Enter your latest mark (%) for each subject. Leave a row empty if you don't take that subject.
Add your marks to see your APS.
APS scores calculated with EduRance
How this calculator works
Each subject mark is turned into an NSC achievement level from 1 to 7. Your APS is the total of your best six subjects. Life Orientation is left out, as most South African universities do. The highest possible score is 42.
| Your mark | NSC level | APS points |
|---|---|---|
| 80–100% | 7 (Outstanding) | 7 |
| 70–79% | 6 (Meritorious) | 6 |
| 60–69% | 5 (Substantial) | 5 |
| 50–59% | 4 (Adequate) | 4 |
| 40–49% | 3 (Moderate) | 3 |
| 30–39% | 2 (Elementary) | 2 |
| 0–29% | 1 (Not achieved) | 1 |
Worked example: how six marks become an APS
Suppose you scored English 72%, Mathematics 65%, Physical Sciences 58%, Life Sciences 81%, Geography 47% and Accounting 74%. On this calculator's seven-point scale, those six subjects earn 6 + 5 + 4 + 7 + 3 + 6 = 31 APS points. A Life Orientation mark would not be included. Your actual admission score may differ at a particular institution.
Important: universities don't all count APS the same way
This calculator uses the standard scale. Some universities and faculties use their own version: they may add points for high marks, count Life Orientation, or use percentages instead. Your APS is also only one requirement. Most courses also set minimum marks for specific subjects, such as Mathematics or English.
Always check the admission rules on the university's own website before you apply. In the EduRance app, you can see which courses match your APS and your subject marks.
For example, UCT counts subject percentages, including English and any required subjects, while this calculator uses seven-point achievement levels. Never compare this 42-point result directly with a different university's published score.
What should you do with your APS?
- Check whether you have entered six eligible subjects and used your latest report.
- Explore possible study routes and check which subjects each course requires.
- Open the institution's current prospectus to confirm its own scoring method, subject minimums and application dates.
Which marks should I use?
In Grade 12, universities usually make provisional offers based on your Grade 11 final results or your Grade 12 June results. Your final place depends on your NSC results. In Grade 10 or 11, use your latest report to see where you stand and which subjects to work on.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good APS score?
There is no single good APS for every course. Compare your result with the exact programme's current requirements, including its subject minimums and admission method.
Is Life Orientation included in APS?
Most universities leave it out, and this calculator does too. A few institutions give it a small value, so check the university's own rules.
What is the maximum APS?
Using the standard method, 42: six subjects × 7 points.
Can I use Grade 11 marks?
Yes. Most universities make provisional offers on your Grade 11 final or Grade 12 June results, then confirm with your final NSC results.