APS Score For Teaching At Unisa For Foundation Phase

Becoming a teacher is one of the most rewarding career paths you can choose in South Africa. You have the power to shape young minds and build the foundation for their entire educational journey. If you have a passion for working with younger children, specifically from Grade R to Grade 3, the Bachelor of Education (Foundation Phase) at UNISA is your gateway.¹ However, before you can start this exciting journey, you need to clear the first hurdle: the admission requirements.

Many prospective students get confused by the technical terms. You might hear about “APS scores,” “NSC,” and “levels” and feel overwhelmed. Don’t worry, you are not alone. Understanding these numbers is crucial because they determine whether your application will be accepted or rejected. The Admission Point Score (APS) is essentially a summary of your matric results converted into a simple point system.² UNISA uses this score to filter applicants and ensure they have the academic strength to handle the coursework. This guide will break down everything you need to know about the APS Score For Teaching At Unisa For Foundation Phase, ensuring you have a clear roadmap to your registration.

APS Score For Teaching At Unisa For Foundation Phase

The minimum APS score required for the Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching at UNISA is 23.³

This score of 23 is your golden ticket. However, it is not the only requirement. Achieving a total of 23 points does not guarantee entry if you fail to meet specific subject requirements. You must view the APS as the baseline; without it, your application will likely be declined immediately. But with it, you move on to the next step of the assessment.

To be eligible, your APS must be calculated from your six best subjects.⁴ Life Orientation is excluded from this calculation. This is a specific rule for UNISA that often trips up applicants. You cannot include the points you earned in Life Orientation to boost your total to 23.

In addition to the APS of 23, you need a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a Bachelor’s Degree endorsement.⁵ This endorsement confirms that your matric results are of a high enough standard to study at a university level.

Specific Subject Requirements

Getting the 23 points is the general requirement, but you also need to pass specific subjects at certain levels. The Foundation Phase degree is heavy on literacy and numeracy, so UNISA is strict about these marks.

Language of Teaching and Learning: You need at least 50% (Level 4) in the language of teaching and learning. This is usually your Home Language or First Additional Language.
Mathematics: You need at least 40% (Level 3) if you took pure Mathematics.
Mathematical Literacy: If you took Maths Lit instead of pure Maths, you need at least 50% (Level 4).⁶

If you have a Senior Certificate (the older matric qualification), you need a Matriculation Exemption with specific symbol requirements, typically a D symbol on Higher Grade or a C symbol on Standard Grade in your language subject.⁷

How To Calculate Your APS Score Correctly

Calculating your score is simple if you follow the right steps. You do not need a complex calculator. You just need your final matric results.

First, look at the percentage you achieved for each subject. Convert that percentage into a point system from 1 to 7 using the standard table below:

80% – 100% = 7 Points⁸
70% – 79% = 6 Points
60% – 69% = 5 Points
50% – 59% = 4 Points
40% – 49% = 3 Points
30% – 39% = 2 Points
0% – 29% = 1 Point

Step-by-Step Calculation:

List your six best subjects (excluding Life Orientation).
Convert the percentage of each subject into the points listed above.
Add the points together.
The final sum is your APS.

Example:

Zulu Home Language: 65% (5 points)
English First Additional Language: 55% (4 points)
Mathematics: 42% (3 points)
Geography: 70% (6 points)
History: 62% (5 points)
Life Sciences: 51% (4 points)
Life Orientation: 75% (0 points – Do not count this)⁹

Total: 5 + 4 + 3 + 6 + 5 + 4 = 27 Points.

In this example, the student has 27 points. Since 27 is higher than 23, and they met the 40% requirement for Mathematics, they qualify for the program.

What If My APS Score Is Too Low?

It can be heartbreaking to discover you don’t meet the requirements. Perhaps you have 19 points, or maybe you failed Mathematics. Do not give up on your dream of teaching. There is an alternative route designed exactly for this situation.

You can apply for a Higher Certificate in Education (Foundation Phase and Intermediate Phase).¹⁰

This is a bridging course. It is a lower-level qualification (NQF Level 5) that helps you transition into the full degree later.

APS Requirement: The APS for the Higher Certificate is 18.¹¹
Subject Requirements: You generally need at least 40% in your language of teaching and learning.
The Benefit: Once you complete this one-year certificate, you can apply for the Bachelor of Education degree. UNISA will often credit you for some modules, meaning you won’t be starting from scratch.

This pathway takes a little longer, but it leads to the exact same destination. Many excellent teachers started with a Higher Certificate.

Duration and Curriculum Overview

The Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching is a four-year degree if you study full-time. Since UNISA is a distance learning institution, many students study part-time while working. This might extend the duration to five or six years depending on how many modules you take per semester.

What you will study:

The curriculum is designed to make you an expert in child development. You won’t just learn “what” to teach, but “how” young brains learn.

Core Modules: You will study Child Development, Inclusive Education, and Classroom Management.
Literacy: You will learn how to teach children to read and write in their home language and an additional language.
Numeracy: You will learn how to introduce basic mathematical concepts to young children.
Life Skills: This covers art, physical education, and personal safety.
Teaching Practice: This is non-negotiable. You must spend several weeks every year observing and teaching in a real school. You cannot get the degree without doing this practical work in a classroom.

Can I Study With Mathematical Literacy?

Yes, absolutely.

There is a common myth that you need “pure” Mathematics to become a teacher. This is not true for the Foundation Phase. UNISA accepts Mathematical Literacy.¹²

The only difference is the pass mark required. If you take Pure Maths, the bar is lower (40%). If you take Maths Lit, the bar is slightly higher (50%).¹³ This ensures that you have enough numerical ability to teach Grade R to Grade 3 mathematics effectively. You do not need to be a mathematician, but you must be comfortable with numbers.

Conclusion

Meeting the APS Score For Teaching At Unisa For Foundation Phase is your first step toward a fulfilling career. An APS of 23 is achievable for many, but remember to double-check your specific subject marks in Mathematics and Languages. If you fall short, the Higher Certificate is a fantastic “back door” into the profession.

Don’t let the paperwork scare you. Calculate your score carefully, gather your documents, and submit your application on time. The children of South Africa are waiting for dedicated, passionate teachers like you to lead them.

APS Score For Teaching At Unisa For Foundation Phase