APS Calculator South Africa (2026)

APS is calculated by adding up the achievement levels of your best 6 matric subjects, excluding Life Orientation. Each subject is assigned a level from 1 to 7 based on your percentage. For example, if you get 75% in a subject, that is Level 6 (6 points). Add up the levels of your best 6 subjects to get your APS. The maximum possible APS is 42 (6 subjects x 7 points).

Most universities exclude Life Orientation from the APS calculation entirely. Some universities, like UJ, count Life Orientation at 50% of its level value (e.g., Level 6 in LO would count as 3 points instead of 6). Always check the specific university's policy on their website or in their prospectus.

Medicine (MBChB) typically requires an APS of 38–40 or higher. UCT requires around 40+, Wits around 38+, and UP around 38+. In addition to a high APS, you need Mathematics and Physical Sciences at Level 5 (60%) or higher. Medicine is extremely competitive, and meeting the minimum APS does not guarantee admission — many applicants are selected based on interviews, NBT scores, and other criteria.

It depends on what you want to study. An APS of 35+ is considered excellent and qualifies you for most programmes. An APS of 30–34 is good and gives you access to many degrees. An APS of 25–29 qualifies you for general degrees and most programmes at universities of technology. Below 25, your options are more limited but you can still access certain courses at UoTs and UNISA.

The maximum APS score is 42 points, calculated as 6 subjects each at Level 7 (80–100%). Life Orientation is excluded from this calculation at most universities. Achieving 42 points requires getting 80% or above in all 6 of your best subjects.