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APS Score Calculator
South African universities rank applicants by an Admission Point Score (APS) built from National Senior Certificate (NSC) results. Each subject percentage converts to an NSC achievement level: 80–100% = 7, 70–79 = 6, 60–69 = 5, 50–59 = 4, 40–49 = 3, 30–39 = 2 and 0–29 = 1. The common APS adds the levels of your six best subjects, leaving out Life Orientation, for a maximum of 42.
Universities and faculties adjust this. Some include Life Orientation at full or reduced value, some add bonus points for Mathematics or English, and Wits uses its own point table. Each program also sets subject minimums, such as level 5 in Mathematics. Use the option above to include Life Orientation, then compare the result with each faculty’s published requirement.
Worked example: English 68% (5), Afrikaans 61% (5), Mathematics 74% (6), Physical Sciences 66% (5), Life Sciences 79% (6) and Geography 58% (4) give APS 31, with Life Orientation (82%) excluded. Counting all seven subjects, the score is 38.
Result and step-by-step working
Out of a possible 42 from 6 subjects (Life Orientation excluded)
| Subject | Percent | NSC level | Counted? |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Home Language | 68% | 5 | yes |
| Afrikaans FAL | 61% | 5 | yes |
| Mathematics | 74% | 6 | yes |
| Physical Sciences | 66% | 5 | yes |
| Life Sciences | 79% | 6 | yes |
| Geography | 58% | 4 | yes |
| Life Orientation | 82% | 7 | no (LO) |
- Percentage → NSC achievement level80–100% = 7, 70–79 = 6, 60–69 = 5, 50–59 = 4, 40–49 = 3, 30–39 = 2, 0–29 = 1.
- Pick the subjects that countYour six best subjects, leaving out Life Orientation.
- Add the levels6 + 6 + 5 + 5 + 5 + 4 = 31
NSC achievement levels
| Percent | Level | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 80–100 | 7 | Outstanding achievement |
| 70–79 | 6 | Meritorious achievement |
| 60–69 | 5 | Substantial achievement |
| 50–59 | 4 | Adequate achievement |
| 40–49 | 3 | Moderate achievement |
| 30–39 | 2 | Elementary achievement |
| 0–29 | 1 | Not achieved |
Frequently asked questions
- Does Life Orientation count in APS?
- At most universities it is excluded. Some count it at a reduced value or include it fully. Check the faculty’s admission page; the calculator can show both.
- What is a good APS score?
- Many diploma programs ask for an APS of 20–25 and many degrees for 28–35. Medicine, actuarial science and engineering often need 35+, plus high levels in Mathematics and Physical Sciences.
- Can I use Grade 11 results?
- Yes. Universities usually make provisional offers on Grade 11 or Grade 12 June results, then confirm them on final NSC results. Enter whichever results you have.
- Is APS calculated the same at UNISA, UJ and Wits?
- The level table is the same, but the rules differ: which subjects count, whether Life Orientation counts, and bonus points (Wits). Use the standard result here as a starting point.
Last reviewed: October 8, 2026. Calculations run in your browser; nothing you enter is sent anywhere.