So, you’ve finished Matric with 15 APS points and now you’re wondering, “What’s next for me?” The good news is you’re not stuck. In fact, this could be the beginning of an exciting new chapter. At Matric College, 15 APS points is more than just a number; it’s your ticket to real opportunities. Whether you want to upgrade your Matric, dive into career-focused ICB or NATED courses, or pick up practical short courses that boost your employability, there’s a path waiting for you. And the best part? These courses don’t just fill your CV they open doors to better jobs, new skills, and even your own business if entrepreneurship is calling your name.
Below, we’ll explore exactly which courses you can pursue with 15 APS points, and how each option could shape your future in ways you might not expect.
Matric Upgrade Course
If you have an APS of 15 points, and you are not happy about it, you can upgrade your Matric marks. If you want to study at university, you will need an APS of at least 23 points. The Matric Upgrade Course will help you achieve your desired marks.
When you enrol in this course, you will have the following resources to assist you:
- Our friendly and well-trained tutors
- Grade 12 past exam papers
- Study material
- Course Experts
The above resources will help you pass the Matric Upgrade exams. When you pass, you will receive a Matric Qualification from Umalusi. With this course you can even finish your matric online. Study today!
ICB Courses
You can study ICB Courses with an APS of 15 points. These courses are best if you want to either start a business or work in the business field. You will be well-versed in skills, knowledge, and qualifications that are recognised all over the world.
You can use the ICB Qualification you earn to either further your studies, work after matric or start and manage your own business. Below are the ICB Courses you can choose to study;
NATED Courses
You can enrol in a NATED Courses with an APS of 15 points. These courses are best if you want to earn practical skills and knowledge that increase your opportunity to find employment anywhere in South Africa.
These courses are business-based and will help you find employment in the business field. Below are the NATED Courses we have available:
Short Courses
You can study Short Courses with an APS of 15 points. These courses are best for students who want to earn a set of skills that can be used to manage your own business and boost your chances of employment based on your qualification.
Short Courses are also best because they are short, have no examinations, and provide specialised skills.
Below are the Short Courses you can enrol in:
- Salon Management Course
- Nail Care Courses
- Make-up Courses
- Facial Skincare Courses
- Beauty Therapy Courses
- First Aid Course
- Crèche Management Courses
- Child Day Care Courses
- Child Psychology Courses
- Tourism Management Courses
- Guest House Management Courses
- Events Management Courses
- Wedding Planning Courses
- Financial Management Short Courses
Whether you want to upgrade your Matric, gain career-ready skills, or even start your own business, your future is still wide open. Take the next step today and give yourself the chance you deserve.
What Are Matric Points?
Matric points are also known as Admission Point Scores. These are scores calculated based on your final Matric results. Universities use your APS to determine whether you qualify to study at their institutions or not.
Below we will show you an example of how your Matric points are calculated.
|
Percentage of marks and what points they represent |
Marks you received in the final exams |
APS Points based on your final exam results |
Type of Achievement |
|
80-100% (7 points) (Distinction Pass) |
Tshivenda Home Language (60%) |
5 points |
Outstanding Achievement |
|
70-79% (6 points) |
English First Additional Language (85%) Distinction Pass |
7 points |
Meritorious Achievement |
|
60-69% (5 points) |
Mathematics (49%) |
3 points |
Substantial Achievement |
|
50-59% (4 points) |
Accounting (71%) |
6 points |
Adequate Achievement |
|
40-49% (3 points) |
Economics (54%) |
4 points |
Moderate Achievement |
|
30-39% (2 points) |
Business Studies (64%) |
5 points |
Elementary Achievement |
|
0-29% (1 point) |
Life Orientation (59%) |
0 points |
Not achieved Achievement |
Note: Life Orientation is not included in the calculation of your Admission Points Score (APS)
What Is A Good APS Score?
A good APS is any score starting at 30 points or above. The more points you have, the higher your chances are of getting into university. If you do not have enough points to get admission to the university, you can do the following:
- Upgrade your Matric marks at Matric College
- Study without Matric at Matric College
You can study at Matric College with any APS Score. You will gain skills knowledge and qualifications that are good for employment and managing your own business.
How Do I Increase My APS Score?
You can get a higher APS score by getting better marks in your subjects. The more marks you get, the more points you earn. This can help you get into college or university.
Here are 4 simple steps to help you increase your APS score:
- Improve your Matric subjects by rewriting them.
- Ask tutors for help so you understand your work better.
- Practice with old exam papers to learn how to answer questions.
- Join Matric College to get all the support and study material you need.
Is 15 APS Enough for University?
No, 15 APS points are not enough to enter university. Most degree programmes require at least 23 APS, plus specific subject marks. With 15 APS, your best options are a Matric Upgrade, Higher Certificate courses, NATED programmes, or ICB qualifications, all of which keep you moving forward academically and professionally.
Don’t let your APS score decide your future, take charge of it. Upgrade your Matric or build skills that open real opportunities today
Is 15 APS A Lot?
No, 15 APS points is not a high score, but don’t worry, it’s not the end of the road. It might not be enough to get into university, but you still have great choices. You can still study and build a better future.
At Matric College, we have courses for people with 15 points. You can improve your marks or choose career courses that help you get a job or start your own business.
Which Grade 11 Report Is Needed To Apply For University?
This depends on the university you are applying to. Some universities may require your Grade 11 June results while others require your December Grade 11 results. Research the university you want to study at and see what their requirements are.
How Many Points Are Needed To Enter University?
To go to university, you usually need at least 23 APS points. You also need to pass important subjects like your Home Language and get good marks in other subjects too. The more points you have, the more study choices you will get at different universities.
What Happens If You Fail Maths In Matric?
If you fail Maths, you can still pass Matric. However, if you fail your Home Language, you will fail Matric. You also fail Matric if you get less than 30% in two or more subjects.
How Many Times Can I Write Matric?
You can write Matric as many times as you need to. If you don’t pass or want to improve your marks, you can try again. At Matric College, we’re here to help you do better each time you write.
What Can I Study Without Maths?
You can study any course at Matric College without mathematics. You are not required to have any background knowledge in mathematics for any of the courses we offer. We provide you with all of the information you require.
We have tutors, study materials and Course Experts to ensure you are skilled and knowledgeable in your chosen course.
Can I Study Without Matric?
Yes, you can study without Matric. The following courses are available for you to study without having completed Matric:
- Adult Matric Course (This course helps you earn Matric for the first time)
- ICB Courses (This course helps you gain business/accounting knowledge and scarce skills)
- Short Courses (This course helps you gain a wide range of skills needed for a job like Wedding Planning or Child Psychology)
Our courses help you choose a career that suits you. Whether you want to work in the business field, manage your own business, or further your studies, both nationally and internationally.
At Matric College, we welcome students with or without Matric to study. Come and study with us to gain relevant skills and knowledge.
One of the best institutions for online learning. Regular check-ups on how you’re progressing with your studies and constant reminders of the availability of tutors if needed. Opportunities to save money. – Zuewade M
Whether you passed, failed, or want to try again, your story isn’t finished. Let’s write the next chapter together at Matric College.
The right course is out there for you, and so is the right career to go with it. Our Career Aptitude Test walks you through a series of deep questions that match you to your ideal career and pairs you with a course recommendation to pursue it. Finish the quiz and you can receive your copy of our Ultimate Career Booklet right away, for free.
People Also Ask
You receive a higher certificate pass if you have 15 overall points. This certificate is the third matric pass you can receive after a bachelor’s pass and diploma pass, and allows you to study for a higher certificate qualification in any college in South Africa.
Yes, if you study a higher certificate qualification through further education and accumulate enough credits for your desired course, you can transfer them to a diploma or degree course you want to study.
The National Senior Certificate(NSC) pass is the lowest matric pass with 14 points and anything below that is considered a fail.
To get a Diploma Pass, you need 19 APS points or more. You must also pass 6 subjects, including your Home Language. With this pass, you can apply to study for a diploma at many colleges or some universities.
You can sign up for Matric 2025 online or at your local education office. If you want to study through Matric College, it’s quick and easy. Just call us, send a WhatsApp, or fill in a form—we’ll help you from start to finish.
A Diploma Pass means you did well in Matric. It shows you passed enough subjects and got the points needed to study a diploma. With this pass, you can go to college and learn skills for a good job.
If you see 777 in your results, it means something went wrong or your marks aren’t ready yet. Maybe the exam needs to be checked again. You should contact your school or the exam office to find out what to do next.
If your APS score is low, it might limit your university study options, but it doesn’t mean your journey is over. You can still improve your score by upgrading your Matric subjects or choose alternative study routes such as ICB, NATED, or Short Courses at Matric College. These options help you build real skills, gain confidence, and work towards a brighter future.
A good APS score is usually 23 points or higher if you want to qualify for university. For competitive courses, you may need even more. But remember, if you don’t reach that mark, there are still plenty of opportunities to study and grow your career through other courses.
With an APS score of 18, you might not qualify for university yet, but you still have solid options. At Matric College, you can:
- Upgrade your Matric to improve your APS.
- Study ICB Courses in Business, Finance, or Administration.
- Enrol in NATED Courses to gain practical, career-focused skills.
- Take Short Courses to build specialised skills for jobs or starting your own business.
These courses give you a stepping stone whether your goal is further study, better employment, or entrepreneurship.
Author: Mulisa Nethononda
Editor: Stacey Christian
Date Published: January 26, 2023