An Admission Point Score (APS) is very important for matriculants. This is because they need a certain APS score to gain admission into a university or a course. They can do this by ensuring that they gain good marks for all the subjects that they do. Good marks lead to good APS points.
What Is APS?
Admission Point Score (APS) is a selection method used by universities to determine which students can study through them and which ones cannot. This method uses the final results of matriculants.
Certain percentage marks count as a point. For example, if you receive 71% in Geography, you get an APS of 6 points. If you receive a 35%, you get an APS of 2 points. This method is used to calculate all your percentage marks for all subjects, and then the points are combined to make one final APS score. This is what the university looks at when you apply.
What Is The Purpose Of An APS Score?
The purpose of an APS is to determine which students qualify to study in a certain field. The APS helps with fairness. Only students who meet a certain APS score can study. This helps to avoid things such as employees granting admission to students that are underqualified. For example, granting admission to friends and relatives that do not qualify.
Which Subjects Count For APS?
High credit subjects count for APS. These are the subjects used when calculating APS:
- Languages
- Mathematics
- Mathematical Literacy
- Physical Sciences
- Life Sciences
- Agricultural Sciences
- Business Studies
- Economics
- Accounting
- History
- Geography
- Religious Studies
How Are APS Points Calculated In Matric?
This is how APS points are calculated:
Percentage of marks received | Type of Achievement | APS Points |
80-100% (Distinction) | Outstanding Achievement | 7 points |
70-79% | Meritorious Achievement | 6 points |
60-69% | Substantial Achievement | 5 points |
50-59% | Adequate Achievement | 4 points |
40-49% | Moderate Achievement | 3 points |
30-39% | Elementary Achievement | 2 points |
0-29% | Not achieved Achievement | 1 point |
- English First Language – 78% = 6 points
- Tshivenda Home Language – 78% = 6 points
- Life Orientation – 69% = (We do not include L.O in APS calculations)
- Mathematics – 55% = 4 points
- Agricultural Sciences- 66% = 5 points
- Life Sciences- 83% = 7 points (Distinction)
- Geography – 56% = 4 points
6 + 6 + 4 + 5 + 7 + 4 = 32
TOTAL APS SCORE = 32 POINTS
What Is A Good APS Score?
A good APS score is 35 points and above. This is more than average. An average APS score obtained in a Bachelor’s Degree Pass is 21 or above. This means that if you have an APS of above 35, you are more qualified than other people who also have a Bachelor’s Degree Pass. You will have more opportunities and a better chance to get into university.
What Can I Study With An APS Of 19?
You can use an APS of 19 points to study at Matric College. We do not require a specific APS score. You can study with any APS score you have. You can apply for the following courses:
ICB Courses
ICB Courses are made by the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB). These courses are business-focused. When you study an ICB course, you are enabled with scarce skills. These are valued a lot by employers, which automatically increases your chances of getting hired.
When you complete an ICB course, you earn a qualification that is both accredited and recognised. You can use your ICB Qualification to find work in South Africa or other countries. These are the ICB courses we offer:
NATED Courses
NATED Courses are made by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). These courses are skills and knowledge focused. They are made to prepare you for the work environment. This enables you to be a candidate that is valued by employers.
On completion of a NATED Course, you gain a qualification that is accredited and recognised. You can find work anywhere you want in South Africa. These are the NATED Courses we offer:
Upgrade Matric
The Upgrade Matric course is a course that helps you improve your Matric results. This course equips you with the relevant knowledge and gets you ready for university. When you improve your results, you also improve your chances of gaining admission into any university you want.
After completing the Upgrade Matric course, you will receive a Matric Certificate issued by Umalusi. You can use this to apply to university or find work.
Short Courses
Short Courses are made by the college. These courses are skills-based. They are made to equip you for employment or Entrepreneurship. On completion of a Short Course, you gain a Certificate Qualification from us. You can use this to look for employment or open a business. You will have a better chance of succeeding because people will trust the skills and qualifications you have. These are the Short Courses we offer:
- Salon Management Course
- Nail Care Courses
- Make-up Courses
- Facial Skincare Courses
- Beauty Therapy Courses
- First Aid Course Courses
- Crèche Management Courses
- Child Day Care Courses
- Child Psychology Courses
- Tourism Management Courses
- Guest House Management Courses
- Events Management Courses
- Wedding Planning Courses
How Can I Pass My Matric With A Bachelor's?
You can pass Matric with a Bachelor’s Degree Pass by obtaining 40% for your Home language. You also need to obtain 50% or higher marks in four (4) subjects and 30% in the last two (2) subjects. For the last two subjects, you may fail one subject and still be able to pass Matric.
However, your focus should not be on failing one subject. You must study to pass all subjects and with good marks. This is important for your APS score. The more marks you receive, the higher your APS is. When your APS is high, most universities will accept you into any course you want.
How Many Marks Do You Need To Pass Matric In South Africa?
You need the following marks to pass Matric in South Africa and achieve the following pass levels:
Bachelor’s Degree Pass Level
- A minimum of 40% in your home language
- A minimum of 50% in four subjects
- A minimum of 30% in 2 other subjects
Diploma Pass Level
- A minimum of 40% in your home language
- A minimum of 40% in four subjects
- A minimum of 30% in 2 other subjects
Higher Certificate Pass Level
- A minimum of 40% in your home language
- A minimum of 40% in two subjects
- A minimum of 30% in four other subjects
National Senior Certificate Pass Level
- A minimum of 40% in your home language
- A minimum of 30% in two other subjects
- A minimum of 30% in three subjects
- You can fail one subject
Do Grade 12 Marks Matter?
Yes, Grade 12 marks matter. They are used to determining whether you get entry into university or not. The Grade 12 final marks also help you earn a Matric Qualification, which is very important in South Africa. Your Matric Qualification can be used to do the following:
- Apply to a university
- Apply for a bursary
- Apply for a leadership
- Apply for an internship
Do Universities Accept Lower Grades?
No, universities do not accept low marks. However, it depends on how many marks are considered low marks. Most universities accept Bachelor’s Degree and Diploma Passes. These are marks such as 50%, 40% and higher.
Although you may have a Bachelor’s Degree or a Diploma Pass, your acceptance into university still depends on whether you meet the requirements set for the course and university. To find out the requirements, you can do research beforehand, and work towards meeting those requirements.
Is 85 A Good Mark?
Yes, 85% is a good mark. This is a distinction passed in Matric. If you receive a mark of 80% and above, your APS can have more points. This is because any mark that is 80% ad over gets an APS of 7 points. If you receive 80% for all subjects, you fall under students who are regarded as top learners.
What Percentage Is A Distinction In Matric?
80% and above marks are regarded as a distinction pass in Matric. If you get these marks for more than four (4) subjects, you may make it into any university you want.
Author: Mulisa Nethononda
Editor: Razeen Dollie
Date: June 10, 2022