If you’re a South African student eyeing further education after matric, you’ve probably come across the term APS. It’s short for Admission Points Score, and it’s basically your ticket into university courses.
How to Calculate Your APS
It may sound complex, but calculating your APS is fairly straightforward. Here’s what you do:
- Pick Your Best Six Subjects
Look at your matric report and choose the six subjects where you performed best. Most institutions don’t consider Life Orientation, so you can set that aside.
- Convert Your Marks to Points
Each subject corresponds to a certain number of points based on the percentage you scored:
80–100% = 7 points
70–79% = 6 points
60–69% = 5 points
50–59% = 4 points
40–49% = 3 points
30–39% = 2 points
0–29% = 1 point - Add Them All Up
Once you’ve done the conversion for your six best subjects, simply add those points together. That final number is your APS. - Different universities in South Africa do sometimes use unique formulas to calculate their Admission Points Score (APS), so check with your university.
If dealing with all the adding and converting feels overwhelming, there’s a simpler way to go about it. Head to our website and use our APS Score Calculator. Just punch in your marks, and it’ll automatically do the math for you, helping you see exactly where you stand, without all the hassle.
Why the APS Really Matters
Your APS score tells universities if you qualify for a particular course. Each program(degree or diploma) has its own minimum requirement, which could be anything from 20 points for certain certificates to 35 or more for competitive degrees. If your total score meets or beats that number, you’re in a good position to apply. A higher APS also gives you more choices overall, so it pays to understand this system well.
When Your APS Falls Short
Not everyone achieves the scores they hope for, but that doesn’t mean it’s the end of your road. There are a few options to keep in mind:
- Bridging Courses or Foundation Programs
These programs can help strengthen your skills so you can later qualify for tougher degrees. - Try a Different Route
Look into courses with lower APS requirements that can still lead you to the same career, just through a more gradual path. - Get Advice
Reach out to a school counselor or the university you’re interested in. They can talk you through your options and advise on the best next step.
A Quick Example of APS in Action
Imagine you scored 76% for English, 63% for Mathematics, 81% for Life Sciences, 72% for Physical Science, 58% for Geography, and 62% for Business Studies. In terms of points, that’s:
- English: 6 points
- Mathematics: 5 points
- Life Sciences: 7 points
- Physical Science: 6 points
- Geography: 4 points
- Business Studies: 5 points
When you add them all up (6 + 5 + 7 + 6 + 4 + 5), you get a total APS of 33. If you needed 30 points to study Computer Science at a certain university, you’d be good to go.
Wrapping It Up
Your APS score is there to guide you, not define you. Once you know how it works, the application process feels far less intimidating. If you’re still unsure or you have more questions, consider talking to someone at your school or the admissions office of the university you have your heart set on. With the right information and a little planning, you can chart a path that makes the most of your matric marks—and sets you on a course for success.
