The APS is calculated from a learner's best six NSC subjects (excluding Life Orientation), each scored 1 to 7, giving a standard maximum of 42 points. It is how South African universities compare applicants — but not every university uses the same scale, so always check the specific institution.

Every matric learner in South Africa encounters the APS, and most misunderstand at least one thing about it. This guide defines it precisely, shows how it is calculated, and — importantly — explains why there is no single national APS.

What is the APS?

The Admission Point Score is the standard way South African universities turn matric results into a single comparable number. Each subject percentage is converted into an achievement level from 1 to 7 using the NSC scale, and the levels of a learner's best six subjects (excluding Life Orientation) are added together.

The NSC achievement-level scale: Level 7 = 80–100% (7 points), Level 6 = 70–79% (6 points), Level 5 = 60–69% (5 points), Level 4 = 50–59% (4 points), Level 3 = 40–49% (3 points), Level 2 = 30–39% (2 points), Level 1 = 0–29% (1 point).

So the standard maximum APS is 42 (six subjects × 7 points each). This is the convention most universities follow — including UP, UJ and DUT.

The APS is not a pass or fail in itself; it is a comparison tool that universities use alongside subject-specific requirements to decide admission. Meeting a programme's minimum APS is necessary but not sufficient — most competitive programmes fill places well above the stated minimum. Read about . .

Is the APS out of 42 or 48?

Both — and this is the single most common source of confusion. The standard APS using the 1–7 scale gives a maximum of 42 (and this is what UP, UJ and DUT use). But some universities extend the scale: UKZN and NWU award an extra point for 90%+ (a 1–8 scale), giving a maximum of 48. Wits uses its own weighted system out of 56. Stellenbosch uses a percentage aggregate. UCT uses per-faculty scores.

There is no single national APS. The term is the same, but the number means different things at different institutions. A learner with a 33 out of 42 and a 36 out of 48 can be the same person — the scores are not interchangeable. So when checking whether you meet a programme's APS requirement, always check which scale that university uses. Comparing your APS at one university against a requirement at another, without converting, is a mistake thousands of applicants make.

Does Life Orientation count towards the APS?

Most universities exclude it entirely. Life Orientation is a 10-credit subject (versus 20 credits for academic subjects), which is why most institutions leave it out of the APS calculation. A small number of universities include it — some at half value, some capped — and UNISA includes it for a maximum of 49.

The safe assumption: calculate your APS without Life Orientation. If a specific university includes it, that is a bonus, not something to bank on. And never include it and then compare your score against a university that excludes it — the totals are not comparable.

How is the APS different from an admission score?

The APS is a standardised conversion of matric marks into levels. Some universities layer their own admission score on top — which may weight certain subjects, apply different scales, or include additional factors such as the NBT. The APS is the starting point; the admission score is the university's own application of it.

For practical purposes: always check the specific university's admission criteria, not a generic APS table. What matters is the number the university you are applying to actually uses, calculated the way they calculate it.

A worked example helps. A learner scoring 82% in Maths (Level 7 = 7 points), 74% in English (Level 6 = 6 points), 68% in Physical Science (Level 5 = 5 points), 55% in Life Sciences (Level 4 = 4 points), 63% in Geography (Level 5 = 5 points) and 71% in Accounting (Level 6 = 6 points) earns a standard APS of 33 out of 42. That same learner's score at UKZN (1–8 scale) would be 34 out of 48, because the 82% in Maths earns 8 instead of 7. Same marks, different numbers — which is exactly why you check the institution. Read about .

Frequently asked questions

What does APS stand for? Admission Point Score — the standard way South African universities convert matric subject percentages into a single comparable number for admission purposes.

How is the APS calculated? Each subject percentage is converted to an achievement level from 1 to 7 using the NSC scale. The levels of your best six subjects (excluding Life Orientation) are added together for a standard maximum of 42. Some universities use different scales — always check the institution.

Is the APS out of 42 or 48? The standard APS (UP, UJ, DUT) is out of 42 (best six subjects, 1–7 scale). UKZN and NWU use a 1–8 scale (max 48). Wits uses a weighted system (max 56). Stellenbosch and UCT use different methods entirely. There is no single national APS — the number means different things at different universities.

Does Life Orientation count for the APS? Most universities exclude it entirely because it is a 10-credit subject. A small number include it (some at half value, UNISA for a max of 49). Calculate without it unless you have confirmed the specific university counts it.

What APS do I need for university? It varies by university and programme. Minimums range from around 24–26 for less competitive courses to 38–40+ for medicine and engineering. Meeting the minimum does not guarantee admission — competitive programmes fill places well above the stated floor. Always check the specific programme's requirements.

Can I improve my APS after matric? Yes — by resitting a subject in a supplementary or subsequent exam series and improving the mark, which changes the level and therefore the APS. This is the standard route for a learner who narrowly missed a requirement.

The APS is calculated from your best six NSC subjects (excluding Life Orientation), each scored 1–7, for a standard maximum of 42 — but not every university uses the same scale, so always check. To learn more, see , , or .