How to Calculate Your APS Score at UJ (2027)

UJ APS Rules You Need to Know

UJ's APS system is simple, but a few rules catch learners out every year.

Life Orientation never counts. It doesn't matter if you got 95% for LO; UJ leaves it out completely. That's why the maximum UJ APS is 42, not 49.

Mathematical Literacy is accepted for some programmes, not all. Many UJ degrees (like the BCom in Accounting and the BCom in Business Management) only accept Mathematics. Where Maths Literacy is accepted, UJ usually asks for a higher APS and a higher Maths Literacy level. For example, the Diploma in Marketing needs an APS of 22 with Mathematics, or 24 with Maths Literacy.

Technical Mathematics is treated separately. Some programmes accept Technical Mathematics, some don't, and some ask for a different APS. Check the requirements for your programme.

Subject minimums matter as much as your APS. Most programmes set minimum levels for English and Mathematics, and some add subjects like Physical Sciences or Life Sciences. If you miss one subject requirement, a high APS won't make up for it.

Your Grade 11 results count first. UJ uses your Grade 11 final results (or your latest Grade 12 results) for provisional acceptance. Your final offer depends on your final NSC results, so keep working hard in your exams.

The minimum isn't a guarantee. UJ says admission is based on academic merit, and many programmes have limited space. Meeting the minimum APS gets you considered; a higher APS gives you a better chance.

Minimum APS for Popular UJ Programmes (2027)

Here's the minimum APS for some of UJ's most popular programmes, with their key subject requirements. Subject requirements are NSC levels: level 3 = 40%+, level 4 = 50%+, level 5 = 60%+, level 6 = 70%+ and level 7 = 80%+.

Sources: UJ Undergraduate Prospectus 2027 and Life@UJ 2027

Some programmes have extra conditions, such as interviews, fitness or medical assessments, or extra subject requirements, so always check the full entry in the prospectus before you apply. UJ also notes that its information can change, so treat this table as a guide.

What If Your APS Is Too Low for UJ?

A few points short? Don't panic. You've still got options, and some of them start right now.

Push your marks up in your final exams. UJ's offers depend on your final NSC results, and every subject counts. Going from 68% to 70% in one subject adds a full APS point. Our guide to matric past papers by subject shows you where to find free official papers and memos.

Look at UJ's extended programmes. Extended degrees and diplomas take an extra year, but they have lower APS requirements and more academic support. For example, the Extended BSc in Information Technology needs an APS of 26 (compared with 30 for the mainstream BSc IT), and the Extended Diploma in People Management needs 19 with Maths. Extended programmes are only open to first-time students.

Consider a diploma first. Many UJ diplomas accept an APS of 22 to 24, and a diploma can lead to further study later.

Choose a realistic second option. UJ lets you apply for more than one programme, so pick a backup you comfortably qualify for.

Explore a TVET college. TVET colleges offer practical, career-focused qualifications with lower entry requirements, and some programmes can lead to further study.

Rewrite a subject. If your final results aren't what you hoped, you can rewrite matric subjects to improve your marks and apply again for the next intake.

Know Your APS? Here's How to Apply to UJ for 2027

Once you've worked out your APS and found programmes you qualify for, you're ready to apply. Here's what you need to know:

• Closing date: 31 October 2026 at 12:00. UJ does not accept late applications.

• Cost: applying online is free.

• Choices: you can apply for two study choices, and you can't change them after you submit, so choose carefully.

• Residence: UJ residence applications close on the same date, 31 October 2026 at 12:00.

• Where to apply: start on UJ's undergraduate admissions page, which links to the online application, the 2027 prospectus and the APS calculator.

Beware of scams. UJ says admission is based on academic merit alone. Never pay anyone who promises you a place at UJ.

Need help? Call UJ on 011 559 4555 or WhatsApp +27 87 240 6854.

Funding your UJ studies

Don't wait for your acceptance letter to think about funding. NSFAS applications for 2027 also close on 31 October 2026, the same day as UJ's applications. If your household earns R350,000 or less a year, apply at my.nsfas.org.za, and follow our guide on how to apply for NSFAS.

Fund your UJ studies with Fundi

If NSFAS or a bursary doesn't cover everything, or you don't qualify, Fundi can help. You can apply for a Fundi study loan to cover tuition, accommodation and other study costs, and use the Fundi loan calculator to see what your monthly repayments would look like. Need a laptop for varsity? The Fundi Shop lets you finance one alongside your other study costs.

Fundi is a registered credit provider [NCR registration number]. Credit is subject to an affordability assessment. T&Cs apply. Loan applicants must be 18 or older, so if you're under 18, speak to a parent or guardian about applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does UJ count Life Orientation in the APS?

No. UJ calculates your APS using six subjects and leaves Life Orientation out completely.

What is the highest APS you can get at UJ?

The highest possible UJ APS is 42: six subjects with a maximum of 7 points each.

Does UJ give extra points for marks above 90%?

No. Any mark from 80% to 100% earns 7 points at UJ.

Which results does UJ use to work out my APS?

UJ uses your Grade 11 final results (or your latest Grade 12 results) for provisional acceptance. Your final admission depends on your final NSC results.

Does UJ accept Mathematical Literacy?

For some programmes, yes. Programmes that accept Maths Literacy usually ask for a higher APS and a higher Maths Literacy level. Others, like the BCom in Accounting, only accept Mathematics.

If I meet the minimum APS, am I guaranteed a place at UJ?

No. Many programmes have limited space, so meeting the minimum gets you considered but doesn't guarantee a place.

When do UJ applications for 2027 close?

Undergraduate applications close on 31 October 2026 at 12:00, and UJ doesn't accept late applications.

Work Out Your UJ APS Today

Calculating your UJ APS is simple: leave out Life Orientation, convert your six other subjects to points, and add them up. Then check that you also meet the subject requirements for the programmes you want.

With UJ's closing date on 31 October 2026, now is the time to work out your score and get your application in. Applying to other universities too? Our guide on how to calculate your APS score explains how APS works across South Africa.

Good luck! For more application guides, bursary updates and study tips, keep checking FundiConnect.

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