How Do You Calculate APS?
APS is calculated using your Matric marks. The marks are separated into percentage brackets, and each bracket has a number of points. Once you know how many points you have for each subject, you can add them together to get your APS.
The point allocation is as follows:
Percentage Bracket | Point Allocation |
80% – 100% | 7 |
70% – 79% | 6 |
60% – 69% | 5 |
50% – 59% | 4 |
40% – 49% | 3 |
30% – 39% | 2 |
0% – 29% | 1 |
Remember that Life Orientation does not count toward your APS.
An Example Of How To Calculate Your APS:
Subject (%) | APS |
Mathematics: 67% | 5 |
English Home Language: 72% | 6 |
Afrikaans First Additional Language: 54% | 4 |
Life Orientation: 76% | 6 (excluded) |
Dramatic Arts: 87% | 7 |
Economics: 63% | 5 |
Geography: 81% | 7 |
Total APS | 34 |
Because Life Orientation is excluded, this adds up to an APS of 34, not 40.
Which App Can You Use To Calculate Your APS?
There are many ways you can calculate your APS, and using an online calculator, also known as a live app, makes it easier than ever.
Which Subjects Count For APS?
The subjects that count towards your APS are as follows:
Accounting | Agricultural Management Practices |
Agricultural Sciences | Agricultural Technology |
Business Studies | Civil Technology |
Computer Applications Technology | Consumer Studies |
Dance Studies | Dramatic Arts |
Economics | Electrical Technology |
Engineering Graphics and Design | Geography |
History | Hospitality Studies |
Information Technology | Life Sciences |
Mathematics | Mathematical Literacy |
Mechanical Technology | Music |
Physical Sciences | Religion studies |
Tourism | Visual Arts |
Your Home Language and First Additional Language will also count towards your APS. Life Orientation does not.
Does LO Count For APS?
No, Life Orientation does not count towards your APS. Some universities will count it for a single point if you passed, while others will count it for half the allocated number of points. Others will not count it at all.
When using an online calculator, remember to input Life Orientation in the single point bracket, no matter what your actual mark was.
How Much Should My APS Be?
Deciding what your APS should be is subjective. The APS you want to get will depend on what you want to study and where you want to study. The minimum APS requirements for the four passing levels are as follows:
- Bachelor’s Degree pass – minimum APS 23
- Diploma pass – minimum APS 19
- Higher Certificate pass – minimum APS 15
- NSC pass – minimum APS 14
Note that these are only the minimum requirements, and that achieving these APS scores does not guarantee you entry into any university course. Some universities will have their own requirements for certain courses, and some will be different to other universities.
What Is The Highest APS?
The highest APS you can get is 42. This is because Life Orientation does not count, and so you will be calculating your APS using six subjects. The highest number of points you can get for one subject is 7.
What Is A Good APS Score?
There is no set way to determine whether your APS is good or not because this is subjective. The APS you should aim to achieve depends on the course you want to study. The pass levels and their APS requirements are as follows:
- Bachelor’s Degree pass (also known as an exemption) – 23 points
- Diploma pass – 19 points
- Higher Certificate pass – 15 points
- NSC pass (also known as Matric pass) – 14 points
Note that these are only the minimum requirements for each passing level, and this does not guarantee you entry into any university course.
What Is The Minimum APS Score For A Bachelor’s Degree Pass?
The minimum APS for a Bachelor’s Degree pass, also known as Matric exemption pass, is 23. However, achieving this does not guarantee that you will get into a Bachelor’s Degree course. Some courses will also require a higher APS than the general requirement.
What Have We Learned?
- Your APS is calculated using your Matric marks
- You can calculate it yourself, or you can use an online calculator
- Life Orientation does not count towards your APS
- The highest APS you can have is 42
Author: Chloe Bydawell
Editor: Razeen Dollie
Date: June 30, 2022