Unsure what matric points you need for university or how your results affect your options? Your matric points help determine which qualifications you can apply for, from degree studies to diplomas and certificates. Higher points widen your choices, but even with fewer points, you still have real, recognised study routes available. For example, many universities look for around 23 points for a Bachelor’s degree or 19 points for a Diploma, depending on the course and institution.
This guide on Matric Points For University will show you exactly how entrance points work and what each pass level allows you to study.
Whether you’ve got 19 points or 23, your matric results are a stepping stone not the end of the road. The key is knowing how to use them wisely. Take a moment now to explore your study options before deadlines creep up.
How To Calculate Matric Points For University?
University Matric Points are calculated by looking at your percentages for each subject completed in Matric and comparing them to your codes or (APS Scores). Here is a table with the codes (APS Scores) with the relevant percentages that match these APS scores:
Percentages (%) | Codes (APS Score) |
80 – 100 % | 7 |
70 – 79% | 6 |
60 – 69% | 5 |
50 – 59% | 4 |
40 – 49 % | 3 |
30 – 39% | 2 |
0 – 29% | 1 |
Below is another table with an example of how students marks look and their total APS Score:
Percentages (%) | Codes (APS Score) |
80 % – English Home Language | 7 |
89 % – Mathematical Literacy | 7 |
90 % – Life Orientation | 7 (This usually does not count for most courses at university) |
60 % – First Additional Language | 5 |
49 % – Business Studies | 3 |
30 % – Geography | 2 |
20 % – History | 1 |
This student’s total APS Score is 32 Points. | |
Which Marks Do Universities Look At?
Universities will look at the following marks:
- Grade 11 final marks
- Grade 12 June marks
- Grade 12 Statement of results
- Grade 12 Matric Certificate
Remember that each university is different, therefore you should always research the university before applying for a course. It is also important to always do your best and aim for high marks.
These are the matric subjects that universities generally look at:
- English Home Language
- Mathematics
- Mathematical Literacy
- Physical Sciences
- Life Sciences
Can I Apply With My Grade 12 June Results?
Yes, you can apply with your Grade 12 June results. Some universities will only look at your Grade 12 June results, whereas other universities will look at the above-mentioned results.
Don’t leave your future to guesswork. Once you know your APS, you can see exactly which doors are open for you.
How Many Matric Points Are Needed To Enter University?
You can get accepted to university if you apply before the time. Universities are extremely strict about their registration dates, and therefore you should apply before the registration deadline. You need to achieve these three things before applying:
- Get a Bachelor’s Degree Pass
- Get an APS Score of 23 Points
- Choose subjects that are relevant to the course you are applying for
What Is A Distinction Pass In Matric?
A distinction pass in Matric is 80% or more. A distinction pass at university is 75% or more. Always try to aim for a distinction or distinction because this increases your chances of getting a Bachelor’s Pass and a higher APS Score. Universities are also impressed by distinctions because they can see the effort that you have put into your work.
What Is The Highest APS Score?
The highest APS Score is 49 Points. This is if you have received (7) seven APS Points for each subject. Below is a table with an example:
Percentages (%) | Codes (APS Score) |
80 % – English Home Language | 7 |
89 % – Mathematical Literacy | 7 |
90 % – Life Orientation | 7 (Some universities will not use this mark) |
96 % – First Additional Language | 7 |
99 % – Business Studies | 7 |
83 % – Life Sciences | 7 |
82 % – Economics | 7 |
This student’s total APS Score is 49 Points. | |
What Is The Lowest APS Score?
The lowest APS Score is 7 (seven) points. This is if you have received (1) APS Point for each subject. Below is a table with an example:
Percentages (%) | Codes (APS Score) |
22 % – English Home Language | 1 |
29 % – Mathematical Literacy | 1 |
20 % – Life Orientation | 1 (Most universities will not look at this mark) |
26 % – First Additional Language | 1 |
24 % – Business Studies | 1 |
23 % – Geography | 1 |
27 % – History | 1 |
This student’s total APS Score is 7 Points. | |
Is 29 A Good APS Score?
Yes, 29 is a good APS Score. This is a Bachelor’s Degree Pass, which means you can apply to a university and study a Degree Course.
Keep in mind that certain universities would prefer a higher APS Score. Always research the university’s requirements before applying. This helps you to prepare for the final Matric exam.
Is 33 A Good APS Score?
Yes, 33 is a good APS Score. This is a Bachelor’s Degree Pass. You may also apply for a Degree Course with this APS Score. Yet again, each university requires you to have a certain APS Score, always research before applying.
What Can I Study With APS Of 19?
You can study the following courses with an APS Score of 19:
- Diploma Courses
- Higher Certificate Courses
- Certificate Courses
- Short Courses
An APS Score of 19 is a Diploma Pass in Matric. If you would like to improve your marks, you can do so at Matric College. We offer a Matric Upgrade Course to students that need to improve their marks. Here is what you need to apply for the course:
- You must have proof that you have written the final Matric exam
- Failed Matric Certificate
- Incomplete Matric Certificate
- Passed Matric Certificate
- Statement of results
- Study through distance learning
- Understand, read and write English
Is Upgrading Matric A Good Idea?
Yes, upgrading your Matric is a good idea. Here is why you should complete a Matric Upgrade course:
- You can improve your marks and achieve a better Matric Pass Level. For example, you can go from a National Senior Certificate Pass to Bachelor’s Degree Pass.
- You can change your subjects to the ones required for university
- You can change your subjects to easier ones that will allow you to pass
What Is The Minimum APS Score For A Bachelor’s Degree In South Africa?
The minimum APS Score for a Bachelor’s Degree Pass is 23 Points. Here is what your marks will look like:
- 40% for your Home Language
- 50% for four other Higher Credit subjects
- 30% for two other subjects
If 19 points feels limiting, upgrading your Matric could expand your options dramatically.
How Many Subjects Do You Need To Pass Matric?
You need to pass (6) six out of your (7) seven subjects in Matric. This is if you are completing Matric in High School. If you are completing the Adult Matric Course, you only need to pass (5) five out of the (6) six subjects. Here is what you need to apply for the Adult Matric Course:
- You need to be 21 or older. Most students apply at 19, but they are 21 or older when they write the final exam.
- Apply with a Grade 9 Certificate or Equivalent Certificate (ABET Level 4)
- Understand, read and write Afrikaans or English
- Study through distance learning
Can You Go To University With An ABET Level 4?
How Matric Results Are Calculated?
Here is a table with how your Matric results are calculate
| Internal Assessments | Final Exam |
This counts 25% towards your final mark |
This counts towards 75% of your final mark |
How Do I Calculate My Matric Average Percentage?
You can calculate your Matric average percentage by adding all of your marks and dividing it by (7) seven. Here is how you can calculate your Matric average percentage:
Percentages (%) | Codes (APS Score) |
% – English Home Language | ? |
% – Mathematical Literacy | ? |
% – Life Orientation | ? |
% – First Additional Language | ? |
% – High Credit Subject 1 | ? |
% – High Credit Subject 2 | ? |
% – High Credit Subject 3 | ? |
% +% +% +% +%+%+% ➗ 7 = ? | |
How To Calculate APS (%) Example
Use the table below. Fill in your subject percentages. Once done, add all the marks together and divide the total by 7.
| Subjects | Your Percentage (%) | APS Code |
|---|---|---|
| English Home Language | 68% | 6 |
| Mathematical Literacy | 75% | 7 |
| Life Orientation | 80% | 8 |
| First Additional Language | 70% | 7 |
| High Credit Subject 1 | 65% | 6 |
| High Credit Subject 2 | 72% | 7 |
| High Credit Subject 3 | 78% | 7 |
Now, add all the percentages:
68 + 75 + 80 + 70 + 65 + 72 + 78 = 508
Then divide the total by 7:
508 ÷ 7 = 72.57%
Don’t wait for results day to define your future calculate, prepare, and aim higher today.
Where Can I Study If I Failed Matric?
If you have failed Matric, you can study at Matric College. Here is what you can do if you want to get your Matric Certificate if you are younger than 21 and if you are older than 21:
Can I Access My Matric Certificate Online?
Yes, you can get your matric certificate online. You just need to go to the official website from the Department of Basic Education or Umalusi. Make sure you have your ID number and exam details ready so you can log in and see or download your certificate.
Why Should I Get My Matric At Matric College?
Here is why you should study at Matric College:
- You can improve your Matric marks
- You can get your Matric as an adult
- You can complete courses without Matric
- You can complete our full course list with any Matric Pass Level
Here are reasons why distance learning will benefit you:
- You can work and study
- You may register any time
- Your textbooks are sent to you through courier services
- You can set your own pace for studying
I’m really impressed with the quality of education at this college. The staff are knowledgeable and supportive I’m enjoying the experience and I’ll definitely recommend it to others. – Neo B
Get the perfect APS Score at Matric College!
Turn your setback into a comeback start your Matric journey with flexibility and support today.
Knowing your APS Score is one thing, but knowing what to do with it is another. Take our Career Aptitude Test, answer a few thought-provoking questions, and find out which career suits you best along with a course recommendation to match. Plus, everyone who completes the quiz receives our Ultimate Career Booklet for free.
People Also Ask
Getting 7 distinctions means you did really well in 7 of your matric subjects. A distinction is when you get 80% or more for a subject. This is something to be proud of and can help you get into college or get a bursary.
Yes, you can still pass matric even if you fail Life Orientation. It is a subject you must take, but it is not one of the most important subjects for university entrance. If you pass your other subjects, you can still pass matric.
Yes, you can. If you failed some subjects, you can write them again and then combine your old and new results. This is called a “combined results” and you can get it from the Department of Education.
Symbol C means you got between 60% and 69% for a subject. This is a good mark and it shows you understood the work well. It can help you meet the entrance rules for many courses and colleges.
You can write matric as many times as you need to. There is no limit, and you can keep trying until you pass. This gives you more chances to get your certificate and reach your goals.
You can work out your matric points by checking your final marks for each subject. Each mark gives you points—like 7 points for 80% or more, 6 points for 70% to 79%, and so on. Add the points from your best six subjects (but don’t count Life Orientation).
Different college courses need different points. Most diploma courses ask for 18 to 24 points, while some certificate courses take 15 points. It’s always a good idea to check the course details before you apply.
If you want to study teaching, you’ll usually need between 23 and 26 points. You also need to pass Maths or Maths Literacy, and English or another home language. The points can change, so make sure you check with the college or university before applying.
A good Matric pass depends on your goals, but generally refers to a Bachelor’s Pass, which allows entry into university degree programmes.
Here’s how it breaks down:
Bachelor’s Pass (Best):
40% in Home Language
50% in four other high-credit subjects
30% in two remaining subjects
No failed subjects
Opens access to university degree studies
Diploma Pass (Good):
40% in Home Language
40% in three other subjects
30% in the remaining subjects
Qualifies for diploma-level courses at universities or colleges
Higher Certificate Pass (Basic):
40% in Home Language
30% in at least two other subjects
30% in three more subjects
Qualifies for certificate-level courses at colleges
A “good” pass is typically anything that qualifies you for further study, especially a diploma or degree.
Subjects that do not count towards your Admission Point Score (APS) include:
Life Orientation – Even though it’s compulsory, most universities exclude it when calculating APS.
Non-designated subjects – Some institutions ignore subjects not listed as part of the designated list for degree study (e.g. Hospitality Studies, Tourism, Agricultural Technology).
Practical or non-academic subjects – In some cases, subjects like Dance, Dramatic Arts, or certain technical subjects may be excluded, depending on the course requirements.
Always check with the specific university or college, as each institution sets its own APS rules based on the programme.
In the Matric (NSC) system, a distinction is awarded for a subject mark of 80% to 100%. This earns you 7 points on the APS (Admission Point Score) scale.
Here’s how it works:
80% – 100% = 7 points (Distinction)
70% – 79% = 6 points
60% – 69% = 5 points
50% – 59% = 4 points
40% – 49% = 3 points
30% – 39% = 2 points
0% – 29% = 1 point
Only your best six subjects (excluding Life Orientation) are usually counted for APS.
If your APS score is low, don’t panic you still have options. You may qualify for a Higher Certificate Course or a Diploma Course depending on your marks. These can serve as stepping stones to higher qualifications later. You can also upgrade your Matric to improve your APS score and unlock more opportunities.
Tip: A low APS isn’t the end of your journey, it just means your path may take a little longer, but you can still reach your goals.
To study Teaching in South Africa, you generally need a minimum APS score of 23 points for a Bachelor’s Degree in Education (BEd). Most universities also require you to have:
- At least 50% in English Home Language (or First Additional Language)
- At least 50% in Mathematics (for teaching subjects like Maths, Science, or Technology)
- For Foundation Phase and Intermediate Phase teaching, some universities may accept Mathematical Literacy with 50% or above.
Tip: Each university may set slightly different requirements, so always check the admission criteria for the specific Teaching programme you’re applying to.
Author: Jesmé Africa
Editor: Razeen Dollie
Date: June 13, 2022