In South Africa, the Admission Point Score (APS) is a system used by universities and TVET colleges to assess whether a student qualifies for a specific course based on their matric results. If your APS is 27, you fall into the range where a variety of study options open up, especially for diploma programs and selected degrees at universities and colleges.
27 APS Score Courses You Can Apply For
Here’s a factual and helpful guide to 27 APS score courses you can apply for, including common entry requirements and where you can study them.
Understanding the APS Score
Before applying, it’s important to understand how your APS is calculated. Each of your matric subject results (from your best six subjects) earns points according to a scale:
- 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
For most universities, Life Orientation is excluded from APS calculation, but some institutions count it. Always check the institution’s policy.
27 APS Score Courses You Can Apply For
Here are 27 popular courses you can consider with a 27 APS:
Diploma Programs (TVET Colleges & Universities of Technology)
- Diploma in Marketing Management
- Diploma in Public Relations
- Diploma in Business Management
- Diploma in Hospitality Management
- Diploma in Tourism Management
- Diploma in Office Management and Technology
- Diploma in Management Assistant
- Diploma in Financial Management
- Diploma in Public Management
- Diploma in Legal Secretary
- Diploma in Policing
- Diploma in Human Resource Management
- Diploma in Event Management
- Diploma in Supply Chain and Logistics
- Diploma in Information Technology
These courses are widely offered at institutions like Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), Durban University of Technology (DUT), and TVET Colleges nationwide.
Bachelor’s Degrees (Selected Universities)
While some degree programs require APS scores of 30+, a 27 APS can qualify you for:
- Bachelor of Social Work – Available at institutions like University of Limpopo, University of Venda, and UNISA.
- Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase – Offered at University of Zululand, Walter Sisulu University, and others.
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – Entry-level option at some universities like North-West University or University of the Free State.
- Bachelor of Arts in Development Studies
- Bachelor of Arts in Communication Science – Especially via UNISA, which accepts students with lower APS.
- Bachelor of Administration in Public Management – Offered at University of Fort Hare, TUT, and others.
- Bachelor of Arts in Criminology or Sociology
- Bachelor of Theology or Religious Studies
- Bachelor of Environmental Health – Offered at CPUT and University of Johannesburg (UJ) with minimum APS requirements around 26–28.
- Bachelor of Community Development
- Bachelor of Heritage and Cultural Studies
- Bachelor of Consumer Science – Available at institutions like University of Zululand or UNISA.
Read more: Courses That Require 20 – 25 APS Score Points or Less at the University of Johannesburg (UJ)
Tips for Applicants with a 27 APS
- Check Faculty Requirements: Some courses may require minimum marks in specific subjects (e.g., Mathematics or English).
- Use Your Extended Curriculum Option: Some universities offer extended programs (4-year degrees) for students who don’t meet the full entry requirements for mainstream degrees.
- Apply to More Than One Institution: Increase your chances by applying to multiple universities and TVET colleges.
- Apply Early: Meeting the APS does not guarantee admission—early applications improve your chances.
- Consider Bridging or Higher Certificate Programs: These are alternative pathways if your chosen course needs a higher APS.
Also check: AfriSam Bursary Programme 2025
An APS of 27 is a solid score that can qualify you for many diploma and selected bachelor’s degree courses across South Africa. With careful research and timely applications, you can pursue a valuable qualification that suits your career goals.
Don’t be discouraged if your APS doesn’t meet the cut-off for your first-choice program—there are many alternative pathways available, including higher certificates, bridging courses, and extended degree programs. Use your APS score as a starting point, not a limitation.
