Key Takeaways: The “20 Point” Strategy
- The Myth: “You can’t go to university with 20 points.”
- The Reality: UNISA accepts APS 20 for many Bachelor Degrees. UJ and TUT accept APS 20 for Higher Certificates.
- The Strategy: If you register for a Higher Certificate (1 Year) and pass, you can use that certificate to apply for a Degree next year, completely bypassing your Matric APS.
- Direct Entry: You can enter Fashion, Jewellery Design, and Performing Arts Diplomas directly with 20 points (plus an audition/portfolio).
- TVET Option: An APS of 20 guarantees you entry into N4 Business Studies at any public TVET college.
It is January 2026. You’ve just calculated your APS. It sits exactly on 20.
You look at the prospectus for Wits, UCT, and UP, and everything says “30,” “32,” “35.” It feels like the door has slammed shut.
But it hasn’t. It has just moved.
An APS of 20 is a very specific, workable score. It places you in the “Higher Certificate” band for most universities, and shockingly, in the “Bachelor Degree” band for UNISA.
If you are sitting with 20 points, you have three distinct paths to a degree. You don’t necessarily need to rewrite Matric (unless you failed Maths/English). Here is the definitive guide to what you can study in 2026.
1. The UNISA “Degree” Anomaly (Direct Access)
Most students do not know this: UNISA (University of South Africa) has significantly lower APS requirements than residential universities because they are a distance learning institution. They have capacity that UJ and Wits do not.
For the 2026 intake, UNISA lists several Bachelor Degrees (NQF 7) with a minimum APS of 20.
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
- APS Required: 20
- Streams:
- BA in Creative Writing.
- BA in Development Studies.
- BA in Criminology.
- BA in Political Leadership.
- Subject Requirements: usually a Level 4 (50%) in English.
Bachelor of Consumer Science
- APS Required: 20
- Streams:
- Hospitality Management: (Great for hotel/chef careers).
- Fashion Small Business: (Retail and design).
- Food and Nutrition.
- Subject Requirements: You typically need Maths (Level 3) or Math Lit (Level 4/5).
BSc in Life Sciences (Selected Streams)
- APS Required: 20
- Streams: Biochemistry, Botany, Microbiology.
- The Catch: While the APS is 20, the subject requirements are strict. You must have passed Mathematics and Physical Science with at least 50% (Level 4). If you have the APS of 20 but failed Maths, you won’t get in.
How to Apply: UNISA applications typically close late, but for 2026, you might be looking at the Semester 2 intake (opening April/May) if you missed the January deadline.
2. The UJ “Higher Certificate” Strategy (The Backdoor)
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is famous for its Higher Certificate programs. These are 1-year courses (NQF Level 5).
Why do this?
If you pass a Higher Certificate, you become a “UJ Alumni.” You can then apply for a Diploma or Degree in 2027. The university will look at your Higher Certificate marks, not your Matric APS of 20.
Courses Accepting APS 20 (at UJ):
- Higher Certificate in Business Management (HCBM)
- Focus: Running a business, basic finance.
- Requirement: English Level 3, Maths/Math Lit Level 3.
- Higher Certificate in Accounting
- Focus: Bookkeeping support.
- Requirement: English Level 3, Maths Level 3 (Math Lit often not accepted for this one, check prospectus).
- Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care (Rescue)
- Focus: Ambulance and rescue basics.
- Requirement: English Level 4, Maths Level 3, Biology Level 3.
- Higher Certificate in Sports Administration
- Focus: Managing sports clubs.
3. TUT & VUT: The “Talent” Diplomas
Universities of Technology (TUT, VUT, CUT) often lower the academic APS requirement for creative courses because they rely on Talent Tests.
If you have an APS of 20 but you are a brilliant artist, singer, or designer, you can get straight into a Diploma (3 Years).
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
- Diploma in Fashion Design:
- APS: 20.
- Extra: You must submit a Portfolio and pass a selection test.
- Diploma in Jewellery Design:
- APS: 20.
- Diploma in Performing Arts (Dance / Music / Theatre):
- APS: 20.
- Extra: Mandatory Audition.
- Diploma in Fine and Applied Arts:
- APS: 20.
The Lesson: If you have low marks but high talent, aim for the Arts Faculty. They value your skill more than your History mark.
4. The TVET Route (Guaranteed Entry)
If you want to study Business or Engineering, and you don’t want to risk the distance learning model of UNISA, a Public TVET College is your best bet.
With an APS of 20 (and a Matric Pass), you qualify for NATED N4.
Business Studies (N4 – N6)
- APS Requirement: Matric Pass (Higher Certificate or Diploma pass). They rarely count the score.
- Courses:
- Human Resource Management.
- Management Assistant (Office Admin).
- Public Management (Government).
- Marketing Management.
- Duration: 18 Months Theory + 18 Months Practical = National Diploma.
Engineering Studies (N1 vs N4)
- Scenario: You have APS 20, but you failed Core Maths (or took Math Lit).
- Route: You cannot start at N4 Engineering (which requires Core Maths).
- The Fix: You register for N1 Engineering (Electrical / Mechanical).
- Entry: APS 20 is more than enough.
- Path: You do N1, N2, N3 (1 Year). Then you enter N4.
- Result: You become a qualified Artisan (Electrician/Fitter), earning more than most university graduates.
5. Private Colleges (The Flexible Option)
If you have the budget (approx R30k – R40k per year), private colleges are often more flexible with APS because they have smaller classes and can offer extra support.
- Richfield:
- Higher Certificate in IT or Business Administration.
- Requirement: Higher Certificate Pass (APS 15+).
- Boston City Campus:
- Offers various Higher Certificates in Marketing, HR, and Accounting.
- MANCOSA:
- Higher Certificate in Supply Chain Management.
- Requirement: NSC Pass.
6. What NOT to Study with APS 20
Do not let desperation push you into a scam.
- Fake Nursing Schools: Real nursing (Diploma) requires APS 23-25. If a college offers you “Nursing” with APS 20, it is likely a “Home Based Care” course (Caregiver), not a Nursing Diploma. You will not be a nurse.
- “Short Courses” posing as Diplomas: Ensure the course is NQF Level 5 or higher. A “Provider Certificate” or “Certificate of Attendance” is not a qualification.
7. The “Matric Upgrade” Option
If you absolutely must study Law at UP or Engineering at Wits, an APS of 20 will never get you there, no matter how many bridges you build.
In this case, you must Rewrite Matric.
- Target: Upgrade 3 subjects.
- Goal: Turn those 40%s into 60%s.
- Result: Move your APS from 20 to 28.
- Time: 1 Year. (See Article 64 for registration dates).
Summary Checklist: Your 2026 Plan
You are not out of the game. You just need to play in a different league for Year 1.
- Check UNISA: Go to the UNISA website today and search for “Bachelor of Arts” or “Higher Certificate.” Check if applications are open for Semester 2.
- Check UJ/TUT: Look for “Higher Certificate” courses. Do not apply for the Diploma; you will be rejected. Apply for the Certificate, get excellent marks, and transfer up next year.
- Visit a TVET: Walk into your local TVET college (e.g., South West Gauteng, Majuba) and ask for the N4 Business application form.
Action: Pick one of the Higher Certificates listed above and apply. It is better to spend 2026 getting a 1-year qualification than sitting at home doing nothing.
Disclaimer: Admission requirements are subject to change. Always consult the official 2026 Prospectus of the specific institution.