What's your APS score, really?
Every South African university uses some version of an Admission Point Score to do a first-pass filter on applications. Here's exactly how it works, and roughly what different fields tend to require.
How APS is calculated
Each subject percentage converts to a point value on a 7-point scale, and your best six subjects (rules vary slightly by university — some include Life Orientation, most don't) get added together.
| Percentage | Points |
|---|---|
| 80-100% | 7 |
| 70-79% | 6 |
| 60-69% | 5 |
| 50-59% | 4 |
| 40-49% | 3 |
| 30-39% | 2 |
| 0-29% | 1 |
Note: some universities (like UCT and Wits) use their own weighted formulas instead of the standard 7-point scale — always check the specific university's prospectus.
Typical APS ranges by field
These are general ballparks based on recent years, not guarantees — requirements shift annually and differ by institution and campus. Always confirm against the official 2027 prospectus before making decisions.
Engineering
Maths & Physical Sciences almost always weighted heavily.
Medicine & Health Sciences
Often the highest bar — most competitive faculties.
Commerce / Accounting
Maths is usually a hard requirement, not Maths Literacy.
Computer Science / IT
Maths required; some allow Technical Maths.
Humanities / Law
More flexible — Maths Literacy often accepted.
Education
Varies widely by specialisation and institution.
Work out your exact APS score
Punch in your subjects and marks and get your real score in seconds — no manual adding required.
Use the APS CalculatorStill deciding what to study? Check out STEM bursaries that could cover your fees.