Your Admission Point Score (APS) is one of the most important numbers in your academic journey. It determines which universities and courses you qualify for in South Africa. Use our free APS calculator below to work out your score, or read our complete guide on how APS works.

Calculate Your APS Score

What Is an APS Score?

The Admission Point Score (APS) is a scoring system used by South African universities to assess whether a matric student meets the minimum entry requirements for a specific course or programme. Each university calculates APS slightly differently, but the core principle is the same — your matric subject results are converted into points, and those points are totalled to give your APS.

Most universities use a 7-point scale where your percentage mark in each subject is converted to a point value between 1 and 7.

How to Calculate Your APS Score?

Here is the standard APS point conversion table used by most South African universities:

To calculate your APS, take your percentage mark in each of your best 6 matric subjects (excluding Life Orientation at most universities), convert each to APS points using the table above, and add them together. Your total is your APS score.

APS Calculation Example

Let us say your matric results are:

• English Home Language: 65% = 5 points
• Mathematics: 72% = 6 points
• Physical Sciences: 58% = 4 points
• Geography: 75% = 6 points
• Accounting: 62% = 5 points
• Afrikaans FAL: 55% = 4 points
• Life Orientation: 80% = not counted by most universities

Your APS = 5 + 6 + 4 + 6 + 5 + 4 = 30 points

What APS Score Do You Need for University?

The APS required depends on the university and the specific course. Here are some general guidelines:

Bachelor’s Degree (General)

Most universities require a minimum APS of 28-30 for general bachelor’s degree programmes. Competitive programmes like medicine, engineering, and law typically require an APS of 35 or higher.

Popular Course APS Requirements

These are approximate ranges — actual requirements vary by university and may change each year. Always check the specific institution’s prospectus for exact requirements.

What Is the Difference Between a Bachelor Pass, Diploma Pass, and Higher Certificate Pass?

Your matric results determine not only your APS but also the type of pass you achieve. This is crucial because it determines what level of study you can pursue:

Bachelor Pass Requirements

A bachelor pass allows you to study towards a bachelor’s degree at a university. To achieve a bachelor pass, you need:

• A minimum of 40% in your Home Language
• A minimum of 50% in four other subjects (from the designated subject list)
• A minimum of 30% in two other subjects

Diploma Pass Requirements

A diploma pass allows you to study towards a diploma at a university or university of technology. Requirements:

• A minimum of 40% in your Home Language
• A minimum of 40% in four other subjects (from the designated subject list)
• A minimum of 30% in two other subjects

Higher Certificate Pass Requirements

A higher certificate pass allows you to study towards a higher certificate at a university or a National Certificate at a TVET college. Requirements:

• A minimum of 40% in your Home Language
• A minimum of 30% in two other subjects

APS Tips for Matric Students

Here are some practical tips to maximise your APS score:

• Focus on your best 6 subjects — Life Orientation does not count towards APS at most universities, so focus your energy on the subjects that will count
• Know the cut-offs — getting 69% (5 points) versus 70% (6 points) makes a big difference. Target those threshold marks
• Choose subjects wisely — Mathematics (not Mathematical Literacy) is required for most science, engineering, and commerce degrees
• Consider university-specific calculations — some universities like UP use a different APS scale, so check each university’s specific requirements
• Apply early — some universities accept students on a first-come, first-served basis once you meet the minimum APS

Which Universities Accept Which APS Scores?

If you are wondering which universities you can apply to with your APS score, here are some starting points:

• APS 35+: You are competitive for most programmes at any university, including UCT, Wits, and Stellenbosch
• APS 30-34: Good options at universities like NMU, UFS, and UMP
• APS 25-29: Diploma programmes at universities of technology like TUT, VUT, and bachelor’s degrees at Sol Plaatje and Fort Hare
• APS below 25: Consider TVET colleges which offer excellent vocational training, higher certificates, or bridging courses to improve your qualifications

Frequently Asked Questions About APS Scores