Study Music

UP 2027: English level 5 and APS 30 on final Grade 11 results (you must reach APS 28 in the final NSC to keep the offer). Music level 4, OR Grade VII practical and Grade V theory (UNISA, Royal Schools or Trinity) or a comparable standard. Plus a video audition of about 15 minutes (three works from different style periods) and an online theory test, each passed with at least 60%. 4 years full-time.

The audition and theory test are part of selection; ranking and available places also apply. 2027 applications closed on 30 June 2026. UP also offers a 5-year BMus (APS 26 on Grade 11 results; Grade V practical and Grade III theory; audition and test passed with at least 50%).

Wits 2027 example: APS 34 or more and English Home Language or First Additional Language level 5. APS 30-33 is wait-listed, subject to place availability. Applicants must attend an interview and audition at the Wits School of Arts. 4 years.

Applicants must attend an interview and audition at the Wits School of Arts; consideration depends on both the academic criteria and this selection step. APS 30-33 may be wait-listed, subject to place availability, with preference given to higher English results. An extended curriculum provides for BMus students and is determined by academic background and performance. The course page gives the Humanities closing date as 30 September 2026. Wits only considers classical, jazz and African music for this degree, not RnB, rap or hip hop.

UCT 2027: FPS 380 or above, NBT Academic Literacy at Intermediate level or above, and English 50% (Home Language) or 60% (First Additional Language). Subject requirements listed: NSC Music 60% or above, UNISA Music Theory Grade V or above and UNISA Music Practical Grade VII or above. Satisfactory audition, interview and music theory test. 4 years.

The audition is the leading indicator for admission, and places are awarded on merit. SA applicants in targeted redress categories who are below the minimums but excel in the audition may be considered for the 3-year Diploma in Music Performance. 2027 prospectus pp. 52 and 56. Applications for 2027 closed on 31 July 2026 (UCT does not accept late applications).

Stellenbosch 2027: NSC aggregate of at least 60% (excluding Life Orientation), Home Language 50% and First Additional Language 40%. In the main instrument (or singing), a practical standard in classical music equivalent to the Grade VII examination and theory equivalent to a Grade V theory examination, shown at an audition and theoretical test at the Department of Music. Mathematics 70% only if you take Mathematics as a university subject.

The audition and theoretical test are part of selection: candidates must be available for them at the Department of Music in Stellenbosch, and SU sends the audition information once it has your application. The Faculty lists 80 students for all programmes in the Department of Music together (BMus, BA (Music), diplomas and the higher certificate). SU also offers a BA in Music (3 years) with the same requirements. SU's 2027 faculty admissions document gives a closing date of 31 July.

UKZN 2027: APS 28 with English and Life Orientation at level 4; auditions are required for the music programmes. 3 years at Howard College, with majors in Performance, Theory and Composition, or Research. The CAO 2027 handbook also lists one of several subjects (for example any language, History, Music or Life Sciences) at level 5, as for the general BA; confirm this with UKZN.

Contact the Music Programme to arrange a practical (instrument or voice) audition. Closing date 30 September 2026 (CAO). A 4-year BA in Music Foundation (APS 22) is for applicants without formal music training, with preference for quintile 1–3 schools.

UFS 2027: AP 30 and English level 4 (50%). Music Theory UNISA or ABRSM Grade 5 or equivalent, and Music Performance UNISA, ABRSM or Trinity College Grade 7 or equivalent. Compulsory audition and theory proficiency test before 30 September 2026. 4 years (Bloemfontein).

Selection programme: contact the Odeion School of Music for an audition appointment. Music applications close 30 September 2026. The 3-year BA (Music) lists the same requirements.

NWU 2027: NSC with degree endorsement and APS 24 (or a Diploma in Music). Practical audition at Grade 6 standard, theory placement test at Grade 5 standard and a language proficiency test; a laptop is needed. 4 years, Potchefstroom.

Selection consists of up to two audition rounds. Music applications close on 30 June, so 2027 applications have closed. NWU also offers a BA in Music and Society (APS 21, English level 4, Grade 3 audition) and a Diploma in Music (APS 18).

Rhodes prospectus: APS 45 or more for a provisional offer, 34–44 at the Dean's discretion (p.15 table; the p.7 admissions text says Dean's-discretion places usually go to applicants with 36–44); English Home Language 60% or First Additional Language 65%; Life Orientation at least level 4 (not counted). For Western art music and jazz, Instrumental Music Studies 1 needs matric Music or an equivalent (ABRSM, UNISA or Trinity Grade 6) plus an audition; the African music ensemble needs no prior experience. 4 years.

Rhodes counts each subject's percentage divided by 10 (six subjects, excluding Life Orientation), so its APS is not on the usual 42-point scale. Only the file name says 2026: Rhodes' Admission Gateway links this file as its Undergraduate Prospectus 2027.

NMU 2027: Applicant Score 350 with Mathematics, or 365 with Mathematical Literacy. For Technical Mathematics NMU's page gives two values: 350 under 'Qualification details' and 365 in the 'Curriculum for 2027' rules; confirm with NMU which applies. A practical standard equivalent to Grade 6 and a theory standard equivalent to Grade 5 of the external music examining bodies (for the first instrument and theory modules). Audition on your first instrument and a music theory entrance test. 4 years (South Campus, Gqeberha).

NMU uses its own Applicant Score, not the APS. The BMus is also offered with a Music Technology, Performing Arts or School Music focus, and as extended programmes.

UFH course page: English Home Language or First Additional Language level 4, another language level 4, four other subjects (one at level 3 and three at level 4) and Life Orientation level 4. 4 years.

The course page shows no intake year, admission score, audition requirement or selection process.

UNISA: NSC with degree endorsement and APS 20, with at least 50% in the language of teaching and learning; plus Music passed as a school subject, or Theory of Music (UNISA Grade 5, ABRSM or Trinity Grade 6 theory, or UNISA's Music Foundations short learning programme). Distance learning, NQF level 7, 360 credits.

The UNISA page lists no audition. Applicants without the music requirement are referred to the BA with Musicology as a major or the Music Foundations short learning programme. The page does not state an intake year.