How to Calculate Your APS Score for University Admission in South Africa (Step-by-Step Guide)
How to Calculate Your APS Score for University Admission in South Africa (Step-by-Step Guide)
Calculating your Admission Point Score (APS) is an essential step when applying to universities in South Africa. Universities use the APS to assess whether applicants meet the minimum requirements for their chosen programs. The APS score is calculated based on your Grade 12 (Matric) final exam results.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to calculate your APS score:
Step 1: Identify Your Matric Subjects
The APS is calculated using your top six subjects from the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams. These subjects include:
- Four compulsory subjects: English (or home language), your first additional language, Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, and Life Orientation.
- Two elective subjects: Any additional subjects you have taken (e.g., Physical Science, Life Sciences, History, Geography).
Note: Life Orientation is often excluded or carries fewer points in some universities’ APS calculations. Always check the specific requirements of the institution you’re applying to.
Step 2: Assign Points Based on Your Matric Results
Each subject result is assigned a point value based on the percentage you achieved in your final exams. The points are calculated as follows:
| Percentage (%) | APS Points |
|---|---|
| 80% – 100% | 7 |
| 70% – 79% | 6 |
| 60% – 69% | 5 |
| 50% – 59% | 4 |
| 40% – 49% | 3 |
| 30% – 39% | 2 |
| 0% – 29% | 1 |
For example, if you score 65% in Mathematics, you will be awarded 5 APS points for that subject.
Step 3: Add Up Your Points
Add the APS points from your best six subjects (including compulsory subjects and the two electives) to get your total APS score. Exclude Life Orientation if it’s not counted by the institution you’re applying to.
Step 4: Check the University’s Minimum APS Requirement
Each university and program may have different APS requirements. After calculating your score, check if it meets the minimum APS score required for the degree or diploma you want to apply for.
Example of APS Calculation:
| Subject | Percentage (%) | APS Points |
|---|---|---|
| English (Home Language) | 78% | 6 |
| Afrikaans (First Additional) | 68% | 5 |
| Mathematics | 65% | 5 |
| Life Sciences | 85% | 7 |
| Physical Sciences | 58% | 4 |
| Life Orientation | 75% | Excluded/3 |
Total APS: 6 + 5 + 5 + 7 + 4 = 27
Additional Notes:
- Some universities assign extra points for achieving higher levels in specific subjects (such as Mathematics or Physical Sciences).
- Universities may also have faculty-specific requirements. For example, a Bachelor of Medicine might require a higher APS score than a Bachelor of Arts.
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Conclusion:
Once you’ve calculated your APS score, you can compare it with the minimum requirements of the universities and programs you’re applying to. Be sure to check if the university excludes Life Orientation or has specific subject requirements that could affect your final score.
For more information, visit the admissions page of the university you’re interested in!
