Universities Accepting Low APS Scores: Your Survival Guide

Key Takeaways: It’s Not Game Over

• The Reality: The “Big 5” universities (UCT, Wits, UP, Stellenbosch) generally require an APS of 30+. If you have an APS of 18–25, you need to look at Universities of Technology (TUT, VUT, DUT).
• The “Golden Ticket”: The Higher Certificate (APS 15). This 1-year qualification bridges the gap. If you pass it, you can apply for a Degree the following year.
• The Extended Route: Look for Extended Curriculum Programmes (ECP). These are 4-year degrees designed specifically for students with lower marks.
• The TVET Option: TVET colleges (NATED courses) often require just a Matric Pass (regardless of APS) to enter N4.
• Funding: NSFAS funds Higher Certificates and TVET courses just like they fund degrees.

You worked hard, but the final results didn’t go as planned. You are sitting with an Admission Point Score (APS) of 21. Your friends are posting acceptance letters from Wits, and you are staring at a rejection SMS.

This is a terrifying moment, but it is not the end of your academic career.

South Africa has 26 public universities. While the “Ivy League” institutions have very high barriers, many other accredited institutions are designed specifically to help students like you.

Here is the definitive guide to where you can study with an APS between 15 and 25.

1. The Strategy: How to “Hack” the System

Before you look at the list of universities, you must understand Qualification Hierarchy.

If you apply for a Bachelor’s Degree with an APS of 20, you will be rejected everywhere. You are aiming too high too soon. You need to aim for the Access Route.

The Higher Certificate (APS 15)

• Duration: 1 Year.
• What is it? It is an NQF Level 5 qualification.
• The Secret: It acts as a “Bridge.” If you complete a Higher Certificate in Accounting, you can use that certificate to apply for a BCom Degree next year. The university will look at your Higher Certificate marks, not your old Matric marks.
• Who offers it? UNISA, MANCOSA, and most Universities of Technology.

The Diploma (APS 18–24)

• Duration: 3 Years.
• What is it? A vocational qualification (NQF Level 6) focused on “doing” rather than “theory.”
• Employability: Often higher than a general BA degree because you learn practical skills (e.g., IT, Tourism, Logistics).

2. Universities of Technology (The 20–25 Range)

Universities of Technology (UoTs) are your best friends. They focus on career-focused Diplomas and often have lower entry requirements than traditional universities.

1. Vaal University of Technology (VUT)

• Location: Vanderbijlpark.
• Typical APS:
  • Diploma in Cost & Management Accounting: APS ~23 (with Maths).
  • Diploma in Tourism / Hospitality: APS ~20–22.
  • Diploma in Safety Management: APS ~20–23.
• Vibe: Industrial focus. Great for students who want to work in factories or HR.

2. Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)

• Location: Pretoria, Soshanguve, Ga-Rankuwa.
• The Giant: TUT is the largest residential university in SA. They have huge intakes.
• Typical APS:
  • Diploma in Management Sciences: APS ~20–22.
  • Diploma in Crop Production: APS ~19–20.
  • Higher Certificate in Music: APS ~18.
• Tip: TUT is very competitive due to volume. Apply early.

3. Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)

• Location: Cape Town.
• Typical APS:
  • Higher Certificate in Accountancy: APS ~20.
  • Diploma in Real Estate: APS ~24.
• Note: CPUT is stricter than VUT/TUT but still more accessible than UCT.

4. Durban University of Technology (DUT)

• Location: Durban & Pietermaritzburg.
• Typical APS:
  • Higher Certificate in Info Tech: APS ~20.
  • Diploma in Management Accounting: APS ~23.

5. University of Zululand (UNIZULU)

• Location: Empangeni (KZN).
• Typical APS: They are known for having accessible Arts and Education programmes for students from rural backgrounds.
• Higher Certificates: Often accept APS 20.

3. The “New” Universities (Mpumalanga & Sol Plaatje)

Because these universities are newer (established post-2013), they are actively trying to grow their student numbers and often have broader admission criteria.

1. University of Mpumalanga (UMP)

• Location: Mbombela (Nelspruit).
• Focus: Agriculture, Hospitality, and Education.
• APS: Many Diplomas start at APS 22–24.

2. Sol Plaatje University (SPU)

• Location: Kimberley.
• Focus: Data Science, Education, Humanities.
• APS: Higher Certificates available from APS 20.

4. The Distance Learning Safety Net (UNISA)

If you cannot get into a campus-based university, UNISA is the ultimate safety net.

• APS Requirement:
  • Higher Certificate: APS 15 (Yes, really).
  • Diploma: APS 18+.
• How it works: You study from home. It requires discipline, but it gets you into the system.
• Popular Route: Register for the Higher Certificate in Economic and Management Sciences (APS 15). Pass it. Then transfer to a BCom at UNISA or another university.
• Funding: NSFAS pays for UNISA students (tuition + book allowance).

5. The TVET College Route (NATED)

Do not underestimate Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges.

• The Requirement: Usually just a Matric Pass (Diploma or Bachelor not required). APS is rarely calculated; they look at subject passes.
• The Qualification: NATED (N4 – N6).
• The Outcome: After N6 + 18 months work experience, you get a National N Diploma. This is respected by employers in Engineering, HR, and Educare.
• Funding: NSFAS covers TVET colleges 100%.

6. Private Colleges (If You Have Funding)

Private colleges (Eduvos, Rosebank College, Boston) are businesses. They are often more flexible with admission because they have smaller classes and offer more support.

• Rosebank College (The IIE): Famous for their Higher Certificates in IT and Office Admin.
  • Entry: Often requires a Higher Certificate Pass (APS ~15–17).
• Boston City Campus: Offers Higher Certificates in Marketing and HR.
• The Catch: No NSFAS. You need a parent who can pay cash or a student loan.

7. Extended Curriculum Programmes (ECP)

Every public university (including UJ and Wits) has an “Extended” list.

• What is it? You do your 3-year degree over 4 years.
• Why? They lower the APS requirement by 3–4 points because they give you extra support in the first year.
• How to find them: Look for course codes with “Extended” or “Foundation” in the prospectus.
• Example: Diploma in Logistics (Extended) at UJ might accept APS 22, while the mainstream Diploma requires APS 26.

8. What If Your Maths is the Problem?

Many students have a high APS (e.g., 30) but failed Pure Maths (<30%), which disqualifies them from everything.

The Solution:

1. Switch Streams: Look for courses that don’t require Maths, like Law, Humanities, Public Relations, or HR.
2. Bridging: Some colleges offering Sciences will accept you if you do a “Maths Bridge” course first (though these are becoming rare).
3. Upgrade: Rewrite Matric Maths. It takes a year, but it fixes the problem permanently.

Summary: Your Marks Do Not Define You

An APS of 20 does not mean you are “dumb.” It means you are not ready for a Bachelor of Science right now.

Action Plan:

1. Look for “Higher Certificates”: Search for this keyword on the CAO or university websites. This is your foot in the door.
2. Apply to UoTs: Focus your energy on TUT, VUT, and DUT. Ignore UCT and Wits.
3. Consider TVET: If you want to be an Artisan (Electrician/Mechanic), a TVET college is actually better than a university.

Disclaimer: Admission requirements change annually. Always consult the latest faculty prospectus of the specific institution.