Understanding the difference between APS and Matric results is a crucial step for anyone applying to a South African university. Whether you’re a Grade 12 learner anxiously awaiting your final marks, a parent supporting a first-time applicant, or an adult learner returning to your studies, this article will help you cut through the confusion.
So let’s debunk some common myths and clarify what each term really means, how they relate, and most importantly, how they affect your chances of getting into your desired course.
APS versus Matric Results: Why This Distinction Matters
One of the biggest misconceptions around university applications is that your matric pass status alone determines whether you’ll be accepted into a programme. While your National Senior Certificate (NSC) marks are important, they are not the final say.
South African universities use a different measure entirely: the APS, or Admission Points Score. Here’s a couple of reasons why that’s important:
- Your APS converts your raw Matric marks into a point-based system.
- Universities, including UNISA, set minimum APS requirements for each qualification.
- A Bachelor’s pass does not guarantee university admission if your APS is too low.
This distinction is crucial for learners to understand, as misinterpreting your results could lead to disappointment or a missed opportunity to qualify for a course that’s right for you.
What Exactly Is the APS?
Let’s break it down.
The Admission Points Score (APS) is a system used by most South African universities to evaluate whether you qualify for a specific course. It’s calculated by assigning a point value to the percentage you achieved in each subject (excluding Life Orientation in most cases).
Here’s a simplified version of how it works:
Percentage Achieved | APS Points |
80–100% | 7 |
70–79% | 6 |
60–69% | 5 |
50–59% | 4 |
40–49% | 3 |
30–39% | 2 |
0–29% | 0 |
You then add up the points from your top six subjects, excluding Life Orientation, to get your final APS score.
Matric Pass vs APS Score: Debunking the Common Myths
Let’s tackle the most frequent misunderstandings about APS versus Matric Results, and clear the air for future applicants.
Myth 1: “If I get a Bachelor’s pass, I can study anything I want.”
The Reality: A Bachelor’s pass simply means you met the minimum requirements to enter a degree programme. However, each course has its own APS requirement, which can vary significantly. For example:
- A Bachelor of Education might require an APS of 23.
- A Bachelor of Commerce could need an APS of 28 or higher.
- UNISA’s courses have their own unique APS thresholds published annually.
Moral of the story? Just passing is not enough. Your APS must match or exceed the requirement for the course you’re applying to.
Myth 2: “Universities look at my average percentage, not my APS.”
The Reality: Most universities in South Africa don’t use your average percentage. Instead, they convert your individual subject marks into APS points, and that score is what determines eligibility.
You might have an impressive average of 65%, but if it includes weaker marks in subjects relevant to your intended degree (e.g. Maths for Engineering), your APS could still fall short.
Myth 3: “Life Orientation boosts my APS.”
The Reality: In most cases, Life Orientation is excluded when calculating your APS Even if you score highly in LO, it won’t impact your total APS. So when it comes to your APS, focus your efforts on the six other academic subjects on your Matric certificate that does count.
APS versus Matric Results: The UNISA Perspective
At UNISA, the APS system is strictly applied to determine who qualifies for admission into specific qualifications. Each course description on UNISA’s website includes:
- The APS requirement (e.g. 21 points minimum)
- Required subjects and levels (e.g. English Level 4, Mathematics Level 4)
- Additional admission criteria for certain programmes
Let’s look at a practical example:
Bachelor of Arts in Communication Science at UNISA
- Minimum APS: 20
- Required subjects: None specific, but English at Level 4 recommended
So, even if you passed matric with a Bachelor’s pass, if your APS is 18, you won’t be considered for that course regardless of your average percentage.
How to Calculate Your APS Step-by-Step
To make the concept clearer, here’s a simple step-by-step process for calculating your own APS score:
- List your six best subjects (excluding Life Orientation)
- Find your percentage for each subject
- Use the APS conversion table to turn each percentage into points
- Add the points together to get your total APS
For Example:
Subject | Mark (%) | APS Points |
English HL | 75 | 6 |
Maths | 63 | 5 |
Life Sciences | 70 | 6 |
Geography | 58 | 4 |
Business Studies | 65 | 5 |
Afrikaans FAL | 81 | 7 |
Total APS = 6 + 5 + 6 + 4 + 5 + 7 = 33
With an APS of 33, you’d meet or exceed the minimum requirement for most undergraduate UNISA qualifications.
APS versus Matric Results: What Should You Focus On?
To make the most informed decision when applying to study at a tertiary institution, you will have to understand what the goal is behind each metric:
- Matric results (NSC marks) reflect your academic performance.
- APS score translates those marks into a system universities can use to fairly compare applicants.
Here’s how you can use this information wisely:
- Research your desired qualification’s APS requirements early.
- Aim to improve your marks in subjects with the most influence on your APS.
Avoid assuming a Bachelor’s pass is a guaranteed ticket – always check APS-specific requirements.
By knowing your APS, you empower yourself to make strategic decisions about course choices, bridging programmes, and even alternative qualifications if your current APS doesn’t meet your goals.
The difference between APS and Matric results is more than just academic jargon – it’s a real, practical concern that affects thousands of learners each year. Don’t wait until after receiving your NSC certificate to start learning how the system works.
Whether you’re aiming for a degree at UNISA or another institution, understanding how the APS system works gives you the clarity and confidence to approach your application strategically. Don’t fall for myths. Know your score, compare it to course requirements, and plan your next move accordingly.
Also Read: Top Tips to Boost Your APS
Written by Dylan Florence
Published on 22 June 2025