If you’re planning to apply to a South African university, your Admission Point Score (APS) plays a crucial role in determining whether you qualify for your chosen course. Each institution sets its own minimum APS requirements for different programmes, making it essential to maximise your score before applying.
How to Improve Your APS Score Before Applying
Whether you’re still in high school or considering upgrading your results, here’s a practical guide on how to improve your APS score and boost your chances of admission.
What is the APS?
The APS is a points system used by South African universities to assess whether a student qualifies for a particular course. It is calculated based on your final Grade 12 results, with each subject earning a score between 1 and 7:
| 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 your APS using your best six subjects, excluding Life Orientation in many cases. Some courses also require you to meet specific subject requirements (e.g., Maths for Engineering or Physical Science for Health Sciences).
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1. Identify Your Target APS
Start by researching the APS requirements for your desired course and university. Each programme will have a minimum APS you must meet to be considered. For example, a Bachelor of Commerce may require a minimum APS of 28, while a degree in Medicine could need 35 or more.
Knowing your target score gives you a clear goal and helps you identify how many more points you need to gain.
2. Improve Your Performance in Key Subjects
Focus your efforts on subjects that can make the biggest difference in your APS:
- Core subjects like Mathematics, Physical Science, and English usually carry more weight for university applications.
- High-scoring subjects such as Business Studies or Geography can help boost your overall APS if you perform well in them.
If you’re still in school, consider extra tutoring, study groups, or past paper revision to boost your performance.
3. Rewrite or Upgrade Matric Subjects
If you’ve already completed Matric but did not meet the required APS, you can rewrite one or more subjects through the Second Chance Matric Programme or register with a private college that offers matric upgrade services.
- Upgrading allows you to improve specific subject marks, which can significantly increase your overall APS.
- Be strategic: focus on subjects where you scored just below a higher APS band (e.g., increasing a 59% to a 60% can take you from 4 to 5 APS points).
4. Take a Bridging Course or Foundation Programme
Some universities offer bridging or extended programmes for students who narrowly miss APS requirements. These programmes are designed to help students transition into a full degree course after completing a foundational year.
While this doesn’t directly raise your APS, it gives you another pathway into your chosen qualification without redoing matric.
5. Include Additional Subjects (If Applicable)
If you have taken more than six subjects, your APS can be calculated based on your best six results. This means doing well in additional subjects like Computer Applications Technology or Visual Arts can give you extra points that count toward your total.
6. Prepare Early and Track Your Progress
- Start working towards improving your APS as early as Grade 10 or 11.
- Use term results to estimate your APS and adjust your study plan accordingly.
- Make use of resources such as study guides, online classes, and extra lessons.
Also check: How to Use the APS Calculator for 2026 Applications
Final Tips
- Understand the specific university requirements: Some institutions, like the University of Pretoria or Wits, may calculate APS differently or include Life Orientation.
- Keep subject-specific minimums in mind: Even with a high overall APS, not meeting minimum subject requirements (e.g., 60% in Maths) can disqualify your application.
- Plan for your second or backup choice: Have an alternative programme in mind that requires a slightly lower APS.
By understanding how the APS system works and taking deliberate steps to improve your results, you can strengthen your application and expand your options for higher education. With preparation, commitment, and the right support, reaching your target APS is entirely within your reach.
