APS stands for Admission Point Score, and if you are in Matric, it is the single most important number on your academic record right now.
Universities across South Africa use your APS score as a standardized rating system to determine whether you qualify for a diploma or degree programme. Whether you are reviewing your prelim results or planning your final exam strategy, calculating your exact score gives you clear direction on where you stand for university acceptance.
3 Common Misconceptions About Your APS Score
Life Orientation counts toward my total score.
- The Reality: Almost every major university in South Africa (such as UP, Wits, UCT, and Stellenbosch) excludes Life Orientation when calculating your core APS score. While you must still pass LO to obtain your National Senior Certificate, its marks won’t help boost your points for degree entry. Always calculate your score using your other six main subjects!
If I hit the minimum APS score, I am automatically accepted.
- The Reality: Meeting the minimum published APS score only makes you eligible to apply it does not guarantee a space. Popular courses like Medicine, Law, or Engineering are extremely competitive, and the actual cutoff score is usually much higher than the minimum requirement. Additionally, faculties often have strict minimum level requirements for specific “gateway” subjects (such as needing a Level 5 in Pure Maths or English).
Pure Math always gives you a better APS score than Math Lit.
The Reality: On paper, 80% in Mathematical Literacy (Level 7 = 7 points) gives you more points than a 45% in Pure Mathematics (Level 3 = 3 points). If your intended degree doesn’t specifically require Pure Mathematics (like Humanities, Law, or Media), struggling through Pure Maths can drag down your total points, whereas a high score in Math Lit could significantly boost your overall APS score.
How the Calculation Works
The national level breakdown based on NSC Rating Levels:
- 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
Example
Here is a sample calculation using a Matric learner’s exam results:
Home Language: 67% = Level 5 (5 points)
First Additional Language: 73% = Level 6 (6 points)
Mathematics / Math Lit: 64% = Level 5 (5 points)
Accounting / Business Studies: 76% = Level 6 (6 points)
Physical Sciences / CAT: 72% = Level 6 (6 points)
Life Sciences / Geography: 81% = Level 7 (7 points)
Total APS Score: 5 + 6 + 5 + 6 + 6 + 7 = 35 Points
A total APS score of 35 places you in a strong position for a wide range of degree programs across top South African universities!
How to Boost Your APS Score Before Finals
If your current score falls short of the minimum entry requirement for your chosen course, here is how you can raise it:
- Target the “Boundary” Subjects: Look for subjects where you are scoring close to the next level threshold (e.g., 68% or 78%). Raising a mark by just 2% jumps you up an entire level and adds 1 full point to your overall APS score.
- Check subject specific rules: Many university faculties require a minimum level in specific subjects (like Level 5 for English or Pure Maths) alongside your total APS score.
- Upgrade specific subjects after matric: If your final NSC results don’t yield the APS score you need, you can rewrite or upgrade specific subjects to increase your total points.
Improve Your APS Score with Elroi Academy
If your final Matric results leave you with an APS score that doesn’t meet university entry requirements, Elroi Academy gives you a clear path forward:
- Accredited Matric Upgrades: Rewrite key CAPS subjects remotely from the comfort of your home to improve your percentage marks and raise your overall APS score.
- Comprehensive Study Materials: Get structured, easy-to-follow learning materials designed to help you master challenging exam content.
- Teacher Support When You Need It: Access specialist teacher backup whenever you hit a bump in your revision.
- Combine Your Highest Marks: Umalusi allows you to combine your highest subject marks onto a single certificate, maximizing your final APS score.
Don’t leave your university acceptance to chance. Calculate your APS score today, focus your study efforts on key subjects, and remember that upgrade options are always available to help you reach your goals.
Need to raise your APS score for university admission? Elroi Academy makes accredited Matric rewrites and subject upgrades simple, accessible, and structured.
Click here to fill out our quick registration form today and find out how we can help you get the marks you need!