How the APS works
The APS converts each NSC subject percentage into a 1–7 scale, with 7 awarded for 80%+ ('Outstanding'). Universities sum your best 6 subjects, traditionally excluding Life Orientation.
The maximum APS score is therefore 42. A score of 30 puts you in the ballpark for most general degree programmes; competitive programmes like Medicine, Actuarial Science, or Chartered Accounting often need 38+.
Important caveats
- Some universities (UCT, Wits) use weighted scoring — your APS here is the standard version.
- Many programmes have specific subject minimums (e.g. Maths ≥ 60% for Engineering) in addition to the APS.
- Maths Literacy is treated differently to Mathematics by most universities — only Mathematics opens the science and commerce streams.
Want the deeper explainer?
Read APS score deep dive: how SA universities really score your matric — FPS, faculty cutoffs, and subject minimums.