What Is A Good APS Score?

A good Admission Point Score (APS) is 35 points excluding Life Orientation. If you get an APS of 42, it means you scored 7 points for all 6 subjects, which is the highest APS score possible. So aim to get at least 35. If your APS is high, you have a higher chance of getting into university and studying a course of your choice. Keep in mind that each university has its requirements. Research the university of choice in advance and make sure you work towards meeting those requirements.

How Do I Calculate My APS?

To calculate your APS score, you need your final results. Your APS is calculated in points. Each percentage mark for each subject is equal to a certain amount of points. Your subject points are combined and this makes up your APS. Here is how you calculate your APS:

APS Percentage %Type of Achievement APS Points
80-100% (Distinction)Outstanding Achievement 7 points 
70-79%Meritorious Achievement 6 points
60-69%Substantial Achievement 5 points 
50-59%Adequate Achievement 4 points 
40-49%Moderate Achievement 3 points 
30-39%Elementary Achievement 2 points 
0-29%Not achieved Achievement 1 point    

Here is an example of how you calculate your APS score: 

  • English – 66% = 5 points 
  • Afrikaans- 50% = 4 points 
  • Life Orientation – 69% = (They do not count L.O when they calculate APS score)
  • Mathematics – 55% = 4 points 
  • Life Sciences- 46% = 3 points 
  • Physical Sciences- 21% = 1 point 
  • Geography – 86% = 7 points (Distinction)

5 + 4 + 4 + 3 + 1 + 7 = 24

Total APS Score = 24 Points 

What Are The Different APS Scores For Different Pass Levels?

Here is a list of minimum APS point scores for different pass levels:

APS For A Bachelor’s Degree 

  • 4 in four subjects 
  • 3 in one subject
  • 2 in the last subject
  • 4+ 4 + 4 + 4 + 3 + 2 = 21+ points 

APS For Diploma Pass 

  • 3 in Home Language 
  • 3 in four subjects 
  • 2 in two subjects
  • 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 + 2 + 2 = 19+ points 

APS Of Higher Certificate Pass 

  • 3 in Home Language
  • 3 in four subjects 
  • 2 in two subjects
  • 3 + 3 + 3 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 15+ points 

APS Of National Senior Certificate Pass 

  • 3 in Home Language
  • 3 in two subjects 
  • 2 in four subjects
  • 3 + 3 + 3 + 2 + 2 = 14+ points 

NOTE: Keep in mind that as much as APS scores can help you gain entry into university, this is not the only thing you should look at. Always research the university and course requirements in advance and make sure you work towards meeting those requirements.
 

What Can I Study With 20 Points?

If you have an APS of 20 points, you can consider studying through a college or enrolling at a university for a Higher Certificate or Diploma course rather than a Degree. You need an APS of 21 and above to qualify for a Bachelor’s Degree in university. Remember that your acceptance depends on whether you meet the university requirements. 

If you cannot study at university, you can use your Matric Certificate to apply at colleges. You can apply at Matric College. They offer a variety of courses for you to study. 

Which Courses Can I Study At Matric College With My APS Score?

You can apply for any of the following courses with Any APS Score: 

National Qualifications (NATED)

National Qualifications are also called National Accredited Technical Education Diploma (NATED) qualifications. These courses are made by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). The aim is to train students with practical skills and knowledge for the workplace environment. Here is a list of National Qualifications (NATED) courses at Matric College: 

Studying an accredited Business Management Course or Marketing Management Course will not only prepare you to be your own boss and run your own business, but it will also teach you the skills you’ll need to manage a corporate business and ensure that you’re on the right track to achieving your goal of climbing the management ladder.

ICB Qualifications

Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) courses focus on business and financial streams. These courses are accredited by the ICB and Quality Council of Trades and Occupations QCTO. They offer scarce skills and are recognised internationally. Here is a list of ICB courses at Matric College

Students who want to study an accredited course without obtaining a matric certificate might consider the accredited ICB Bookkeeping and Accounting Courses. You must have completed grade 10 to register in the first course in the program.

The accredited ICB Bookkeeping and Accounting Courses are a great option for students who would like to study an accredited course without a matric certificate. The entry requirement for Bookkeeping: ICB National Certificate, the first course in the series is that you need to have grade 10. You will then move on to the Bookkeeping: ICB FET Certificate course and Certified Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma.

Matric College is an Official Provider of ICB Courses. You can study ICB Office Administration online via distance learning. From Registration to Writing your ICB Exams online, Matric College offers you the most up to date syllabus. They offer Office Administration National Certificate, Higher Certificate and Diploma Level Courses.

Business management courses are a great option when looking for certified ICB Courses. The ICB Business Management National Certificate course is the first in the program, followed by the ICB Business Management Higher Certificate, and finally the ICB Business Management Diploma Course. These courses will provide you with a Scarce Skill, making you a more desirable candidate for employers.

Short Courses

Short courses focus on a specific field to offer students relevant skills. Here is a list of Short courses at Matric College:

Once you have completed your Matric, a great study option could be one of the many accredited Management Courses offered by Matric College, such as the Financial Management Course, Marketing Management Course or Business Management Courses.

Benefits Of Having A Good APS 

Here is a list of benefits if you have a good APS: 

  • University Entry 
  • Course Entry 
  • Bursary Opportunities 
  • Learnerships 

University Entry 

Every university has specific requirements which students must meet to be accepted. If you do not meet the minimum requirements, you cannot be enrolled at the university. If you have a good APS score (35 points or higher), you stand a better chance of being accepted. 

Course Entry 

Besides meeting the requirements for university entry, you must also meet the university course entry requirements. This is where they require you to have specific subjects and marks for specific fields of study. For example, they may require that you have an Accounting subject with 65% or above to study their Business Management Course or Marketing Management Course. If you do not have 65% in Accounting, you may not gain course entry and may be referred to a different course.  

Bursary Opportunities 

Most bursaries accept students who have a great APS score. This is because they want to hand out bursary opportunities to students who they believe will pass well and not waste the money they invest in the bursary recipients. 

Learnerships 

Learnerships are a great way to learn practical skills. This is because you study while you work and you receive a stipend. You must meet the minimum requirements set by the institution offering the learnership to qualify.

Author: Mulisa Nethononda
Editor: Amy Venter
Date Published: February 15, 2022

Written by