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.
Table of Contents
What Does APS Score Stand For: Understanding APS Score
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 enroling in a course from a university, 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.
“Know your APS? See which Regenesys course fits your score.”
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:
| Percentage Obtained in Matric Exam | APS (Admission Point Score) |
| 80% – 100% | 7 |
| 70 – 79% | 6 |
| 60 – 69% | 5 |
| 50 – 59% | 4 |
| 40 – 49% | 3 |
| 30 – 39% | 2 |
| 0 – 29% | 1 |
How to Calculate Your APS Score?
Once you know the point value for each of your subject grades, calculating your APS (Admission Point Score) is simple. Follow the steps below to determine your total APS score and understand your eligibility for university admission.
Step 1: List Your Subjects and Grades
Write down all the subjects you completed and the final grades you achieved. Remember to include only the subjects that count toward your APS score — exclude Life Orientation.
Step 2: Convert Grades to Points
Use the official APS conversion table to match each percentage grade with its corresponding point value. For example, if you achieved 75% in a subject, find its equivalent point value (typically 6 points).
Step 3: Add Up the Points
Add together the points from your top six subjects (excluding Life Orientation). The total gives you the number of APS points you have earned.
Step 4: Determine Your APS Score
The final total is your APS score. Universities use this score to assess your eligibility for different study programmes.
Example Calculation:
The table below helps to illustrate how the APS score is calculated:
| Subject | Percentage | APS Points |
| Mathematics | 72% | 6 |
| English Home Language | 65% | 5 |
| Afrikaans First Additional Language | 55% | 4 |
| Life Orientation | 80% | Excluded |
| Life Sciences | 77% | 6 |
| Physical Sciences | 68% | 5 |
| Business Studies | 74% | 6 |
Total APS Score:
6 + 5 + 4 + 6 + 5 + 6 = 32
So, the student’s total APS score is 32 points.
Struggling with APS requirements? Explore flexible admission criteria and diverse undergraduate programmes at Regenesys.
Subjects Contributing to APS Score
Understanding which subjects contribute to your APS score is crucial. It helps you make informed decisions about subject choices and increases your chances of qualifying for your desired university programmes. Your APS score is calculated using six subjects, divided into compulsory and additional subjects.
Compulsory Subjects
All students are required to choose from Home Language, First Additional Language, and Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy to qualify for the matric exams.
The table below lists the compulsory subjects that students must choose from:
| Compulsory Subject | Description / Options |
| Home Language (choose 1) | Afrikaans, English, IsiNdebele, IsiXhosa, IsiZulu, Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, Siswati, Tshivenda, or Xitsonga. |
| First Additional Language (choose 1) | Afrikaans, English, IsiNdebele, IsiXhosa, IsiZulu, Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, Siswati, Tshivenda, or Xitsonga. |
| Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy | Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy as a compulsory subject. |
Elective Subjects
In addition to the three compulsory subjects, students must choose three more subjects to complete their APS score. The following table lists elective subjects you can select from. Choosing the right combination can strengthen your APS score and improve your chances of meeting university admission requirements.
The table below lists the elective options available for Matric to South African students:
| Elective Subjects (choose 3) | |||
| Accounting | Agricultural Sciences | Agricultural Technology | Business Studies |
| Agricultural Management Practices | Civil Technology | Computer Applications Technology | Consumer Studies |
| Dance Studies | Dramatic Arts | Economics | Electrical Technology |
| Engineering Graphics and Design | Geography | History | Hospitality Studies |
| Information Technology | Life Sciences | Mechanical Technology | Music |
| Physical Sciences | Religion Studies | Tourism | Visual Arts |
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?
APS calculators are easy-to-use tools that allow you to enter your grades and quickly get your APS score. They automate the calculation, giving you fast and clear results, making it easier for you to find the answer to ‘how to calculate APS score?’.
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.
“Know your APS? See which Regenesys course fits your score.”
Best Study Options Available After Matric
APS Score and Course Eligibility
Understanding the minimum APS score requirements is crucial when planning your higher education. Different course types require different APS scores, and knowing these thresholds helps you select programmes for which you are eligible.
The table below summarises APS scores for various courses and their typical eligibility:
| APS Score | Course Type / Eligibility |
| 15–17 | Higher Certificate programmes are a foundation for further studies or vocational training. |
| 18 | Diploma programmes with moderate entry requirements; e.g., Diploma in Sport Management (requires 18 APS with Mathematics or 19 with Mathematical Literacy). |
| 19 | Intermediate-level diploma courses, e.g., Diploma in Administrative Information Management or Diploma in Contact Centre Management. |
| 20 | Certain Bachelor’s degrees in social sciences or humanities, such as Bachelor of Arts in Policy Studies or Environmental Management. |
| 21 | Slightly competitive Bachelor’s degrees, including education or nursing programmes, requiring moderate academic achievement. |
| 22 | High-demand Bachelor’s degrees, such as Medicine or Engineering, require a strong academic performance. |
| 25 | Competitive programmes at top institutions, e.g., Law or Architecture, with higher academic standards. |
| 28 | Highly competitive programmes at prestigious universities, often in Medicine, Dentistry, or Veterinary Science. |
| 30 | Top-tier programmes with the highest entry requirements, such as specialised research degrees or elite business schools. |
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 17 APS score courses for Higher Certificates or 30 APS score courses for top-level programmes, allows you to make smart decisions about your future.
However, each university may calculate APS scores differently, so it is essential to check the specific requirements of the programmes you are interested in. By understanding how your grades convert into APS points, you can focus on the right subjects and aim for the scores needed for your desired course.
If you prefer a pathway that does not rely on APS scores, Regenesys offers a variety of undergraduate programmes, including Bachelor’s degrees and Higher Certificates, that only require a Matric certificate or an NQF level qualification. Explore these options to begin your higher education journey without the stress of APS calculations.
Find the Right Regenesys Programme Based on Your APS Score
- DBM - Doctor of Business Management
- MBA - Master of Business Administration
- BBA - Bachelor of Business Administration
- LLB - Bachelor of Laws
- BCOMPT - Bachelor of Accounting Science
- MPM - Master of Public Management
- Bachelor of Commerce in Banking and Financial Services
- Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Marketing
How To Calculate APS Score? – FAQ
What is an APS score?
An APS score, or Admission Point Score, is used by South African universities to assess a student’s academic performance and eligibility for higher education programmes. It converts your grades into a single score, simplifying the admission process.
Which subjects count towards APS?
The APS score includes your three compulsory subjects (Home Language, First Additional Language, and Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy) and three additional elective subjects. Life orientation is not counted, so the score is based on your six best subjects.
How are APS scores calculated?
To calculate your APS score, convert your grades for each subject to points using a scale from 1 to 7, with 7 being the highest. Add the points from your top six subjects, excluding Life Orientation. The sum of these points is your APS score.
Why is the APS score important?
The APS score is crucial because it determines your eligibility for various courses and helps universities decide if you are ready for higher education. A higher APS score increases your chances of admission to competitive programmes.
How do I use an APS score calculator?
To use an APS score calculator, enter your accurate grades of the three compulsory subjects and three elective subjects, excluding Life Orientation. The calculator will provide your total APS score, which you can compare against university programme requirements.
