Universities in South Africa use Admission Point Scores (APS) to assess the competency of students. Students with low scores do not have a wide number of options when it comes to pursuing a career, whereas a student with a high score can enroll in science, healthcare, or design, all kinds of courses.

Additionally, students with low APS scores cannot get admission to public universities, whereas students with high scores can get admission to a number of universities.

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

Our APS score determines the eligibility criteria and the university in which we can get admission in order to pursue higher studies. However, the majority of students are unable to find which courses they can pursue if they have a certain low or high score. Here is a list of eligible courses for every APS from 17 to 29.

17 APS Score Courses

APS 17 is considered one of the lowest scores but still, students have various options. For example, students can enroll in the higher certificate programs. These programs are designed in a way that they provide foundational knowledge and practical skills to train students for working in the field.

Additionally, students can pursue diploma programs in various fields, including business management or childhood development. Vocational and technical training program options are also available for the students. For example, they can pursue automotive repair, or office administration technical training programs.

Higher Certificate Programs and Universities for APS 17

  1. Higher Certificate in Education at UNISA
  2. Higher Certificate in Business Management at UNISA
  3. Higher Certificate in Information Technology at UNISA

Diploma Programs

  1. Diploma in Hospitality Management at UNISA
  2. Diploma in Business Management at UNISA
  3. Diploma in Early Childhood Development at UNISA

Vocational and Technical Training Programs

  1. Certificate in Retail Management at UNISA
  2. Certificate in Office Administration at UNISA
  3. Certificate in Automotive Repair at UNISA

18 APS Score Courses

APS 18 is also considered low score but still, students have more options compared to the APS 17 score students. APS 18 score students can pursue their educational career in institutes like the University of Johannesburg and Tshwane University of Technology. Additionally, students with APS 18 can also apply for admission at UNISA.

Undergraduate Courses and Universities

TUT University

  1. Bachelor of Art and Design
  2. Bachelor of Science
  3. University of Johannesburg
  4. Bachelor of Science with Maths
  5. Bachelor of Health Services with Maths
  6. Bachelor of Arts with Maths
  7. Bachelor of Design with Maths
  8. Bachelor of Architecture with Maths

Higher Certificates

  1. Higher Certificate in Music at TUT University
  2. Higher Certificate in Dental Assisting at TUT University
  3. Higher Certificate in Water Treatment at TUT University
  4. Higher Certificate in Resource Waste Management at TUT University

Diploma Programs

  1. Diploma in Animal Health at the University of South Africa
  2. Diploma in Law at the University of South Africa
  3. Diploma in Civil Engineering at the University of South Africa
  4. Diploma in Electrical Engineering at the University of South Africa
  5. Diploma in Information Technology at the University of South Africa
  6. Diploma in Mechanical Engineering at the University of South Africa
  7. Diploma in Mining Engineering at the University of South Africa
  8. Diploma in Industrial Engineering at the University of South Africa

19 APS Score Courses

APS 19 is considered below average and students with 19 APS do not have a list of options. However, these students can apply for admission at UNISA, the University of Johannesburg, and the Tshwane University of Technology. Students can enroll in the under-duration programs as well as they can pursue other types of courses.

For example, a student with APS 19 can apply for a diploma program in management services. Furthermore, higher certificates and vocational training programs are also available at UNISA and other institutes. Here is a list of options you can pursue with 19 APS.

Undergraduate Programs

University of Johannesburg

  1. Bachelor of Business and Economics with Maths.
  2. Bachelor of Health Sciences with Maths.
  3. Bachelor of Engineering and the Built Environment with Maths.

Tshwane University

  1. Bachelor of Management Services

Diploma Programs

  1. Diploma in Crop Sciences at Tshwane University Technology
  2. Diploma in People Management at Tshwane University of Johannesburg
  3. Diploma in Jewellery Design and Management at the University of Johannesburg
  4. Diploma in Management Services at Tshwane University of Johannesburg
  5. Diploma in Animal Sciences at Tshwane University Technology
  6. Diploma in Administrative and Information Management at Tshwane University Technology

20 APS Score Courses

APS 20 score is considered average but still, the options are widely available for the students compared to the 17, 18, and 19, we can claim that APS 20 score students can pursue their educational career in multiple undergraduate programs. Here is a list of all the diplomas, undergraduate programs, and higher certificates.

Undergraduate Programs

University of South Africa

  1. Bachelor of Arts
  2. Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing
  3. Bachelor of Arts in Policy Studies
  4. Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
  5. Bachelor of Music
  6. Bachelor of Consumer Science
  7. Bachelor of Law
  8. Bachelor of Science and Biochemistry and Physiology
  9. Bachelor of Science and Biochemistry and Microbiology
  10. Bachelor of Science in Life Science Botany

Diploma Programs

Tshwane University of Technology

  1. Diploma in Law Diploma in Policing
  2. Diploma in Public Affairs
  3. Diploma in Event Management
  4. Diploma in Legal Support
  5. Diploma in Management Services
  6. Diploma in Performing Arts

Higher Certificate

University of Free State

  1. Higher Certificate in Music Performance
  2. Higher Certificate in Theology

21 APS Score Courses

Students who have scored 21 on the APS test can get admission in numerous fields and at various universities. There are undergraduate programs available at UNISA for students with 21 APS. In addition, you have multiple options when it comes to choosing a university.

Undergraduate Programs

University of South Africa

  1. Bachelor of Administration
  2. Bachelor of Commerce
  3. Bachelor of Commerce in Economics
  4. Bachelor of Commerce in Public Procurement Management
  5. Bachelor of Commerce in Transport and Logistics
  6. Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing Management
  7. Bachelor of Commerce in Entrepreneurship
  8. Bachelor of Commerce in Quantitative Economics
  9. Bachelor of Commerce in Business Fronts
  10. Bachelor of Commerce in Law
  11. Bachelor of Accounting Sciences in Taxation
  12. Bachelor of Accounting Sciences in Financial Accounting

University of Johannesburg

  1. Bachelor of Business and Economics with Maths Literacy
  2. Bachelor of Health Sciences with Maths Literacy
  3. Bachelor of Science

22 APS Score Courses

Students who have scores between 21 and 23 are eligible for all the courses we can pursue with 21 APS scores. In addition, they can pursue healthcare fields, such as BA Psychology, and fields like Information and Communication Technology. Additionally, they can get admission at UNISA, TUT, and NWU.

23 APS Score Courses

The majority of the students frequently ask if APS 23 is considered high or not. 23 is higher than average but still, it is not in the highest category. However, students with a 23 APS score can pursue various fields and choose universities independently because almost all universities invite them to get admission. Here are the courses you can pursue with APS 23.

Undergraduate Programs

University of South Africa

  1. Bachelor of Arts (humanities, Liberal Art,s and social sciences)
  2. Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology, sociology and anthropology)
  3. Bachelor of Commerce in Law ( Intersection of Business and Law)
  4. Bachelor of Education ( Primary or secondary education)
  5. Bachelor of Tourism Management ( Tourism and Hospitality industry)
  6. Bachelor of Technology Engineering

Options for APS 24 Students

APS 24 is a good score that allows you to get admission to a number of courses. Additionally, you can choose a university independently because all universities welcome APS 24 students. The courses available for APS 24 are not limited as one can pursue all the fields an APS 23 is eligible for. Here is a list of courses and universities.

Undergraduate Courses

TUT University

  1. Bachelor of Arts and Design
  2. Bachelor of Science
  3. Bachelor of Management Science
  4. Bachelor of Economics and Finance
  5. Bachelor of Engineering and the Built Environment

NWU

  1. Bachelor of Theology
  2. Bachelor of Economics and Management Sciences

25 APS Score Courses

APS 25 students have a number of options and can select a university without hesitation because it is a high score and all universities welcome students with APS 25. The majority of the APS 25 students pursue health Sciences and science fields; however, you can pursue diplomas and vocational courses at UNISA.

Undergraduate Courses

Vaal University of Technology

  1. Bachelor of Civil Engineering
  2. Bachelor of Chemical Engineering
  3. Bachelor of Power Engineering
  4. Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering
  5. Bachelor of Metallurgical Engineering
  6. Bachelor of Electronic Engineering

Sol Plaatje University Diploma Programs

  1. Diploma in Information and Communication Technology
  2. Diploma in Retail Business Management
  3. Higher Certificates Sol Plaatje University Higher Certificate in Heritage Studies
  4. Higher Certificate in Court Interpreting

26 APS Score Courses

A number of universities offer courses for APS 26 students, including the University of Johannesburg, VAAL University of Technology, and other institutes, such as the University of South Africa and NWU. The majority of students, who possess APS 26, like to pursue their educational career in engineering fields.

Undergraduate Courses

Vaal University of Technology

  1. Bachelor of Civil Engineering
  2. Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering
  3. Bachelor of Power Engineering
  4. Bachelor of Chemical Engineering
  5. Bachelor of Metallurgical Engineering

University of Johannesburg

  1. Bachelor of Health Sciences in Sport

27 APS Score Courses

APS 27 falls under the category of highest APS score. Students with 27 APS can pursue educational careers in various fields, including science, arts, and humanities. If you are worried about university selection, students with APS 27 are welcome in all the universities and educational institutes of South Africa.

Undergraduate Courses

All Universities

  1. Bachelor of Design and Studio Art
  2. Bachelor of Languages
  3. Bachelor of Mathematics
  4. Bachelor of Computer Science
  5. Bachelor of Natural Sciences
  6. Bachelor of Technology
  7. Bachelor of Economic and Management Sciences
  8. Bachelor of Language Practice and Media Studies

Students can pursue bachelor’s degrees in all these fields. Additionally, students can choose fields that require 26 APS or 25 APS. All the above fields are available at UNISA, the University of Johannesburg, TUT, NWU, and the Vaal University of Technology.

28 APS Score Courses

APS 28 is considered one of the highest scores one can earn. Students with APS 28 can pursue a number of fields, including health sciences, sports, and exercise.

Additionally, students can fearlessly select any university. Here is a list of courses students can pursue.

Undergraduate Programs

  1. Bachelor of Process Control & Computer Systems
  2. Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering
  3. Bachelor of Electronic Engineering
  4. Bachelor of Acrictheture
  5. Bachelor of Dentistry
  6. Bachelor of Law
  7. Bachelor of Social Work
  8. Bachelor of Art and Design

Diploma Programs

  1. Diploma in Fashion Production
  2. Diploma in Jewellery Design and Manufacture
  3. Diploma in Industrial Design

29 APS Score Courses

APS 29 is considered one of the highest scores and a student with APS 29 can get admission in all kinds of courses, including CA, nursing, or language studies. Students with APS 29 are warmly welcomed by public and private universities and educational institutes.

Undergraduate Programs

  1. Bachelor of Dentistry
  2. Bachelor of Nursing
  3. Bachelor of Law
  4. Bachelor of Social Work
  5. Bachelor of Multimedia Design
  6. Bachelor of Graphic Design
  7. Bachelor of Film and Television Production
  8. Bachelor of Animation Studies
  9. Bachelor of Drama or Theatre Arts
  10. Bachelor of Music
  11. Bachelor of Fine Art

Diploma Programs

  1. Diploma in Information and Communication Technology
  2. Diploma in Retail Business Management
  3. Diploma in Industrial Design

Why Is APS Scoring Important for Admission?

There are various purposes of APS scoring but the most significant one is the standardization and meritocracy. Additionally, some people claim that without assessing APS, we cannot stabilize the courses because random selection is not suitable for education institutes.

Standardized Evaluation

Evaluation of students is impossible without assessing their performance in past educational programs. The purpose of APS is to provide direction to the admission authorities and enable them to understand how a student has performed in the past.

Further, they divide categories and ranges of APS scores. For example, APS 21 to 25 students can get admission in engineering courses and APS 26 to 29 students can get admission in the art and social science fields. The purpose of APS is to standardize evaluation and then allow students to get admission.

Resource Allocation

Another reason why APS plays a significant role is the resource allocation. Without APS, we cannot optimize the resource allocation. Additionally, people with low APS will be able to secure positions in complex studies, such as medicines and surgery which can destroy the resource allocation system.

Universities and their APS Range

University NameCourseAPS Score
University of JohannesburgHumanities21 to 33
Health services31 to 32
Law18 to 31
Education26
Art, Design, and Architecture18 to 28
Business and economics19 to 33
Science21 to 34
University of the WitwatersrandMultiple coursesThe normal range is 34 to 36
Sol Plaatje UniversityMultiple coursesThe normal range is 25
Stellenbosch University (SU)Multiple coursesThe normal range is 20
Durban University of Technology (DUT)Multiple coursesThe normal range is 20
University of South Africa (UNISA)Multiple coursesThe normal range is 20
University of Cape Town (UCT)Multiple coursesThe normal range is 20
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)Multiple coursesThe normal range is 20 to 21
North-West University (NWU)Multiple coursesMinimum is 20

What is the highest APS score in South Africa?

The highest APS is 42. If a student earns PS 42, he can effortlessly get admission to any university and choose complex courses, including medicine, or surgery.

What is the purpose of APS?

The APS is used for standardized evaluation, meritocracy, and optimizing resource distribution. Additionally, it provides a roadmap to the admission officers, so they can select competent students and separate them from different individuals.

What is the lowest-ranked university in South Africa?

The lowest-ranked university in South Africa is Sol Plaatje University.

What is the benefit of APS?

There are several benefits of APS, such as it allows admission officers to differentiate students and others. Additionally, it maintains transparency, standardization, and optimized resource allocation.

Universities and educational institutes select students on the basis of their APS score; if a student meets the criteria, he can pursue undergraduate studies, including higher certificates and diplomas. Low APS score students cannot get admission in complex fields, such as medicine studies, pharmacology, neuroscience, aeronautical engineering, or power engineering.

I have provided a table in which you can see the names of universities and the range of APS required to get admission. Some universities allow students to get admission with low APS while others have high standards. Anyhow, I have explained eligibility courses for APS 18 to 27, with university names, diplomas, and higher certificates.

I hope this information will help you in the future, thank you.