The Admission Point Score (APS) is a standardized numerical system used by South African universities to evaluate Grade 12 students for admission into tertiary degree and diploma programs. It is calculated by assigning a point value to each of your matric subjects based on the percentage achieved, which helps institutions determine if you meet the academic requirements for specific fields of study.
What is an APS Score?
The APS (Admission Point Score) serves as the primary benchmark for university entry in South Africa. When you complete your National Senior Certificate (NSC), your final exam percentages are converted into a point system. Universities use these scores to compare applicants fairly, ensuring that students possess the necessary academic foundation to succeed in their chosen courses.
While the APS is a critical entry requirement, it is rarely the only factor considered. Admissions departments also evaluate subject-specific prerequisites (such as Mathematics or Physical Science for Engineering) and institutional capacity. A high APS increases your chances of acceptance, but it does not guarantee a spot in competitive programs like Medicine or Law, where institutional demand often exceeds the number of available seats.
How to Calculate Your APS
Most South African universities follow a consistent, standardized approach for calculating your APS. The calculation is based on the results of your six best subjects, although different institutions may have specific variations regarding whether they include Life Orientation.
The Standard Points System
To determine your score, convert your percentage in each subject into an APS point using the following scale:
- 90% – 100%: 8 points
- 80% – 89%: 7 points
- 70% – 79%: 6 points
- 60% – 69%: 5 points
- 50% – 59%: 4 points
- 40% – 49%: 3 points
- 30% – 39%: 2 points
- 0% – 29%: 1 point
Step-by-Step Calculation
- Select Your Subjects: Choose your top six matric subjects.
- Assign Points: Assign the point value from the scale above to each of those six subjects.
- Sum the Totals: Add the points together to arrive at your final APS.
- Check Institution Policies: Verify if your target university includes Life Orientation. Some institutions include it at half-value (e.g., a score of 50% = 2 points instead of 4), while others exclude it entirely.
Factors Affecting Admission
Meeting the minimum APS threshold for a course is only the first step. Several other variables influence your application status:
- Subject-Specific Requirements: Even if your total APS is sufficient, you must meet the minimum percentage required for specific subjects. For instance, a Bachelor of Engineering may require a minimum of 60% or 70% in Mathematics and Physical Sciences.
- Course Competitiveness: Programs like Medicine, Actuarial Science, and Law are highly sought after. In these cases, universities often set “selection” APS thresholds that are significantly higher than the minimum academic admission requirements.
- Mathematical Literacy vs. Pure Mathematics: Most STEM-related degrees do not accept Mathematical Literacy. Ensure you understand which version of Mathematics your desired degree requires.
- Institutional Policies: Every university—and even every faculty within a university—has the autonomy to weight subjects differently or apply unique selection criteria.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my APS include Life Orientation?
It depends on the university. Many institutions exclude Life Orientation from the final APS calculation, while others include it at full or partial value. Always check the official prospectus or website of the specific university you are applying to.
What happens if I do not meet the minimum APS?
If you do not meet the APS for your first-choice degree, you may be offered a spot in an extended program (often an extra year of study) or a lower-level qualification like a Higher Certificate or Diploma. Alternatively, you may need to look for universities with lower requirements or explore different study paths.
Do I use Grade 11 or Grade 12 results for my APS?
When applying for admission, you typically use your Grade 11 final results or your Grade 12 mid-year/trial results. Your final admission, however, is confirmed based on your final Grade 12 NSC exam results.
Is there a difference between an APS and a Matric Exemption?
Yes. A Bachelor’s Degree Pass (Matric Exemption) is a minimum national requirement to qualify for degree studies, whereas the APS is a university-specific metric used to determine if you are competitive enough for a specific program. You can have an exemption but still not meet the APS for a particular course.
Can I increase my APS after writing final exams?
Once you have written your final Grade 12 exams, your results are final. If you do not meet the APS requirements, you may consider a “rewrite” or “upgrade” through programs like the Second Chance Matric Programme to improve your subject marks in the following year.
Do universities have different APS scales?
While most universities use the 1-8 point scale provided by the Department of Basic Education, some may have variations in how they calculate the total or which subjects they prioritize. Always verify the calculation method provided by the specific institution’s admissions office.
How do I know which courses I qualify for?
Once you have calculated your total APS, check the “admission requirements” section on the university’s website for the specific courses you are interested in. Compare your calculated score against the “minimum” and “recommended” APS listed for those programs.