If you’re planning to apply to university in 2027, one of the most important things you need to understand is your Admission Point Score (APS). This score is used by universities such as the University of Pretoria, University of Johannesburg, and University of Cape Town to determine whether you qualify for a specific course.
Many students miss out on their dream programmes simply because they don’t understand how APS works or how to calculate it correctly. The good news is that calculating your APS is simple once you know the method.
In this guide, you will learn exactly how to calculate your APS score for 2027 applications, understand what your marks mean, and see how close you are to qualifying for your desired course.
APS Levels and Points Explained
Each of your subjects is given points depending on your percentage:
| Percentage | APS Points |
|---|---|
| 80–100% | 7 points |
| 70–79% | 6 points |
| 60–69% | 5 points |
| 50–59% | 4 points |
| 40–49% | 3 points |
| 30–39% | 2 points |
| 0–29% | 1 point |
How to Calculate APS (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: List Your Subjects
Include your best 6 or 7 subjects (depending on university rules).
Note: Life Orientation is sometimes excluded.
Step 2: Convert Marks to APS Points
Take each subject percentage and match it to the APS table above.
Step 3: Add Your Points
Add all your APS points together.
That total = Your APS Score
APS Calculation Example
Let’s say you got the following marks:
- English: 65% → 5 points
- Mathematics: 72% → 6 points
- Life Sciences: 68% → 5 points
- Physical Sciences: 60% → 5 points
- Geography: 55% → 4 points
- Business Studies: 70% → 6 points
Total APS:
5 + 6 + 5 + 5 + 4 + 6 = 31 APS
What is a Good APS Score?
APS requirements differ by university and course:
- Diploma courses: APS 18–24
- Bachelor’s degrees: APS 26–35+
- Competitive courses (Medicine, Law, Engineering): APS 35–45+
Always check the specific university requirements.
Important APS Rules to Remember
- Not all universities calculate APS the same way
- Some include Life Orientation, others don’t
- Some programmes require specific subjects (e.g., Maths, Science)
- Meeting APS does not guarantee admission
Tips to Improve Your APS
- Focus on high-weight subjects like Mathematics and Science
- Improve your top 6 subjects
- Aim for 60% and above in key subjects
- Practice past exam papers
Why APS is Important for 2027 Applications
Your APS determines:
- Whether you qualify for a course
- Which universities you can apply to
- Your chances of being accepted
Final Thoughts
Understanding how to calculate your APS score for 2027 university applications is one of the most important steps in your academic journey.
Start calculating your APS early using your Grade 11 results so you can:
- Choose the right courses
- Apply to the right universities
- Improve your marks before final exams
The earlier you plan, the better your chances of getting into your dream course.