When applying for an Accounting or Finance degree at a South African university, one of the most important factors that determines your eligibility is your APS score—short for Admission Point Score. Universities use this score to assess whether an applicant meets the minimum academic requirements for a specific programme.
APS Score for Accounting & Finance Degrees in South Africa
This guide will help you understand what APS is, how it’s calculated, and the typical APS requirements for Accounting and Finance degrees at major universities in South Africa.
What Is an APS Score?
The APS is a numerical score that is calculated based on a student’s performance in their final National Senior Certificate (NSC) or IEB matric exams. Each subject is assigned a point value based on the percentage achieved. The better your marks, the higher your APS.
Here’s a breakdown of the standard APS scale:
| Percentage (%) | APS Points |
|---|---|
| 80 – 100 | 7 |
| 70 – 79 | 6 |
| 60 – 69 | 5 |
| 50 – 59 | 4 |
| 40 – 49 | 3 |
| 30 – 39 | 2 |
| 0 – 29 | 1 |
Most universities calculate the APS using your top six subjects, excluding Life Orientation (unless otherwise specified). Some institutions may include specific subjects or give extra weight to Maths and English.
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APS Requirements for Accounting and Finance Degrees
1. University of Johannesburg (UJ) – BCom in Accounting
- Minimum APS: 28
- Subjects required:
- English (minimum level 4)
- Mathematics (minimum level 4)
- Notes: Mathematical Literacy is not accepted.
2. University of Pretoria (UP) – BCom Accounting Sciences
- Minimum APS: 32
- Subjects required:
- English Home Language or First Additional Language (level 5)
- Mathematics (level 5)
- Notes: Strong preference is given to learners with higher Maths marks.
3. University of Cape Town (UCT) – BCom in Financial Accounting
- Minimum APS: 36–42 (UCT uses a Faculty Points Score system, which is similar to APS)
- Subjects required:
- Mathematics (level 6 or 7)
- English (level 5 or higher)
- Notes: UCT places a high value on Mathematics and overall academic excellence.
4. Stellenbosch University – BCom in Financial Accounting
- Minimum APS: 33
- Subjects required:
- Mathematics (level 5)
- English or Afrikaans (level 4)
- Notes: This is a competitive programme with limited space.
5. University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) – BCom Accounting
- Minimum APS: 32
- Subjects required:
- Mathematics (level 4)
- English (level 4)
- Notes: Applicants are ranked based on points and performance.
Why Maths Matters More Than You Think
For Accounting and Finance degrees, Mathematics is one of the most important subjects. Most universities will not accept Mathematical Literacy for these programmes. This is because Accounting and Finance involve analytical thinking, statistics, financial modelling, and quantitative problem-solving—all of which require a strong foundation in Maths.
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Boosting Your APS Score
If your APS score is slightly below the minimum requirement for your chosen programme, here are some tips:
- Consider a Higher Certificate Programme: Some universities offer Higher Certificate courses in business or finance that can serve as a bridging pathway.
- Upgrade Your Matric Results: You can rewrite one or more subjects to improve your APS.
- TVET Colleges: Completing a relevant NATED or NCV qualification may allow you to apply for a BCom at a later stage.
- Seek Career Advice: Consult with a university admissions advisor to explore alternative entry routes or related programmes like Business Management or Financial Planning.
Your APS score plays a critical role in determining your eligibility for Accounting and Finance degrees in South Africa. While minimum APS scores range from 28 to 42 depending on the university and programme, strong performance in Mathematics and English is essential. Always check the latest prospectus of your chosen institution for updates, as requirements can change each academic year.
If you’re passionate about a career in finance, accounting, or auditing, start planning early to meet the APS target—and remember, there are always alternative routes to your dream career.
