If you’re planning to study at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in 2027, understanding how the Admission Point Score (APS) works is essential. Your APS determines whether you qualify for admission into your chosen course.
Below is a simple, clear breakdown of Wits APS requirements and how to calculate your score.
What You Need to Qualify for Wits in 2027
To be considered for admission, applicants must have:
- A National Senior Certificate (NSC) from DBE, IEB, or SACAI
- A Bachelor’s Degree pass
- The required APS score for your chosen programme
- Meeting faculty-specific subject requirements
⚠️ Important: Meeting minimum requirements does NOT guarantee admission, as space is limited.
Important Wits APS Rules
Wits uses specific rules when calculating APS:
- APS is calculated using your best 7 subjects (including Life Orientation)
- English is compulsory (Home Language or First Additional Language)
- Mathematics is required for most courses (especially Science, Engineering, Commerce, and Health Sciences)
- Mathematical Literacy is only accepted for:
- LLB
- Humanities
- Education (some programmes)
- Wits does not distinguish between designated and non-designated subjects
- Further Studies (Advanced Programme subjects) are included
- Only one matric rewrite/upgrade attempt is considered
Wits APS Calculation Table
Here is how Wits converts your marks into APS points:
| Percentage (%) | APS Score |
|---|---|
| 90 – 100 | 8 |
| 80 – 89 | 7 |
| 70 – 79 | 6 |
| 60 – 69 | 5 |
| 50 – 59 | 4 |
| 40 – 49 | 3 |
| 30 – 39 | 2 |
| 0 – 29 | 1 |
Special APS Rules for Wits
Wits applies slightly different scoring for certain subjects:
- English & Mathematics: APS score + 2 bonus points
- Life Orientation: Maximum contribution is 4 points
Example:
- If you get 70% in Mathematics → APS = 6 + 2 = 8 points
How to Calculate Your Wits APS
Step-by-Step Example
Let’s say your results are:
- English: 75% → 6 + 2 = 8
- Mathematics: 70% → 6 + 2 = 8
- Life Orientation: 80% → 4
- Subject 4: 65% → 5
- Subject 5: 60% → 5
- Subject 6: 55% → 4
- Subject 7: 50% → 4
Total APS =
8 + 8 + 4 + 5 + 5 + 4 + 4 = 38 APS
Minimum APS Requirements (General Guide)
Different faculties require different APS scores:
- Humanities: ± 28 – 34 APS
- Commerce: ± 34 – 38 APS
- Engineering: ± 38 – 42+ APS
- Health Sciences: ± 40 – 45+ APS
👉 Competitive programmes (Medicine, Law, Engineering) require very high APS scores.
Subjects Required for Wits Courses
Mathematics Required
You must have Mathematics for:
- Engineering
- Science
- Commerce
- Health Sciences
Mathematical Literacy Accepted For:
- LLB
- BA (Humanities)
- Education
Other School-Leaving Qualifications Accepted
Wits also accepts:
- National Certificate (Vocational) (NCV)
- Senior Certificate (Amended)
- International qualifications (subject to evaluation)
Key Tips to Get Accepted at Wits
- Aim for an APS higher than the minimum requirement
- Perform well in Mathematics and English
- Choose subjects aligned with your course
- Apply early before deadlines
- Prepare for additional selection requirements (e.g., interviews, NBT tests)
Final Thoughts
The Wits APS system is straightforward once you understand how points are calculated. Focus on achieving strong marks across your top 7 subjects, especially English and Mathematics, to improve your chances.
Remember: Higher APS = Better chances of acceptance