How To Calculate APS Score? Key Steps for Accurate Results

If you are aiming for higher education, understanding the Admission Point Score (APS) is essential. The APS is a crucial metric used by universities to decide a student’s eligibility for higher education programmes. It shows how well you have performed academically and helps decide if you qualify for university or college. It turns your grades into a single number, making it simpler for schools to see if you are ready for further studies.

In the South African education system, the APS plays a crucial role by providing a clear measure of academic success. Therefore, if you have wondered what your APS score is or how to calculate your APS score, our article will discuss everything you need to know about APS scores. We will walk you through the steps to calculate the APS score, the essential subjects contributing to the APS score and the APS score requirements for various courses. 

What Does APS Score Stand For?

As mentioned above, APS, which stands for Admission Point Score is a method that determines your acceptance into higher education institutions. In South Africa, universities and colleges often require an APS score for their application process. It is sometimes listed as an entry requirement on application forms.

Each course has a specific APS minimum requirement that you must meet. However, it is important to note that each South African university calculates the APS score differently. Moreover, each institution has unique prerequisites and admission requirements.  Hence, before enrolling in an undergraduate programme, you must ensure you meet the APS scores required by both the university and the specific course you want to apply for.

In short, the APS score is very important for several reasons, as given below:

– It helps decide if you will be considered for university admission.

– It is the first thing most universities check.

– A higher APS score increases your chances of getting into university.

– It guides them on what their options are after school.

How to Calculate APS Score: Essential Steps

To calculate your APS, you need to understand a few key points. Your actual marks in each subject range from 0 to 100%. Each mark is then converted into a point score that ranges from 1 to 7, with 7 being the highest and 1 being the lowest. For example, if you score 55% in Physics, the point score for that mark is 4. However, to get your total APS, you add the points of your six Matric subjects. The table given below will help you understand how the point values are assigned:

How to Calculate Your APS Score?

When students understand the APS scores for each percentage tier, it becomes easier to calculate the overall matric score. While all higher learning institutions require matric certificates or equivalent qualifications, the APS score is only requested by a few.

Students can follow the steps listed below to determine their overall APS score:

1. Make a list of your matric subjects and grades

For easy calculation, make a list of all the exams you appeared for and the percentage scores you have achieved. Students do not need to include the score for Life Orientation. 

2. Convert the percentage to points:

Using the conversion table above, students can convert the percentage to the APS Score. While most universities follow this conversion, some might calculate with a slight variation. 

3. Calculate the APS points:

Add the individual subject points that you have listed next to each subject to determine your final APS score.

Example Calculation:

The table below helps to provide an example to calculate your APS Score:

Total APS Score:

6 + 5 + 4 + 6 + 5 + 6 = 32

Based on these points and calculations, the APS Score is 32.

Subjects Contributing to APS Score

Before you begin calculating your APS score, it is important to understand the subjects that contribute towards your score. In addition to the compulsory subjects that students are required to study, they have the option of selecting up to 3 elective subjects. The following are the subjects that contribute to your score:

Compulsory Subjects 

Grade 12 students in South Africa are required to complete the required subjects, since they help to establish basic communication and numerical skills. They make it possible for students to meet the basic educational requirements.

All students are required to study a Home Language, First Additional Language, and Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy to qualify for the matric exams.

The table below lists the compulsory subjects for the matric exam:

Elective Subjects

Students are required to pick three elective subjects for their matric exams. These subjects help to determine the higher education or employment opportunities that students wish to explore. When students choose the right combination of subjects, it helps to improve their chances of admission for undergraduate study.

The table below lists the elective options available for the matric exams:

Note: Keep in mind that Life Orientation is not counted in your APS score, even though you study it in Matric. Even though you take at least seven subjects in Matric, only the best six subjects (three compulsory and three additional subjects) count towards your APS score.

What is the APS Score Calculator?

An APS calculator is an easy-to-use tool that can help determine your overall APS score. While there is no official calculator, there are many unofficial calculators available for students to use.

How to Use APS Score Calculators Effectively?

Using an APS score online calculator makes finding your score easier, but you need to use it correctly to get the most accurate result. So, follow these steps to make sure the calculator gives you accurate and reliable results:

Step 1: Make sure you put the right grades into the calculator. Accurate grades are crucial for getting the correct APS score.

Step 2: Include all the important subjects in the calculator. This means adding the three required subjects and three extra subjects, but leaving out Life Orientation.

Step 3: After you get your score from the calculator, check it against your manual calculation to make sure it is correct. This helps ensure the score is accurate and trustworthy.

APS Score and Course Eligibility

Many South African universities require APS scores to help determine eligibility for technical programmes. This allows them to admit high-performing students who have the capability to keep up with the demands of the programme. 

Depending on the institution and programme, the APS score and individual subject score requirements tend to vary. Therefore, it is important for students to understand the criteria before they begin the application process.

The table below summarises APS scores for various courses and their typical eligibility:

Explore Our Other Programmes

Conclusion

Understanding and calculating your APS score is crucial for getting into higher education in South Africa. Your APS score shows if you are eligible for different courses and helps you meet your academic performance with your career goals. Hence, knowing the specific APS score requirements, such as 15-18 for Higher Certificates or 32 and above for top-level programmes, allows you to make smart decisions about your future.

Students need to understand that while most universities follow the same pattern to determine APS scores, some might follow a different set of criteria. Therefore, it is important for students to understand APS requirements for higher education programmes that they are interested in.

If you are interested in exploring a pathway that does not rely entirely on APS scores, Regenesys Education offers a wide range of undergraduate programmes. Explore these options on the Regenesys Education website today and apply for the upcoming intake. 

How To Calculate APS Score? – FAQ