Last Updated: 9 July 2026
If you’re planning to study at a South African university in 2027, one of the first things you should understand is your Admission Point Score (APS). Your APS score plays an important role in determining whether you meet the minimum entry requirements for the qualification you want to study. Before submitting any university application, it’s essential to calculate your APS correctly so that you can apply for programmes you’re eligible for and avoid unnecessary disappointment.
Many students believe that a good matric average automatically guarantees admission, but that’s not always the case. Universities use APS as one of several criteria when assessing applications, alongside subject-specific requirements, available spaces, and, in some cases, additional admission tests. Understanding how APS works can help you make better decisions when choosing universities and programmes.
In this guide, you’ll learn what an APS score is, how to calculate it step by step, what mistakes to avoid, and how to compare your score with university admission requirements.
What Is an APS Score?
APS stands for Admission Point Score. It is a points-based system used by most South African universities to determine whether applicants meet the minimum admission requirements for a qualification.
Instead of looking only at your overall matric average, universities convert your individual subject percentages into points. These points are then added together to produce your APS score.
For example, if you achieved excellent marks in Mathematics, English, and Physical Sciences, your APS score will reflect those strong results. Universities then compare your APS against the minimum requirement for your chosen programme.
It is important to remember that meeting the minimum APS requirement does not automatically guarantee admission. Highly competitive programmes such as Medicine, Dentistry, Engineering, and Law often receive more applications than available spaces, meaning applicants with higher APS scores usually have a better chance of receiving an offer.
APS Points Table
Most universities use a points table similar to the one below.
| Percentage | APS Points |
|---|---|
| 90–100% | 8 |
| 80–89% | 7 |
| 70–79% | 6 |
| 60–69% | 5 |
| 50–59% | 4 |
| 40–49% | 3 |
| 30–39% | 2 |
| 0–29% | 1 |
Important: Some universities calculate APS differently. Certain institutions exclude Life Orientation from the calculation, while others include it. Always check your chosen university’s admissions policy before calculating your final APS score.
How to Calculate Your APS Score
Calculating your APS is straightforward once you know your subject percentages.
Step 1: List Your Subjects
Start by writing down your six best recognised subjects.
For most applicants, these include:
- Home Language
- First Additional Language
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy
- Three additional approved subjects
Some universities include Life Orientation, while others do not.
Step 2: Convert Your Marks into APS Points
Using the APS table above, convert each subject percentage into its corresponding APS points.
For example:
| Subject | Percentage | APS Points |
|---|---|---|
| English Home Language | 75% | 6 |
| Mathematics | 68% | 5 |
| Life Sciences | 82% | 7 |
| Physical Sciences | 71% | 6 |
| Geography | 65% | 5 |
| Life Orientation | 88% | 7 |
Step 3: Add the Points
Now add all the points together.
English Home Language 6
Mathematics 5
Life Sciences 7
Physical Sciences 6
Geography 5
Life Orientation 7
-----------------------------
Total APS Score = 36In this example, the student’s APS score is 36.
If the programme they wish to study requires a minimum APS of 32, they meet the minimum admission requirement.
Why Your APS Score Matters
Your APS score helps you determine whether you qualify for a programme before you submit your application. This can save you time and application fees by preventing you from applying for qualifications where you don’t meet the minimum requirements.
Knowing your APS also allows you to:
- Apply to suitable universities.
- Compare admission requirements between institutions.
- Choose realistic study options.
- Plan for alternative programmes if necessary.
Remember that universities publish minimum APS requirements as a guideline. Competitive programmes often admit students with scores well above the minimum because of limited spaces.
APS Is Not the Only Admission Requirement
Many students assume that a high APS guarantees admission. Unfortunately, this is not always true.
Universities also consider:
- Subject-specific minimum marks
- Required subjects
- Programme capacity
- Additional selection processes
- National Benchmark Tests (NBTs), where applicable
For example, a Bachelor of Engineering programme may require:
- APS of 36
- Mathematics at 70%
- Physical Sciences at 70%
A student with an APS of 40 but only 55% in Mathematics may still not qualify.
Always read the admission requirements for your chosen qualification carefully.
Common APS Calculation Mistakes
Many applicants make simple mistakes when calculating their APS.
Avoid the following:
Using the Wrong APS Scale
Different universities sometimes use different APS calculations. Never assume every institution follows the same system.
Ignoring Subject Requirements
Meeting the APS requirement alone is not enough if you don’t meet the required marks for subjects such as Mathematics or Physical Sciences.
Including Incorrect Subjects
Not every subject is counted equally by every university. Always confirm which subjects are included.
Using Old Results
Calculate your APS using your most recent available results and update your calculation once your final NSC results are released.
Applying Without Checking Requirements
Even if your APS looks strong, always compare it with the official admission requirements for your chosen programme.
Tips to Improve Your Chances of Admission
Although you cannot change your APS after receiving your final matric results, there are several ways to improve your chances of getting accepted.
- Apply as early as possible.
- Apply to more than one university.
- Consider related qualifications.
- Look at foundation or extended programmes.
- Apply for bursaries and NSFAS at the same time.
- Keep copies of all your supporting documents.
Planning ahead gives you more options if your first-choice programme is unavailable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Life Orientation count towards my APS?
It depends on the university.
Some universities include Life Orientation, while others exclude it from their APS calculation.
Always check your chosen university’s admissions guide.
Can I calculate my APS before receiving my final matric results?
Yes.
You can estimate your APS using your latest available Grade 11 or Grade 12 results.
Once your final NSC results are released, calculate your APS again using your official marks.
What APS score do I need?
There is no universal APS requirement.
Different programmes require different scores.
For example:
- Medicine usually requires a very high APS.
- Engineering requires strong Mathematics and Physical Sciences marks.
- Commerce programmes often require a moderate APS.
- Humanities programmes generally have lower APS requirements.
Always check the official admission requirements for your chosen qualification.
Do all universities calculate APS the same way?
No.
Although most universities use similar systems, some:
- Exclude Life Orientation.
- Use different APS scales.
- Have additional admission requirements.
Always verify the APS calculation used by your chosen institution.
What if my APS is too low?
If your APS doesn’t meet the minimum requirement, you still have options.
Consider:
- Foundation programmes
- Extended curriculum programmes
- Universities of Technology
- Bridging programmes
- Alternative qualifications within the same field
These pathways can help you reach your long-term academic goals.
Related Guides
Continue planning your university journey with these helpful resources:
- South African Universities Open for 2027 Applications: Key Deadlines
- NSFAS vs Private Bursaries: What’s the Difference?
- How to Write a Strong Motivation Letter
- Best Bursaries Open for 2027
- University Application Checklist
Final Thoughts
Calculating your APS score is one of the most important steps before applying to university. It gives you a realistic understanding of which programmes you qualify for and helps you make informed decisions about your future studies.
Remember that your APS score is only one part of the admissions process. Universities also consider subject requirements, programme capacity, and other selection criteria. For this reason, always compare your APS with the official requirements published by your chosen university and submit your applications before the closing date.
Taking the time to calculate your APS correctly, research university requirements, and apply early will significantly improve your chances of securing admission to the programme you want.