Calculate APS

 

There are many things to consider when you are wanting to study at university, one of those things being calculating your APS. So, what is the APS, and how do you calculate it?

 

What is an APS?

APS stands for Admission Points Score. The APS is an easy method that universities use to determine whether potential students are eligible to study for a qualification or not, for example, a diploma course.

 

Your final Matric marks determine your APS. Each South African university essentially has their own method of calculating the APS, and UNISA is no different.

 

With UNISA, applicants not only need to have the right APS, but they also need to match or better the specific admission requirements in order to qualify for a particular field of study. 

 

 

How Do I Calculate My APS?

Breaking down the calculation of your APS is quite simple. When students receive their final exam marks, it usually comes in the form of percentages or a grade symbol (A, B, C, etc).

 

Using the final Matric marks, students who want to apply at UNISA can determine their APS score by use of the following chart:

 

APS Calculations

APS Calculation

Each final Matric mark gives you a certain number of points (depending on the percentage). Tallying up the points will give students their APS. Alongside the APS, students would also have to meet the basic subject requirements in order to do a qualification.

 

For example, the Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing Management undergraduate degree has an APS of 21. Additionally, students would have to have at least the following in order to qualify:

 

  • 50% in the language of teaching and learning as well as at least 50% in Mathematics (National Senior Certificate with degree endorsement)

OR

  • D symbol on Higher Grade or C symbol on Standard Grade in the language of teaching and learning as well as Mathematics (Senior Certificate with matric exemption).

 

As you can see, the APS is only one piece of a larger puzzle. Students who want to study at UNISA can head to their admissions page here. Once there, click on the type of qualification, go through the application process and view the qualification of your choice. Once there, you will be able to see the APS requirements.

 

Each type of qualification offered by UNISA has a set minimum APS score that students have to match. The minimum requirements for the undergraduate qualifications are:

 

  • Higher Certificate: 15 points
  • Diploma: 18 points
  • Bachelor Degree: 21 points (some exceptions may apply)

 

Each university has its own way of calculating your APS. Make sure you check how each university you want to apply to will calculate the APS. Some universities, such as Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU), are using their own system, however the only difference is that NMMU does not give a point for Life Orientation, it excludes it from your score completely.

 

This means the APS system is nearly identical, so using the APS system will still give you a clear idea of what your eligibility for admission will be. If you are applying to NMMU, all you need to do is subtract a single point from your APS to find out what your NMMU Admission Score will be. 

 

An easier way to calculate your APS score is by using the What Can I Study APS Online Tool. It is a user-friendly tool that students can use to calculate their APS for any South African university. 

 

Remember that no universities will count Life Orientation in your APS. You will get a single point if you passed Life Orientation, but not more than one, no matter what your percentage is, so when using the calculator, be sure to click the single point bracket for Life Orientation, or your APS will be slightly inaccurate. 

 

 

How Does APS Assist Universities?

All universities use the APS. The APS streamlines the application process for universities. It makes handling the number of applications received by the university much easier, with a fair elimination of applications who do not meet their standards.

 

Students can also do the National Benchmark Test (NBT) to determine their eligibility for tertiary education. The National Benchmark Test is a series of tests that are provided to students by universities to test an applicant’s readiness for tertiary education. Read more on the NBT here.

 

Important Information on the APS

Always remember the following:

 

  • Students HAVE to match the APS score of a qualification provided by the university in order to study that course;
  • Study Hard: Studying harder means better grades. Better grades mean a better chance of getting a good APS.
  • Every university has different APS standards. Know what you want to study. There’s no harm in doing some research on what various universities offer in terms of similar courses.

Also Read: Guide on Applying At UNISA 2020

 

Last Updated: 18 December 2022

 

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184 thoughts on “How To Calculate Your APS”

      1. Good day. I passes my matric with diploma and a APS of 19 excluding LO, no Maths.. I also NCV L4 with Bachelors degree entry with 30 points excluding LO with more than 50% in the language of teaching. I also obtain a certificate of competence in Environmental Practice offered by Department of Environmental Affairs through LGSETA. My question is can I get admission using my NCV results and the certificate of completion for Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Management?

        1. If you have a Bachelors admission, then there should be no reason that you won’t qualify with the above-mentioned marks. Although not stated on the Unisa website, you should be able to qualify with your NCV results.

          However, this would most likely only qualify you for the BA: Environmental Management and not a BSc: Environmental Management as the latter does require you to have both Mathematics and either Life Sciences or Agricultural Sciences as a passing subject.

        2. Good day, I passed my matric with bachelors degree and my my aps score is 25 excluding l.o. I want to find out that am I allowable to study teaching courses specializing in languages and mathematical literacy?
          My subjects are as follows:sepedi hl, English fal, mathematical literacy, religion studies, history studies,tourism studies,life orientation

        3. Euodia Hope Daniels

          Good day,I have my ecd level 4 qualification and would like to apply to do my higher certificate in foundation phase education, my qualification is how do I calculate my aps score from my statement of results, and would I qualify to apply for my higher certificate ?

      2. I am already a unisa student. I would like to ask that will i be able to change the course? I am doing higher certificate of Economics and Management Science i would like to do teaching now but i don’t want to do high certificate again is that possible?

        1. I would recommend that you complete your current qualification before deciding to apply for a BEd qualification. You cannot change your qualification halfway straight up to a Bachelors qualification as Unisa will reject your application.

          Keep in mind that you do have to apply in order to do the qualification and the university will have your academic records on hand. They will see whether you qualify or not. The best option would be to complete your qualification and move from there.

      3. If you APS score is 20 on your senior matric certificate and you completed a bachelor’s degree and honours degree in psychology at university and you currently studying early childhood development nqf level 4 120 credits would you qualify to study B.Ed Degree in foundation phase. please help and guide me. thank you so much

    1. Does the Higher Certificate increase my APS ? My APS is not high enough for the BSC applied maths, if i do the higher cert first, will that improve my APS ?

      Im almost 40 years old – I do not want to rewrite matric now.

      1. The higher certificate does not increase your APS. However, it is accepted that you can study a degree within the same field of the higher certificate upon completion of the qualification.

        For example, completing a Higher Certificate from the College of EMS allows you to apply for a degree within the same College.

    2. Hello I have 23 aps points without maths there Is any chance I can get accept to do teaching course (BED) Fet phase?

      1. Remember that you also need to pass your Matric with a Bachelors pass in order to apply successfully for a BEd Senior and FET degree. There are a number of Senior and FET BEd degrees and each have their own requirements.

        You need to meet the admission requirements in order to qualify – and even then, it may not be a guarantee that you will be accepted to Unisa due to the high volume of applications that the university gets each semester for Education qualifications.

    3. Hello .. I passed my matrix with bachelor… aps 23 with level 4 in maths lit.. I want to study education

    4. Good day,I have my ecd level 4 qualification and would like to apply to do my higher certificate in foundation phase education, my qualification is how do I calculate my aps score from my statement of results, and would I qualify to apply for my higher certificate ?

    1. For a Higher Certificate, you need 15 points. For a degree qualification, you need an APS of 23.

      Note that there are other admission requirements that you have to match in order to be considered to study at UNISA.

      1. Hello I passed my matric with higher certificates 16points excluding LO
        and i have n6 certificate in public management
        my question is
        is it possible for me to study for a diploma in public management and administration ?

          1. Unfortunately you will not be able to study at Unisa due to your low APS. You need a minimum APS of 15 in order to at least study the Higher Certificate in Education at Unisa.

        1. Lersean De Jager

          I have 40% in maths lit on my matric certificate & UNISA requires 50% to enroll for a Bachelor’s degree in education. Overall I have an APS score of 30. Do I still qualify for a degree in education?

      2. HI, I PASSED MATRIC WITH HIGHER CERTIFICATE(20 POINTS) AND I HAVE N6 FOR FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT DIPLOMA , SO IM QUALIFIED TO DO TEACHING AT UNISA?

  1. I wnt to study teaching so how many points do i need to qualify? I got 18 points but level 1 in mathematics so can i qualify

    1. You should be able to do a Higher Certificate in Education (remember that your LO score does not count). The APS is 15 and you do need at least a minimum of 30% in the language of teaching in order to qualify.

      1. I have 15 points excluding LO and 39% in the language of teaching and learning but they have rejecred my application in higher certificate.stressed😥😥😥😥😥

    1. I pass with a D and I have 22 points excluding Lo .also I have national deploma on financial management do i qulify for teaching

      1. You need to meet the relevant admission requirements set by Unisa for their qualifications in order to study an Education qualification. Which teaching qualification in particular are you interested in studying?

  2. Tlhatlogo Matshego

    My APS score is 24 excluding LO and my maths is 38% and I want to study teaching. Will I qualify?

    1. You should be able to study for certain BEd qualifications as some of them do not need maths as a requirement. Also, you’d qualify to do the Higher Certificate in Education as long as you have a minimum of 30% in the language of teaching and learning.

      Note that for BEd qualifications, you need to have a minimum of 50% in the language of teaching and learning.

      1. I would like to study teaching foundation phase i have 23 points excluding Lo my question is that do I qualify a degree in teaching?

          1. Betresa Madeleen Olivier

            I passed matric in 1988.E symbols for each subject.
            Afrikaans HG
            English HG
            Physical science SG
            Mathematics SG
            Geography LG
            I would like to study teaching. Where do I start

          2. Please take a look at the following to calculate your APS score here. As you passed your Matric before 2009, you will have to recalculate and convert your marks to determine what your APS score is.

            Note that alongside your APS score, you will also have to meet the additional requirements set by UNISA in order to stand a chance of being accepted by the university.

          3. I have 18 aps score and 56 in english and 65 in home languge ,I want to do teaching .Is it possible in Unisa?.

        1. The type of pass that you passed your Matric with determines what kind of qualification you can study. Once that’s known, look at qualifications that you’re interested in studying. On the qualification info page, you will see what the admission requirements are. If you meet the admission requirements, then you will qualify for that course.

          But keep in mind that when you apply, it is not a guarantee that you will be accepted for the qualification. It’s up to the university to decide whether to accept your application or not.

          1. Balungile Mbhele

            I matriculated in 2004 ,English HG
            Geography HG
            English HG
            Physical science,maths,biology and Afrikaans SG
            And I would like to study at Unisa do I qualify?

    2. I want to Study Security Management at Unisa,I have 21 Aps Scores,I got 48% in English FAL and 52% in Maths Literacy..Will i Qualify?

      1. You need the following admission requirements:

        Diploma in Security Management
        APS: 18
        Additional requirements: A National Senior Certificate (NSC) (Diploma endorsement) with at least 50% in the language of teaching and learning

        or

        a Senior Certificate (SC) with at least a D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning

        or

        a Higher Certificate.

          1. I cannot say if you qualify to study social work or not as Unisa has certain admission requirements for each and every qualification. You need to meet the admission requirements before determining whether you qualify or not.

        1. Hi I passed matric with 21 points excluding L.O and I did mathematical literacy which I obtained 68% level 5 and 59% level 4 on the language of teaching and learning would I qualify for an education course at Unisa?

        2. Hi,I have passed matric and my point are 21 and also did national n diploma in educare am waiting for my diploma to be released and also completed higher certificate in banking, can I qualify for bachelor degree in education in foundation

  3. Hi
    I passed matric with a bachelors pass but studying in unisa for a higher certificate due to finances. Is it unethical to study a higher certificate?

    1. Why would it be unethical? You’re studying what you can afford at this moment in time, so there’s nothing wrong with doing a higher certificate.

  4. hi,i would like to study higher certificate in education coz i have 16Aps but in future when i qualify i want to study Bed (intermediate).
    when can i apply?

    1. The earliest you would most likely be able to apply for a BEd Intermediate Phase would be for the second semester in 2021, unless UNISA allows you to apply for the 2021 academic year in August/September next year.

  5. Xoliswa Sogoni Simbosini

    Hi, can you please assist me. My APS is 15 but my application for Higher Certificate in Social Auxiliary Worker last last year was unsuccessful. I got symbol D in English and D in Xhosa. I met the admission requirements but I wasn’t sure about APS calculation which now I know. Kindly assist because I am very keen to pursue my career in Social Work field.

    1. Not everyone that applies will be accepted to study at UNISA. The main reason is due to the oversubscription of the qualification. There are limited spots open for each qualification. So even though you might qualify, it’s not a guarantee that everyone will be accepted.

        1. If you meet the admission requirements of the qualification (BEd Intermediate Phase) set by UNISA, then you should be able to apply for the degree.

          1. Hi can u kindly assist me, I passed my matric with Bachelor(SC), Sepedi Home language -3, English First Additional Language – 5, Mathematical Literacy – 4, Business studies – 5, Economics – 4, History – 3, do I qualify to study Bed intermediate phase?

          2. Keep in mind that you have to meet the university’s admission requirements rather than just rely on your APS. That being said, view the admission requirements set by Unisa for its BEd Intermediate Phase qualification online here.

  6. Mncedisi innocent

    I pass matric whith a diploma I obtained 21 points excluding LO would I able to do teaching at unisa coz i wanna take mathematics as my measure subjects at FET phase?

    1. You only qualify to do a Higher Certificate in Education. The APS needed to do a BEd qualification at UNISA is 23, so unfortunately you do not qualify.

      Read more on the HC in Education online here.

      1. I got 32 APS score points and I would like to study teaching online (distance learning) next year can u please help me.

  7. Hi, my son needs to know how many APS points are needed to study physics. Also, what is the minimum requirement for Maths and Science?

    1. For a Bachelor of Science regarding Physics, the APS needed is 20. However, there are multiple streams to consider. So your son will have to decide which specific qualification stream it is that he wants to do.

      See below for the different Physics qualifications:

      Bachelor of Science Applied Mathematics and Physics Stream
      Bachelor of Science Chemistry and Physics Stream
      Bachelor of Science Mathematics and Physics Stream
      Bachelor of Science Statistics and Physics Stream

      Clicking on any of the links will show you what the additional admission requirements are for each qualification.

      1. Manelisi thabede

        Hi I have a higher certificate from a saqa accredited college and want to go to university to study with my n6 for a diploma in supply chain management and I have 13 points will I be able too

    2. Mahlamba Landiwe

      Hy,I passed my matric with higher certificate and I obtained 16 points excluding LO, I was studying archive and record management in 2018 but I didn’t complete my course so would I be able to return and do education?

  8. I have 6 ZIMSEC O level subjects passed at 50-59 % each maths and English included which courses do I qualify for and at which level

    1. You would need to match the admission requirements given by each of the qualifications. Additionally, as you’re an international student – For a list of acceptable school qualifications for admission per country, visit http://mb.usaf.ac.za/.

      If you qualify for admission on the basis of a conditional exemption certificate, Unisa will facilitate this during the application processing stage. A separate fee is applicable for the Matriculation Board to issue the conditional exemption certificate.

  9. Hi I wrote senior certificate amended in 2018 and 2019 .I would like to study teaching but my APS is 12 .can you please help me what can I do to gain more APS and access .I’m 36 years old

    1. The only way to increase your APS is by rewriting some of your subjects and obtain a higher score.

      The lowest education qualification at UNISA is the Higher Certificate in Education. You need an APS of 15 and a minimum of 30% in the language of teaching and learning.

  10. Hi,plz help im a little confused.i passed matric with a diploma and i have 24 aps score excluding LO can i apply for Bed teaching course?

    1. You cannot apply for a BEd qualification if you passed Matric with a Diploma (despite your APS).

      These are the requirements needed for a Bachelor Pass:

      Must obtain at least 40% for your Home Language (compulsory),
      Must obtain at least 50% for four other subjects excluding Life Orientation,
      Must obtain at least 30% in Language of Learning and Teaching (LOLT) of the tertiary (Higher Eduction) institution,
      Must obtain at least 30% for one other subject,
      Must pass at least 6 out of 7 subjects.

      If you didn’t get these results, then you would not qualify with a Bachelors

        1. Remember that the qualification that you possess at the moment has to match what it is that you’re studying for. For example, Mechanical Engineering and Education is not in the same field, so it’s hard to say that you can study for an education qualification or not.

          Read more online on the education qualifications offered by UNISA for the 2020 academic year here. You’ll get an idea of what it is you need to qualify to study for a BEd qualification.

        2. Hi
          I have an aps score of 17 and an N6 in Management Assistant. I have applied to UNISA twice, but did not find space. Interested in studying teaching. Do I stand the chance or I’m forcing my chances?

  11. Hi… I would like to find out more the national diploma in electrical engineering. I have the national N diploma in electrical engineering heavy current. I completed my matric in 2003. Would i able to apply for the diploma with Unisa?

    1. This is the current requirements for the National Diploma: Engineering: Electrical Clinical Engineering:

      A National Senior Certificate (NSC) (Diploma endorsement) or equivalent with at least 50% in the language of teaching and learning, 50% in Mathematics and 50% in Physical Science, if any Physics or Chemistry modules form part of the curriculum of a selected qualification,

      or

      at least N4 Mathematics passed with a minimum of 50% and N4 English, or N4 Communication, or N4 Communication Technology passed with at least 50%, and at least N4 Engineering Science passed with a minimum of 50%, if any Physics or Chemistry modules form part of the qualification.

      or

      a Senior Certificate (SC) with at least a D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning, and with at least a D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in Mathematics, and a D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in Physical Science, if any Physics or Chemistry modules form part of the curriculum of a selected qualification,

      or

      at least N4 Mathematics passed with a minimum of 50% and N4 English, or N4 Communication, or N4 Communication Technology passed with at least 50%, or and at least N4 Engineering Science passed with a minimum of 50%, if any Physics or Chemistry modules form part of the qualification.

      Applicants who comply with the minimum statutory admission requirements but do not meet the additional College requirements, may follow Unisa’s alternative pathway. Applicants who do not comply with the above requirements should consider applying for a lower level qualification for which they meet the statutory and additional requirements.

      It’s possible for you to apply for the ND as long as you meet the requirements (especially regarding your N4 qualification).

      1. Hello I passed my matrix with higher certificate with 16points excluding LO, is it possible for me to apply for a higher certificate in banking??

        1. This is the minimum requirement to apply and study for the Higher Certificate in Banking:

          • A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with at least 30% in English and 30% in Mathematics or 50% in Mathematical Literacy, or
          • a Senior Certificate with at least 30% in English and 30% in Mathematics in terms of the NSC, or
          • a National Certificate (Vocational) Level 4 with at least 30% in English and 30% in Mathematics in terms of the NSC

          You also need a APS of 15 in order to qualify. APS is not the only thing that matters in a qualification. Admission requirements have to be met too.

  12. hi I want to apply for higher certificate in teaching so I want to ask how to calculate my APS score since I have a Senior certificate obtained in 2006. please assist in terms of HG and SG, Do they weigh the same when you convert them to 1-7 APS of NCS?

  13. I would like to study Sales Data analyst Management i have matric without distiction i am 41 Where and how do i start with the career path please advise.?

    1. UNISA has something called the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Your prior work experience could translate into subject credits within your qualification or direct access into a postgraduate qualification.

      Learn more on the RPL online here.

      Learning more on this will direct you with your career path.

        1. There are multiple BEd qualifications that UNISA offers, each with its own admission requirements. Click here to view all Education qualifications offered by UNISA.

          Read more on UNISA’s College of Education qualifications here.

      1. Hi
        I am currently studying through unisa and this is my 1st year. I would like to apply for the nsfas grant. I am currently working but living with my parents. My dad works and my mum collects pension. They are dependant on me.What documents will i need to submit for nsfas grant application. As its states that as i am employed i need to submit my irp5 forms and payslip. Do i need to submit my dads payslip and my mums grant letter although i am not dependant at all on them. I take care of them and the household.

  14. I passed my matric with a higher Certificate I also did higher Certificate in Archives and Records Management so my question is do i qualify to do degree in education or social worker?

    1. It’s hard to say as your higher certificate qualification has to be relevant to the degree that you want to apply. Please speak to a UNISA student advisor at your nearest UNISA campus to confirm whether you can apply for a BEd or Social Work.

      UNISA has 2 Higher Certificate aimed at the qualifications that you’re aiming for:
      Higher Certificate in Education, and
      Higher Certificate in Social Auxilary Work

        1. Read more online on how to- and what’s needed to apply for a NSFAS bursary here. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to apply for a NSFAS grant as applications are closed.

  15. Hie if i qualify for complete exemption is there a fee at to be paid at the Matriculation Board.
    i wanted to do B com Law cant find it on the list of qualifications is there an alternative curriculum for the degree. and finally when scanning documents should they be certified or black n white copies are good enough?

    1. Issuing of complete or conditional exemption certificates by the Matriculation Board: R530.00. The fees are payable before or on registration.

      Regarding your BCom Law query, there were alternative Law qualifications offered by UNISA. Unfortunately, this year was the last year that new students were able to register for the qualification. From 2020, only students who are already taking the qualification will be able to register for it. No students allowed.

      You can find those qualifications here.

      UNISA does not state that the documents need to be certified but it’s better to be safer than sorry. I recommend that you get your documents certified before applying. It has to be in black and white as stated by UNISA.

  16. I apply for higher certificate but they dnt accept me,I pass matric in 2004 with senior certificate now I dnt understand if I calculate my score wrong, bca l need to study

      1. I have senior certificate and achieved higher certificate pass and my aps is 18 can study social auxillary work i passed english with 50%.

  17. I want to study teaching at Unisa my APS SCORE is 21 excluding my LO. Do I qualify to be admitted.and I choose higher certificate in law for upgrading my Mark’s so I want to knw at which level must I pass my upgrading

    1. Remember that the type of pass that you got when you passed your Matric determines what kind of qualification you can apply for. So if you got a Bachelors’s endorsement, you can apply for Bachelors’s and lower. Diploma endorsement means diploma and lower only. Normal pass mean you can only apply for a Higher Certificate.

      If you want to study an education qualification, you need to apply for an education qualification. Remember that if you plan to apply for a BEd qualification sometime in the future and you’re looking to study a Higher Certificate now, then you will have to apply for a qualification that’s related to the education field.

      1. Hi Dylan
        My daughter applied to study b. Ed foundation phase at Unisa. However she had to do a bridging course. She is currently busy with 2nd Semester doing a higher certificate in criminal justice. Will she be able to start with her bed foundation phase next year.

        1. Hi there. Please note that we are not Unisa. We only offer online study groups as well as study resources to BCom and LLB Unisa students.

          To answer your question, it will be hard for your daughter to qualify for the BEd Foundation Phase as the qualification she’s doing and the one she wants to do does not fall under the same college despite it being a bridging course. The best bridging course to qualify to do the BEd Foundation Phase is the HC in Education.

          Please have a look at the official admission requirements of the BEd Foundation Phase qualification at Unisa here.

          At the moment, once your daughter is done with her higher certificate, she can apply for any qualification within the College of Law.

    1. UNISA offers a Higher Certificate in Education, which can be used as a stepping stone towards a BEd qualification. Note that you do need to match the requirements of the qualification in order to apply.

      Read more on UNISA’s Higher Certificate offerings here.

    1. UNISA does not offer anything lower than a degree when it comes to Nursing. You, unfortunately, won’t qualify to do a Nursing qualification at UNISA.

  18. I dnt have matric and I do like to study at unisa,what I have is abet level 4 ,Am interested in education high s certification, Am 35 yrs is it possible to study at your institution

    1. We only offer online study groups as well as study resources such as study notes and exam packs to UNISA students, so you won’t be able to study for a qualification with us.

      Regarding whether you are able to study at UNISA, please refer to the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). As per UNISA’s website, your experience could translate into subject credits within your qualification or direct access into a postgraduate qualification.

      Read more about the RPL here.

  19. I have 25 APS excluding LO but when I tried to apply for social auxiliary work diploma the person who was helping said I only qualify for higher certificate and I’m doing it this semester should I be able to apply for a diploma next year or bed

    1. With what kind of pass did you pass your Matric with? Degree, diploma, or higher certificate? Remember that even if your APS is high, the type of pass determines what kind of qualification you can study for.

      Remember that if you are studying at UNISA right now, you would have to complete what you’re studying first before moving on to a higher qualification. Are you studying at UNISA at the moment?

  20. Hi
    Im currently studying a higher certificate in economics and management sciences … i would like to also do a higher certificate in accounting sciences thereafter. How would it work with my credits because 3 of my modules will be repeated? Is it worthwile doing 2 higher certificates or should i maybe do a diploma?

    1. Why do you want to do a HC in Accounting Sciences after completing a HC in EMS? When you complete a Higher Certificate qualification, you will qualify to do a Diploma or Bachelors Degree.

      You will have to apply for exemption at UNISA for modules that you’ve already completed via the DSAR04 form.

  21. Hi
    My wife want to study for a BA degree.she is 47 years old and has a Senior Certificate.She wants to know if she can do a BA if she can apply for a MATURE AGE EXEMPTION to qualify.

    1. UNISA has this thing called the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). This is where your work experiences can translate into subject credits within your qualification or direct access to a postgraduate qualification.

      You can read more about it online here.

      It would be best to speak to a student advisor at your nearest UNISA campus in order to get a full grasp of the RPL as well as to determine your wife’s options.

      At the same time, since your wife is over the age of 45, she easily qualifies for a mature age exemption. She will have to obtain a Certificate of Conditional Exemption from the Matriculation Board. Your wife can also get a Certificate of Conditional Exemption application form from UNISA.

  22. I was wondering would I qualify for diploma in electrical engineering if I have n4 of electrical engineering and my matric certificate is diploma

    1. According to UNISA, you would need to meet the following requirements in order to do a Diploma in Electrical Engineering:

      A National Senior Certificate (NSC) (Diploma endorsement) with a rating of 4 in Mathematics or Technical Mathematics not (Mathematical Literacy), English, Physical Science or Technical Science, or N4 Mathematics and Engineering Science with minimum mark of 50%,
      or
      Senior Certificate (prior to 2008) with Mathematics, Physical Science and English with at least a D symbol on the Higher Grade or C symbol on the Standard Grade or N4 Mathematics and Engineering Science with minimum mark of 50%,
      or
      NC(V) National Certificate (Vocational) (Diploma endorsement) with English, Mathematics and Engineering Science with a minimum mark of 50%.
      or
      Higher Certificate in relevant field.

      As long as you meet the requirements (as well as the APS score), then you should qualify for the Diploma in Electrical Engineering.

  23. I am studying with unisa and doing a higher certificate. I have not yet registered this year. I have applied for NSFAS funding. I have received feedback from nsfas saying that my funding is eligible and awaiting academic results… what does this mean? Will nsfas fund a higher certificate qualification?
    Also i would like to change my higher certificate into a diplom in accounting , how do i go about doing that?

  24. Hi I applied to study education at Unisa and I have 23 points excluding LO. All my languages are over 50% but my application was unsuccessful. I dont understand why I was told I did not meet the requirements

    1. There are some possibilities as to why your application was rejected. It could be because of the following:

      * Mathematics/Maths Literacy mark was below the requirement
      * An oversubscription of applications for the specific qualification.
      * Passing with a different pass other than a Bachelor’s pass.

    1. There is more to a qualification than only the APS. You also need to meet the admission requirements of the qualification. Meeting the requirements will guide you on whether you can do a qualification or not.

      Read more online on UNISA’s Undergraduate qualifications made available for the 2020 academic year here.

      1. hi I want to study at unisa I have 15 points, what are the courses I can take with
        English 4
        xhosa 3
        life sciences 2
        maths literacy 2
        geography 2
        history 2
        tourism 2

  25. Hi
    I would like to study for a Higher Certificate in Social Auxiliary Work. Why am I not finding this qualification on the drop down when am trying to apply? Also is there another certificate I can choose as a second option as I would like to study social work in future. Thank you.

    1. If the qualification is not available in the drop down menu when you use the Application tool, this would mean that there are no spaces available for the qualification.

      In other words, the course is full until further notice. As for a second option, there is no other qualification at UNISA that you can take that can lead you towards taking a Bachelor of Social Work.

  26. I have 15 points without LO and applied for Abet teaching…they offered me space when time to register they said there was a problem with my course…why because I meet the requirements

  27. I did my matric in 2015 but did not pass, is it possible for me to study teaching at unisa and how?. Thanks

    1. You need to have at least passed your Matric in order to study an Education qualification at Unisa. In other words, you cannot study teaching at UNISA.

      You will have to either rewrite your Matric, obtain and complete a NQF4 NC(V) certificate or do your Adult Matric in order to stand a chance of studying teaching at UNISA (or any other university that offers Education qualifications).

  28. I want to do a Master of Arts in French and Ancient history, what do I need to get for my APS score in order to do them?

    1. No APS is given for the MA in French, but there are admission requirements that you have to meet as per Unisa’s website:

      An appropriate bachelor honours degree, or an appropriate postgraduate diploma, or a 480 credit bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 96 credits at NQF level 8 in French with an average of 60%.

      A student who is admitted on the strength of a postgraduate diploma or a 480 credit bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 96 credits at level 8 and who has not completed a module in research methodology may be required to complete such a module at NQF level 8 for NDP before he/she will be allowed to register for the research proposal.

      In addition to the above requirements, applicants must submit a transcript or an academic record, as well as a document describing their intended research. Students will be accepted on the following criteria:

      • Suitability and viability of the intended research;
      • Adequate supervisory capacity and research expertise in the discipline or department.
      • An approved selection procedure which is in line with Unisa’s policies on equality and diversity in the discipline or department.

  29. i have 17 points excluding my LO marks
    i would like to study a diploma in accounting science so that i may study and get a pgce in teaching accounting at high school

    1. To study towards a PGCE qualification, you will need at least to meet the minimum admission requirements which are:

      A Senior Certificate with exemption, as well as an appropriate accredited Bachelor’s degree (360 or 480 credits) or equivalent National Diploma (360 or 480 credits) with completing the following subjects according to their appropriate level:

      Financial Accounting (Accounting): 3rd year level;
      Business Management or Economics: 2nd year level;
      English: 1st year level; and
      Computer Literacy: 1st year level.

      More information on the PGCE: Financial Accounting can be found online here.

  30. What do you require if you want to study for astronomy? And how many aps points do you need to have?
    What’s the price to study for astronomy

    1. Unisa only offers a BSc Honours in Astronomy, where the requirements are:

      An appropriate NQF 7 qualification from an accredited provider of higher education. A minimum of 60% for the major(s), or for a selected number of NQF 7 modules in the qualification.

      Unsuccessful applicants may appeal to the College of Graduate Studies: Postgraduate Administration Department ([email protected]) and will be required to provide a motivation for special admission. The motivation must incorporate the following:

      • academic motivation offering evidence of your ability to study a postgraduate qualification,
      • work experience relevant to the qualification; and
      • courses completed since graduating with the Bachelor’s degree or Advanced Diploma.

      The APS is 60. Other universities may offer Astronomy degrees as an undergraduate degree, with for example, Wits University offering an Astronomy and Astrophysics degree where the APS needed is at least 43. Read more about their degree offering here.

      A price quotation for the degree depends on the modules you take each year or semester. You can find a price list of what you pay per module for semester and year modules for 2020 here.

  31. I have an APS Score of 22 points excluding LO and passed my Matric with a an admission to a Bachelors Degree. I would like to study BEd in Intermediate Phase. Would i be able to qualify for it?

    1. The APS for the BEd Intermediate Phase qualification is 23, meaning that you will miss out on qualifying for the degree by 1 point.

  32. Hi, I just wanted to find out that if I want to study further: BA Honors Forensic Science and Technology with the total average of 59% from my current qualification (Btech Forensic investigation) as they indicated that minimum requirements is 60% for Major(s) even though out of the total number of them that I did were seven and don’t know which are majors, will my application be rejected/unsuccessful or there are other alternatives in order to pursue that Honors Degree?

    1. As per the Unisa website, unsuccessful applicants can appeal if their application was rejected to the College of Graduate Studies: Postgraduate Administration Department and provide motivation as to why they should accept you for the qualification.

      As you stated, you have an average of 59% so even though you didn’t qualify outright (by 1%), you still have a better chance of appealing than for someone, for example, who scored an average of 50%.

      But if your appeal was unsuccessful, there isn’t an alternative method available to qualify for the qualification. Keep in mind that Unisa may not be able to grant you an opportunity to complete NDP modules to improve your marks.

      You may want to look at alternative universities that has the same qualification and see whether you qualify or not.

  33. I never got accepted for this while i met the requirements
    I’ve got 27 pts excluding LO ,in those points Physical science has +60%,maths+40,life science 59% , English+60% and i want course under medical science I don’t know which University offers course which i can meet requirements vwith these results.Anyone whom can help me

    1. Remember that it’s not only the APS but also what kind of pass did you pass your Matric with as well as meeting the admission requirements for the course that you want to do, set by Unisa. Also keep in mind that not everyone who applies get accepted to study at Unisa, even if they do qualify (mainly due to an oversubscription of the qualification).

      Have a look at the qualifications offered by Unisa’s College of Science, Engineering, and Technology for courses that you may be interested in here.

      1. Hi Dylan. What happens if UNISA don’t accept you even if your APS is 23 and higher? Do you have to apply every semester until you do get accepted?

        1. If your application was unsuccessful (even if you qualified for the qualification), you would have to apply again.

          Remember that it’s not only about the APS, but you will also have to meet the admission requirements of the qualification as well as having passed your Matric with the appropriate pass. For example, if you passed with a Diploma pass, you can only apply for a diploma qualification or lower and not higher.

    1. Unfortunately there is no inbetween qualification that you can apply for. There is only the Higher Certificate in Education qualification (which you qualify for) and the BEd qualifications, which you don’t.

      You may have to apply and register for the HC in Education in order to qualify and study towards a BEd qualification.

      1. so once you complete the higher certificate in education ECD nqf level 4, 120 credits and then Diploma in ECD, 240 credits then can you qualify for B.Ed Foundation phase Degree

  34. Botsheleng Nthabiseng

    My name is Nthabiseng, i got 18 points for matric & i really want to study education, wat do i need to do? Plz can someone help me.

    1. Unfortunately you cannot study towards a BEd qualification as the minimum APS needed is 23, plus you need to have passed your Matric with a Bachelors pass.

      Is the 18 points excluding LO? If so (and if you’ve passed with at least a Higher Certificate pass, you can apply for the Higher Certificate in Education. You need to meet the admission requirements in order to study the qualification.

      1. I want to register for a degree in biomedical science environmental studies but I don’t hav 50% maths and science but I have it on my nated N4 would it be possible to register with it?

        1. On the qualification admission requirements for the BSc Life Sciences: Biomedical Sciences, it does state the following:

          A National Senior Certificate (NSC) (Degree endorsement) or equivalent with at least 50% in the language of teaching and learning, 50% in Mathematics or Technical Mathematics and 50% in Physical Science or Technical Science, at least N4 Mathematics passed with a minimum of 50% and N4 English, or N4 Communication, or N4 Communication Technology passed with at least 50%, and at least N4 Engineering Science passed with a minimum of 50%

          So if you passed with a degree pass plus have at least have passed your N4 Maths with 50% or more, you can qualify for the degree.

        2. Hi my name is Thamsanqa i wanted to know if it would be possibke for me to study teaching at unisa my APS is 18 excluding L.O and my english and Zulu are on level 4 but unfortunately my math literacy is on level 2

          1. Keep in mind that the pass that you passed your Matric with determines what kind of qualification you can study. If you didn’t pass your Matric with a Bachelors pass, you cannot study towards a Bachelors degree. If you do not meet the APS and admission requirements set by Unisa, then you cannot study towards that qualification and in turn, have to study towards a lower qualification.

  35. Hi my name is nyiko, I’ve 17 points excluding Lo and level 1 in mathematics, I would like to study certificate in education, I’ve been trying to apply since 2018 but with no luck, please help

    1. Remember that you do need to meet the admission requirements in order to study the HC in Education, including getting at least 30% in the language of teaching and learning. Unfortunately we cannot assist you as it is up to the discretion of the university whether you will be accepted to study towards the qualification of your choice or not.

      1. I have the following
        Home language level 6
        English level 4
        L.o level 5
        Physical science level 2
        Life sciences level 2
        Business studies level 3
        Mathematics level 1

        1. What did you pass your Matric with? By the looks of your marks, you do seem to qualify for the HC in Education but again, it’s up to the university to accept or decline your application. When you apply, choose a second choice of qualification (a fallback option) for just in case you’re not accepted again. Also, make sure that the fallback option is a qualification that you want to do and not just do because it’s “easy”. No qualification is easy.

    1. What did you pass your Matric with (e.g. Bachelors, Diploma, Higher Certificate)? Note that the type of pass that you passed your Matric with can help you decide what you can apply for.

      After that, you can look at the qualifications that you’re interested in and see whether you meet the admission requirements set by Unisa for that course.

    1. With you obtaining your National Diploma in HRM, you can realistically apply for the Diploma in HRM at Unisa, which you can find more about online here.

      1. Hi

        i passed my Matric in 2010 with (Diploma).
        i have Aps 22 with Maths being 43%.
        i was studying Electrical engineering Nated .i have N2 up to N6 with N4 Math passed with 50%. i have registered already for (N.Dip Information Technology).when i check it say(your application still needs to be processed). i have registered on the 06th of september.
        do you think i qualify ?

        1. While it does look like you do qualify, it is up to the discretion of Unisa whether your application will be accepted or not.

  36. Hi my name is Jennifer i would like to study BEd foundation phase at Unisa my APS score is 22 would the University make an exception? Im only 1 point short

    1. Unfortunately the university would reject your application, especially since there are students who are also applying for BEd qualifications and have met all the requirements. You may need to look at applying for the Higher Certificate in Education if you want to want to keep on the path of Education.

      1. hi..I want to study at unisa but thing is will they accept me with this pass.
        english=50%
        xhosa=40%
        maths literacy =30%
        geography =30%
        history=30%
        life orientation =70%
        tourism=30
        if yes what course should I be qualify for.

        thank you.

        1. This would depend on what you passed your Matric with. Did you pass your Matric with a Higher Certificate pass, a Diploma pass, or a Bachelors pass.

          This can determine what kind of qualification you can study as well. You would also have to meet the admission requirements of Unisa in order to study. So the question you should ask is not what you can study with your points BUT whether you meet the requirements in order to study.

  37. I did my Higher Certificate in Education this year, but I failed 1 module. How do I go about correcting this?
    Can I go on to applying for my B.ed this year? or will that not be possible.

  38. Good Day
    I did Higher Certificate in Accounting Science at Unisa. Then i applied for Bachelor in Financial Accounting. and i was not accepted, will explain what could be the reason, i passed all modules.
    Thank you

  39. Hi I passed my SC with a diploma pass and have 16 aps and wanna study intermidiate teaching…or should i re_register my subject to up my aps Score

  40. Phakula Patience Miyelani

    Hi. Im Phakula Patience I have passed my matric with Diploma Aps is 20. I will like to register for higher certificate in education how can I do it?

  41. I want to know, can apply for honours in education for the year 2022 while I am in my final year of Bachelor’s Degree in Eduacation in the year 2021.

  42. Hi I am Pearl I have 23 excluding LO
    I passed my matric with a Bachelor’s Degree
    I have History,Businesses studies,Accounting,English Home lang, IsiZulu Home lang and Mathematical literacy. Will I be able to study Bachelor in SOCIAL WORK
    Psychology ,or Bachelor in SOCIAL Sciences?🍒

  43. Hi I have 20 APS excluding L.O and I am looking to register for 2022 possibly in Unisa, I was wondering is theres any course I can study that is business related

  44. Hi,

    I have and APS Score of 23 and an N6 Human Resource Certificate. Will I be able to apply for an Bachelors degree in Admin and/or Bachelors in Business Management?

    Thanks!

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