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.

University of Witwatersrand Wits APS Calculation

University of Western Cape UWC APS Calculation

University of South Africa UNISA APS Score Calculator

Nelson Mandela University Applicant Score (AS) Calculator

Durban University Of Technology APS Score

List Of Fashion Design School APS Calculator

How to Calculate Admission Point Score at Rhodes University

Rhodes University Grade and APS Calculator

How to Calculate Your Admission Point AP Score at UFS

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!