Planning to study at Stellenbosch University (SU) in 2026? One of the most important things you need to know before applying is the APS (Admission Point Score). Your APS helps SU determine whether you qualify for admission into your chosen course.
Here’s a complete guide with APS calculation steps, minimum requirements, and programme-specific thresholds for 2026.
What Is APS?
APS stands for Admission Point Score. It is a system used to evaluate your final NSC/IEB Matric results and see if you qualify for university entry.
At Stellenbosch, APS is based on your:
- Best language mark (English or Afrikaans)
- Top five 20-credit NSC subjects (excluding Life Orientation, Further Maths, and non-NSC subjects)
These 6 results are averaged to get your APS.
APS Calculation Guide
Step 1: Select the right subjects
- Choose your best Home Language mark (English or Afrikaans).
- Add your next five best subjects (must be 20-credit NSC subjects).
Step 2: Exclude subjects that do not count
- Do not include Life Orientation
- Do not include Advanced Programme (AP) Maths
Step 3: Add your percentages
Example:
- English HL = 70%
- Mathematics = 75%
- Life Sciences = 68%
- Physical Sciences = 65%
- Geography = 72%
- Accounting = 80%
Total = 430%
Step 4: Divide by 6
430 ÷ 6 = 71.6%
APS = 72
Minimum APS to Study at Stellenbosch
- Bachelor’s Degree pass = at least 50% in 4 NSC subjects.
- SU generally requires a minimum APS of 60–80, depending on the programme.
Faculty-Specific APS & Requirements for 2026
Faculty of AgriSciences
- BAgric / BScAgric: APS around 60%
- Maths: 60%
- Physical Sciences: 50%
- BSc in Forestry (Wood Sciences track): APS 65–70%
- Maths: 70%
- Physical Sciences: 60%
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
- BA in Humanities / Language and Culture: APS 63%
- BA in Drama and Theatre Studies: APS 65% + audition
- BA in Visual Arts: APS 60% + art portfolio
- BMus (Music): APS 60% + audition
Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
- BCom (Management / Economic Sciences / Industrial Psychology): APS 65%
- Maths: 60%
- BCom (Mathematical Sciences): APS 70%
- Maths: 75%
- BAcc (Accounting): APS 70%
- Maths: 70% (or 60% + Accounting 70%)
- BCom (International Business): APS 80%
- Maths: 70%
- English HL: 70% or FAL: 80%
- BCom (Actuarial Science): APS 80%
- Maths: 80%
Faculty of Law
- LLB (4 years): APS 70%
- Language: HL 60% or FAL 70%
- Maths: 60% (if taking Economics)
- NBT: AQL required
- BA (Law): APS 70%
- BCom (Law): APS 70%
- BAccLLB: APS 80%
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
- MBChB (Medicine): APS 75%
- Maths: 60%
- Physical Sciences: 50%
- Life Sciences: 50%
- Physiotherapy: APS 60%
- Maths: 60%, Physical Sciences: 50%
- Occupational Therapy: APS 60%
- Maths: 40%, Life Sciences: 50%
- Speech-Language Therapy: APS 60%
- 2 languages at 60%
- Physical or Life Sciences: 50%
- Nursing: APS 60%
- Maths: 40% or Maths Lit: 70%
- Life Sciences: 50%
Faculty of Engineering
All BEng programmes: APS 70%
- Maths: 70%
- Physical Sciences: 60%
Faculty of Education
- BEd (Foundation Phase): APS 60%
- BEd (Intermediate Phase): APS 60%
- Plus subject-specific requirements
Final Tips for Applicants
- Always check the faculty’s selection guidelines on www.maties.com.
- Meeting the minimum APS does not guarantee admission, as selection is competitive.
- Some programmes require NBTs, auditions, or portfolios.
- Aim to score above the minimum APS to increase your chances of being selected.