APS Score Calculator

APS is an entry-level requirement to get an admission diploma, senior certificate, or bachelor’s degree across South Africa. Universities have different APS criteria for certain programs, depending on their selection policy.

One-stop APS score calculator that can help you determine whether you are eligible for entrance to your desired course and university, so dive right in.

Once you calculate the APS score, you can check eligible Courses for every APS Score from 17 to 29 and the minimum APS score for bachelor or diploma or law, psychology, teaching, nursing, and medicine.

APS Meaning

Simply put, Admission Point Score popularly known as APS is the measure of a student’s performance in Matric or National Senior Certificate exams. In South Africa, it is used by universities as an entry requirement each student has to fulfill in order to qualify for admission.

Depending on an institution’s requirements, students need to have a certain APS score, which is usually derived from percentages in your NSC.

How to Calculate APS Score?

Calculating your APS score might not be as intimidating as it seems. Here is a breakdown of how you can determine your APS score.

• The total number you get in each subject ranges from 0 to 100.
• Each mark on the point score ranges from 1 to 7 (1 being lowest and 7 being highest. For instance, if you have received 45% in English, your marks on the point score will become 3.
• The total APS score is calculated by adding all the points (obtained) in your six compulsory Matric subjects. Please note that Life Orientation is not included in your APS score.

Now that you know how to calculate the APS score, let us understand the point allocation and what each mark signifies on the point scale.

Matric Subject Symbols	Obtained Marks in Matric	APS Score
A Symbol	80 to 100%	7
B Symbol	70 to 79%	6
C Symbol	60 to 69%	5
D Symbol	50 to 59%	4
E Symbol	40 to 49%	3
F Symbol	30 to 39%	2
G Symbol	0 to 29%	1

Now, let us demonstrate the APS score calculation through an example. Callo obtained the following results for his Matric NSC final exams and wants to derive his APS score. Here is how the calculation goes.

Subjects	Percentages	APS Score
Mathematics	65%	5
English Home Language	68%	5
Afrikaans First Additional Language	59%	4
Life Sciences	81%	7
Physical Sciences	71%	6
Business Studies	68%	5
Life Orientation	77%	Excluded from APS

The total APS score of Callo would be 5+5+4+7+6+5 = 32. With this result, he will be able to pursue his Bachelor’s studies at a desired university.

Subjects Included in the APS Score Calculation

As discussed above, there are six total subjects that count towards your APS score calculator. Among these six, three subjects are compulsory, given below.

• Home Language: Afrikaans, English, IsiXhosa, IsiZulu, Sesotho, Setswana, IsiNdebele, Siswati, Xitsonga, or Tshivenda
• First Additional Language: Afrikaans, English, IsiXhosa, IsiZulu, Sesotho, Setswana, IsiNdebele, Siswati, Xitsonga, or Tshivenda.
• Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy

In addition, there are three elective subjects from the following.

Accounting, Agricultural Management Practices, Agricultural Sciences, Agricultural Technology, Business Studies, Civil Technology. Computer Applications Technology, Consumer Studies, Dance Studies, Dramatic Arts, Economics, Electrical Technology, Engineering Graphics and Design, Geography, History, Hospitality Studies, Information Technology, Mechanical Technology, Life Sciences, Music, Physical Sciences, Religion studies, Tourism, and Visual Arts.

Does Life Orientation Count for APS?

No, as discussed above, life orientation is not counted in your APS score calculation. However, a few universities may count it for a single point if you pass. Others might consider half the allocated points if you pass, though the general marks of life orientation are excluded from the APS point score.

What is a Good APS Score?

Well, the answer to this question is contested, as a good APS score depends on what you want to study or where you want to study. Still, here are the minimum passing criteria for passing the four levels.

• The minimum APS to pass a bachelor’s degree is 23.
• The minimum APS to pass a diploma is 19.
• The minimum APS to pass the Higher Certificate is 15.
• The minimum APS to pass the National School Certificate or NSC is 14.

These are only the minimum requirements and obtaining this APS score might not guarantee you admission or entry into your desired course. Moreover, some universities have their own passing criteria for specific courses. Hence, it is always better to look it up for your desired course on the university website.

What is the Highest APS Score?

In South Africa, the highest APS score an individual can get is 42. This highest score does not include Life Orientation, and the counted score considers six subjects. And, the highest score you can get for one subject is 7.

Let us discuss the highest number of points you can get to receive the following certificates across the four levels.

National Senior Certificate or NSC Pass

The minimum requirement to receive a National Senior Certificate is given below.

• Pass at least 3 subjects with 40%. One of these subjects must be the official Home Language.
• Pass at least 2 subjects with 30%. One of these subjects must be a first additional language or a home language.
• You are allowed to fail one subject to qualify for this certificate. However, the minimum percentage in this subject must not be less than 20%.

Higher Certificate Pass

The Higher Certificate Pass usually allows students to get admission at a college or a distant learning institution. The minimum criteria for a Higher Certificate Pass are given below.

• 40% in the Home Language. Please note that one of your home languages must be English or Afrikaans to qualify for this certificate.
• 40% in the other two subjects.
• 30% in the other three subjects for the National Senior Certificate.

Diploma Pass

The minimum criteria for a Diploma pass is as follows.

• 40% in the Home Language.
• 40% in the other four high-credit subjects.
• 30% in the other two subjects for the National Senior Certificate

Bachelor’s Degree Pass

A bachelor’s degree is the highest matric pass you can obtain. Students with a distinction will usually achieve the Bachelor’s pass. Overall, the criteria for a bachelor’s degree pass are given below.

• 40% in the Home Language.
• 50% for the other 4 higher credit subjects.
• 30% in one other subject for the Senior Certificate or 30% in the other 2 subjects for the National Senior Certificate.

Having a good APS score matters and simply getting the passing marks won’t guarantee you entry into your desired university. Universities are looking for other criteria like extracurricular interests, volunteer work, and more when giving you admission.

APS Score Calculation for Various Universities

Different universities have different requirements for APS scores. Here is the breakdown of some popular public universities across the country that may help you in determining where to apply. So, dive right in.

WITS APS

Here is everything you need to consider about obtaining a desired APS score for the University of Witwatersrand Johannesburg.

• WITS does not distinguish between non-designated and designated subjects when calculating the Admission Point Score.
• The APS score is calculated on the basis of the best seven subjects including Life Orientation, as the university believes faculty-specific subjects should be given importance in the calculation.
• Further studies (like the previous AP subjects) are also included in the APS for WITS.
• Moreover, English must be taken as either your home language or your first additional language.
• Mathematics is a compulsory subject for all programs (numerate), including Commerce, Law and Management, Built environment, and Engineering. It also applies to most programs in Health Sciences.
• Mathematical Literacy is considered for Education, Humanities, and LLB. It does not apply to speech-language pathology and audiology.

Here is your quick guide to the APS score for WITS.

WITS APS Score	WITS APS%	WITS APS for English and Mathematics	WITS APS for Life Orientation	Other Subjects
8	90 to 100	8+2 = 10	4	8
7	80 to 89	7+2 = 9	3	7
6	70 to 79	6+2 = 8	2	6
5	60 to 69	5+2 = 7	1	5
4	50 to 59	4	0	4
3	40 to 49	3	0	3
0	30 to 39	0	0	0
0	0 to 29	0	0	0

UWC APS Calculator

The University of Western Cape also has its own general APS criteria, which you must fulfill to qualify for admission. Here is all you need to know about it.

• UWC requires students to add their six best subject percentages, including four compulsory subjects, two languages (one must be the learner’s home language), Mathematics/ Mathematics Literacy, and Life Orientation.
• The student must have a minimum APS to be considered for any program. The points for each course will depend on the percentage the student has scored in that subject.

Here is the breakdown of the point system for UWC admission in degree and diploma programs.

NSC Points		UWC Points
APS Level	APS Percentages	Points for English	Points for Mathematics and Mathematics Literacy	Points for Life Orientation	Points for Other Subjects
8	90 to 100	15	15	3	8
7	80 to 89	13	13	3	7
6	70 to 79	11	11	2	6
5	60 to 69	9	9	2	5
4	50 to 59	7	7	2	4
3	40 to 49	5	5	1	3
2	30 to 39	3	3	1	2
1	20 to 29	1	1	1	1

In order to get admission to a bachelor’s degree, the student must have a minimum of 27 APS. For diploma studies, students need at least 23 APS points.

UJ APS Calculator

If you are interested in studying at the University of Johannesburg, it is important to determine your APS score in a specific course. Generally, the UJ calculates the APS points the usual way, as explained above. However, here are some things you might need to consider.

Diploma Requirements

• Minimum APS score: 18 in Mathematics or 19 in Mathematics Literacy.
• Life Orientation is not included in the APS score.
• The six highest subjects are used for APS scores, including English (3), Mathematics (3)/ Mathematics Literacy(4), and four elective subjects (3).

Bachelor of Biokinetics Requirements

• Minimum APS score: 28 in Mathematics or 29 in Mathematics Literacy.
• Life Orientation is not included in the APS score.
• The six highest subjects are used for APS scores, including English (5), Mathematics (4)/ Mathematics Literacy (5), and four elective subjects (5).

Bachelor of Commerce

• Minimum APS score: 24 in Mathematics and Mathematics Literacy is not accepted.
• Life Orientation is not included in the APS score.
• The six highest subjects are used for APS scores, including English (4), Mathematics (4)/ Mathematics Literacy (Not Accepted), and four elective subjects (4).

Bachelor of Health Sciences in Sport and Exercise Science

• Minimum APS score: 27 in Mathematics or 28 in Mathematics Literacy.
• Life Orientation is not included in the APS score.
• The six highest subjects are used for APS scores, including English (5), Mathematics (3), Mathematics Literacy (4), Life Sciences (4), and two additional subjects (4) and (3).

TUT APS Calculator

Here is a breakdown of the APS score at Tshwane University of Technology.

• The student must add up the scores of their seven best-scoring subjects.
• Life Orientation is not excluded from the TUT APS score.
• Based on your percentage in each subject, you are awarded points. Adding the points of the seven subjects will give you the total APS scores.
• You can also visit the university’s official APS calculator to determine your score. Also, please note that each degree demands a different APS score to qualify for the program. You may visit their prospectus to find out more about APS eligibility for your desired course.

UFS APS Calculator

Here is a breakdown of the APS calculation at the University of Free State UFS, South Africa.

• UFS calculates APS based on the NSC achievement scale.
• The students add the scores of their seven best-scoring subjects.
• No point is awarded for achievements lower than 30%.
• One point is awarded to Life Orientation from achievement level 5 (60%) or higher.

You may visit the university’s website to calculate your APS and determine whether you are eligible for the course of your desire.

UP APS Calculator

Following is the information you will need to calculate your APS score in order to get admission at the University of Pretoria.

• The APS of a student is dependent on 20-credit six recognized subjects by the NSC ratings. Each subject is awarded a score on a scale of 1 to 7, depending on their percentages. Adding these scores together will give a cumulative APS score.
• The highest achievable APS score is 42. At UP, students with an APS score of 28 or higher are given preference for a bachelor’s degree.
• An APS of 20 or higher is considered for a higher certificate in Sports Science Education.
• Life Orientation is excluded from the calculation.

CPUT APS Calculator

The Cape Peninsula University of Technology has its own APS calculator. You can find it here, cput.ac.za/preview/aps, and enter your score to determine your score.

• The APS of a student is calculated using the NSC achievement scale. Students add the scores of their seven best-scoring subjects and add it to derive the APS.
• Life Orientation is included in the APS calculation at CPUT.

UCT APS Calculator

The UCT measures your APS on the basis of your performance in the National Senior Certificate. Unlike other universities, it has a maximum APS score of 600. And, the university calculates this score from English Language and other elective subjects, where percentages from advanced programs and Life Orientation are excluded.

You may visit the official UCT APS calculator to determine your APS score for admission.

UMP APS Calculator

The University of Mpumalanga has an online APS calculator that allows students to check their scores from the percentages obtained in NSC. The calculation does not include Life Orientation and requires students to select seven subjects from Matric. Each course is allocated a number between the range of 1 and 7, depending on their percentages, and adding them together gives you the total APS score.

To get admission into UMP, a minimum APS of 28 is required. Moreover, the student should at least have an English level 4, Maths level 2, and Maths Literacy Level 3 to qualify for admission in bachelors.

UNISA APS Calculator

Like other recognized public institutions in South Africa, UNISA or the University of South Africa also has an online APS calculator through which students can derive their scores. When calculating the APS of students, the university considers two language courses, mathematics, and three elective courses. It also includes your Life Orientation percentage in the score.

The university allocates points (1 to 7) for each subject on the basis of the student’s obtained percentages. After this, the APS of all subjects are combined together to get a cumulative score.

NWU APS Calculator

The North-West University has an APS calculator, studies.nwu.ac.za/studies/aps-calculator, which is used to convert your NSC marks or foreign school systems into APS scores. Candidates who have passed their NSC before 2008 will not be able to calculate their APS score. Plus, Life Orientation is not included in the NWU APS calculator.

Generally, a minimum of 26 APS score is required to qualify for admission at North-West University.

UFH APS Calculator

The University of Fort Hare has an online calculator, with which you can obtain your APS score. All you need to do is select your seven NSC subjects, including Life Orientation, and allocate them percentages. After this, the calculator will convert these percentages into scores to find out the total APS score.

Generally, the minimum APS required for a bachelor’s degree is 26 with Mathematics and 28 with Mathematics Literacy or Technical Mathematics.

UKZN APS Calculator

At UKZN, the students’ NSC percentages are converted into APS scores through which the admission committee makes their selection decision. Here is all you need to know about APS calculation at UKZN.

• The APs are calculated by adding the performance levels (ranging from 1 to 8) for each subject.
• The student has to select six subjects (English, Mathematica/ Mathematics Literacy, and other four elective subjects), and Life Orientation is not included.
• Certain programs may have specific criteria for APS scores. You may visit your relevant department to find out more about it.

VUT APS Calculator

At Vaal University of Technology South Africa, you need to convert your NSC results into a point score, known as APS. The APS calculation process is the one explained above, in which you have to convert your NSC percentages into points. Generally, the criteria for qualification for admission at VUT is at least 26.

Calculating your APS score is pretty straightforward and it does not take more than five minutes, once you know the right steps. However, aside from APS, universities consider your volunteer and extracurricular activities during selection and may need to evaluate the space available for the specific course for further enrollment.