Are you considering applying to the University of Limpopo (UL) but feeling a bit overwhelmed by the Admission Point Score (APS) system? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered! This article will break down the process of calculating your APS, ensuring you understand the admission requirements and steps to apply at UL.
Table of Contents
Understanding the APS System
The APS is made by adding scores from six 20-credit subjects. These subjects must meet the Faculty’s requirements. So, the subjects you pick and your grades in them affect your APS score.
The APS goes from 1 to 7 points. A 7 is given for scores between 80% and 100%, and a 1 for scores between 0% and 29%. Scores under 40% in any subject don’t count towards the APS.
APS for University of Limpopo (UL) Programmes
The required Admission Point Score (APS) for each programme at the University of Limpopo (UL) is listed in the Calendars section of each Faculty. Just meeting the minimum APSÂ doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed a spot. Other factors like space availability and competition among applicants also play a part.
The APS score ranges at UL can be categorised as follows:
- Low APS Scores (14-20)
- Average APS Scores (20-25)
- High APS Scores (25-45)
Courses needing an APS score of 20-25 at UL include many programmes across various faculties. These include:
- Faculty of Humanities:Â BA in different specialisations
- Faculty of Communications:Â Bachelor of Information Studies, BA Communications, BA Media Studies
- Faculty of Education:Â BEd Teaching in different phases
- Faculty of Management and Economics:Â BCom in different specialisations
- Faculty of Science and Agriculture:Â Bachelor of Agricultural Management, Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in different specialisations
Prospective students should match their APS with the programme’s needs for course selection at UL. Generally, certificate courses at UL are open with low APS scores (as low as 14). Diploma courses usually need average APS scores (20-25). Degree courses require higher APS scores (25-45).
| APS Score | Eligible Programmes at UL |
|---|---|
| 20-25 | BCom in Human Resource Management, BCom in Business Management, BCom in Economics |
| 24 | Bachelor of Agricultural Management, BSc in Agriculture (Agricultural Economics), BSc in Water and Sanitation Sciences |
| 26 | BCom in Accountancy (Extended Curriculum Programme), BCom in Human Resource Management, Bachelor of Laws (LLB) |
| 28 | BCom in Accountancy |
| 30 | Courses as per the minimum requirements at UL |
Matriculation Certificate (Prior to 2008) Conversion
If you finished your Grade 12 before 2008, you can still get into the University of Limpopo (UL). You just need your normal Grade 12 Senior Certificate and full university exemption. You’ll need to change your grade symbols to an Admission Point Score (APS).
The way to calculate APS for pre-2008 matric certificates is different from the current system. The University of Limpopo (UL) has a table that shows how old Senior Certificate grades match up with APS points.
Here’s a simple guide on how to convert your pre-2008 matric certificate:
- First language:Â 65% = 5 points
- Additional recognised language:Â 71% = 6 points
- Points are given for the six symbols on your Grade 11 or Grade 12 reports, but not Life Orientation.
The last Senior Certificate exam under the old system was in June 2014. The first exam under the new Senior Certificate was in May/June 2015. If your Senior Certificate is from before this change, use the University of Limpopo’s conversion table to find your APS.
This conversion table helps with various educational systems, like those from Zambia, Malawi, Angola, Uganda, China, West Africa, and the USA. It makes sure all applicants are judged fairly. With this table, you can turn your old matric results into the APS needed for the University of Limpopo.
National Certificate (Vocational) Requirements
If you’ve finished a National Certificate Vocational (NC(V) Level 4), you need certain grades for university entry at the University of Limpopo (UL). You must have a NC(V) level 4 certificate with:
- 3 fundamental subjects at 60% (Life Orientation included)
- 4 relevant vocational subjects at 70%Â for degree programmes
For diploma programmes, the rules are different:
- 3 fundamental subjects at 50% (Life Orientation included)
- 3 compulsory vocational subjects at 60%
Step-by-Step Guide to Calculate Your APS at UL
Learning how to figure out your Admission Point Score (APS) is key when applying to the University of Limpopo (UL).Â
To work out your APS at UL, just follow these easy steps:
- Find your six (6) recognised 20-credit subjects, excluding Life Orientation.
- See what percentage you got in each subject.
- Use the APS point allocation table to find the points for each percentage.
- Add up the points from your six subjects for your total APS.
Let’s say your Matric results are like this:
- English Home Language: 72%
- Afrikaans First Additional Language: 67%
- Mathematics: 67%
- Physical Science: 76%
- Life Sciences: 81%
- Accounting: 62%
- Life Orientation: 76%
Your APS would be worked out like this:
- English Home Language: 6 points
- Afrikaans First Additional Language: 5 points
- Mathematics: 5 points
- Physical Science: 6 points
- Life Sciences: 7 points
- Accounting: 4 points
The total APS would be 6 + 5 + 5 + 6 + 7 + 4 = 33 points. Remember, Life Orientation isn’t counted in the APS.
APS Conversion Table for Non-NSC Examinations
Students at the University of Limpopo (UL) with non-NSC qualifications like IGCSE or A-Level can convert their scores to an Admission Point Score (APS). This is done using a special table.
The APS system at UL sorts subjects into three groups: Category 1 (two languages), Category 2 (four subjects, excluding Life Orientation), and Category 3 (Life Orientation). To calculate the APS, add the points for your best six subjects. For example, when calculating your APS score for the Faculty of Education, you add points for seven subjects.
| Qualification | APS Score Calculation |
|---|---|
| IGCSE/GCSE |
|
| NSSCO-Level/HIGCSE |
|
| NSSC HL |
|
| AS Level |
|
| A-Level |
|
| IB-HL |
|
| IB-SL |
|
Students with international or foreign qualifications need to meet the Matriculation Board’s requirements for a certificate exemption.
Placement Tests at the University of Limpopo (UL)
Prospective students at the University of Limpopo (UL) must sit for National Benchmark Tests (NBTs). These assessments check your academic readiness and give insights into your academic abilities.
The NBTs have two main goals:
- To collect data on students and help plan academic support.
- To place students in the right programmes based on their skills and knowledge.
The university’s admissions team will look at your test results closely. They want to understand your academic strengths and what you need to work on. This helps place you in the best programme for your success.
Your performance on the NBTs doesn’t decide if you get into the University of Limpopo (UL). Your admission is based on your academic achievements, like your National Senior Certificate (NSC) or similar exam scores, and your Admission Point Score (APS).
By doing well in your NBTs, you show your academic skills. This can boost your chances of getting into the University of Limpopo.
Extended Curriculum Programmes (ECP) Option
The University of Limpopo (UL) offers extended curriculum programmes (ECP) linked to regular undergraduate degrees. These programmes give students an extra year to meet learning goals. They offer more time and support to help students succeed.
Benefits of Enrolling in an ECP
Choosing an ECP at the University of Limpopo is great for students needing extra help. Key benefits include:
- Smaller class sizes for more personalised attention and support
- Additional foundational modules to strengthen core skills and knowledge
- Dedicated academic advising and mentorship throughout the extended programme
- Opportunity to adjust to university life and expectations at a gentler pace
- Higher chances of academic success and completing the degree
Application Process at the University of Limpopo (UL)
If you want to study at the University of Limpopo (UL), the application process is easy. First, visit the university’s website and fill out the online form.
After applying, you must pay a handling fee. South African students pay R200, while international students pay R750. You can pay this fee directly to the university’s bank account. If you have questions or need help, call the university’s call centre at 015 268 3332 or email enrolment@ul.ac.za.
The deadline to apply is 31 October every year. Make sure to apply early to avoid missing the deadline. The University of Limpopo is known for its excellence and commitment to the rural community. It’s a top choice for higher education.
Fund Your Studies at UL with Fundi
With the right APS score, you stand a chance at attending the University of Limpopo (UL) during the next academic year. Once you’ve been accepted, the next step is to find something funding.
This is where Fundi steps in to help. Fundi offers study loans that cover everything from tuition fees and textbooks to study devices and more!
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