Getting into a South African university can seem like a daunting process. Between gathering documents, writing motivational letters, and choosing courses, one of the most important factors to consider is your APS (Admission Point Score). The APS is a key determinant that South African universities use to evaluate your eligibility for a specific course.
But how exactly do you calculate your APS, and why does it matter so much? In this article, we will break down the ins and outs of the APS calculator, guide you through the steps to calculate your score, and explain why it’s important for getting into the university of your choice.
What is the APS Calculator?
The APS Calculator is a tool that helps students determine their Admission Point Score based on their final National Senior Certificate (NSC) or matric results. Universities in South Africa use this score to assess whether a student qualifies for a specific degree or diploma program. The higher your APS, the better your chances of getting accepted into a competitive program.
Every university has its own APS requirements for different courses, and this is why knowing your score early can help you plan more effectively.
Important: Universities Still Open for 2025 Academic Year Applications
How Does the APS Calculator Work?
The APS Calculator assigns a point value to each of your matric subjects based on the marks you achieved. These points are then added together to give you a total score. Typically, the calculator uses six subjects (excluding Life Orientation, which is often counted at a lower rate or excluded entirely) from your final Grade 12 results.
Here’s a general breakdown of how points are awarded:
- 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 (or zero in some universities)
How to Calculate Your APS Score
Step 1: Gather Your Results
Before calculating your APS, you need your final matric results. Make sure you have the results for the six subjects that are used for APS scoring. Remember, some universities only consider certain subjects as part of the APS calculation. For example, languages and key subjects like Maths, Physical Science, or Accounting may weigh more depending on the program.
Step 2: Assign Point Values
Using the table provided above, assign a point value to each of your six subjects based on the percentage you received.
For example:
- If you got 75% in English, that’s 6 points.
- If you scored 65% in Mathematics, that’s 5 points.
- If you received 58% in History, that’s 4 points.
Step 3: Add Your Points Together
Once you’ve assigned points to all six subjects, simply add them up to get your total APS score.
Example:
- English: 75% = 6 points
- Mathematics: 65% = 5 points
- History: 58% = 4 points
- Geography: 80% = 7 points
- Life Sciences: 55% = 4 points
- Physical Sciences: 40% = 3 points
Total APS = 6 + 5 + 4 + 7 + 4 + 3 = 29 points
Step 4: Check University Requirements
Now that you have your total APS, you can check the minimum requirements for the program you want to apply for. Each university and course will have different APS cut-offs. For instance, a Bachelor of Commerce might require a minimum APS of 30, while a less competitive diploma program might accept an APS of 22.
Why is Your APS Important?
Your APS score essentially determines whether you can apply for certain courses at South African universities. It acts as a filter for admissions officers to see if you meet the basic academic requirements. If your score is below the required APS for a course, you may not be considered for admission.
A high APS score also gives you more options and increases your chances of getting into your preferred course. In some cases, especially in competitive fields like medicine or engineering, even a high APS may not guarantee a spot due to limited space and the number of applications.
Tips to Improve Your APS Score
1. Focus on Core Subjects
Certain subjects, like Maths, Physical Sciences, or your chosen language, can be weighted more heavily depending on the program. Concentrating on these core subjects will boost your APS.
2. Retake Matric Subjects
If you didn’t perform as well as you hoped in matric, you have the option to retake subjects to improve your APS. The Department of Education offers supplementary exams for students who want to improve their scores.
3. Choose the Right Subjects Early
In Grade 10, you are required to choose your subjects. If you know what kind of course or career you want to pursue, make sure you select subjects that align with the program’s APS requirements. For instance, if you’re interested in pursuing engineering, choosing Maths and Physical Science would be crucial for your APS calculation.
4. Apply Early
Many students wait until the last minute to apply for university. By then, the competition can be high, and spaces may fill up quickly. Apply as soon as the application window opens to improve your chances of acceptance.
Read More: APS Enhancement: 5 Powerful Strategies for Successful University Admission
APS for Different South African Universities
Every university in South Africa has its own APS requirements, and some may even use different scales. Here’s a quick look at how some universities assess APS:
1. University of Cape Town (UCT)
UCT typically has one of the highest APS cut-offs. For example, to study medicine at UCT, you’ll need a minimum APS of around 42 points, with high scores in Maths, Physical Science, and English.
2. University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
Wits uses a similar APS system, but certain faculties may require additional tests or higher APS scores. For law, an APS of at least 34 is usually required, while courses like Engineering may demand a minimum of 36.
3. University of Pretoria (UP)
UP’s APS requirements vary depending on the faculty. For instance, their Business School may require an APS of 30, while a course in the Humanities may require only 25.
4. Stellenbosch University
Stellenbosch is known for its high academic standards, and some of its programs may require an APS of 40 or above. As with most universities, core subjects like Mathematics and Science are often weighted more heavily.
The APS calculator is a crucial tool for any student planning to apply to a South African university. By understanding how the calculator works and knowing your APS score, you can make informed decisions about your future. Whether you’re aiming for a competitive program or simply trying to ensure you meet the minimum entry requirements, calculating your APS early on is the key to a smooth university application process.
If your APS is not where you want it to be, don’t worry. With dedication and careful planning, you can take steps to improve your score and increase your chances of getting into the program of your dreams.
