Your APS is one way institutions compare school results. A score alone cannot tell you every course you qualify for: the institution's scoring method, your National Senior Certificate (NSC) result, required subjects, language marks and available places all matter. Calculate your indicative APS first, then follow the checks below.
Step 1: Check your NSC admission level
The national minimum admission levels differ from programme admission rules. The Department of Basic Education explains the minimum higher education entry requirements; institutions may set higher requirements. Your results statement identifies your admission level.
| Admission level | National minimum for higher education access | What to check next |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree | An NSC with at least 30% in the institution's language of learning and teaching and at least 50% in four recognised 20-credit subjects. | The degree's subject minimums and the institution's own selection score. |
| Diploma | An NSC with at least 30% in the language of learning and teaching and at least 40% in four recognised 20-credit subjects. | The diploma's additional programme requirements. |
| Higher certificate | An NSC with at least 30% in the language of learning and teaching. | Any extra subjects or marks required by the programme. |
Step 2: Explore routes, then verify a specific programme
There is no reliable national list of courses you qualify for at an APS of 20, 25, 30 or 35. Universities calculate scores differently. For example, UCT uses subject percentages and includes English and required subjects in its score. The examples below suggest where to begin your search; they are not admission cut-offs.
APS below 20
Explore higher certificates, TVET college programmes and learnerships. Entry requirements vary, and a higher certificate does not automatically transfer into a diploma.
APS 20 to 24
Check higher certificates, selected diplomas and extended programmes. For context, the University of Pretoria lists APS 20 for its 2027 Higher Certificate in Sports Sciences; other courses set different requirements.
APS 25 to 29
Compare diploma and degree programmes one at a time. Check the minimum for English, Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy and any other required subject before using the APS figure.
APS 30 to 34
Explore degree programmes that match your subjects. As one example, the University of Pretoria lists APS 30 based on Grade 11 results for consideration for its 2027 BA, with its own final admission conditions.
APS 35 and above
You can investigate more selective programmes, but a high APS by itself never guarantees a place. Confirm required subjects, selection criteria and any additional assessment directly with the institution.
Worked example: the same APS can lead to different answers
Two learners might both score 30 on a seven-point APS scale. If one has Mathematics and Physical Sciences and the other has Mathematical Literacy and Geography, they may meet different programme subject requirements. Start with your subjects, then check the exact course's APS method and minimums. The institution makes the admission decision.
Subjects matter as much as APS
- Mathematics vs Mathematical Literacy. Engineering, most sciences, health sciences and many commerce degrees require pure Mathematics.
- Physical Sciences is often required for engineering, medicine and some science degrees.
- English minimums apply to many courses, and law and teaching often set higher language marks.
Don't qualify yet? You still have options
- Start with a higher certificate or TVET programme, then move up.
- Choose an extended programme, which has lower entry marks and more support.
- Upgrade your marks by rewriting subjects through the Second Chance Matric Programme.
- Apply for a learnership. You earn a stipend and get a qualification while you work.
Try the free APS calculator, explore your subjects and possible careers, and use EduRance to compare courses with your marks. Verify each result against the institution's current prospectus before applying.
Frequently asked questions
What can I study with an APS of 20?
Start with higher certificates, TVET and selected diplomas. Compare your subjects and marks with each institution's own entry requirements.
What can I study with an APS of 25?
Look at diplomas, extended programmes and degrees whose specific requirements you meet. No qualification is guaranteed by an APS of 25.
What can I study with an APS of 30?
Compare individual degree and diploma requirements, including subject marks and how each institution calculates APS.
Is Mathematical Literacy accepted for degrees?
For some degrees, yes, for example many humanities, education and social science programmes. Engineering, most sciences and health sciences require pure Mathematics.