Planning for university in South Africa involves many steps, and one of the most crucial is understanding your Admission Point Score, or APS.
This number is a key factor that universities use to determine if you qualify for your chosen degree program.
It can feel a little overwhelming, but getting a clear picture of your APS early on can help you set realistic goals and make informed decisions about your future.
What is an APS Score?
An Admission Point Score (APS) is a standardized system used by South African universities to evaluate prospective students.
It converts your matriculation results (your final marks from Grade 12) into a point-based score. Each university then sets a minimum APS requirement for its various faculties and degree programs.
Essentially, your APS score acts as an initial filter for admissions.
Meeting the minimum APS for a course is often the first hurdle you need to clear before your application is considered further.
A higher APS can significantly improve your chances of being accepted into competitive programs.
Who Needs to Calculate an APS Score?
Calculating an APS score is a necessary step for most students completing their secondary education in South Africa and planning to attend university.
This primarily includes students with the following qualifications:
National Senior Certificate (NSC)
The most common qualification for South African high school students.
Independent Schools Certificate (ISC)
For students attending schools accredited by the Independent Examinations Board (IEB).
South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute (SACAI)
For students completing their matric through this assessment body.
If you completed the South African Senior Certificate before 2008, the standard APS calculation does not apply.
You will need to contact the admissions office of your chosen university directly for information on their specific requirements.
For students with foreign qualifications (e.g., Cambridge, IB, American High School Diploma), the process is different.
You will need to have your results converted and apply to the Matriculation Board (USAf) for an exemption certificate.
How to Calculate Your APS Score
Here is the standard conversion table used by most South African universities:
| Percentage | APS Points |
| 80-100% | 7 |
| 70-79% | 6 |
| 60-69% | 5 |
| 50-59% | 4 |
| 40-49% | 3 |
| 30-39% | 2 |
| 0-29% | 1 |
To calculate your total APS, you will sum the points for six of your subjects, including:
- Home Language
- First Additional Language
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy
- Three other best-performing subjects
One of the most important things to note is that all subjects are weighted equally when calculating the APS score.
A 75% in Mathematics is worth the same number of points (6) as a 75% in History.
However, keep in mind that many university programs have specific subject requirements, such as a minimum mark in Mathematics or Physical Sciences.
Life Orientation is typically excluded from the APS calculation, but some universities may award a point for it if you achieve a high mark.
Use Our Free APS Calculator
Step-by-step guide to using the calculator:
- Select your Home Language and enter the corresponding percentage.
- Select your First Additional Language and enter the percentage.
- Choose between Mathematics, Mathematical Literacy, or Technical Mathematics and enter your mark.
- Enter your marks for your three other best subjects.
- Click the “Calculate Your APS Score Now” button to see your result.
APS Calculation Scenarios
Let’s look at a few examples to see how the calculation works in practice.
Scenario 1: High-Achieving NSC Student
Ameera is an NSC student with the following Grade 12 results:
| Subject | Percentage | APS Points |
| English Home Language | 85% | 7 |
| Afrikaans First Additional Language | 81% | 7 |
| Mathematics | 92% | 7 |
| Physical Sciences | 88% | 7 |
| Life Sciences | 90% | 7 |
| Accounting | 78% | 6 |
| Total APS Score | 41 |
With an impressive APS of 41, Ameera meets the requirements for highly competitive degrees like Medicine or Engineering at top universities.
Scenario 2: ISC Student with Mixed Grades
Ben is an ISC student with a mix of good and average grades:
| Subject | Percentage | APS Points |
| English Home Language | 75% | 6 |
| isiZulu First Additional Language | 68% | 5 |
| Mathematics | 62% | 5 |
| Business Studies | 71% | 6 |
| Geography | 55% | 4 |
| History | 49% | 3 |
| Total APS Score | 29 |
Ben’s APS of 29 makes him eligible for many Bachelor of Arts or Commerce programs,
though he might not meet the criteria for science-based degrees that require higher marks in Mathematics.
Scenario 3: The Impact of Math vs. Math Literacy
Thabo is deciding which degree to pursue and wants to see how his choice of Mathematics affects his options.
With Mathematics:
- His APS is 32.
- He can apply for a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting, which requires Mathematics.
With Mathematical Literacy:
- His APS is 34 (he scored higher in Math Lit).
- He can apply for a Bachelor of Arts, but he is no longer eligible for the B.Com in Accounting because it requires pure Mathematics.
This shows that while your overall APS is important, subject choices and specific course requirements are just as critical.
Ready to Plan Your Future?
Don’t leave your future to chance. Use our simple and accurate APS calculator to find out where you stand today.
[Calculate Your Score Now].