APS Calculator
Calculate your Admission Point Score (APS) instantly using our universal APS tool for all South African universities. It supports institutions such as Wits, UWC, UJ, UP, CPUT, NWU, UNISA, UFS, TUT, UCT, NMU, WSU, CUT, UKZN and more allowing you to compare 2026 requirements and scoring systems in one simple, accurate calculator.
0/6 subjects selected
Select Your Matric Subjects & Grades
Choose your 6 best subjects and their achievement levels.
Your APS Score Results
Your Admission Point Score (APS) determines which university courses you can apply for based on your matric results.
Your calculated APS score is:
points out of 42 maximum
Select your 6 matric subjects and achievement levels to calculate your APS score.
APS Calculators for All South African Universities
Understanding How to Count aps Score
How the APS Calculator Works
Understanding how to calculate APS score is easy when you follow a simple, step-by-step method. The APS system turns your matric marks into points that universities use to check if you qualify for a course.
- Select your subjects – Only your best six NSC subjects are used to calculate your APS score.
- Convert marks to points – Each percentage range gives points (80–100% = 7 points, 70–79% = 6 points, 60–69% = 5 points, etc.).
- Add the points – Add the points from your six subjects to get your total APS score.
- Compare requirements – Every university and programme has a minimum APS you must meet.
Example: If you scored 82%, 75%, 68%, 64%, 59%, and 55% in your six best subjects, your APS would be: 7 + 6 + 5 + 5 + 4 + 4 = 31 points.
What Is APS?
To understand what is APS, you need to know that APS stands for Admission Point Score. It is a scoring system used by South African universities to evaluate your matric results in a simple and fair way.
- APS converts your subject percentages into points using a set scale.
- Only your best six NSC subjects are used in the scoring process.
- The total points you earn become your final APS score.
- Universities use this score to check if you meet the minimum entry requirements for a course.
This system helps institutions compare students easily and ensures everyone is judged using the same criteria.
Strategies to Improve Your APS Score
Want to increase your chances of getting into your preferred program? Consider these practical approaches:
- Strategic subject selection - Choose subjects relevant to your intended field of study
- Focus on core subjects - Mathematics and Physical Sciences are crucial for many programs
- Consistent study habits - Regular revision beats last-minute cramming
- Seek assistance early - Don't hesitate to ask teachers for help when needed
- Practice with past papers - Familiarize yourself with exam formats and question styles
- Effective time management - Create and follow a realistic study schedule
- Consider supplementary exams - Rewriting subjects can improve your overall APS
Remember that even small improvements across multiple subjects can significantly boost your total APS.
Common Questions About APS Calculator
A strong score is usually anything from the low 30s upwards, but this depends on the university and the course. Competitive programmes such as Law, Engineering, and Health Sciences often expect results on the higher end, while many general degrees accept lower totals.
Points are added by selecting your six best NSC subjects, converting the percentages into levels on the 1–7 scale, and then adding them together. The total gives you the score used for university applications.
Law programmes typically look for results in the upper 20s to mid-30s. More selective universities require higher results, and some may have additional requirements like strong language marks or extra assessments.
The maximum standard score is 42. This is reached when all six counted subjects achieve level 7 on the National Senior Certificate scale.
Learners can estimate their score by using their latest report marks. These percentages are matched to the NSC level scale, and the six highest results are added together. This helps learners track progress long before final matric results are released.
Yes. Tourism is an approved NSC subject and can be included in the six that contribute to your overall score. It is treated the same as any other recognised school subject.