What is APS Score?
An Admission Point Score (APS) is the score universities and colleges use to determine whether or not your college application will be approved. APS is calculated using your Matric Results. Universities use your APS score to determine whether you can study within a specific field.
Average APS Score In South Africa
What is Your APS Score?
An Admission Point Score (APS) is a score calculated from your matric marks. It is used by Universities to determine whether you qualify for admission to their courses. Each University has its own way of determining this score, and there are different requirements for different courses.
The bottom line is that you must meet the APS criteria of that University if you want to be considered for admission.
It is important to know that the APS does not guarantee admission to a university. It is a minimum requirement, to be considered with other criteria such as the correct choice of subjects and a Bachelor Pass for matric, and whether there is space on the course you have chosen. Some Universities also have an entrance test such as the National Benchmark Test (NBT)
Remember that your APS score is just an initial screening tool for the university so that they do not have to screen all the marks of the thousands of applications they get each year. If you have gotten past the initial mark, they will be looking at your application forms, letters, and emails. So make sure you do these properly and give a good account of yourself.
How to calculate your APS score?
Each University has its own rules about calculating the APS but, generally, the percentage marks for your top 7 subjects or your top 6 subjects (excluding Life Orientation) are converted into points and added together to give one score.
Most Universities use a 1 – 7 rating. This matches the rating you will see on your matric certificate (eg a mark of 70% shows as Level 6).
The points are allocated like this:
| MARKS (%) | APS SCORE |
|---|---|
| 80 – 100 | 7 |
| 70 – 79 | 6 |
| 60 – 69 | 5 |
| 50 – 59 | 4 |
| 40 – 49 | 3 |
| 30 – 39 | 2 |
| 0 – 29 | 1 |
As an example, let’s assume that these are your matric results, and the way that points will be allocated:
In this example, Life Orientation is not counted. Some Universities do count it, but perhaps give it half the points. Some Universities also give extra points for some subjects – for example, an extra 2 points for Mathematics or English.
In this example, without any extra points, your score is 28. You would have to check whether this total was high enough for the course and the University you have chosen. Remember that some courses also have subject-specific requirements.
When you first apply, if you do not already have your final matric marks, you must submit your Grade 11 marks.
Special note: Exemption requirements for students who completed Cambridge International A-levels can be found here.
At least three others can be chosen from a list of 25 optional subjects. The choice is important as it may define the route that you can take after school. Some courses will be counted for admission to a University of Technology, but not to other Universities.
Table : Matric subject choices for later admission to University or University of Technology
| ENTRY TO UNIVERSITY ACHIEVEMENT RATING OF 4 OR BETTER IN AT LEAST 4 OF THE DESIGNATED SUBJECTS | ENTRY TO UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY ACHIEVEMENT RATING OF 3 OR BETTER IN AT LEAST 4 OF THE DESIGNATED SUBJECTS |
|---|---|
| Accounting Agricultural Sciences Business Studies Consumer Studies Dramatic Arts Economics Engineering Graphics and Design Geography History Information Technology Languages (refer to institution websites for their language entry requirements) Life Sciences Mathematics Mathematical Literacy Music Physical Sciences Religion studies Visual Art | 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 Languages (refer to institution websites for their language requirements) Life Sciences Mechanical Technology Mathematics Mathematical Literacy Music Physical Sciences Religion Studies Tourism Visual Arts |
You will have more options for tertiary study and future careers if you select so-called “gateway subjects” such as mathematics, physical science, economics, and accounting. They are important for careers related to engineering, health sciences, science, and commerce.
A key decision is whether to take pure Mathematics or Maths Literacy. Most degrees in science, engineering, or the health sciences require pure Math. However, Maths Literacy is adequate for studies in Humanities (BA courses), some law and commerce degrees, and most education degrees.
It should be noted that the results for the IEB Advanced Programmes in Mathematics and Languages are not considered for APS purposes.
What’s the difference between APS and a Bachelor’s Pass?
These are the matric marks you need for a Bachelor’s Pass:
- 40% or higher in your home language subject.
- 50% or higher for at least 4 of your subjects, (This can include your home language subject)
- 30% or higher for your remaining 3 subjects.
A Bachelor’s Pass is another minimum requirement for admission to a University.
You must have at least a Bachelor’s Pass, and your APS points must be high enough, and you must have the right subjects, and there must be space for you in the course.
And remember, you are competing for space with other students whose marks and points may be way higher than yours.
What is the National Benchmarking Test (NBT)?
Some Universities require a pre-screening test, called the National Benchmarking Test (NBT). They consider the results along with all other information.
Sometimes the test is used to give an opportunity to students from disadvantaged backgrounds who may not meet all the APS requirements. Check on the admission requirements for your course to find out if you need to do the test.
What is important is that Universities don’t set the tests. It is administered online by an independent organization. Students must book, pay for and complete the test, and submit the results together with other university admission information.
Don’t wait for the University to ask for the results, as you may miss the dates that have been set up by NBT. Log in to their website to find out what to do and to book a test – applications are open from 1 April.
How does APS work? Let’s use an example
Remember the example we gave earlier with matric results? Let’s use them to see what happens if you want to apply to the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT).
- Home language IziXhosa 62% = 5 points
- English First additional language 55% = 4 points
- Life Orientation 76% = –
- Mathematics 42% = 3 points
- Accounting 60% = 5 points
- Business Studies 75% = 6 points
- Economics 65% = 5 points
Total = 28 points
Where you qualify
- You have a Bachelor’s Pass, as you have more than 4 subjects over 50%, including your home language.
- The total APS of 28 is a fairly high score as most courses at TUT require a minimum of 20 – 24 points.
However,
- You will not qualify for many of the available courses because of your subject choice and Mathematics mark.
For example, this was the result of the query about BEng Tech (Mechanical Engineering). You met the APS minimum of 28. However, you do not have Physical or Technical Sciences and your Maths mark is too low.
Which subjects count for APS?
Everyone has to complete seven subjects for matric. Four of these are compulsory:
- A home language
- A first additional language
- Mathematics or Mathematics Literacy
- Life Orientation.
What is a good APS score in South Africa?
Higher certificate pass- 15 APS points
40-49% for home language. 40-49% in two other subjects. 30-39% for three other subjects.
What can I study with 17 APS?
With an APS of 17, you can still study any Higher Certificate courses. A Diploma pass has an APS requirement of 19. If you achieve an APS of 19, you can study Diploma courses. ICB and NATED courses go up to the Diploma level, which is just one level below a Bachelor’s Degree.
What is the minimum APS at Tut?
Selection criteria:
To be considered for this qualification, candidates must have an Admission Point Score (APS) of at least 24 (excluding Life Orientation).
How many points do I need to study at UJ?
A valid National Senior Certificate (NSC) with admission for degree purposes. Minimum APS of 26, excluding Life Orientation. A Bachelor’s degree endorsement (the minimum entry requirements to study towards a degree) does not guarantee admission to the BEd.
How many APS are needed for medicine?
In terms of the selection procedure, candidates must pass English, Mathematics and Physical Science with at 1. least a 5 rating code (60%-69%), and achieve an APS of at least 35, in order to be considered for selection and/or admission.