Key Takeaways: The APS Cheat Sheet
- What is it? A point system universities use to rank you.
- The Scale: Points range from 1 to 7 based on your percentage.
- Life Orientation: Most universities exclude or halve this score.
- The Goal: You need to meet the specific APS requirement for your course (e.g., APS 35 for Law).
- Fastest Method: Use our Automatic APS Calculator
So, you have your Statement of Results. You see a “Bachelor’s Pass” and a bunch of percentages. But when you look at the university prospectus, it asks for an “APS of 32.”
What does that mean?
The Admission Point Score (APS) is the standardized scoring system used by South African universities to filter thousands of applications. A Bachelor’s Pass gets you to the door, but your APS Score gets you a seat.
Here is the official guide on how to calculate your score manually for the 2026 academic year.
Step 1: The Official NSC Conversion Table
Every percentage you achieve is converted into a “Level” (1–7). These levels equal points.
| Percentage Range | NSC Level | APS Points | Description |
| 80% – 100% | Level 7 | 7 | Outstanding Achievement |
| 70% – 79% | Level 6 | 6 | Meritorious Achievement |
| 60% – 69% | Level 5 | 5 | Substantial Achievement |
| 50% – 59% | Level 4 | 4 | Moderate Achievement |
| 40% – 49% | Level 3 | 3 | Adequate Achievement |
| 30% – 39% | Level 2 | 2 | Elementary Achievement |
| 0% – 29% | Level 1 | 0 | Not Achieved |
Note: Some universities (like UP and UCT) use percentages rather than points, or give extra points for 90%+. We explain this below.
Step 2: How to Calculate (The Basic Method)
To get your total APS, you simply take your best six subjects (excluding Life Orientation) and add the points together.
Example Student: Thabo
Let’s calculate Thabo’s score.
- Home Language (Zulu): 65% -> Level 5
- First Add. Language (English): 55% -> Level 4
- Mathematics: 48% -> Level 3
- Physical Sciences: 52% -> Level 4
- Life Sciences: 71% -> Level 6
- Geography: 60% -> Level 5
- Life Orientation: 75% -> Level 6 (Excluded)
Thabo’s Calculation:
5 + 4 + 3 + 4 + 6 + 5 = 27
Thabo’s Final APS is 27.
Step 3: The “Life Orientation” Problem
This is where students get confused. Does Life Orientation (LO) count?
- Standard Rule: Most universities (like UJ, TUT, MUT) exclude Life Orientation completely. You only calculate your other 6 subjects.
- Exceptions:
- Unisa: Sometimes counts LO but only gives it 50% weight.
- UJ: uses LO for specific Humanities courses but mostly excludes it for Sciencehttps://www.google.com/search?q=/Commerce.
- Advice: To be safe, always exclude LO from your calculation. If a university adds it back in, treat it as a bonus.
Step 4: University-Specific Variations
Not all APS calculators are the same. Top-tier universities often use “Weighted” calculations.
1. University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
Wits rewards high performance in Math and English.
- English: Points are calculated normally (e.g., 70% = 6).
- Math: They often give bonus points for Math.
- Life Orientation: Standard LO is Level 5 + 0 points. However, some faculties give small bonuses for distinction in LO.
2. University of Cape Town (UCT)
UCT does not use the 1-7 scale. They use a percentage-based “Faculty Points Score” (FPS).
- English: 80% = 80 points.
- Math: 75% = 75 points.
- Total: They add the percentages directly. (Total is usually out of 600 or 800).
- Note: UCT is very complex. Do not try to calculate this manually. Use a UCT-specific online tool.
3. University of Pretoria (UP)
UP follows the standard 1-7 scale generally, but for competitive courses (like Medicine), they look at your Grade 11 marks and your NBT results as well.
Step 5: “I Have My Score. Now What?”
Once you have your number (e.g., 27), you need to compare it to the requirements.
Common Benchmarks:
- APS 15 – 19: Higher Certificate (TVET College or Bridge Course).
- APS 20 – 25: Diploma (University of Technology).
- APS 26 – 34: Bachelor’s Degree (General BA, BCom, BSc).
- APS 35 – 42: Specialized Degree (Medicine, Engineering, Actuarial Science).
Subject Requirements Matter:
You might have an APS of 35, but if you have Level 3 (40%) in Math, you will still be rejected for Engineering. You must meet both the total score and the subject minimums.
FAQ: Calculating Your Score
Q: Does AP Math (Advanced Programme Mathematics) count?
A: Yes, for specific universities like Wits and UP. It is usually treated as an extra subject and can replace your lowest subject (excluding LO) if the mark is higher.
Q: What if I have 8 subjects?
A: You take your Best 6 subjects (Language + Math + Best 4 others). You drop your lowest performing subject.
Q: I have a Diploma Pass but an APS of 28. Can I study a Degree?
A: No. The “Pass Level” is the legal requirement. Even if you have high points, if you missed the Bachelor rule (e.g., you failed a home language), you are restricted to Diploma study.
Conclusion: Don’t Guess
Manual calculation is good for a rough estimate, but one mistake (like forgetting to exclude LO) can mean applying for a course you don’t qualify for.
Why do the math yourself? We have programmed the specific rules for every major South African university into our system.
Click Here to Calculate Your Official 2026 APS Score Instantly
Disclaimer: While we strive for accuracy, specific faculty requirements (like NBTs and portfolios) can affect your final admission status. Always consult the university prospectus.