The Admission Point Score (APS) is a crucial requirement for university admission in South Africa. It is calculated based on a student’s National Senior Certificate (NSC) results. Different universities have specific APS score requirements for various courses, including teaching degrees. If you are interested in becoming a teacher in South Africa, you must meet the APS requirements for the phase you wish to teach.
APS Score Requirements for Teaching Degrees
Teaching degrees are offered at different levels, catering to specific school phases:
- Foundation Phase (Grade R – 3)
- Intermediate Phase (Grade 4 – 6)
- Senior Phase and Further Education and Training (FET) Phase (Grade 7 – 12)
Each phase has its own APS requirements depending on the university and the subjects offered.
APS Score for Foundation Phase Teaching
A Bachelor of Education (BEd) in Foundation Phase Teaching prepares students to teach young children in Grades R to 3. This degree typically requires:
- A minimum APS of 26 to 30, depending on the institution.
- A pass in Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy (usually a minimum of Level 3 for Mathematics or Level 4 for Mathematical Literacy).
- A minimum of Level 4 (50-59%) in Home Language (English or Afrikaans, depending on the university’s instruction language).
- Life Orientation is considered but generally carries fewer points.
Some universities may also require an additional language at Level 4.
APS Score for Intermediate Phase Teaching
A Bachelor of Education (BEd) in Intermediate Phase Teaching qualifies students to teach Grades 4 to 6. The APS requirements for this phase are similar but may have additional subject-specific prerequisites:
- A minimum APS of 26 to 30, depending on the university.
- A pass in Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy (Level 3 for Mathematics or Level 4 for Mathematical Literacy).
- A minimum of Level 4 (50-59%) in Home Language.
- Some universities may require an additional language at Level 4.
- If specializing in subjects like Mathematics or Science, a higher mark in these subjects is often preferred.
APS Score for Senior Phase and FET Phase Teaching
The Senior and Further Education and Training (FET) Phase prepares students to teach Grades 7 to 12. The APS requirements for this phase vary depending on the specialization subjects:
- A minimum APS of 26 to 32, depending on the institution.
- A pass in Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy (Mathematics Level 3 or Mathematical Literacy Level 4).
- A minimum of Level 4 in Home Language.
- For subject specializations like Mathematics, Science, or Accounting, a minimum Level 4 or 5 in those subjects may be required.
- If specializing in a language, a minimum Level 5 (60-69%) in the chosen language is often necessary.
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How to Calculate Your APS Score
To calculate your APS, you assign points to your NSC results as follows:
| Percentage | APS Points |
|---|---|
| 80 – 100% | 7 |
| 70 – 79% | 6 |
| 60 – 69% | 5 |
| 50 – 59% | 4 |
| 40 – 49% | 3 |
| 30 – 39% | 2 |
| 0 – 29% | 1 |
Example: If you scored 65% in English, 55% in Mathematics, and 72% in Life Sciences, your APS would be:
- English (Level 5) = 5 points
- Mathematics (Level 4) = 4 points
- Life Sciences (Level 6) = 6 points
- Total = 15 APS (excluding other subjects)
Universities calculate APS based on the best six subjects, excluding Life Orientation in most cases.
Alternative Pathways to a Teaching Degree
If your APS score does not meet the minimum requirements for a BEd degree, you have several options:
- Bridging Courses – Some universities offer Higher Certificate programs to help students improve their qualifications.
- Diploma in Education – A diploma in education may have lower APS requirements and can be a stepping stone to a BEd.
- Upgrading Matric Results – You can rewrite subjects to improve your APS score.
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) – If you have relevant teaching experience, some institutions may consider RPL as part of admission.
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The APS score required for a teaching degree in South Africa varies by phase and institution, typically ranging from 26 to 32 points. Meeting subject-specific requirements, particularly in languages and mathematics, is crucial. If you do not meet the APS requirements, alternative pathways such as bridging courses or diploma programs are available. Before applying, always check the specific entry requirements of the university you are interested in to ensure you qualify for your desired teaching program.
