How to Calculate Your APS Score and Meet University Requirements

Understanding your Admission Point Score (APS) right now can decide whether you get a university place this year, and the SETAs provide useful guidance on navigating the process.

What is an APS?

APS stands for Admission Point Score. South African universities turn the percentages you earn in Grade 12 subjects into points. The points from each subject are added together to give a single number. Universities look at this number when they decide if you meet the entry requirements for a course.

Think of the APS as a shortcut. Instead of comparing dozens of percentages, universities compare one score.

Who needs an APS?

If you are finishing Grade 12 and plan to apply for a bachelor’s degree, diploma, higher certificate or any other higher‑education qualification, you will be asked for an APS. The score is also used for some bursaries and scholarship applications.

All learners with a National Senior Certificate (NSC) are eligible to calculate an APS. Some programmes also require minimum marks in specific subjects such as Mathematics, English, Physical Sciences or Life Sciences.

What you gain by knowing your APS

• Clear idea of which courses you can realistically apply for.
• Ability to choose subjects in Grade 11/12 that improve your score.
• Better chance of receiving a provisional offer before you sit your final exams.
• Eligibility for merit bursaries and other funding that consider APS.

How to calculate your APS

1. Look at the final percentage you received for each NSC subject.
2. Use the common conversion table below (most universities follow this scale).
   

   Percentage	APS Points
   80–100 %	7
   70–79 %	6
   60–69 %	5
   50–59 %	4
   40–49 %	3
   30–39 %	2
   0–29 %	1

3. Add the points from the subjects the university counts. Most institutions count six or seven subjects; some exclude Life Orientation.
4. Check the university’s own APS calculator or admission guide to confirm the exact method they use.

Example calculation

Assume the following marks:

Total APS = 6 + 5 + 5 + 6 + 5 + 7 + 6 = 40 points.

How universities use APS scores

• They first check whether you meet the minimum APS for a chosen programme.
• If many applicants meet the minimum, the score is used to rank candidates.
• Some courses also require minimum marks in particular subjects (e.g., Mathematics ≥ 65 %).
• Meeting the APS does not guarantee a place, especially for highly competitive degrees such as Medicine, Engineering or Veterinary Science.

Steps to apply for university (with APS)

1. Calculate an estimated APS using your latest mock or Grade 11 results.
2. Visit the website of each university you are interested in and download their admission guide.
3. Check the specific APS requirement and any extra subject thresholds for your chosen course.
4. Use the university’s online application portal to submit your NSC results, APS, and supporting documents.
5. If you are applying before your final matric results, submit your Grade 11 marks or predicted results as requested.
6. Wait for a provisional offer. The final offer will be confirmed once you have received your official NSC results.

Tips to improve your APS and chances of admission

• Prioritise high‑impact subjects. Maths, Physical Sciences, and Life Sciences often carry extra weight for engineering, health and commerce degrees.
• Study consistently. Create a weekly timetable, revise regularly and practice past papers.
• Seek help early. Talk to teachers, join study groups, or use free online resources for subjects you find difficult.
• Track your estimated APS. Re‑calculate after each mock exam to see where you need to improve.
• Apply to more than one university. Different institutions may have slightly lower APS thresholds for the same field.
• Consider alternative pathways. If your APS is below the required level, look at higher certificates, diplomas, TVET colleges, or learnerships that can later lead to a degree.
• Keep an eye on deadlines. Application windows often close months before matric results are released.

What to do if your APS is lower than you hoped

A lower score does not close the door to higher education:

• Enroll in a Higher Certificate programme and later upgrade to a diploma or degree.
• Choose a diploma that has a lower APS requirement.
• Study at a TVET college – many courses are linked directly to jobs.
• Write the NSC supplementary or improvement examinations to raise marks in weak subjects.
• Look for learnerships, apprenticeships or internships that provide on‑the‑job training and can count toward a qualification.

Why APS matters for funding

Many bursaries and scholarships use the APS as a primary eligibility criterion. A higher score improves your chances of receiving merit‑based financial aid, including NSFAS funding.

Final thoughts

Calculating your APS early gives you control over your future studies. It lets you pick subjects that boost your score, apply to the right programmes, and keep alternative routes open.

Start today: work out an estimated APS, compare it with university requirements, and adjust your study plan if needed. Remember, South Africa has many entry points to higher education – universities, TVET colleges, learnerships and apprenticeships all lead to rewarding careers.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is APS the same at every university? No. Each institution can count a different number of subjects and may treat Life Orientation differently.
• Does Life Orientation count? Some universities include it, others exclude it, and a few cap its contribution. Always check the specific policy.
• Will meeting the APS guarantee admission? No. For popular programmes, the university will also look at subject marks and the number of available places.
• Can I apply with Grade 11 results? Yes. Many universities issue provisional offers based on Grade 11 marks or predicted results.
• What is a good APS? Roughly:
  • 25–30 points – competitive for many degree courses.
  • 30–40 points – strong and opens more options.
  • Above 40 points – excellent; needed for highly competitive fields.

Take the first step now. Calculate your APS, explore the programmes that match your score, and submit your applications before the deadlines. Your future starts with the numbers you understand today.