Have you ever wondered why South African universities seem obsessed with calculating a specific score before they’ll even look at your application? That number – your Admission Points Score (APS) – isn’t just another hoop to jump through. It’s actually the first gateway to your academic future.
Because let’s be honest: Applying to university is stressful enough without having to decipher yet another acronym. But understanding your APS might just be the difference between receiving that coveted acceptance letter or facing disappointment.
What Exactly Is The APS Anyway?
The Admission Points Score is a standardized calculation that South African universities use to assess whether you qualify for their programs. Think of it as your academic currency – the stronger your APS, the more educational “buying power” you have when selecting your desired program.
Each university calculates it slightly differently, but they all follow the same basic principle: converting your matric subject grades into points, then adding them up to create a single score.
For example, most universities award points on a scale ranging from 1 to 7 for each subject, with 7 being the highest. So if you scored 80% in Mathematics, that might translate to 7 points toward your APS.
Why Does the APS Matter?
Universities receive thousands of applications each year, far more than they can accept. So they need a fair and efficient way to sift through them all. Your APS provides that initial filtering mechanism.
But it’s more than just an administrative convenience. The APS actually serves several important functions:
- It creates a level playing field. Students come from different schools with varying standards. The APS helps normalize these differences to some extent.
- It predicts academic success. Research shows that students who meet or exceed the minimum APS requirements are more likely to succeed in their chosen programs.
- It helps match students to appropriate programs. Different courses demand different skills and aptitudes. The APS requirements reflect these differences.
- It encourages academic excellence in high school. Knowing that every percentage point counts toward your APS motivates students to work harder throughout their high school career.
Not All Programs Are Created Equal
Have you noticed how medicine and engineering programs typically require much higher APS scores than arts or general degrees? That’s not the universities being a bit snobbish. It’s implemented that way because of both the higher dropout rates plus needing specific skills that correlate with strong academic performance in certain subjects.
For example, a BSc in Chemistry and Physics at UNISA might require an APS of 20 with specific minimum scores in Mathematics and Physical Science. Meanwhile, a BA might also accept students with an APS of 20 but will have completely different minimum standards to meet.
This isn’t about one degree being “better” than another, it’s about matching students to programs where they’re likely to succeed.
Beyond the Numbers: What Else Matters?
While your APS is crucially important, it’s not always the only factor universities consider. Some programs require:
- Portfolio submissions for creative fields
- National Benchmark Tests (NBTs)
- Personal interviews
- Prior work experience (for certain postgraduate programs)
But here’s the truth – without meeting the minimum APS requirement, these other factors rarely come into play. Your APS is the first hurdle, and you need to clear it before anything else matters.
How to Maximize Your APS
If you’re still in high school, here are some practical tips:
- Choose your subjects strategically. Some universities give bonus points for more challenging subjects.
- Consistency matters more than isolated brilliance. Work steadily throughout the year rather than cramming before exams.
- Find out exactly how your target universities calculate their APS. Some count all subjects, while others only count the best six or seven.
- Remember that subject-specific minimums matter too. A high overall APS won’t help if you don’t meet the minimum requirements for key subjects.
The Bottom Line
Your APS isn’t just another arbitrary number. It’s the key that unlocks the door to higher education. Understanding how it works and why it matters puts you ahead of the game when planning your academic journey.
Whether you’re aiming for the most competitive medical program or a general bachelor’s degree, knowing your target APS gives you a clear goal to work toward. And in the complex world of university admissions, clarity is something worth cherishing.
Written by Dylan Florence
Published on 11 May 2025