APS score requirements vary by university and qualification. South African universities do not all calculate admission scores in the same way, and some institutions use an admission system that differs from the conventional six-subject APS.
For 2027 admission, UJ and the University of Pretoria use six-subject APS systems, while Wits uses its own APS calculation based on seven subjects. UCT calculates an APS from six NSC subjects, excluding Life Orientation, while Stellenbosch University uses its own programme-specific admission and selection requirements rather than relying on the same conventional APS system used by UJ and UP.
This guide explains the APS score requirements by university and what your APS means when applying for a specific qualification.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- THE SHORT ANSWER: APS IS NOT ONE SYSTEM
- DOES LIFE ORIENTATION COUNT TOWARDS YOUR APS?
- WHAT IS THE APS SCORE REQUIREMENT AT UCT?
- WHAT IS THE APS SCORE REQUIREMENT AT WITS?
- WHAT IS THE APS SCORE REQUIREMENT AT UJ?
- WHAT IS THE APS SCORE REQUIREMENT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA?
- WHAT IS THE APS SCORE REQUIREMENT AT STELLENBOSCH UNIVERSITY?
- WHEN DO UNIVERSITY APPLICATIONS FOR 2027 CLOSE?
- WHAT DOES THE MINIMUM APS SCORE MEAN?
- WHAT IF MY APS SCORE IS BELOW THE REQUIREMENT?
- WHAT ARE THE APS SCORE REQUIREMENTS BY COURSE?
- HOW DO I CALCULATE MY APS SCORE?
- WHAT SHOULD I CHECK BEFORE APPLYING TO UNIVERSITY?
THE SHORT ANSWER: APS IS NOT ONE SYSTEM
There is no single APS score that applies to every university in South Africa.
The same matric results can produce different admission scores depending on the university because institutions can use different numbers of subjects, points scales, compulsory subjects and selection requirements.
This means that a student should not ask only, “What is my APS score?” The more useful question is:
“What admission score does my university use, and what score and subject requirements apply to the qualification I want to study?”
| University | Admission score approach | Life Orientation |
|---|---|---|
| UCT | APS based on six NSC subjects | Excluded |
| Wits | Wits APS based on the best seven subjects | Included |
| UJ | Six-subject APS, generally out of 42 | Excluded |
| University of Pretoria | Six-subject APS | Excluded |
| Stellenbosch University | Programme-specific admission and selection system | Excluded from the aggregate |
DOES LIFE ORIENTATION COUNT TOWARDS YOUR APS?
Whether Life Orientation counts towards your APS depends on the university.
- UCT: Life Orientation is excluded from the six-subject APS calculation.
- Wits: Life Orientation is included in the Wits APS, which is based on the best seven subjects.
- UJ: The standard APS is based on six subjects and excludes Life Orientation.
- University of Pretoria: Life Orientation is excluded when calculating the APS.
- Stellenbosch University: Life Orientation is excluded from the aggregate used for admission purposes.
Do not automatically include Life Orientation when calculating your score. Always use the calculation method published by the university you are applying to.
WHAT IS THE APS SCORE REQUIREMENT AT UCT?
The University of Cape Town uses an APS calculation that differs from the conventional 42-point system used by universities such as UJ and the University of Pretoria.
For applicants with the South African National Senior Certificate, UCT assigns an admission score equal to the percentage achieved in each NSC subject. The university then considers the sum of six subjects, excluding Life Orientation, while including English and any subjects required for the relevant programme.
For example, where Mathematics and Physical Sciences are required for a programme, UCT considers English, Mathematics, Physical Sciences and the next three eligible subjects, excluding Life Orientation.
UCT also uses programme-specific admission measures. Depending on the faculty and qualification, these can include a Faculty Points Score (FPS), Weighted Points Score (WPS), disadvantage factor and National Benchmark Tests (NBTs).
For this reason, there is no single UCT APS score that guarantees admission to every programme. The requirement must be checked against the specific qualification.
UCT 2027 undergraduate applications closed on 31 July 2026.
WHAT IS THE APS SCORE REQUIREMENT AT WITS?
The University of the Witwatersrand uses its own Wits Admission Points Score (APS).
The Wits APS is calculated using the best seven subjects, including Life Orientation. Required faculty-specific subjects must be included where applicable.
| NSC percentage | Wits APS | English and Mathematics | Life Orientation | Other subjects |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 90–100% | 8 | 10 | 4 | 8 |
| 80–89% | 7 | 9 | 3 | 7 |
| 70–79% | 6 | 8 | 2 | 6 |
| 60–69% | 5 | 7 | 1 | 5 |
| 50–59% | 4 | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| 40–49% | 3 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| 30–39% | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 0–29% | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Wits also has programme-specific academic requirements. Mathematics is compulsory for a number of programmes, while some qualifications accept Mathematical Literacy. The required APS therefore depends on the qualification you are applying for.
Meeting the published minimum does not automatically guarantee a place. Wits states that final selection is subject to factors including available places, academic results and other applicable entry requirements.
For the 2027 intake, Wits closed applications for Health Sciences and certain other restricted programmes on 30 June 2026. Applications for the remaining undergraduate programmes closed on 30 September 2026.
WHAT IS THE APS SCORE REQUIREMENT AT UJ?
The University of Johannesburg uses a six-subject APS system for its undergraduate admission requirements.
The APS requirement differs according to the qualification. UJ’s 2027 Undergraduate Prospectus lists the minimum APS alongside the required English and Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy levels for individual programmes.
| UJ qualification | 2027 minimum APS |
|---|---|
| Bachelor of Social Work | 31 |
| Bachelor of Arts | 27 |
| BA Politics, Economics and Technology | 27 with Mathematics |
These examples demonstrate why there is no single APS requirement for all UJ programmes. The required score and school subjects depend on the qualification.
Some UJ programmes also have different requirements depending on whether the applicant has Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy.
UJ’s 2027 undergraduate application deadline should be checked against the university’s current application information before submission.
WHAT IS THE APS SCORE REQUIREMENT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA?
The University of Pretoria uses a six-subject APS system for applicants with the National Senior Certificate or IEB qualification.
Life Orientation is excluded when calculating the APS. The required APS and subject levels vary according to the programme.
| University of Pretoria qualification | 2027 APS | Important subject requirement |
|---|---|---|
| BCom | 30 | English Level 5; Mathematics Level 4 |
| BCom Accounting Sciences | 34 | English Level 5; Mathematics Level 6 |
| BEng | 35 | English Level 5; Mathematics Level 6; Physical Sciences Level 6 |
| BEng 5-year programme | 33 | 65% English, Mathematics and Physical Sciences |
| BSc Medical Sciences | 32 | English Level 5; Mathematics Level 5; Physical Sciences Level 5 |
| BEd Foundation Phase Teaching | 28 | English Level 4 |
UP also uses a ranking system for admission. Meeting the minimum APS and subject requirements does not automatically guarantee admission because places are limited.
The closing date can also differ by programme. For example, many UP programmes have a 30 June 2026 closing date for 2027 admission, while some programmes have later closing dates.
WHAT IS THE APS SCORE REQUIREMENT AT STELLENBOSCH UNIVERSITY?
Stellenbosch University is an important example of why students should not assume that every university uses the same 42-point APS system.
For applicants with the National Senior Certificate, Stellenbosch uses an NSC aggregate excluding Life Orientation, together with programme-specific subject requirements and selection criteria.
This means that a student searching for the “APS score for Stellenbosch” should instead check the admission requirements for the specific programme they want to study.
Stellenbosch programmes can also have selection processes in addition to the minimum academic requirements. Meeting the minimum requirement therefore does not automatically guarantee admission.
Applications for the 2027 undergraduate intake closed on 31 July 2026.
WHEN DO UNIVERSITY APPLICATIONS FOR 2027 CLOSE?
APS requirements are only useful if you also apply before the relevant university or programme closes.
| University | 2027 application information |
|---|---|
| UCT | Undergraduate applications closed 31 July 2026 |
| Wits | Most undergraduate programmes closed 30 September 2026; selected programmes closed earlier |
| UJ | Check the 2027 application portal and programme-specific closing information |
| University of Pretoria | Closing dates vary by programme; many programmes closed 30 June 2026 |
| Stellenbosch University | Undergraduate applications closed 31 July 2026 |
Always check the university’s official application information before relying on a closing date. Some faculties and qualifications have earlier deadlines than the general university deadline.
WHAT DOES THE MINIMUM APS SCORE MEAN?
A published minimum APS score is generally a minimum admission requirement, not a guarantee that you will receive an offer.
Universities can have fewer places than applicants who meet the minimum requirements. They may therefore use additional selection criteria, ranking, subject requirements, tests or other assessment methods.
This distinction is particularly important for competitive qualifications such as medicine, engineering, accounting, law and other programmes with limited places.
When comparing your results with a university’s requirements, check both the minimum APS and the subject-specific requirements.
WHAT IF MY APS SCORE IS BELOW THE REQUIREMENT?
If your APS is below the published requirement, first identify exactly where the shortfall occurs.
- Your overall APS may be below the minimum.
- Your English result may be below the required level.
- Your Mathematics result may be below the required level.
- You may need Physical Sciences or another compulsory subject.
- You may be applying for a programme with an additional selection requirement.
A lower overall APS does not necessarily mean that every qualification at that university is unavailable to you. Different programmes have different requirements, and some institutions offer extended or foundation pathways for selected qualifications.
Check the requirements for another qualification or pathway at the same university before deciding that you cannot apply.
WHAT ARE THE APS SCORE REQUIREMENTS BY COURSE?
Students often search for APS requirements using both the university and the course.
- APS score for BCom Accounting at Wits
- APS score for Law at UCT
- APS score for Law at UP
- APS score for Engineering at UP
- APS score for Accounting at UJ
- APS score for Education at a South African university
The answer depends on the exact qualification. A university can have different APS requirements for BCom, BSc, Engineering, Law, Education, Medicine and other programmes.
The university, qualification and required school subjects must therefore be considered together.
When searching for an APS score, use the name of the university and the exact qualification you want to study.
HOW DO I CALCULATE MY APS SCORE?
Your APS should be calculated using the method required by the university to which you are applying.
Do not assume that a generic APS calculator will produce the correct score for every university. For example, Wits uses a different points system from UJ and UP, while UCT calculates its admission score from percentages and Stellenbosch uses its own admission framework.
How to Calculate Your APS Score
WHAT SHOULD I CHECK BEFORE APPLYING TO UNIVERSITY?
- Check the admission score system used by the university.
- Check the minimum score for your exact qualification.
- Check whether Life Orientation is included or excluded.
- Check the required English level.
- Check the Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirement.
- Check whether Physical Sciences, Life Sciences or another subject is compulsory.
- Check whether the qualification requires the NBT or another selection process.
- Check the application closing date.
- Check whether meeting the minimum requirement guarantees admission or only makes you eligible for consideration.
UNIVERSITY ADMISSION INFORMATION
Once you know your APS score and the requirements for your chosen qualification, use the Grads24 university resources to continue your application research.
- How to Apply to University
- University Application Dates
- University Admission Requirements
- National Benchmark Tests (NBT)
- Universities in South Africa
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This university admission information was last updated in September 2026.
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