Planning to study at Nelson Mandela University (NMU) in 2026? To secure admission, you need to understand the Admission Point Score (APS) system, which is used to determine eligibility for Higher Certificate, Diploma, and Degree programmes.
This guide explains the APS requirements at NMU for 2026, shows you how to calculate your APS, and lists the minimum APS per course.
What is APS?
The Admission Point Score (APS) is calculated from your NSC (Matric) results. Each subject result is converted into points, and your total determines whether you qualify for a specific programme.
APS Conversion Table:
| NSC Level | Percentage (%) | APS Points |
|---|---|---|
| Level 7 | 80 – 100% | 7 points |
| Level 6 | 70 – 79% | 6 points |
| Level 5 | 60 – 69% | 5 points |
| Level 4 | 50 – 59% | 4 points |
| Level 3 | 40 – 49% | 3 points |
| Level 2 | 30 – 39% | 2 points |
| Level 1 | 0 – 29% | 1 point |
👉 Life Orientation is usually capped at 3 points.
👉 NMU calculates APS on the best 7 subjects (unless otherwise stated).
APS Requirements for NMU 2026
Higher Certificate Programmes
- APS Required: 22–26 points
- Example: HCert Business Studies – APS 22
- Subjects: English at least Level 3 (40%).
Diploma Programmes
- APS Required: 28–32 points
- Examples:
- Diploma in Accountancy – APS 30
- Diploma in HR Management – APS 28
- Diploma in IT (all streams) – APS 30, with Maths/Maths Lit
Bachelor’s Degrees
Faculty of Business & Economic Sciences
- BCom (General, Accounting, Economics, etc.): APS 36–40
- BCom Accounting Science (AccSc): APS 38–40 + Mathematics Level 5+
Faculty of Education
- BEd (Foundation Phase): APS 30
- BEd (Intermediate Phase): APS 30
- BEd (Senior & FET): APS 32–34
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment & Technology
- BEngTech (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Marine, Mechatronics, Chemical, Industrial): APS 38–40
- Bachelor of Architectural Studies: APS 36
- Bachelor of Construction Management: APS 36
Faculty of Health Sciences
- MBChB (Medicine): APS equivalent of 450+ (competitive selection)
- BPharm (Pharmacy): APS 42
- BSc Physiotherapy: APS 36 (Maths 60%, Science/Life Sciences 65%, English 65%)
- BSc Occupational Therapy: APS 34 (Maths 60% OR Maths Lit 70%, Science/Life Sciences 65%, English 65%)
- BSc Speech-Language Pathology / Audiology: APS 34
Faculty of Humanities
- BA (General, Fine Arts, Theatre & Performance): APS 30–33
- BMus (Music): APS 30 + audition
- BSocSc (Philosophy, Politics & Economics – PPE): APS 34
- BSW (Social Work): APS 32–34
Faculty of Law
- LLB (Law): APS 36–40 + English Level 5+
Faculty of Science
- BSc (General, Computer Science, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science, Geology, Zoology, etc.): APS 36–40
- BSc Human Movement Science / Biokinetics: APS 34–36
- BSc Geosciences: APS 36
Example APS Calculation
If a student achieves the following results:
- English HL: 65% (5 points)
- Afrikaans FAL: 72% (6 points)
- Mathematics: 81% (7 points)
- Physical Sciences: 69% (5 points)
- Life Sciences: 75% (6 points)
- Life Orientation: 80% (3 points capped)
- Business Studies: 60% (5 points)
Total APS = 37 points ✅ Eligible for BCom, BSc, and several Health Sciences programmes.
How to Apply for NMU 2026
Applications for 2026 open in April 2025. Students must apply online.
Click here to apply for NMU Admission 2026