What Can I Study with 14 to 19 APS Points? (TVETs & Certificates 2026)

Key Takeaways: The “Low APS” Strategy

• The Hard Truth: With an APS of 14–19, you generally cannot enter a University Degree (Bachelors) or Diploma immediately.
• The Good News: You CAN enter a TVET College (NATED N1–N6) or a Higher Certificate at UNISA/TUT.
• The “Backdoor”: If you pass a Higher Certificate (1 Year), you can often use it to apply for a Degree next year, regardless of your Matric APS.
• Engineering: You can start N1 Engineering with just a Grade 9 pass or low Matric.
• Business: You can start N4 Business with a Matric Pass (even with low marks).

It is a sinking feeling. You calculate your APS score and it lands on 16 or 18. You look at the University of Johannesburg prospectus, and the lowest requirement you see is 26.

Does this mean your life is over? Absolutely not.

In South Africa, the APS system is designed to filter students into different types of institutions, not to ban them from education. An APS of 16 does not mean you are “uneducated”; it means you are suited for the Technical & Vocational (TVET) route or the Certificate route.

This guide is your rescue plan. We strip away the “University or Nothing” mindset and show you exactly what you can register for right now with an APS between 14 and 19.

1. The TVET Route (NATED Courses)

This is the most direct path to a job. TVET Colleges (like Majuba, Orbit, False Bay) do not obsess over APS scores like universities do. They look at your Pass Level.

Engineering Studies (APS 14+)

• Course: NATED N1 – N6 (Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Boilermaking).
• Entry Requirement:
  • N1 Level: Requires Grade 9 Pass with Maths/Science.
  • N4 Level: Requires Matric (NSC) with Maths and Science.
• The Strategy: If you have an APS of 15 because you failed Physics or got 30% in Maths, you cannot start at N4. Start at N1.
  • It will take you 1 year to finish N1, N2, and N3.
  • Then you move to N4.
  • In 3 years, you will have a National Diploma qualification, same duration as a university degree.

Business Studies (APS 17+)

• Course: NATED N4 – N6 (HR, Management Assistant, Public Management).
• Entry Requirement: National Senior Certificate (NSC).
• The Loophole: Most TVET colleges require a “Pass” in Matric. They often do not count APS. If you have a Higher Certificate Pass or Diploma Pass with an APS of 17, you can usually get into N4 Public Management.
• Note: Financial Management usually requires Accounting/Maths. If you don’t have those, choose HR or Management Assistant.

2. The University “Backdoor”: Higher Certificates

Some universities offer Higher Certificates (NQF Level 5). These are 1-year courses designed to “bridge” you into a degree.

UNISA (The Lifeline)

UNISA is famous for accepting lower APS scores for certificates.

• Higher Certificate in Law:
  • APS Required: 15 – 18 (Check specific 2026 prospectus).
  • Path: Pass this, and you can apply for the LLB (Law Degree) next year.
• Higher Certificate in Education (Foundation Phase):
  • APS Required: 15 – 18.
  • Path: Pass this, and you can apply for the BEd (Teaching Degree).
• Higher Certificate in Economic & Management Sciences:
  • Path: Bridges into BCom.

Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)

TUT offers specific certificates for students with APS 18–20.

• Higher Certificate in Water Treatment.
• Higher Certificate in Resource & Waste Management.
• Requirement: usually APS 18.

MANCOSA / REGENT (Private)

• Higher Certificate in Supply Chain / IT / Project Management.
• Requirement: Higher Certificate Pass in Matric.
• Cost: Private fees apply (approx R30k), but admission is easier than public universities.

3. The “ICB” Route (Bookkeeping)

If you want to work in finance but failed Maths, the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) is a fantastic option.

• APS Required: None. You can start with Grade 10 or 11.
• Course: National Certificate: Bookkeeping.
• Where: Offered at many private colleges (Damelin, Matric College, Skills Academy).
• Career: You can become a Junior Bookkeeper or Payroll Clerk. The qualification is recognized by employers and professional bodies.

4. Specific Strategy by APS Score

Find your score below to see your best move.

APS 14 – 15

• Verdict: University is closed.
• Best Move:TVET N1 Engineering (Tri-semester).
  • Go to a college like Ekurhuleni West or Northlink.
  • Apply for “N1 Electrical” or “N1 Fitting & Turning”.
  • Reason: N1 only requires Grade 9 knowledge. You can rebuild your maths confidence from the ground up.

APS 16 – 17

• Verdict: Borderline for Certificates.
• Best Move:UNISA Higher Certificate or TVET N4 Business.
  • Check UNISA’s “Higher Certificate in Archives” or “Tourism”.
  • Check TVET “Intro N4” courses (Bridging).

APS 18 – 19

• Verdict: You qualify for many Higher Certificates.
• Best Move:TUT Higher Certificates or Varsity College (Private) Higher Certificates.
  • You are very close to the Diploma threshold (20–21).
  • Consider upgrading 2 Matric subjects to push your APS to 21, opening up Diploma doors.

5. The “Matric Upgrade” Option

If you are sitting with 14 points, sometimes the best study option is Grade 12 (Again).

• Second Chance Matric Programme:
  • Register to rewrite 2 or 3 subjects where you failed or got 30%.
  • If you improve Life Sciences from 30% to 50%, and Maths Lit from 40% to 60%, your APS can jump from 15 to 21.
  • Cost: Free (Department of Basic Education).
  • Time: 1 Year.
  • Result: You qualify for a Diploma/Degree in 2027, saving you money in the long run.

6. What NOT to do (Scam Alert)

When you have low points, you are vulnerable. Scammers know this.

• Avoid: “3 Week Nursing Courses” advertised on telephone poles. These are scams. Nursing requires a minimum APS of 23+ (Diploma). Anything less is a fake “Caregiver” course.
• Avoid: “Guaranteed Job” colleges that ask for cash upfront.
• Check: Always verify the college on the DHET List of Private Colleges (See Article 70).

Summary: Your Path is Different, Not Over

An APS of 15 is not a stop sign; it is a detour sign.

1. If you like working with your hands: Go to a TVET College for N1 Engineering. (Best job prospects).
2. If you want a Degree eventually: Register for a Higher Certificate at UNISA (Bridge route).
3. If you want to work in an office: Register for N4 Management Assistant at a TVET.

Action: Do not sit at home. Go to a TVET college campus tomorrow. Ask for the “N1 Engineering” or “NCV Level 2” application form.

Disclaimer: Admission requirements vary by institution. Always consult the specific college prospectus for the 2026 intake.