Environment in Architecture, focusing on both design and construction. The high school subjects needed are:

• Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and English: All at 50–59% (level 4)
• Portfolio must be submitted
• Interview forms part of the process

Make sure your portfolio reflects your full potential. Creative ideas, presentation skills, and attention to detail are what they look for.

The Hard Truth – What Will Get You Rejected

A large number of students are rejected every year not because they lack talent, but because they ignore what the universities are asking for. The high school subjects needed to study architecture are not flexible. If you do not meet the basics, you will not be accepted.

Here are common reasons for rejection:

• No Mathematics: Every university listed above requires Pure Mathematics. Mathematical Literacy is not accepted. Architecture involves technical calculations, so you must have strong Maths skills.
• Low APS Score: Each university has a cut-off score. If your APS is too low, your application will not be reviewed. This applies even if you have a good portfolio.
• Weak or No Portfolio: For universities that require a portfolio, this is your chance to stand out. Submitting poor-quality or incomplete work shows a lack of preparation. Your drawings must reflect original thinking and design understanding.
• Wrong course selection: Some students choose technical diplomas when they actually want to become professional architects. Be clear on the course structure and where it leads. Not every architecture course leads to professional registration.
• Skipping Interviews: If an interview is part of the selection, skipping it or showing up unprepared will count against you. They want to see passion, preparation, and the ability to think through design problems.