Many South African high school learners dream of studying at university, but often the biggest hurdle is the Admission Point Score (APS). Whether you’re aiming for a degree in teaching, engineering, business, or medicine, your APS can make or break your application.
If your score is sitting in the low 20s and your desired course needs a 30+ APS, don’t give up. You can improve – if you start early, work smart, and stay consistent, of course. In this guide, we’ll cover practical, realistic tips to boost your APS and help you get back on track to secure that university spot.
What Is the APS and Why Does It Matter?
The Admission Point Score (APS) is a system used by South African universities to assess whether a student qualifies for a particular course. It’s based on your final National Senior Certificate (NSC) results, with each subject contributing a specific number of points.
How the APS Is Calculated
Each subject is graded from Level 1 to Level 7 based on your marks:
NSC % Range | APS Points |
80 – 100% | 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 |
Your total APS is calculated using your six best subjects (excluding Life Orientation in most cases). Different institutions may have slightly different rules, so it’s important to check the guidelines of the universities you are applying to.
Know the APS Requirements for Your Course
Different university programmes require different minimum APS scores. That’s why it’s so important to research what your chosen course needs – well before your final year of school.
Here are a couple examples of different APS Requirements for different fields of study (depending on where to study):
- Teaching (BEd) – 26 to 28 APS
- Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) – 30 to 34 APS
- Engineering – 33 to 38 APS
- Medicine (MBChB) – 38 to 45 APS
- Diploma Programmes – 18 to 24 APS
If you’re sitting on a 22 and you need 30+ APS, don’t panic. With the right support and effort, you can raise your score significantly – even within a year.
Tips to Boost Your APS: Strategies That Work
Here are the most effective, proven tips to boost your APS, whether you’re in Grade 10 looking ahead, or in Grade 12 trying to push for final results.
Some subjects contribute more meaningfully to your university admission, especially those aligned with your career path. Focus on improving subjects where you can realistically gain 10 – 20% more, like:
- Home Language
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy
- Physical Sciences
- Life Sciences
- Accounting
- Business Studies
- Geography
- History; and many other subjects.
Improving one subject from 50% to 70% can boost your APS by two points. Multiply that over two or three subjects, and you’re well on your way.
If you’re already getting 60s in a subject like History or Geography, aim to push that into the 70 – 80% range. It’s often easier to improve where you’re already doing well, rather than trying to rescue a subject that’s been failing for some time.
Small, consistent improvements in strong subjects can be a quicker route to gaining 3 – 5 APS points.
One of the best tips to boost your APS is to practise using past exam papers. This prepares you for the real structure, timing, and phrasing of exam questions. Here’s how to make the most of them:
- Start with papers from previous years (preferably the last three).
- Write under timed conditions.
- Check your answers against official marking guidelines.
- Focus on improving with each paper.
Your school or tutor can usually provide access to older papers. If you’re studying independently, invest in revision guides that include past papers and answer memos.
Whether through school, your community, or private arrangements, getting extra academic help makes a big difference, especially in technical or high-stakes subjects like Maths, Physical Science, or Accounting.
Consider:
- Joining a study group with classmates who are focused and goal-oriented
- Asking teachers for additional resources or attending extra lessons
- Working with a tutor who understands the CAPS curriculum and exam expectations
If you’re studying via distance learning or independently, make sure you have access to structured lessons and feedback mechanisms.
Creating your own APS tracker helps you monitor how your marks are translating into admission points. Use a notebook or spreadsheet and:
- List your six best subjects
- Record your termly marks
- Convert marks into points using the APS table
- Set short-term goals for each subject
This will give you a clear picture of where you stand and where you need to focus to close the gap.
If you finish Matric and fall short by just a few APS points, consider doing a matric rewrite. The Second Chance Matric Programme and other upgrade options allow you to improve specific subjects without redoing the entire year.
Many students rewrite one or two subjects and gain enough extra points to qualify for the course they originally missed out on.
More Tips to Boost Your APS with Good Habits
Raising your marks isn’t just about studying hard but about studying smart. These habits apply across all subjects:
Plan Your Study Time
- Use a weekly timetable with daily study blocks
- Prioritise the toughest subjects early in the week
- Revise regularly – and not just before exams
Stay Organised and Motivated
- Break big goals into smaller tasks
- Celebrate small improvements
- Ask for help when you’re stuck
Consistency beats cramming every time. A 1% improvement per week adds up quickly over a term.
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More Tips to Boost Your APS with Good Habits
Some universities offer bonus points for:
- Studying high-demand subjects like Maths or Science
- Taking more than one official language
- Living in certain rural areas or previously disadvantaged regions
- Participating in academic outreach or enrichment programmes
These bonus points can add 1 to 3 points to your APS, potentially pushing you over the required threshold.
Check with each university for their admissions policy, or speak to a guidance counselor if you’re unsure.
Boosting your APS from the low 20s to the 30s isn’t easy—but it is possible. Many learners do it every year. It requires discipline, a bit of strategy, and a willingness to ask for support.
If you’re in Grade 10 or 11, you still have time to make consistent changes across multiple subjects. If you’re in Matric, it’s about smart focus and end-of-year performance. Even if you’ve finished school, don’t give up – rewriting and upgrading is a valid and proven path to success.
Your APS score doesn’t define your potential. It’s a snapshot of your academic readiness. And the good news? You’re in control of that snapshot.
Also Read: How to Calculate Your APS in South Africa
Written by Dylan Florence
Published on 22 June 2025