The APS score at UNISA is a points system that converts your matric subject percentages into a total score used for admission decisions.

Each subject mark contributes a specific number of points, and the total determines whether you meet the minimum entry requirement for a qualification.

UNISA uses APS as part of its admission evaluation process for undergraduate qualifications, and each course has its own minimum APS requirement.

For example, some qualifications may require an APS of 20, while others like teaching or health sciences may require higher scores depending on competition and subject requirements.

How is the UNISA APS score calculated?

The APS score is calculated by converting your percentage results into points using a fixed scale.

UNISA generally uses the following conversion system:

  1. 80% to 100% = 7 points
  2. 70% to 79% = 6 points
  3. 60% to 69% = 5 points
  4. 50% to 59% = 4 points
  5. 40% to 49% = 3 points
  6. 30% to 39% = 2 points
  7. 0% to 29% = 1 point

Once each subject is converted into points, the total APS is calculated by adding selected subjects together.

Most universities, including UNISA, usually include your best 6 subjects (excluding Life Orientation in many cases, depending on the programme).

Step by step: How to calculate your UNISA APS score

To calculate your APS correctly, you need your final matric results.

Here is the simple method used by students:

  1. Write down your final percentages for each subject
  2. Convert each percentage into APS points using the scale above
  3. Select the required subjects (usually best 6 subjects)
  4. Add all the points together
  5. Compare your total APS with the qualification requirement

For example:

If your subjects are:

  • English = 65% (5 points)
  • Mathematics = 58% (4 points)
  • Life Sciences = 72% (6 points)
  • Geography = 61% (5 points)
  • Business Studies = 68% (5 points)
  • Accounting = 55% (4 points)

Your APS would be: 5 + 4 + 6 + 5 + 5 + 4 = 29 APS

This final number is what UNISA uses to check if you qualify for a specific course.

What APS score is required for UNISA courses?

Different UNISA qualifications have different APS requirements depending on complexity and demand.

Here are general examples based on UNISA admission structures:

  1. Higher Certificates may require a lower APS
  2. Diplomas usually require a moderate APS
  3. Bachelor degrees require higher APS scores
  4. Competitive programmes like education or health sciences often require stronger academic results

Each qualification page on the official UNISA site lists the exact APS requirement, and students must check this before applying.

You can view official qualification requirements here.

Does UNISA include Life Orientation in APS calculation?

In many cases, Life Orientation is not fully included when calculating APS for admission.

Instead, UNISA may reduce its contribution or exclude it depending on the qualification rules.

This means subjects like Mathematics, English, and Physical Sciences usually carry more weight in APS calculations.

Because policies can vary between qualifications, students must always check the official programme requirements for accurate subject weighting.

What are common mistakes when calculating APS at UNISA?

Many students miscalculate their APS score because they misunderstand how the system works.

Common mistakes include:

  1. Adding all 7 subjects instead of best 6
  2. Using symbols instead of percentages
  3. Including Life Orientation incorrectly
  4. Forgetting to convert percentages into APS points
  5. Using old or incorrect conversion tables
  6. Ignoring subject requirements for specific courses

These errors often lead to students thinking they qualify when they actually do not meet the minimum requirements.

To avoid mistakes, always use your final matric statement and follow the official UNISA admission guide.

Can I still apply if my APS score is low?

Yes, in some cases you can still apply even if your APS is low, depending on the qualification.

UNISA offers Higher Certificates and alternative entry routes that allow students to progress into degrees later.

Some qualifications also allow you to improve your academic standing by completing foundational or bridging modules before moving into higher-level studies.

However, competitive programmes like Education, Law, and Health Sciences usually have strict APS cut-offs, and meeting the minimum requirement does not always guarantee admission due to limited space.

Students should always check if their chosen programme offers alternative pathways before giving up on applying.

The official admission options are listed here.