So, you’ve finished Matric and now everyone keeps throwing this term “APS” at you as if you’re just supposed to know what it means. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Your Admission Point Score (APS) isn’t just a boring number, it’s basically your academic fingerprint, the score that shapes which doors will swing open for you after school. Think of it as your academic GPS: it doesn’t just tell you where you stand, it actually helps guide you to the right university or college courses that fit your strengths. If you’ve ever wondered “Do I qualify for this degree?” or “Which study options are really within my reach?” Your APS holds the answer. And once you understand it, making your next big life decision suddenly feels a whole lot less scary.
How To Calculate APS Score?
Here is what you need to know about APS calculations:
- The actual marks in each subject that you get range from 0 to 100 %
- Each mark is given a point score that ranges from 1 to 7, with 7 being the highest and 1 being the lowest. For example, if your mark in Mathematics is 45% the point score allocated to that mark is 3
- To get your total point score, you add the APS of six or five of your best subjects
The table below is the APS calculator:
| Matric Subject Symbol / Mark Obtained in Matric exam | APS (Admission Point Score) |
| A (80 – 100%) | 7 |
| B (70 – 79%) | 6 |
| C (60 – 69%) | 5 |
| D (50 – 59%) | 4 |
| E (40 – 49%) | 3 |
| F (30 – 39%) | 2 |
| G (0 – 29%) | 1 |
These numbers aren’t here to box you in—they’re here to guide you. Your APS is proof of the work you’ve already done and the doors still waiting for you to step through
How Much Should My APS Score Be?
Your APS score depends on the Matric pass level that you have. Here are the Matric pass levels:
Bachelor’s Degree Pass
A Bachelor’s Degree Pass is the best way to pass, it is the highest Matric pass. Many students who earn distinctions usually achieve a Bachelors pass.
The minimum requirements to get a Bachelor’s Degree Pass are as follows:
- Get 40% for your Home Language
- Get 50% for four other Higher Credit subjects
- Get 30% for one other subject for the Amended Senior Certificate / Obtain 30% for two other subjects for the National Senior Certificate
Diploma Pass
The minimum requirements to get this certificate are as follows:
- Get 40% for your Home Language
- Get 40% for four other High Credit subjects
- Get 30% for two other subjects for the National Senior Certificate
Higher Certificate Pass
A Higher Certificate Pass allows students to enrol at a college or distance learning institution.
The minimum requirements to get this certificate are as follows:
- Get 40% in your Home Language
- Get 40% in two other subjects
- Get 30% for three other subjects for the National Senior Certificate
- One of your Home Languages must be English or Afrikaans to qualify for this certificate
National Senior Certificate Pass
The minimum requirements to get this certificate are as follows:
- Pass at least 3 subjects with 40%. One of these subjects should be an official Home Language.
- Pass at least 2 subjects with 30%. One of these subjects should be a First Additional Language or Home Language.
- You are allowed to fail 1 subject. The minimum percentage you can get for this subject is 20%
What Is a Good APS Score?
A good APS score is one that meets the entry requirements for your chosen qualification. Generally, an APS of 23 or higher is considered strong because it can qualify you for most Bachelor’s Degree programmes. An APS of 19 to 22 is good for Diploma programmes, while an APS of 15 to 18 is suitable for Higher Certificate courses. The higher your APS, the more study options you will have.
How Many Subjects Do You Need To Pass Matric?
You need five or six subjects to pass Matric. Here is how you can pass Matric:
| Adult Matric | To pass Adult Matric, you need to complete a total of six subjects. Out of the six subjects, you have to pass at least five subjects |
| High School Matric | To pass your high school Matric, you need to complete a total of seven subjects. Out of the seven subjects, you have to pass at least six subjects |
Matric might feel like a mountain of subjects, but you don’t have to climb it all at once. Passing five or six means you’ve already proven your ability to keep going and that strength will carry you further than you think.
What Are High Credit Subjects?
High credit subjects are the subjects that have a higher rating when you apply for a place at a University. For example, Life Orientation is a low-credit subject. Some Universities do not include this subject in your APS score. Here is a list of high-credit subjects:
Languages
- Afrikaans
- English
- IsiNdebele
- isiXhosa
- Isizulu
- Sepedi
- Sesotho
- Setswana
- Siswati
- Tshivenda
- Xitsonga
Non-Languages
- Accounting
- Agricultural Science
- Business Studies
- Consumer Studies
- Dramatic Arts
- Economics
- Engineering Graphics and Design
- Geography
- History
- Information Technology
- Life Sciences
- Mathematics
- Mathematics Literacy
- Music
- Physical Sciences
- Religion Studies
- Visual Arts
What Does B Mean In The Matric Results?
B means that you have obtained between the 70 – 79% mark in your subject and an APS score of 6. Here is the meaning of the other Matric symbols:
| Matric Subject Symbol | Mark Obtained in Matric exam |
| A+ | 80 – 100% |
| A | 70 – 79% |
| B | 60 – 69% |
| C | 50 – 59% |
| D | 40 – 49% |
| E | 30 – 39% |
| F | 0 – 29% |
our results are not the final word on your future. They show your progress, your effort, and the ground you’ve already covered. The real potential is still ahead of you
What Is The Highest APS Score?
Since the highest APS score in a subject is 7 points, your 6 best subjects will give you the highest APS score of 42.
How Can I Increase My APS Score?
If your APS score isn’t where you want it to be, there are ways to improve it. You can:
- Rewrite Matric subjects: Improving your marks in certain subjects can raise your APS.
- Add new subjects: Taking additional subjects can increase your total points.
- Upgrade your Matric results: Through Matric Upgrade programmes, you can improve your scores for better study options.
- Focus on high-credit subjects: Subjects like Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Accounting often carry more weight for degree entry.
Even a small increase in one subject can make a big difference to your overall APS and the courses you qualify for.
Which Subjects Count For APS?
Here are the subjects that count for APS:
- Accounting
- Agricultural Science
- Business Studies
- Consumer Studies
- Dramatic Arts
- Economics
- Engineering Graphics and Arts
- Geography
- History
- Information Technology
- Languages
- Life Sciences
- Mathematical Literacy
- Mathematics
- Music
- Physical Science
- Religion Studies
- Visual Arts
The subjects you choose don’t just add points, they reflect your interests, talents, and the kind of future you see for yourself
What Can I Study With A National Senior Certificate Pass?
Here is what you can study with a National Senior Certificate pass:
NATED Courses
ICB Courses
Think of these courses as building blocks, each one designed to shape your career in its own way. The right choice isn’t about pressure, it’s about passion and finding the path that feels like yours
How Can I Pass Matric Easily?
Matric College makes it easy for you to study smart. As soon as you register. Here is how you will proceed:
- Receive the first package of your study materials within 5 – 7 days of registration
- Write and submit your assignments
- Receive feedback from your tutors
- Interact with fellow students and lecturers continuously when studying
- Make use of our past exam papers to prepare better for exams
- Get help with your exam registration
- Sit for your examinations in May and June
- Pass your exams and get your certificate from Umalusi
- Apply to combine the old and the Matric results
- Receive your combined best results certificate from Umalusi
Real Student Testimonials
Want to know what it’s really like to study at Matric College? Don’t just take our word for it. Read what real students have to say about their experience, from getting help with their APS to receiving study materials and support that kept them motivated.
Warson W
“Currently a student at Matric College, writing in May 2025. I have been with them almost a year now. The advisors and tutors are always willing to assist and get back to you promptly. Marking of assignments is quick and easy. The call center staff are just amazing and always friendly.”
Gloire M
“I’m currently a student at Matric College; they have been of good help and very supportive. They send emails to motivate me to keep on studying. The study materials come in a well-packaged box and are couriered within 3–5 days. They have given me a platform to study with the best textbooks, past exam papers, and guidelines.”
These stories aren’t just testimonials they’re proof that passing Matric is possible with the right guidance. Your journey can be just as achievable, and it starts the moment you decide you’re ready
Do Universities Accept Upgraded Marks?
Yes, universities accept upgraded marks. Remember that Matric Upgrade, just like the Second Chance, is an official government programme. You will be accepted by any university if you meet the required APS.
How Long Is A Matric Year?
The average time required to complete your Matric is three years. Matric consists of these three grades:
- Grade 10
- Grade 11
- Grade 12
If you plan on completing your Adult Matric at Matric College, you have the following time frames to complete your Matric:
One Year
Complete your Matric in just one year. This is for students who have enough time on their hands. You can complete all six subjects in one year.
Two Years
You can also complete your Matric in two years. This way you can complete three subjects in the first year and another three subjects in your second year.
Three Years
The three-year plan is usually for students who do not have enough time. In the three years, you can complete two subjects in your first year, another two subjects in your second year and the final two subjects in your third and final year.
Timeframes don’t define success you do. Whether it’s one year, two, or three, each path is proof that Matric can be completed on your terms, without losing momentum
What Does The Codes On My Statements Of Results Mean?
Here are the symbols and codes that can appear on your Matric statement of results:
| MATRIC CODE / SYMBOL | MEANING |
| Bachelor’s Degree Pass | B |
| Diploma Pass | D |
| Higher Certificate Pass | H |
| Not Achieved | Does not qualify for NSC / SC(A) |
| NSC/BACH | National Senior Certificate, qualifies for studying a Bachelor’s Degree |
| NSC/DIP | National Senior Certificate, qualifies towards studying for a Diploma |
| NSC/HC | National Senior Certificate, qualifies towards studying a Higher Certificate |
| NSC | Achieved the National Senior Certificate only |
| NSC/LSEN | National Senior Certificate, a learner with special educational needs |
| 999 | Absent |
| 888 | Subject change |
| 777 | Outstanding mark |
| zz | Ending (irregularity) |
| px | Null and void (irregularity) |
| mo | Marks outstanding |
People Also Ask
Yes, an APS score of 23 is the minimum score you can achieve, allowing you to study for a Bachelor’s degree in university.
Each pass has a different score and each score has different opportunities for you after receiving your matric or adult matric certificate.
Bachelor’s Degree pass
The minimum score one can receive for a Bachelor’s pass is 23 points or higher and allows you to study at any university.
National Diploma pass
For a Diploma pass, the minimum score you can achieve is 19 and this score allows you to study at any university of technology.
Higher Certificate pass
A Higher certificate has a minimum score of 15 points and this allows you to enroll at any college
NSC pass
Finally, a National Senior Certificate pass has a score of 14 and if you receive this pass you are encouraged to apply for supplementary exams
If you have a low APS score for university, then there are many options you can pursue. Matric College offers a Matric Rewrite course for students who have recently finished high school and want a chance to change their marks for the better.
We also offer the Adult Matric and Matric Upgrade courses for students 21 and over who are either:
- Adults without a matric certificate looking to gain one
- Adults who already have a certificate but want to improve subjects or add new ones to their certificate.
Once, you have completed matric, you can study an ICB course such as Business Administration.
No, you can’t fail matric if you fail 1 subject. Each subject has an APS score and this means that if you have good marks on every other subject then you could even go to university or college if you meet the requirements. If you do happen to fail grade 12, you can always apply for a matric rewrite programme.
Yes, you can! If you’re 21 years or older and have passed Grade 9, you can enroll in an Adult Matric course. This course lets you study Grades 10, 11, and 12 at your own pace, even if you didn’t finish Grade 11 at school.
No, you can’t combine your matric results if you failed. Combining results is only possible when there’s an improvement in your marks. This means you need to pass or get better marks before your results can be combined into one certificate.
If you’re under 21, you can repeat matric at school. Once you’re over 21, you can still complete matric through an Adult Matric course. There’s no limit to how many times you can try; you can keep going until you pass!
An APS Score Calculator helps you work out your APS score using your school marks. It gives each subject a score from 1 to 7, depending on how well you did. Once you add up your best marks, you’ll know if you can apply to college or university.
To study for a Bachelor’s Degree, you need an APS score of 23 or more. You must get at least 50% in four main subjects and 40% in your Home Language. If you meet these marks, you can apply to most universities in South Africa.
Yes, you can use an APS calculator for most universities. But some universities or courses might ask for higher marks in subjects like Maths or Science. It’s always a good idea to check what each university wants before you apply.
An aggregate symbol shows the total level you achieved in your Matric results. It adds up all your subject marks to give a final symbol, like A, B, or C. This helps people understand your overall performance at a glance.
NQF Level 4 is the same as passing Grade 12, also called Matric. It means you have finished high school. With this level, you can study further or apply for many college courses.
To get 7 distinctions in Matric, you must get 80% or more in all seven subjects. This takes a lot of hard work and good planning. You can study with past papers, make a study timetable, and ask for help when you do not understand something.
A Bachelor pass in Matric needs at least 23 points. You also need to get 50% or more in four main subjects, including your home language. This pass lets you apply to study at university or college.
To study Nursing, you generally need an APS of 23 or higher for a Bachelor of Nursing degree. Some colleges and universities may accept lower APS scores for Diploma or Higher Certificate programmes in Nursing.
Most Teaching degrees require an APS of 23–27 points, depending on the institution and the level of teaching (Foundation, Intermediate, or Senior Phase). Some universities may also have subject-specific requirements, such as Mathematics or a language.
You usually need an APS of 19 or higher to qualify for a Diploma programme. Some institutions may accept slightly lower scores depending on the course
A Bachelor’s Degree typically requires an APS of 23 or higher. Competitive courses such as Medicine, Law, or Engineering often require higher APS scores along with specific subject marks.
To pass Matric, you must:
- Get at least 40% in your Home Language
- Get at least 40% in two other subjects
- Get at least 30% in three other subjects
Pass at least six of your seven subjects
Your Matric doesn’t have one fixed number of points—it’s measured using your APS (Admission Point Score). Each subject you pass gives you between 1 and 7 points, depending on your percentage.
For example:
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
Your total APS is the sum of your best 6 subjects (some universities only count 5, excluding Life Orientation).
Yes, 40% is a pass in Matric, but what it means for you depends on the subject and the type of pass you want to achieve:
Home Language: You need at least 40% in your Home Language for all pass levels (Bachelor’s, Diploma, or Higher Certificate).
Other Subjects: A mark of 40% in other subjects usually counts toward a Diploma Pass or Higher Certificate Pass.
Bachelor’s Degree Pass: To qualify, you’ll need more than just 40%. You must get 50% or higher in four high-credit subjects on top of passing your Home Language.
Author: Collin Wilbesi
Editor: Amy Venter
Date Published: May 26, 2022