Choosing a degree and knowing the entry requirements can feel overwhelming. If you’re eyeing a BSc in Computer Science at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), one of your first questions might be: “What APS do I need?” The Admission Points Score (APS) is a key measure used by Wits to decide whether you meet the minimum academic threshold. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the APS score required for the Computer Science degree, explore what APS really is, how it’s calculated, and what you can do if you’re close but not quite there. The aim is to give you a clear, practical guide so you can assess your chances and prepare accordingly.
APS Score for Computer Science at Wits
So, what exactly is the APS score required for the Computer Science programme at Wits? The minimum APS is 44 points or more for the BSc in Computer Science.
Here are the key entry requirements at a glance:
- APS required: 44+
- English (Home Language or First Additional Language): Level 5 (60%–69%) or better
- Mathematics: Level 6 (70% or above) or better
- Applicants with APS of 41–43 may be placed on a wait-list, subject to space availability
That means if your APS is 44 or above and you meet the English and Mathematics thresholds, you meet the minimum published requirement. But meeting the minimum doesn’t guarantee admission, because there are limited places and other factors involved.
What is APS (Admission Points Score)?
APS stands for Admission Points Score. It’s a way to summarise a student’s National Senior Certificate (NSC) performance across a number of subjects to see if they meet university entry standards.
Here’s a simplified breakdown of how the APS is determined:
- You take your top 7 subjects (including Life Orientation) from your NSC results.
- Each subject has a scale of achievement (e.g., 8 = 90–100%, 7 = 80–89%, etc.).
- For English (Home or First Additional) and Mathematics you get bonus points when you score high. For example, if you got 90-100% in one of these, it counts as 10 points (8 + 2 bonus).
- Then your total APS is the sum of those 7 subject scores (including the bonus where applicable).
So for Computer Science at Wits, you’ll want that sum to hit at least 44, and your Maths must hit Level 6, and English must hit Level 5 (or better).
Why is the APS for Computer Science relatively high?
There are a few reasons why the APS requirement for the Computer Science degree at Wits is higher than for many other programmes:
- Computer Science is a competitive and numerate programme. It requires strong mathematics, logical reasoning, and analytical skills.
- Wits is one of South Africa’s leading universities and has limited spaces for high-demand programmes.
- The requirement of Mathematics Level 6 ensures you have a strong foundation, which supports success in the degree programme.
If you’re serious about pursuing Computer Science, you’ll want to aim well above those minimums to increase your chances.
What does meeting APS 44 really mean for you?
Meeting the APS of 44 means you have the minimum academic entry threshold for the BSc in Computer Science at Wits. But “minimum” does not equal guarantee. Here’s what meeting the requirement gives you, and what you still need to keep in mind.
If you meet the APS, you:
- Satisfy one of the major filters for entry – so your application can move forward rather than being automatically rejected for not meeting minimums.
- Show that you have achieved at least the baseline academic level expected for the programme.
- Make it possible for you to be considered alongside other applicants.
What it does not guarantee:
- Admission: Even with 44+, if you’re applying alongside many high-scoring applicants, you may still not get in, or you may be wait-listed.
- Success in the programme: You still need to be prepared for demanding mathematics, programming, algorithms, etc.
- Admission without meeting the English and Maths thresholds: Having 44 but Maths level lower than 6 might mean you fall short of that additional requirement.
Common Questions Asked By Students
What happens if my APS is lower than 44?
If your APS is 41-43 and you meet English Level 5 and Maths Level 6, you may be placed on a wait-list.
If your APS is significantly lower, you may not qualify for the mainstream entry, and you may need to consider alternative pathways (foundation programmes, bridging courses, another qualification, or improving your matric results).
Can I improve my APS score after matric?
Yes, in most cases you can:
- You can rewrite matric subjects (depending on the rules of your national education body) to improve your results and thus improve your APS.
- You can take additional courses or modules as permitted by your education system to raise subject levels.
- Take note: for Wits, only one upgrade/rewrite attempt is considered.
So if you didn’t hit Level 6 in Maths the first time, consider rewriting Maths or additional relevant subjects.
Does Wits consider other factors besides APS?
Yes. Meeting the APS is necessary, but not sufficient. Wits makes it clear that compliance with minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Other factors include:
- Subject‐specific requirements (e.g., Maths Level 6)
- Results of the National Benchmark Tests (NBT) for Science faculty programmes
- Number of applications vs places available
- Possibly interviews or selection criteria
- Your performance in matric and how competitive your cohort is
How do I calculate my APS score for Wits?
Here’s a step‐by‐step way to calculate:
- Gather your seven best subject results from your NSC (or equivalent) including Life Orientation.
- For each subject, translate your percentage into the Wits scale of achievement:
- 90-100% = 8
- 80-89% = 7
- 70-79% = 6
- 60-69% = 5
- 50-59% = 4
- 40-49% = 3
- 30-39% = 2
- 0-29% = 1 or 0 (depending on subject)
- For English (Home or First Additional) and Mathematics, if you scored high enough (generally 60% or above), you may add bonus +2 points.
- Add up the 7 subject scores (including bonus where applicable). The total is your APS.
- Compare to the minimum requirement (for Computer Science: 44+). If you reach or exceed it, you’re eligible. If you’re below, you may be in the wait-list zone or not eligible.
If I have APS 44 but Maths Level 5, can I still apply?
No, you would not qualify. For the BSc Computer Science at Wits, the requirement is Mathematics Level 6 (i.e., around 70% or above).
So you must meet both:
- APS ≥ 44
- Maths Level 6
- English Home Language or First Additional Level 5
Missing one of these key subject levels means you don’t meet that subject‐specific requirement.
How to boost your chances of admission to Computer Science at Wits
If you’re setting your sights on this competitive programme, here are some practical tips to improve your chances, beyond just hitting the minimum APS.
- Go beyond the minimum
- Aim for APS > 44 if possible. The minimum is the baseline—many successful applicants will have higher scores.
- Get Maths significantly above Level 6 if you can (e.g., 80%-90%).
- Achieve English Home Language or First Additional comfortably at Level 6 rather than the bare minimum Level 5.
- Strengthen your subject profile
- Focus on strong performance in Mathematics, and if possible Physical Science (though for Computer Science at Wits the requirement emphasises Maths).
- Take challenging subjects if your school offers them (e.g., Higher Grade versions).
- Build good study habits and handle Algebra, Calculus and problem‐solving well.
- Prepare for NBTs
- The Science faculty at Wits requires the NBT (Academic & Quantitative Literacy + Mathematics) for first‐year entry.
- Practice past papers, get comfortable with the format, and build confidence in quantitative reasoning.
- Apply early and submit all documentation
- Ensure your application is complete (matric certificate, results, proof of subject levels, NBT results if required).
- Make sure you meet deadlines.
- Have a backup plan
- If you hit APS 41-43, you may be wait-listed. Consider applying to a less competitive programme at Wits or elsewhere that can lead to transfer later.
- Consider foundation programmes, bridging courses, or alternate universities.
- Showcase your interest and readiness
- While the APS and subject levels are key, being able to show that you’re ready for a numerate, logic‐and‐programming intensive programme helps in your mind and preparation:
- Do some programming (Python, Java) in your own time
- Work on maths problem solving
- Participate in science/technology clubs or competitions
- While the APS and subject levels are key, being able to show that you’re ready for a numerate, logic‐and‐programming intensive programme helps in your mind and preparation:
Everything You Need to Know
| Requirement | Minimum Level |
|---|---|
| APS (Admission Points Score) | 44 points or more |
| Mathematics subject level | Level 6 (~70% or above) |
| English (Home or 1st Additional) | Level 5 (~60% or above) |
| Wait-list possibility | APS 41-43, subject levels met, place availability |
| Guarantee of admission | None – meeting minimum doesn’t guarantee a spot |
Final Thoughts
If you’re aiming for the BSc in Computer Science at Wits, having an APS of 44 or more, plus strong Maths and solid English results, puts you in a good position. But remember: this is just the gateway. Your performance in matric matters. Your NBT test—if required—matters. And your preparation for the challenges of a computer science degree matters too.