Eager to study at Walter Sisulu University (WSU)? One of the need-to-knows before sending off your application to WSU is the APS calculation. Not sure how to calculate your APS at WSU? Don’t worry, we’re here to help. In this article, we cover exactly how to calculate your APS so that you can send your application with ease.
Before we get started, let’s do a quick recap of what an APS is:
APS stands for Admission Point Score. In South Africa, universities use APS points as one of the tools to see if applicants qualify for their respective programmes. WSU has a unique APS calculation that applicants can use to work out their score.
Ready to find out what it is? Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
WSU's APS Conversion Tables
Applying to Walter Sisulu University (WSU) means knowing how to convert your marks to an Academic Performance Score (APS). These tables help turn your percentage marks into APS scores. They are key for getting into the university.
National Senior Certificate (NSC) Scoring
The NSC APS scores at WSU go from 1 to 8. A score of 8 means you got 90-100%. This system makes sure your marks are fairly judged. It helps WSU decide if you’re eligible for admission.
Old Matric Senior Certificate Scoring
If you have a Senior Certificate, your APS scores come from your Higher Grade (HG) and Standard Grade (SG) subjects. The WSU APS conversion table helps turn your exam scores into APS. This makes sure your past grades are correctly seen in your application.
Knowing how to convert NSC and Old Matric scores to APS helps you prepare for WSU. It makes sure your APS score truly shows your academic skills.
Categories for APS Calculation
The Admission Point Score (APS) at Walter Sisulu University (WSU) is based on three main areas. It’s important for students to know these areas to meet the university’s entry standards.
Category 1: Language Subjects
This category looks at up to two language subjects. These subjects must be from the approved list for the National Senior Certificate (NSC) level.
Category 2: Other Subjects
This category has the four top-scoring subjects, excluding Life Orientation and subjects from Category 1. These subjects play a big part in your APS score.
Category 3: Life Orientation
For the Faculty of Education, Life Orientation is a special category. It’s not part of the overall APS score.
WSU’s APS system looks at your performance in these areas and your programme’s specific subject needs. This helps figure out your final APS score. This score checks if you’re eligible for the university.
| APS Score Range | Percentage Range | Points Assigned |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 42 | 80% – 100% | 7 |
| 0 – 42 | 70% – 79% | 6 |
| 0 – 42 | 60% – 69% | 5 |
| 0 – 42 | 50% – 59% | 4 |
| 0 – 42 | 40% – 49% | 3 |
| 0 – 42 | 30% – 39% | 2 |
| 0 – 42 | 0% – 29% | 1 |
Â
APS Score Computation Example
To show how to calculate your APS at Walter Sisulu University (WSU), let’s look at three students. Student 1 and Student 3 aim for programmes without life orientation in the APS. Student 2 wants an education programme that includes Life Orientation.
Here’s how their APS scores are figured out using the right categories and WSU’s conversion tables:
- Student 1:
- Mathematics: 67% = 5 APS points
- English Home Language: 72% = 6 APS points
- Afrikaans First Additional Language: 54% = 4 APS points
- Life Orientation: 76% = 6 APS points (excluded)
- Dramatic Arts: 87% = 7 APS points
- Economics: 63% = 5 APS points
- Geography: 81% = 7 APS points
Total APS achieved: 34
- Student 2:
- Mathematics: 72% = 6 APS points
- English Home Language: 68% = 5 APS points
- Afrikaans First Additional Language: 61% = 5 APS points
- Life Orientation: 82% = 7 APS points (included)
- Geography: 75% = 6 APS points
- Accounting: 59% = 4 APS points
- History: 73% = 6 APS points
Total APS achieved: 39
- Student 3:
- Mathematics Literacy: 68% = 5 APS points
- English Home Language: 74% = 6 APS points
- Afrikaans First Additional Language: 60% = 5 APS points
- Life Orientation: 80% = 6 APS points (excluded)
- Visual Arts: 82% = 7 APS points
- Tourism: 71% = 6 APS points
- Consumer Studies: 65% = 5 APS points
Total APS achieved: 40
These examples show how APS scores vary, stressing the need to know the program’s requirements. This affects the final APS score.
Faculty-Specific APS Requirements
At Walter Sisulu University (WSU), the Admission Point Score (APS) requirements vary by faculty. Each faculty has its own APS criteria. This ensures students have the right academic background and skills for their chosen field.
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
The Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology at WSU has clear WSU engineering APS requirements. Applicants must meet these to be considered. They look at your grades in six 20-credit subjects, rated from 1 to 7.
The top APS score is 42. The faculty wants candidates with an APS of 28 or more for admission.
Faculty of Management and Public Administration Sciences
The Faculty of Management and Public Administration Sciences at WSU APS is based on your score from six 20-credit subjects. They look for an APS of 28 or higher to show you’re ready for their programs.
Remember, the faculty-specific APS requirements are added to your overall APS score at WSU. If you’re applying, make sure you hit the general APS score and the faculty’s specific criteria.
Admission Requirements for Other Qualifications
At Walter Sisulu University (WSU), there’s more to getting in than just the Admission Point Score (APS). The university has different qualifications like Higher Certificates, Diplomas, and Bachelor’s Degrees. Each one has its own set of rules for getting in.
Higher Certificate Requirements
To get into the Higher Certificate Programme at WSU, you need at least a National Senior Certificate with a minimum of 30% in the language used for teaching at the institution, as certified by Umalusi, the Quality Assurance Council.Â
Diploma Requirements
To be admitted, you need a National Senior Certificate with at least 30% in the language used for teaching at the university. You also need a score of 3 (40-49%) or better in four recognised 20-credit subjects, not including Life Orientation, as certified by Umalusi. Some programmes or institutions might have extra requirements for specific subjects or higher scores.
Bachelor's Degree Requirements
To meet the admission requirements, you need a National Senior Certificate with at least 30% in the language of instruction at the higher education institution. Additionally, you must have an achievement rating of 4 (50-59%) or higher in four recognized 20-credit subjects, excluding life orientation, as certified by Umalusi.
Fund Your Studies at WSU with a Fundi Study Loan
Once you’ve calculated your APS and applied to WSU, you might need funding while waiting for acceptance.
That’s where Fundi comes in. Fundi provides study loans to cover various educational expenses, including textbooks, study devices, tuition fees, and more.
Curious if you qualify? Use our Fundi Loan Calculator and embark on your academic journey today.
