APS Score for Tourism & Travel Management Courses

If you’re interested in studying Tourism and Travel Management in South Africa, one of the first things you’ll need to understand is the Admission Point Score (APS) system. Your APS determines whether you qualify for admission into a specific course at a university, university of technology, or TVET college.

This guide breaks down what the APS score is, what score is typically required for Tourism and Travel Management courses, and how you can improve your chances of qualifying.

What Is an APS Score?

APS stands for Admission Point Score. It’s a points-based system used by South African institutions to assess whether students meet the minimum academic requirements for entry into a qualification. The score is calculated based on your National Senior Certificate (NSC) results, focusing on your best six subjects (excluding Life Orientation, although some institutions may include it).

Here’s a general guide to how APS points are awarded:

So, if you score 60% in a subject, you earn 5 APS points for that subject.

APS Requirements for Tourism & Travel Management Courses

Tourism and Travel Management is offered at various levels: certificate, diploma, and degree. The APS score you need depends on the level of study and the institution you’re applying to.

1. Higher Certificate in Tourism or Travel

• Minimum APS: 18–22 points
• Subjects required: English (minimum 40–50%), sometimes Mathematical Literacy or Geography may be advantageous.

These are often offered at TVET colleges and private institutions. They are ideal for students who did not achieve a Bachelor’s pass but still want to enter the tourism industry.

2. Diploma in Tourism or Travel and Tourism Management

• Minimum APS: 22–26 points
• Subjects required: English (minimum 50%), Mathematical Literacy or Mathematics (may be required at some institutions), and any other three subjects above 50%.

Many universities of technology, such as Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) or Durban University of Technology (DUT), offer these diplomas.

3. Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism Management

• Minimum APS: 26–30+ points
• Subjects required: English (minimum 60%), Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, and other strong academic subjects.

Universities like University of Johannesburg (UJ) or North-West University (NWU) offer Bachelor’s degrees in Tourism or Tourism Development. A Bachelor’s degree typically requires a Bachelor pass in matric and a higher APS score.

Read more: University of Zululand Applications for 2026

How to Calculate and Improve Your APS

To calculate your APS:

1. Take your final NSC results.
2. Exclude Life Orientation (unless your institution includes it).
3. Convert each mark into APS points using the table above.
4. Add up your six best subjects.

If your APS is just below the minimum requirement, don’t panic! You can:

• Upgrade your matric results by rewriting key subjects.
• Apply for a bridging course or higher certificate at a college, then articulate to a diploma or degree.
• Gain relevant experience or do short courses that improve your profile.

Additional Tips

• Each institution sets its own APS requirements. Always check the official website or prospectus for the most accurate info.
• Meeting the APS does not guarantee acceptance. Entry may also be based on space availability, interview performance, or motivational letters.
• Some institutions use placement tests or assessments in addition to APS scores.
• If you didn’t take Tourism in high school, don’t worry—many courses don’t require it as a prerequisite.

Also check: Western Cape MasakhiSizwe Bursary 2026

Understanding your APS score is a crucial first step to studying Tourism and Travel Management in South Africa. Whether you’re aiming for a certificate, diploma, or degree, knowing what’s expected helps you make informed choices. If you’re passionate about the travel industry and ready to serve with energy and excellence, meeting the APS requirement is your ticket to a dynamic and exciting career in tourism.