Your APS score — Admission Point Score — is the number that determines which university courses you qualify for. It sounds simple, but there are important rules about which subjects count, how Life Orientation is treated, and why Maths Literacy and pure Mathematics open very different doors. This guide explains everything clearly, with worked examples.
Understanding your APS is the first step to finding the right course
The APS system is used by all 26 South African public universities, though some institutions use their own variants or additional scoring mechanisms. Understanding how your score is calculated — and what it opens up — is the first and most critical step in planning your future after matric. Many students lose out on their preferred courses not because of their marks, but because they miscalculate their APS or don't understand which subjects count toward it.
What Is an APS Score?
The Admission Point Score is a standardised numerical score derived from your matric results that universities use to assess your academic readiness for a specific programme. Rather than looking at raw percentages, institutions convert each subject's percentage into a point value between 1 and 7, then add those values together to get your APS.
The reason universities use APS rather than raw percentages is consistency. A 70% from one school may represent a different level of difficulty than a 70% from another. The APS system creates a standardised comparison that gives institutions a workable baseline to apply fairly across all applicants.
Your APS is not fixed to a specific institution — it is simply a number you carry. Each university and programme then sets its own minimum APS threshold. A BCom Accounting at Wits may require an APS of 32, while the same qualification at another institution may require 26. This is exactly why the Matric2Succes tool exists — to match your specific APS to every qualifying course across South Africa.
The APS Conversion Table
The conversion from percentage to points follows the official NSC performance levels. This is the standard table used by most South African universities:
| Percentage Range | NSC Level | APS Points | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80% – 100% | Level 7 | 7 | Outstanding Achievement |
| 70% – 79% | Level 6 | 6 | Meritorious Achievement |
| 60% – 69% | Level 5 | 5 | Substantial Achievement |
| 50% – 59% | Level 4 | 4 | Adequate Achievement |
| 40% – 49% | Level 3 | 3 | Moderate Achievement |
| 30% – 39% | Level 2 | 2 | Elementary Achievement |
| 0% – 29% | Level 1 | 1 | Not Achieved |
"The biggest APS gains come from pushing a subject over a threshold band — not from improving within a band you're already in."
Worked Examples
Example 1: Strong Science Student
Thabo got: English Home Language 68%, Zulu First Additional Language 72%, Mathematics 75%, Physical Sciences 71%, Life Sciences 65%, Geography 58%. Converting: English = 5, Zulu = 6, Mathematics = 6, Physical Sciences = 6, Life Sciences = 5, Geography = 4. Total APS = 32 points. This qualifies Thabo for Engineering, Health Sciences, and most Science faculties.
Example 2: Humanities Student
Zanele got: English 61%, Xhosa 70%, History 74%, Geography 66%, Business Studies 55%, Economics 51%. APS: English = 5, Xhosa = 6, History = 6, Geography = 5, Business = 4, Economics = 4. Total = 30 points. Qualifies for BCom programmes, Law, Social Sciences, and many humanities degrees.
Does Life Orientation Count?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions about the APS system — and the answer is: it depends on the institution. UCT, Wits, and Stellenbosch do not include Life Orientation in APS calculations. Other institutions like UNISA and some universities of technology do include it, but often at a capped value.
The safest approach is to calculate your APS both ways — with and without Life Orientation — and then check the specific requirements of each institution you're interested in. Matric2Succes handles this automatically.
Mathematics vs Maths Literacy: Why It Matters
This is perhaps the most consequential choice any matric student makes, and unfortunately many learners don't fully understand the implications until it's too late. Pure Mathematics and Maths Literacy are treated very differently by universities. In many cases, Maths Literacy will disqualify you from certain programmes entirely — regardless of your APS.
Programmes Requiring Pure Mathematics (Not Maths Literacy)
- All Engineering degrees (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, etc.)
- BSc programmes (Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry, Actuarial Science)
- Most BCom degrees with quantitative components (Accounting, Finance, Economics)
- Architecture and Quantity Surveying
- Medicine, Pharmacy, and related Health Sciences
- Information Technology and Computer Science degrees
APS Requirements by Institution Type
| Institution Type | Typical APS Range | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Highly selective universities | 34 – 42+ | UCT, Wits, Stellenbosch |
| Mid-tier universities | 24 – 33 | UJ, UWC, Rhodes, NMMU |
| Broader access universities | 18 – 26 | WSU, UFH, UL, UNIZULU |
| Universities of Technology | 18 – 28 | TUT, DUT, CPUT, VUT |
| TVET Colleges | No APS required | All 50 TVET colleges |
| UNISA (distance learning) | Varies by programme | Most programmes 18+ |
How to Improve Your APS Score
If your current APS doesn't quite reach the threshold for your preferred programme, you have several options. The most direct is to write supplementary examinations in February/March to improve one or more subject marks.
When deciding which subject to target for improvement, use the threshold logic: it's much more effective to push a subject from 39% to 41% (gaining 1 APS point) than from 70% to 79% (gaining 0 APS points). Map out exactly how many points you need, then identify which subjects are closest to a threshold band.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Grade 11 results to apply?
Yes. Most universities allow you to apply using Grade 11 results with a provisional offer, which is confirmed once matric results are released. If you applied in Grade 11 and received a conditional offer, check whether your final results meet the conditions.
What if my preferred university uses a different APS formula?
Some institutions use additional scoring factors — like entrance tests, portfolio reviews, or interviews for certain programmes. Others cap Life Orientation at a specific value. Always use the institution's official prospectus or website to confirm the exact formula they use.
Is a higher APS always better?
A higher APS gives you more options, but the goal is to qualify for the programme that is right for you — not to achieve the highest possible number. Many students with very high APSs choose TVET colleges because the specific programme they want is offered there. Chase the right programme, not just the highest number.
Now that you understand exactly how the APS system works, use the Matric2Succes tool to enter your results and instantly see every programme you qualify for across South Africa.