What is an APS?
Your Admission Point Score (APS) is a number that South African universities use to compare applicants. It's worked out from your school marks. Each course sets a minimum APS, so the higher your score, the more courses you can apply for.
Step 1: Turn each mark into a level
Every subject mark is converted into an NSC achievement level between 1 and 7:
| Your mark | Level and points |
|---|---|
| 80–100% | 7 |
| 70–79% | 6 |
| 60–69% | 5 |
| 50–59% | 4 |
| 40–49% | 3 |
| 30–39% | 2 |
| 0–29% | 1 |
Step 2: Leave out Life Orientation
Most universities don't count Life Orientation, even though you must pass it to get your NSC. A few institutions or faculties do give it a small value, so check where you're applying.
Step 3: Add up your best six subjects
Add the levels of your six best subjects (excluding Life Orientation). The maximum is 7 × 6 = 42.
Worked example
| Subject | Mark | Points |
|---|---|---|
| English Home Language | 68% | 5 |
| isiZulu First Additional Language | 81% | 7 |
| Mathematics | 55% | 4 |
| Physical Sciences | 61% | 5 |
| Life Sciences | 72% | 6 |
| Geography | 64% | 5 |
| Life Orientation | 85% | Not counted |
| APS | 32 |
What APS do I need?
It depends on the course and the university. As a rough guide, diploma courses often ask for a lower APS than degrees, and competitive degrees such as medicine, engineering and actuarial science usually ask for the highest scores. Courses also set minimum subject marks. For example, many science and engineering degrees require a certain level in Mathematics and Physical Sciences, and Mathematical Literacy is often not accepted.
Always confirm the exact APS and subject requirements in the university's current prospectus.
Why universities calculate APS differently
Some universities use their own scoring. They may award extra points for marks above 90%, give extra weight to English or Mathematics, include Life Orientation, or use percentages instead of levels. The standard method above is the best place to start, but your final score can differ at a specific university.
How to raise your APS
- Focus on subjects near a boundary. Moving from 58% to 60% adds a full point, while going from 62% to 68% adds nothing.
- Improve a subject in your best six. Raising a subject that isn't in your top six won't change your score.
- Practise with past papers. DBE past papers and memos show exactly how exams are marked.
Work out your own score with the free APS calculator. The EduRance app also shows which subject to improve for the biggest gain.
Frequently asked questions
Does Mathematical Literacy count for APS?
Yes, it counts towards your total like any other subject. But many science, engineering and commerce degrees require pure Mathematics, so check the subject requirements too.
Why is my APS different at different universities?
Some universities use their own scale, for example giving 8 points for 90% or more, or including Life Orientation. Your standard APS is the best starting point.
How do I raise my APS quickly?
Focus on subjects just below a level boundary (for example 58% or 68%), because two or three more percent adds a full point.