When planning for university in South Africa, one of the most important steps is understanding your APS Requirements. The APS, or Admission Points Score, is a tool used by universities to determine whether a student qualifies for a specific course.
For learners, parents, and guardians alike, navigating this system can feel overwhelming but with the right information, it can become an essential roadmap to academic success.
It doesn’t matter if you’re aiming to study Medicine, Law, Commerce, or a diploma programme, your APS score is the key that opens the door. This article will help explain how the APS is calculated, why different courses have different requirements, and how subject selection in high school plays a critical role.
What is APS and How is it Calculated?
APS (Admission Points Score) is a numerical value assigned to your performance in your National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams. Each subject is awarded points based on the percentage achieved:
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 |
Generally, the top six subjects of your Matric certificate are under consideration (excluding Life Orientation). For example, if a student gets six distinctions, their APS would be 42 (7 points x 6 subjects).
Why APS Requirements Differ Between Courses
Not all courses are created equal, and neither are their APS Requirements. Competitive programmes in fields like Medicine, Law, or Engineering typically require a high APS due to limited space and the academic rigour involved. These courses may also have additional subject requirements, such as Mathematics and Accounting.
On the other hand, programmes like Humanities, Education, or certain diploma courses might have lower APS thresholds. The variation exists to ensure students are prepared for the specific academic demands of their chosen field.
Additionally, different institutions may set different APS scores for the same course. A Bachelor of Education might require 28 APS points at one university, but 30 at another.
Popular Courses and Their Typical APS Requirements
Each academic field has its own unique challenges and, as a result, its own APS expectations. Below are typical APS ranges required for various popular university courses in South Africa. These can help learners and parents understand what kind of academic performance is needed to qualify and prepare accordingly.
High marks and high expectations. Medicine is one of the most competitive courses. Most universities require an APS of at least 35 – 38, with high marks in Mathematics, Physical Science, and Life Sciences.
Maths and science are key. Engineering programmes usually demand an APS of 33 – 36, and typically require strong performance in Mathematics and Physical Science.
Strong literacy skills required. Law degrees generally need an APS between 30 – 34, with a good English score being essential.
Business-focused readiness. Commerce degrees such as Accounting, Business Management, and Economics generally require an APS of 30 – 34, with core subjects often including Mathematics and Accounting. Some universities accept Mathematical Literacy for less quantitative commerce programmes, though with a slightly higher APS requirement to compensate.
Accessible yet purposeful. Teaching degrees may require an APS of 23 – 28, depending on the institution and specialisation. Some Humanities courses have flexible entry points, especially for students with strong language or history marks.
Entry-level academic options. These programmes often require APS scores of 15 – 22 depending on the programme, and may accept students with Mathematics Literacy instead of pure Mathematics.
Subject Choices and Their Role in Meeting APS Requirements
Your subject selection in Grade 10 to 12 can significantly impact your APS and what courses you qualify for. Subjects like Mathematics, Physical Science, Accounting, and Life Sciences are often required for high-APS courses.
Choosing Maths over Maths Literacy, or taking additional subjects that are relevant to your intended degree, can boost your APS and broaden your options. It’s also crucial to aim for higher marks in subjects that weigh heavily in course-specific APS calculations.
Planning Ahead – Tips for Learners and Parents
Planning ahead is one of the most effective ways to ensure a smooth transition from high school to university. Starting early allows learners to align their subject choices and academic performance with the APS Requirements of their desired courses.
- Use APS Calculators: Track progress early on. Use online APS calculators provided by universities or education platforms to estimate your current and future score.
- Align Subjects with Career Goals: Choose subjects purposefully. Select subjects that are relevant to your intended field of study to meet specific entry requirements.
- Maintain Academic Consistency: Don’t wait until Grade 12. Focus on sustained academic performance from Grade 10 onwards to avoid last-minute stress.
- Seek Extra Help When Needed: Close knowledge gaps early. If you struggle with key subjects like Maths or Science, consider tutoring or academic support.
- Parental Involvement: Guide and monitor. Parents should take an active role in helping their children make informed subject choices and monitor their academic performance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Navigating APS Requirements
Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to fall into traps that may negatively affect your chances of university admission. Awareness of common mistakes can help learners and parents make smarter decisions.
- Assuming Uniformity Across Universities: APS varies by institution. Each university sets its own APS thresholds, even for similar programmes, so always verify directly with the institution.
- Overlooking Subject Requirements: APS isn’t the only requirement. Some courses require specific subjects in addition to a high APS score. Ignoring this can result in disqualification.
- Choosing Subjects Poorly: Match subjects to future studies. Selecting subjects that don’t support your desired career path can limit your study options later.
- Leaving Planning Too Late: Grade 12 is not the time to start. APS planning should begin as early as Grade 9 when subject selection happens. Waiting too long reduces flexibility.
Understanding APS Requirements is more than just knowing your score – it’s about aligning your academic journey with your career goals.
The earlier you plan, the more opportunities you’ll have to meet and exceed the requirements of your chosen course. For parents and learners alike, APS is a compass that points the way to successful university admission in South Africa.
Also Read: How to Improve Your APS After Matric
Written by Dylan Florence
Published on 22 June 2025