Deciding what is a good APS is subjective, as the APS you need will depend on what course you want to study. Many universities have their own methods of calculating your APS, and often will have different requirements for specific courses.
What Are The Four Pass Levels?
The four different pass levels and the minimum requirements to achieve them are:
Bachelor’s Degree Pass
To receive a Bachelor’s Degree pass, you must have the following:
- 40% or above for your Home Language subject
- 50% or above for four subjects
- 30% or above for two other subjects
This makes your APS total 23.
Diploma Pass
To receive a Diploma pass, you must have the following:
- 40% or above for your Home Language subject
- 40% or above for four other subjects
- 30% or above for two other subjects
This brings your APS total to 19, which is the minimum entry requirement for a Diploma at a university.
Higher Certificate Pass
To receive a Higher Certificate pass, you must have the following:
- 40% or above for your Home Language subject
- 40% or above for two other subjects
- 30% or above for three other subjects
This brings your APS total to 15 which is the minimum entry requirement for a Higher Certificate at a college.
National Senior Certificate (NSC)/ Senior Certificate (SC) Pass
To receive a National Senior Certificate (NSC) pass, you must have the following:
- 40% or above for your Home Language subject
- 40% or above for two other subjects
- 30% or above for the remaining subjects
- You can fail one subject
This brings your APS total to 14, which is the minimum requirement to pass matric, but will not admit you into any university or higher certificate courses.
What Is The Highest Pass Level?
The highest pass level you can achieve is a Bachelor’s Degree pass.
What Is The Minimum APS For A Bachelor's Degree?
The minimum APS for a Bachelor’s Degree pass is 21. However, many Bachelor’s Degree courses require a higher APS than the general requirement. An example of this is teaching, where many universities require an APS of 26.
How Do I Calculate My APS?
There are two ways you can calculate your APS:
- Calculate it yourself
- Calculate it online
To calculate it yourself, you will need the point allocation. 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. However, you must pass Life Orientation in order to pass Matric.
What Is The Highest APS?
The highest APS you can achieve is 42. This is because the highest number of points you can get for one subject is 7. Because Life Orientation does not count, your APS is calculated with six subjects.
How Is APS Calculated At Different Universities?
Many universities have their own way of calculating your APS. many will have their own APS calculator on their website. Below is a list of universities that you can check to see their APS and subject requirements:
- APS Requirements for the University of Johannesburg (UJ)
- APS Requirements for Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
- APS Requirements for the University of South Africa (UNISA) were unavailable at the time of writing, but to find more details you can contact the university directly
- APS Requirements for the University of Witwatersrand (Wits)
- APS Requirements for North-West University (NWU)
- APS Requirements for the University of the Western Cape (UWC)
- APS Requirements for the University of Cape Town (UCT)
- APS Requirements for the University of Stellenbosch (US)
What Do I Do If My APS Is Too Low?
There are options available if your APS does not meet the requirements of the course you want to study. You can:
- Start at a lower course level
- Rewrite your Matric
- Upgrade your Matric
Start At A Lower Course Level
Starting at a lower course level can allow you to work your way up to the qualification you want to study. For example, you can start with a Diploma, and then study for a Bachelor’s Degree. Some universities will allow you to begin with a Diploma and transfer into a Bachelor’s Degree if your academic performance is good enough.
Rewrite Your Matric
This option is available to anyone under the age of 21 who would like to improve their Matric results. You may rewrite a maximum of four subjects. These must be subjects you wrote for your Matric final exams, you cannot change your subjects for a rewrite.
To apply for a Matric Rewrite, you will need:
- A copy of your Statement of Results
- A certified copy of your ID
Upgrade Your Matric
This is an option available to anyone over the age of 21 who would like to improve their Matric results. You may upgrade a maximum of four subjects. You may change any of these four subjects.
To apply for a Matric Upgrade, you will need:
- A copy of your Statement of Results
- A certified copy of your ID
What Have We Learned?
- Deciding whether or not your APS is good is subjective
- Achieving the minimum pass requirements does not guarantee you admission into a university course
- You can calculate your own APS or you can calculate it online
- Life Orientation does not count towards your APS
- There are options available if your APS does not meet requirements
Author: Chloe Bydawell
Editor: Razeen Dollie
Date: June 30, 2022