Are you a South African student looking to gain entrance into university or college? If so, you’ll need to understand the Admission Point Score (APS) system, which is used to determine eligibility based on your Matric marks. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of calculating your APS score and provide essential information about the subjects that count towards it. Let’s dive in!
How is APS Calculated?
The APS calculation relies on the marks you receive for each subject in Matric. Here’s what you need to know about the calculation process:
- Marks range from 0 to 100% for each subject.
- Each mark is assigned a point score from 1 to 7, with 7 being the highest and 1 being the lowest. For example, if you score 45% in Mathematics, the point score allocated to that mark is 3.
- To calculate your total APS, sum up the points of your six Matric subjects (excluding Life Orientation).
The point allocation for Matric subjects is as follows:
- A symbol (80 – 100%) = 7
- B symbol (70 – 79%) = 6
- C symbol (60 – 69%) = 5
- D symbol (50 – 59%) = 4
- E symbol (40 – 49%) = 3
- F symbol (30 – 39%) = 2
- G symbol (0 – 29%) = 1
It’s important to note that Life Orientation does not count toward your APS score. However, some universities may count it for a single point if you passed, while others may consider it for half the allocated number of points, and some may not count it at all.
Let’s look at an example to better understand APS calculation:
Tsepho received the following Matric NSC final exam results:
- Mathematics: 65% (APS score of 5)
- English Home Language: 68% (APS score of 5)
- Afrikaans First Additional Language: 59% (APS score of 4)
- Life Orientation: 77% (excluded from APS score)
- Life Sciences: 81% (APS score of 7)
- Physical Sciences: 71% (APS score of 6)
- Business Studies: 68% (APS score of 5)
Tsepho’s total APS is 32. With this APS score, he will gain a Matric exemption and be eligible to pursue a Bachelor’s degree at a university.
To calculate your APS score conveniently, you can use this APS score calculator tool for accurate results.
Which Subjects Count towards my APS?
Your APS score is composed of three compulsory subjects and three elective subjects. Here’s a breakdown:
Compulsory Subjects:
- Home Language (e.g., Afrikaans, English, IsiNdebele, IsiXhosa, IsiZulu, Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, Siswati, Tshivenda, Xitsonga)
- First Additional Language (e.g., Afrikaans, English, IsiNdebele, IsiXhosa, IsiZulu, Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, Siswati, Tshivenda, Xitsonga)
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy
Elective Subjects:
- 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
- Mechanical Technology
- Music
- Physical Sciences
- Religion Studies
- Tourism
- Visual Arts
These subjects offer a wide range of choices to align your APS score with your desired field of study.
How Much Should My APS Be?
The APS requirement depends on the type of qualification you are aiming for. Here are the minimum APS requirements for different passing levels:
- Bachelor’s Degree pass – minimum APS 23
- Diploma pass – minimum APS 19
- Higher Certificate pass – minimum APS 15
- NSC pass – minimum APS 14
Keep in mind that these are the minimum requirements, and meeting them doesn’t guarantee entry into any university course. Universities may have specific requirements for certain programs, and each institution may have different criteria.
What Is The Highest APS?
The highest APS score you can achieve is 42. Since Life Orientation is excluded from the calculation, you will be using six subjects, with the highest possible point allocation being 7 for each subject.
Let’s explore the minimum requirements for the different types of passes:
Bachelor’s Degree Pass:
- 40% for your Home Language
- 50% for four other Higher Credit subjects
- 30% for one additional subject for the Senior Certificate (Amended) OR 30% for two additional subjects for the National Senior Certificate
Diploma Pass:
- 40% for your Home Language
- 40% for four other High Credit subjects
- 30% for two additional subjects for the National Senior Certificate
Higher Certificate Pass:
A Higher Certificate Pass enables you to enroll at a college or distance learning institution. The minimum requirements are:
- 40% in your Home Language
- 40% in two other subjects
- 30% for three additional subjects for the National Senior Certificate
- (One of your Home Languages must be English or Afrikaans to qualify for this certificate)
National Senior Certificate Pass:
The minimum requirements for this certificate are:
- Pass at least 3 subjects with 40%. One of these subjects should be an official Home Language.
- Pass at least 2 subjects with 30%. One of these subjects should be a First Additional Language or Home Language.
- You are allowed to fail 1 subject. The minimum percentage you can get for this subject is 20%.
While achieving a good APS score is important, meeting the minimum requirements alone doesn’t guarantee admission to a university. Universities consider various factors, such as specific subject requirements and basic entry criteria, including attaining a bachelor’s pass. Additionally, the availability of space in the desired course and the potential need for entrance exams can impact acceptance.
It’s essential to understand that your APS score serves as a helpful tool in determining the career path you wish to pursue.
Conclusion
The Admission Point Score (APS) plays a vital role in gaining entrance to universities or colleges in South Africa. By understanding the APS calculation process, identifying the subjects that count towards your APS, and meeting the required minimum scores, you can increase your chances of pursuing your desired academic path. Remember to research specific university requirements and other factors that may affect your admission. Best of luck in your educational journey!
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