What Can I Study With My APS?

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

Short Courses Available At Skills Academy

Short Courses Available At Ember Academy

Short Courses Available At Learning Group

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

  • Human Resources Assistant 
  • Office Management
  • Sales Assistant

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

  • Senior Office Administrator
  • General Office Manager
  • Customer Service Manager

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

  • Business Manager
  • Financial Accountant
  • Service or Sales Manager

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

  • Junior Bookkeeper
  • Accounts Clerk
  • Payroll Clerk

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

  • Senior Bookkeeper
  • Junior Accountant
  • Assistant Accountant

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

  • Technical Financial Accountant
  • Accounting Technician
  • Tax Technician

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

  • Financial Accountant
  • Tax Consultant
  • Management Accountant

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

  • Junior Office Administrator
  • Office Assistant
  • Receptionist

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

  • Senior Office Administrator
  • General Office Manager
  • Labour Relations Administrator

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

  • Office Manager 
  • Public Relations Manager
  • Administrative Manager

About Short Courses

Beauty Therapy

Course

Beauty Therapy

Entry Requirements

Be able to read and write in English

Potential Career Paths

  • Beautician 
  • Make-up Artist 
  • Salon Manager

Call Centre Management

Course

Call Centre Management

Entry Requirements

Be able to read and write in English

Potential Career Paths

  • Call Centre Agent
  • Campaign Manager
  • Helpdesk Consultant

Child Day Care

Course

Child Day Care

Entry Requirements

Be able to read and write in English

Potential Career Paths

  • Au pair
  • Preschool teaching assistant 
  • Daycare practitioner

Child Psychology

Course

Child Psychology

Entry Requirements

Be able to read and write in English

Potential Career Paths

  • Au pair
  • Preschool teaching assistant 
  • Daycare practitioner

Crèche Management

Course

Crèche Management

Entry Requirements

Be able to read and write in English

Potential Career Paths

  • Crèche Administrator 
  • Crèche Manager 
  • Crèche Owner

Customer Relations

Course

Customer Relations

Entry Requirements

Be able to read and write in English

Potential Career Paths

  • Sales assistant
  • Customer service representative
  • Inbound call centre agent

Digital Photography

Course

Digital Photography

Entry Requirements

Be able to read and write in English

Potential Career Paths

  • Freelance Photographer
  • Commercial/Advertising Photographer
  • Wedding Photographer

Events Management

Course

Events Management

Entry Requirements

Be able to read and write in English

Potential Career Paths

  • Events Administrator 
  • Event Manager 
  • Event Planner

Facial Skincare

Course

Facial Skincare

Entry Requirements

Be able to read and write in English

Potential Career Paths

  • Facial Skincare Specialist 
  • Facial Skincare Consultant 
  • Freelance Beautician

First Aid 

Course

First Aid

Entry Requirements

Be able to read and write in English

Potential Career Paths

  • Nursing home employee
  • Daycare staff 
  • Flight attendant

Financial Management

Course

Financial Management

Entry Requirements

Be able to read and write in English

Potential Career Paths

  • Accounting Clerk 
  • Financial Advisor 
  • Bank Teller

Guest House Management

Course

Guest House Management

Entry Requirements

Be able to read and write in English

Potential Career Paths

  • Guest house Administrator 
  • Guest house Manager 
  • Guest house Owner

Human Resource Management

Course

Human Resource Management

Entry Requirements

Be able to read and write in English

Potential Career Paths

  • Employee Relations Manager 
  • Human Resource Administration Assistant 
  • Human Resource Manager

Interior Decorating

Course

Interior Decorating

Entry Requirements

Be able to read and write in English

Potential Career Paths

  • Interior Decorator

Interior Design

Course

Interior Design

Entry Requirements

Be able to read and write in English

Potential Career Paths

  • Interior Designer

Makeup Application

Course

Makeup Application

Entry Requirements

Be able to read and write in English

Potential Career Paths

  • Beauty Blogger/Influencer 
  • Make-up Artist 
  • Freelance Special Effects Make-up Assistant

Medical Receptionist

Course

Medical Receptionist

Entry Requirements

Be able to read and write in English

Potential Career Paths

  • Personal Assistant
  • Secretary
  • Executive Assistant

Microsoft Office 2010

Course

Microsoft Office 2010

Entry Requirements

Be able to read and write in English

Potential Career Paths

  • Secretary
  • Assistant
  • Office Administrator

Nail Care

Course

Nail Care

Entry Requirements

Be able to read and write in English

Potential Career Paths

  • Nail Technician 
  • Nail Salon Owner
  • Nail Consultant

Personal Assistant

Course

Personal Assistant

Entry Requirements

Be able to read and write in English

Potential Career Paths

  • Administrative Assistant 
  • Receptionist 
  • Secretary

Productions and Operations Management

Course

Productions and Operations Management

Entry Requirements

Be able to read and write in English

Potential Career Paths

  • Junior Operations Manager
  • General Manager
  • Production Manager

Professional Secretary

Course

Professional Secretary

Entry Requirements

Be able to read and write in English

Potential Career Paths

  • Secretary
  • Assistant
  • Office Administrator

Project Management

Course

Project Management

Entry Requirements

Be able to read and write in English

Potential Career Paths

  • Project Administration Assistant 
  • Project Management Consultant 
  • Project Management in Resources

PC Repairs

Course

PC Repairs

Entry Requirements

Be able to read and write in English

Potential Career Paths

  • IT Technician
  • Software Developer 
  • Software Engineer

Receptionist

Course

Receptionist

Entry Requirements

Be able to read and write in English

Potential Career Paths

  • Administrative Assistant 
  • Customer Services Representative
  • Receptionist

Retail Management

Course

Retail Management

Entry Requirements

Be able to read and write in English

Potential Career Paths

  • Merchandise manager 
  • Customer service manager 
  • Store or warehouse manager

Sales Management

Course

Sales Management

Entry Requirements

Be able to read and write in English

Potential Career Paths

  • Telemarketer 
  • Sales Manager
  • Sales Development Representative 

Security Risk Management

Course

Security Risk Management

Entry Requirements

Be able to read and write in English

Potential Career Paths

  • Junior risk analyst
  • Private security guard
  • Risk consultant

Small Business Management

Course

Small Business Management

Entry Requirements

Be able to read and write in English

Potential Career Paths

  • Small Business Manager
  • Entrepreneur
  • Supervisor

Supply Chain Management

Course

Supply Chain Management

Entry Requirements

Be able to read and write in English

Potential Career Paths

  • Hotel Manager 
  • Travel Agency Manager 
  • Tourism Marketing Manager

Tourism Management

Course

Tourism Management

Entry Requirements

Be able to read and write in English

Potential Career Paths

  • Concierge 
  • Travel Agent 
  • Tour Guide

Tourism Marketing

Course

Tourism Marketing

Entry Requirements

Be able to read and write in English

Potential Career Paths

  • Hotel Manager 
  • Travel Agency Manager 
  • Tourism Marketing Manager

Wedding Planning

Course

Wedding Planning

Entry Requirements

Be able to read and write in English

Potential Career Paths

  • Venue Manager 
  • Wedding Planner 
  • Wedding Coordinator

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