How do APS points work?
APS (Admission Point Score) is used by South African universities to decide whether you qualify for certain programmes.
Want to calculate yours right now?
Try the APS Calculator.
How APS points are calculated
Most universities convert your subject percentages into points using a table similar to this:
- 80–100% → 7 points
- 70–79% → 6 points
- 60–69% → 5 points
- 50–59% → 4 points
- 40–49% → 3 points
- 30–39% → 2 points
- Below 30% → 1 point
These points are then added together to give your total APS.
How many subjects are counted?
In most cases:
- Universities count your best 6 subjects
- Life Orientation is often excluded
- Some universities may count 7 subjects, depending on the programme
To see the difference between counting best 6 vs all 7 (and including/excluding LO), use the
APS Calculator — it lets you toggle these rules instantly.
Important subject requirements
APS alone is not enough.
Some degrees also require specific subjects, for example:
- Engineering usually requires Mathematics and Physical Sciences
- Medicine usually requires Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Life Sciences
- Commerce often requires Mathematics
- Law and Humanities usually have no specific subject requirements