There are options available for every Admission Point Score (APS). There are four different pass levels. These will help you determine what you are able to study after Matric. The four pass levels are as follows:
- Bachelor’s pass/Matric exemption – APS 23
- Diploma pass – APS 19
- Higher Certificate pass – APS 15
- NSC pass/Matric pass – APS 14
Note that these are all the minimum requirements for each passing level, and does not guarantee you admission to any university.
Bachelor’s Degree Pass
A Bachelor’s Degree pass is also known as a Matric exemption. The minimum APS for a Bachelor’s pass is 23. However, some courses will require a higher APS, such as Medicine and Law.
Some universities will also have their own APS requirements for each course, and these might be different to the requirements for the same course at other universities. Remember to check with the universities you are applying to for any specific requirements they may have.
Diploma Pass
The minimum APS requirement for a Diploma pass is 18. This will allow you to apply to most Diploma courses at any university.
Higher Certificate Pass
The minimum APS requirement for a Higher Certificate pass is 15. This will enable you to apply to most Higher Certificate courses at universities.
National Senior Certificate (NSC) Pass
The minimum APS requirement for a National Senior Certificate (NSC) pass is 14. This is the absolute minimum requirement to pass Matric, but will not grant you entry into any university courses.
However, this is not the only option. If you have only achieved a Matric pass, you can still apply to study any NATED (National Accredited Technical Education Diploma) courses. Most of these require Matric to apply.
You can also choose to study the accredited ICB Office Administration course. This course also only requires Matric Certificate or Matric Equivalent Certificate to apply.
At any of the following reputable distance learning colleges, you can study a NATED course:
- Bellview Institute of Distance Learning
- Matric College
- Skills Academy
NATED Courses Available At Bellview Institute of Distance Learning
NATED Courses Available At Matric College
NATED Courses Available At Skills Academy
APS Below 14
If your APS is below 14, this means you have failed Matric. However, there are still options available if this is the case.
If you would like to further your studies without Matric, you can study an accredited ICB course. You can study ICB courses at any of the following distance learning colleges:
- Bellview Institute of Distance Learning
- Matric College
- Skills Academy
- Ember Academy
- Learning Group
ICB Courses Available At Bellview Institute of Distance Learning
ICB Courses Available At Matric College
ICB Courses Available At Skills Academy
ICB Courses Available At Ember Academy
ICB Courses Available At Learning Group
While Office Administration is available at these colleges, it does require Matric to apply.
You can also choose to study any number of short courses available at each of the following reputable distance learning colleges:
- Matric College
- Skills Academy
- Ember Academy
- Learning Group
Short Courses Available At Matric College
- Beauty Therapy: Expert Course
- Child Psychology: Short Course
- Child Psychology: Certificate Course
- Child Psychology: Comprehensive Course
- Child Day Care: Short Course
- Child Day Care: Certificate Course
- Child Day Care: Comprehensive Course
- Crèche Management: Short Course
- Crèche Management: Certificate Course
- Crèche Management: Comprehensive Course
- Events Management: Short Course
- Events Management: Certificate Course
- Events Management: Comprehensive Course
- Facial Skincare: Short Course
- Facial Skincare: Certificate Course
- Facial Skincare: Comprehensive Course
- First Aid Concepts: Certificate Course
- Guest house Management: Short Course
- Guest house Management: Certificate Course
- Guest house Management: Comprehensive Course
- Make-Up Application: Short Course
- Make-Up Application: Certificate Course
- Make-Up Application: Comprehensive Course
- Nail Care: Short Course
- Nail Care: Certificate Course
- Nail Care: Comprehensive Course
- Salon Management: Expert Course
- Tourism: Short Course
- Tourism: Certificate Course
- Tourism: Comprehensive Course
- Wedding Planning: Certificate Course
- Wedding Planning: Short Course
- Wedding Planning: Comprehensive Course
Short Courses Available At Skills Academy
- Beauty Therapy
- Call Centre Management
- Child Day Care
- Child Psychology
- Crèche Management
- Customer Relations
- Digital Photography
- Events Management
- Facial Skincare
- First Aid
- Financial Management
- Google Sketch-up
- Guest House Management
- Human Resource Management
- Interior Decorating
- Interior Design
- Makeup Application
- Medical Receptionist
- Microsoft Office 2010
- Nail Care
- Personal Assistant
- Productions and Operations Management
- Professional Secretary
- Project Management
- PC Repairs
- Receptionist
- Retail Management
- Sales Management
- Security Risk Management
- Small Business Management
- Supply Chain Management
- Tourism Management
- Tourism Marketing
- Wedding Planning
Short Courses Available At Ember Academy
- Beauty Therapy Expert Comprehensive Course
- Child Day Care Short Course
- Child Day Care Proficiency Course
- Child Day Care Comprehensive Course
- Child Psychology Short Course
- Child Psychology Proficiency Course
- Child Psychology Comprehensive Course
- Crèche Management Short Course
- Crèche Management Proficiency Course
- Crèche Management Comprehensive Course
- Digital Photography Short Course
- Digital Photography Proficiency Course
- Digital Photography Comprehensive Course
- Events Management Short Course
- Events Management Proficiency Course
- Events Management Comprehensive Course
- Facial Skincare Short Course
- Facial Skincare Proficiency Course
- Facial Skincare Comprehensive Course
- Guest House Management Short Course
- Guest House Management Proficiency Course
- Guest House Management Comprehensive Course
- Human Resource Management Short Course
- Human Resource Management Proficiency Course
- Human Resource Management Comprehensive Course
- Make-up Application Short Course
- Make-up Application Proficiency Course
- Make-up Application Comprehensive Course
- Nail Care Short Course
- Nail Care Proficiency Course
- Nail Care Comprehensive Course
- Occupational Health and Safety Coordinator Course
- Occupational Health and Safety Representative Course
- Personal Assistant Short Course
- Personal Assistant Proficiency Certificate
- Project Management Short Course
- Project Management Proficiency Course
- Project Management Comprehensive Course
- Receptionist Short Course
- Receptionist Proficiency Certificate
- Salon Management Expert Certificate
- Supply Chain Management Short Course
- Supply Chain Management Proficiency Course
- Supply Chain Management Comprehensive Course
- Tourism Management Short Course
- Tourism Management Proficiency Course
- Tourism Management Comprehensive Course
- Tourism Marketing Short Course
- Tourism Marketing Proficiency Course
- Tourism Marketing Comprehensive Course
- Wedding Planner Short Course
- Wedding Planner Proficiency Course
- Wedding Planner Comprehensive Course
Short Courses Available At Learning Group
- Beauty Therapy Comprehensive Expert Certificate
- Facial Skincare Short Course Certificate
- Facial Skincare Proficiency Certificate
- Facial Skincare Comprehensive Certificate
- Make-up Application Short Course
- Make-up Application Certificate
- Make-up Application Comprehensive Certificate
- Nail Care Short Course Certificate
- Nail Care Proficiency Certificate
- Nail Care Comprehensive Certificate
- Salon Management Expert Certificate
APS Above 30
There are many studying options available if your APS is above 30. Some examples are:
- Bachelor of Accounting requires APS 33 at the University of Johannesburg
- Many Bachelor’s Degrees require APS 30 or APS 32 at the University of Pretoria
- Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery requires APS 35 at the University of Pretoria
- Bachelor of Law requires APS 37 at the University of the Western Cape
Other Most Commonly Searched APS
Many APS are searched when Matriculants are trying to find out what they can study with their APS. The following are the most commonly searched:
- APS 24
- APS 25
- APS 26
- APS 27
- APS 29
All of these scores are above the minimum requirement for a Bachelor’s pass, but it can be very difficult to find what courses are offered for these specific scores. It is easiest to check the requirements for the course you want to study at the university you want to study at.
However, some examples are:
- Bachelor of Arts in Design with many specialisation options requires APS 23 with Maths or 24 with Maths Literacy at the University of Johannesburg
- Bachelor of Education requires APS 25 at Tshwane University of Technology
- Bachelor of Commerce (Extended Programme) requires APS 26 at the University of Pretoria
- Bachelor of Oral Health requires an APS of 27 at the University of the Western Cape
- Bachelor of Arts in many fields requires an APS of 26 with Maths or 28 with Maths Literacy at the University of Johannesburg
About NATED Courses
NATED courses are courses accredited by QCTO (the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations). This means that they are recognised by potential employers as a formal qualification.
They are also separated into different course levels, which go all the way up to the Diploma level. The Diploma level is just one level below a Bachelor’s Degree.
NATED courses are designed by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). They aim to give you the relevant theoretical and practical knowledge you need to begin your career in the course field you choose without having to attend university.
About ICB Courses
- Business Management
- Financial Accounting
- Office Administration
Business Management
This qualification has three levels, and they are:
- National Certificate in Small Business Financial Management
- Higher Certificate in Office Administration
- National Diploma in Financial Accounting
National Certificate in Small Business Financial Management
Qualification | National Certificate |
NQF Level | 4 |
Entry Requirements | Grade 11 Or Equivalent (Bookkeeping: ICB National Certificate) |
Accredited by | ICB & QCTO |
SAQA ID Number | 48736 |
Credits | 120 |
Potential Career Paths |
|
Higher Certificate in Office Administration
Qualification | Higher Certificate |
NQF Level | 5 |
Entry Requirements | ICB National Certificate in Small Business Financial Management |
Accredited by | ICB & QCTO |
SAQA ID Number | 23619 |
Credits | 240 |
Potential Career Paths |
|
National Diploma in Financial Accounting
Qualification | National Diploma |
NQF Level | 6 |
Entry Requirements | ICB Higher Certificate in Office Administration |
Accredited by | ICB & QCTO |
SAQA ID Number | 20366 |
Credits | 280 |
Potential Career Paths |
|
Financial Accounting
This qualification has four levels, and they are:
- ICB National Certificate in Bookkeeping
- ICB FET Certificate in Bookkeeping
- ICB National Diploma in Technical Financial Accounting
- ICB National Diploma in Financial Accounting
National Certificate in Bookkeeping
Qualification | National Certificate |
NQF Level | 3 |
Entry Requirements | Grade 10 or Equivalent Certificate |
Accredited by | ICB & QCTO |
SAQA ID Number | 58375 |
Credits | 120 |
Potential Career Paths |
|
FET Certificate in Bookkeeping
Qualification | FET Certificate |
NQF Level | 4 |
Entry Requirements | ICB National Certificate in Bookkeeping |
Accredited by | ICB & QCTO |
SAQA ID Number | 58376 |
Credits | 130 |
Potential Career Paths |
|
National Diploma in Technical Financial Accounting
Qualification | National Diploma |
NQF Level | 5 |
Entry Requirements | ICB FET Certificate in Bookkeeping |
Accredited by | ICB & QCTO |
SAQA ID Number | 36213 |
Credits | 251 |
Potential Career Paths |
|
National Diploma in Financial Accounting
Qualification | National Diploma |
NQF Level | 6 |
Entry Requirements | ICB National Diploma in Technical Financial Accounting |
Accredited by | ICB & QCTO |
SAQA ID Number | 20366 |
Credits | 280 |
Potential Career Paths |
|
Office Administration
This qualification has three levels, and they are:
- ICB Certificate in Office Administration
- ICB Higher Certificate in Office Administration
- ICB Diploma in Office Administration
Certificate in Office Administration
Qualification | National Certificate |
NQF Level | 5 |
Entry Requirements | Matric or Matric Equivalent Certificate (Bookkeeping: ICB FET Certificate or Small Business Financial Management: ICB National Certificate) |
Accredited by | ICB & QCTO |
SAQA ID Number | 23618 |
Credits | 120 |
Potential Career Paths |
|
Higher Certificate in Office Administration
Qualification | Higher Certificate |
NQF Level | 5 |
Entry Requirements | ICB National Certificate in Office Administration |
Accredited by | ICB & QCTO |
SAQA ID Number | 23619 |
Credits | 240 |
Potential Career Paths |
|
Qualification | Diploma |
NQF Level | 6 |
Entry Requirements | ICB Higher Certificate in Office Administration |
Accredited by | ICB & QCTO |
SAQA ID Number | 35958 |
Credits | 360 |
Potential Career Paths |
|
About Short Courses
Beauty Therapy
Course | Beauty Therapy |
Entry Requirements | Be able to read and write in English |
Potential Career Paths |
|
Call Centre Management
Course | Call Centre Management |
Entry Requirements | Be able to read and write in English |
Potential Career Paths |
|
Child Day Care
Course | Child Day Care |
Entry Requirements | Be able to read and write in English |
Potential Career Paths |
|
Child Psychology
Course | Child Psychology |
Entry Requirements | Be able to read and write in English |
Potential Career Paths |
|
Crèche Management
Course | Crèche Management |
Entry Requirements | Be able to read and write in English |
Potential Career Paths |
|
Customer Relations
Course | Customer Relations |
Entry Requirements | Be able to read and write in English |
Potential Career Paths |
|
Digital Photography
Course | Digital Photography |
Entry Requirements | Be able to read and write in English |
Potential Career Paths |
|
Events Management
Course | Events Management |
Entry Requirements | Be able to read and write in English |
Potential Career Paths |
|
Facial Skincare
Course | Facial Skincare |
Entry Requirements | Be able to read and write in English |
Potential Career Paths |
|
First Aid
Course | First Aid |
Entry Requirements | Be able to read and write in English |
Potential Career Paths |
|
Financial Management
Course | Financial Management |
Entry Requirements | Be able to read and write in English |
Potential Career Paths |
|
Guest House Management
Course | Guest House Management |
Entry Requirements | Be able to read and write in English |
Potential Career Paths |
|
Human Resource Management
Course | Human Resource Management |
Entry Requirements | Be able to read and write in English |
Potential Career Paths |
|
Interior Decorating
Course | Interior Decorating |
Entry Requirements | Be able to read and write in English |
Potential Career Paths |
|
Interior Design
Course | Interior Design |
Entry Requirements | Be able to read and write in English |
Potential Career Paths |
|
Makeup Application
Course | Makeup Application |
Entry Requirements | Be able to read and write in English |
Potential Career Paths |
|
Medical Receptionist
Course | Medical Receptionist |
Entry Requirements | Be able to read and write in English |
Potential Career Paths |
|
Microsoft Office 2010
Course | Microsoft Office 2010 |
Entry Requirements | Be able to read and write in English |
Potential Career Paths |
|
Nail Care
Course | Nail Care |
Entry Requirements | Be able to read and write in English |
Potential Career Paths |
|
Personal Assistant
Course | Personal Assistant |
Entry Requirements | Be able to read and write in English |
Potential Career Paths |
|
Productions and Operations Management
Course | Productions and Operations Management |
Entry Requirements | Be able to read and write in English |
Potential Career Paths |
|
Professional Secretary
Course | Professional Secretary |
Entry Requirements | Be able to read and write in English |
Potential Career Paths |
|
Project Management
Course | Project Management |
Entry Requirements | Be able to read and write in English |
Potential Career Paths |
|
PC Repairs
Course | PC Repairs |
Entry Requirements | Be able to read and write in English |
Potential Career Paths |
|
Receptionist
Course | Receptionist |
Entry Requirements | Be able to read and write in English |
Potential Career Paths |
|
Retail Management
Course | Retail Management |
Entry Requirements | Be able to read and write in English |
Potential Career Paths |
|
Sales Management
Course | Sales Management |
Entry Requirements | Be able to read and write in English |
Potential Career Paths |
|
Security Risk Management
Course | Security Risk Management |
Entry Requirements | Be able to read and write in English |
Potential Career Paths |
|
Small Business Management
Course | Small Business Management |
Entry Requirements | Be able to read and write in English |
Potential Career Paths |
|
Supply Chain Management
Course | Supply Chain Management |
Entry Requirements | Be able to read and write in English |
Potential Career Paths |
|
Tourism Management
Course | Tourism Management |
Entry Requirements | Be able to read and write in English |
Potential Career Paths |
|
Tourism Marketing
Course | Tourism Marketing |
Entry Requirements | Be able to read and write in English |
Potential Career Paths |
|
Wedding Planning
Course | Wedding Planning |
Entry Requirements | Be able to read and write in English |
Potential Career Paths |
|
What Is The APS Score Used For?
APS is a way for universities to determine whether you are eligible to apply to study for a specific qualification. Each university has its own APS requirements, and some have their own way of calculating your APS.
How To Calculate APS
To calculate your APS, you need to know the point allocation. The points are 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 |
Note that when calculating your APS, most universities will only count Life Orientation for a single point, as long as you passed, no matter what your actual mark was. You can use an online calculator to help you, but remember to input Life Orientation in the single point bracket.
What Have We Learned?
- There are many options for furthering your studies, no matter your APS
- The APS requirements listed are only minimum requirements and do not guarantee admission to any course
- Calculating your own APS is easy
Author: Chloe Bydawell
Editor: Razeen Dollie
Date: June 30, 2022