Easiest and Hardest University Courses in South Africa in 2025
Choosing a university course in South Africa for 2025 is a big decision, shaped by your strengths, interests, and career goals. With over 26 public universities and a dynamic job market where youth unemployment exceeds 60% (Stats SA, 2024), the stakes are high. Some courses are a breeze for certain students, while others demand relentless effort and intellect.
Why Course Difficulty Matters
Difficulty varies by person—math whizzes might sail through engineering, while creative minds excel in arts. In South Africa, where academic rigor meets market demands, choosing wisely can mean faster graduation, lower stress, or a tougher but rewarding path. Here’s how easiest and hardest courses stack up in 2025, based on workload, entry requirements, and content complexity.
Easiest University Courses in South Africa
“Easy” doesn’t mean low-value—it means manageable workloads, lower entry barriers, or intuitive content for the average student. These courses often suit those seeking quick entry into the workforce or a less intense academic experience.
1. BA in Communication Studies (UNISA)
Why It’s Easy: Focuses on practical skills like writing and presenting, with less emphasis on abstract theory or calculations.
Entry Requirements: NSC with 50% in English; APS around 20-24.
Workload: Assignments lean on creativity and analysis, not heavy memorization.
Duration: 3 years.
Career: PR officer (R250,000–R500,000/year).
2. Diploma in Tourism Management (CPUT)
Why It’s Easy: Hands-on, with coursework like event planning—less theoretical than degrees.
Entry Requirements: NSC with 40% in English; APS 18-22.
Workload: Projects over exams; intuitive for people lovers.
Duration: 3 years.
Career: Tourism manager (R300,000–R600,000/year).
3. BA in Humanities (UFS)
Why It’s Easy: Broad, flexible curriculum (history, sociology) suits diverse strengths; minimal math/science.
Entry Requirements: NSC with 50% in English; APS 20-25.
Workload: Essay-based, lighter on technical rigor.
Duration: 3 years.
Career: Educator (R250,000–R400,000/year).
4. Diploma in Office Administration (TUT)
Why It’s Easy: Practical skills (typing, organizing) over complex theory; low dropout rate.
Entry Requirements: NSC with 40% in English; APS 18-20.
Workload: Straightforward, with work-integrated learning.
Duration: 2-3 years.
Career: Admin assistant (R200,000–R350,000/year).
5. BA in Psychology (UNISA – Introductory Level)
Why It’s Easy: Early modules focus on human behavior—relatable and less quantitative than advanced levels.
Entry Requirements: NSC with 50% in English; APS 20-24.
Workload: Reading-heavy, not calculation-intensive.
Duration: 3 years.
Career: HR assistant (R300,000–R500,000/year).
Trend: Easier courses often leverage South Africa’s service-driven economy (tourism, admin), offering quick job entry.
Hardest University Courses in South Africa
“Hard” courses demand high entry scores, intense workloads, or complex concepts—think calculations, memorization, or years of training. They’re tough but often lead to top-paying careers.
1. MBChB (Medicine) (UCT, Wits)
Why It’s Hard: Combines vast memorization (anatomy, pharmacology) with clinical practice; 6 years + internship.
Entry Requirements: NSC with 80%+ in Maths, Physical Science, Life Science; APS 40+.
Workload: 60+ hours/week; high dropout rate (~18%, Amberstudent, 2025).
Career: Doctor (R800,000–R2M/year).
Relevance: Hardest medical degree SA 2025.
2. BSc Actuarial Science (UP, UCT)
Why It’s Hard: Heavy on advanced math (probability, statistics); 80%+ in Pure Maths required for entry.
Entry Requirements: NSC with 80%+ in Maths; APS 35-40.
Workload: Abstract models, exams galore; ASSA certification adds years.
Career: Actuary (R720,000–R1.5M/year).
Relevance: Hardest actuarial course SA 2025.
3. BEng Chemical Engineering (Wits, Stellenbosch)
Why It’s Hard: Blends chemistry, physics, and math; complex processes like thermodynamics stump many.
Entry Requirements: NSC with 70%+ in Maths, Physical Science; APS 35-38.
Workload: Lab work + theoretical overload; dropout rate ~20%.
Career: Chemical engineer (R600,000–R1.2M/year).
Relevance: Hardest engineering degree SA 2025.
4. LLB (Law) (UCT, Wits)
Why It’s Hard: No “perfect” exam answers; requires memorizing cases, crafting arguments—logic over rote learning.
Entry Requirements: NSC with 60%+ in English; APS 35-40.
Workload: Reading-intensive; critical thinking under pressure.
Career: Attorney (R350,000–R1M/year).
Relevance: Hardest law degree SA 2025.
5. BSc Biomedical Engineering (Wits)
Why It’s Hard: Merges medicine and engineering—think math, physics, and biology in one brutal package.
Entry Requirements: NSC with 70%+ in Maths, Physical Science; APS 38+.
Workload: Abstract concepts + hands-on labs; steep learning curve.
Career: Biomedical engineer (R500,000–R1M/year).
Relevance: Hardest biomedical course SA 2025.
Trend: Hardest courses align with SA’s STEM and healthcare shortages, promising big rewards for survivors.
What Makes a Course Easy or Hard?
Entry Requirements: Easiest courses need 40-50% in key subjects; hardest demand 70-80%+.
Content: Practical (diplomas) vs. theoretical (degrees); math/science ramps up difficulty.
Workload: Hours/week—e.g., MBChB’s 60+ vs. Humanities’ 20-30.
Dropout Rates: Hard courses see 15-45% attrition (Amberstudent, 2025); easier ones hover below 10%.
Personal Fit: Hate numbers? Accounting’s a nightmare. Love people? Tourism’s a breeze.
South African Context: High APS cutoffs at top unis (UCT, Wits) reflect competition, pushing difficulty up.
Choosing Your Path in 2025
Go Easy If:
- You want fast job entry—e.g., tourism or admin roles in SA’s service sector.
- Budget’s tight (R20,000–R50,000 total for diplomas).
- You thrive on practical tasks over theory.
Go Hard If:
- You aim for R1M+ salaries (e.g., medicine, actuarial science).
- You can handle 3-7 years of study and R100,000+ costs.
- You love a challenge—math, science, or logic.
Funding Tip: NSFAS (apply by November) or bursaries (e.g., Sasol for engineering) ease both paths.
Where to Study
Easiest: UNISA (flexible online), CPUT (practical diplomas), UFS (broad humanities).
Hardest: UCT (medicine, law), Wits (engineering, actuarial), UP (STEM focus).
Action: Check 2025 prospectuses—e.g., UCT’s open day is April 12.
Conclusion: Easy Wins or Hard Triumphs?
South Africa’s easiest courses—Communication, Tourism, Humanities—offer quick, stress-light paths to solid careers. The hardest—Medicine, Actuarial Science, Engineering—demand grit but promise elite rewards. This guide, the best online resource, cuts through the noise to match your strengths with 2025’s realities. Pick your lane, prep smart, and own your future!
