How To Calculate And Meet University Entry Requirements For South Africa
If you’re doing matric or planning on studying at a university in South Africa, it is important to understand what your Admission Point Score (APS) is.
Universities require certain admission scores to ensure students are meeting the academic requirements for specific courses. The Admission Point Score is usually calculated using your grades from school. However, the method universities use varies.
Knowing your APS score can help you find the right courses, determine what admission requirements are and get you ready to apply to a university.
In this article we’ll explain what an APS score is, how to calculate your estimated score, why different universities use different methods and how to check if your marks meet your desired qualification’s requirements.
What Is An APS Score?
An Admission Point Score is a point system used by many South African universities.
Each subject in your matric has a percentage which are then converted into points using the scoring system used by the university.
Universities then use this information to determine the admission requirements for students. This can include requirements like compulsory subjects and minimum marks.
It is important to note that there isn’t a universal way to calculate your APS score. You should always check the admission requirements for the university you want to attend.
How To Calculate Your APS Score
Many universities use a 7-point scale to calculate your APS score.
Below is a commonly used scale:
Matric percentage Points
80-100% 7
70-79% 6
60-69% 5
50-59% 4
40-49% 3
30-39% 2
0-29% 1
This scale is used by institutions like UNISA. However, other universities may use different scales.
Step 1 – Gather Your Matric Results
List out your Grade 12 subjects and what your percentages were.
If you’re currently in Grade 11 or 12 you can use your most recent results as a guide to what your score could be. You should remember that your provisional results aren’t your final matric results.
Step 2 – Convert Into Points
Use the official points table for the university you’re applying for to convert your percentage into a point.
For example, if you get 75% you would receive 6 points using the common 7-point scale.
Step 3 – Determine Which Subjects Are Used
Some universities will use 6 recognised subjects to calculate your APS score.
Many exclude Life Orientation.
Before you add up your points, you should check the admission guide for your course.
Step 4 – Add Up Your Points
Add up your points for the required subjects.
Example Of Calculating An Estimated APS Score
Let’s say a learner got the below results:
Subject Mark Points
English 75% 6
Mathematics 68% 5
Physical Sciences 72% 6
Life Sciences 65% 5
Geography 80% 7
Business Studies 70% 6
They would have a total of:
6 + 5 + 6 + 5 + 7 + 6 = 35
In this case they would have an estimated APS score of 35/42 using this specific 6 subject method.
This is just an example and your university may use different subjects, extra requirements or a different scoring method.
Are All Universities In South Africa Using The Same APS Score?
No! This is one of the most important things to know.
UNISA use 6 recognised 20 credit subjects and exclude Life Orientation. They use a scale from 1 – 7.
North-West University (NWU) explain their method of calculating APS scores using the 6 best subjects in their 2027 Grade 12 prospectus. They exclude Life Orientation.
Wits University use a different method using the best 7 subjects including Life Orientation. They also add extra weighting to English and Mathematics.
This can mean that different institutions will have different admission scores for the same matric results.
You should always check the official admission requirements for each university.
How To Check If You Meet The APS Requirements For A Course
To help you with your application follow these steps:
1. Decide which university you would like to attend.
2. Find the qualification/course you’re interested in.
3. Go to the university’s official admission requirements/prospectus.
4. Find out the minimum APS score/admission score.
5. Find out any compulsory subjects (e.g. Mathematics/Mathematical Literacy/English/Physical Sciences).
6. Compare your results to the requirements.
7. Only apply if you meet the requirements.
Meeting the APS score doesn’t guarantee you’ll be admitted. Some qualifications have limited places and other requirements.
Official University Sites For Admission Requirements
UNISA – https://www.unisa.ac.za/
North-West University – https://studies.nwu.ac.za/studies/apply?utm_source=chatgpt.com
University Of The Witwatersrand – https://www.wits.ac.za/undergraduate/apply-to-wits/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
University Of Cape Town – https://www.uct.ac.za/applicants-and-students?utm_source=chatgpt.com
University Of Johannesburg – https://www.uj.ac.za/
UNISA also have an official explanation of their APS score here:
https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Apply-for-admission/Undergraduate-qualifications/FAQs
What If I Don’t Get A High Enough APS Score?
If your score does not meet the entry requirements for your desired qualification don’t lose hope!
Look for other qualifications with requirements that fit your results. Look into higher certificate and diploma courses.
Find out if they offer an approved alternative pathway. See if you can improve certain subjects in your matric by taking the correct exam/upgrading. Contact the admissions department.
Always check if an alternative qualification will allow you to continue your studies in your desired career.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I calculate my APS score using my grade 11 results?
Yes, you can. However, your final admission may depend on your final matric results and university rules.
Will Life Orientation count towards my APS score?
Many exclude it. However, some universities use different methods. Check the official prospectus.
What Is A Good APS Score?
There isn’t a universal score that will guarantee you a place at a university. Requirements vary depending on the university and what qualification you’re applying for.
Will I Be Admitted To University If I Have A High APS Score?
No. Universities may take into account compulsory subjects, limited places and other requirements.
Final Tips
When calculating your APS score it is an important step to take when planning your studies at university in South Africa. It will help you to understand where you stand academically and find the right qualifications for your matric results.
However, never rely on a general APS calculator. Always check the official admission requirements for the university and course you wish to do. Different universities will use different scoring methods and requirements.
Start planning your options early, compare and apply using the official sites.
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