APS calculator 2027: work out your Admission Point Score for UJ, UP, UKZN and Wits
Last checked: 1 November 2026, against each university's 2027 prospectus or admissions page. Each university can change its rules for 2028 entry, so we recheck when the 2028 prospectuses come out in 2027.
Short answer: your APS (Admission Point Score) turns your matric marks into one number that universities compare with each programme's minimum. On the standard method, used by the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and the University of Pretoria (UP), each subject earns its NSC level from 1 to 7, you add your six best subjects, and you leave out Life Orientation. The maximum is 42.
Not every university counts the same way. UKZN gives an extra point for 90% or more. Wits counts seven subjects including Life Orientation and adds bonus points for English and Mathematics. The calculator works out all three at once, using your Grade 11, trial or final marks.
APS calculator
The calculator needs JavaScript. If it doesn't load, use the conversion table below: find each mark's points and add them up as the rules explain.
How it chooses subjects. Standard: your best six of the subjects you entered, leaving out Life Orientation. UKZN: English, plus Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, plus your best four other subjects. Wits: English and Mathematics with any bonus, Life Orientation on its own scale, plus your best four other subjects. If a programme requires a subject that isn't among your best, the university counts it anyway, so your score for that programme can be a little lower. Nothing you type leaves your device.
Marks to points: the conversion table
| Your mark | Standard (UJ, UP) | UKZN | Wits: most subjects | Wits: English and Mathematics | Wits: Life Orientation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 90 to 100% | 7 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 4 |
| 80 to 89% | 7 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 3 |
| 70 to 79% | 6 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 2 |
| 60 to 69% | 5 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 1 |
| 50 to 59% | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 0 |
| 40 to 49% | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| 30 to 39% | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 0 to 29% | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Life Orientation counts? | No | No | Yes, on its own scale | ||
| Subjects counted | Best 6 | English, Maths and best 4 others | Best 7 | ||
| Maximum score | 42 | 48 | 56 |
Sources: UJ 2027 undergraduate prospectus and UJ FAQ, UP admission information, UKZN 2027 undergraduate prospectus and UKZN selection procedure, Wits entry requirements.
Each university's rules, in plain English
University of Johannesburg. "The total APS is the sum of the achievement ratings of the six best school subjects excluding Life Orientation." The subjects you use must include the ones your programme requires. UJ's own example adds six subjects to get 35.
University of Pretoria. UP uses the NSC 1 to 7 scale on six recognised 20-credit subjects. Life Orientation is a 10-credit subject and is left out. The highest APS is 42. UP also says applicants apply with final Grade 11 results, and final admission depends on the NSC results.
University of KwaZulu-Natal. UKZN adds the levels of six subjects, leaving out Life Orientation, but "will recognise academic excellence by awarding eight points to a subject with a performance level of 90-100%". If you took more than seven subjects, it counts English, Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, and your best four others, with no bonus for extra subjects. UKZN applications go through the CAO, and MBChB applicants are ranked on their average percentage instead.
Wits. Wits counts your best seven subjects including Life Orientation, and faculty-required subjects must be included. English (Home Language or First Additional Language) and Mathematics earn 2 bonus points from 60% upwards. Life Orientation earns 1 to 4 points, from 60% upwards. Marks below 40% earn nothing. Mathematical Literacy is accepted for LLB, Education and Humanities (except Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology), and Wits's bonus table names Mathematics, not Mathematical Literacy, so the calculator gives no bonus for Maths Lit.
Other universities. Many use the standard method, but not all. Before you rely on a score for any other university, find "APS" or "admission point score" in its own 2027 prospectus.
Worked example
This is an illustration with stated assumptions, not a real learner. Lindiwe's trial marks: English FAL 68%, isiZulu Home Language 72%, Mathematics 55%, Life Sciences 64%, Geography 58%, History 61%, Life Orientation 75%.
| Subject | Mark | Standard | UKZN | Wits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English FAL | 68% | 5 | 5 | 7 (5 plus 2 bonus) |
| isiZulu HL | 72% | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Mathematics | 55% | 4 | 4 | 4 (no bonus below 60%) |
| Life Sciences | 64% | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Geography | 58% | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| History | 61% | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Life Orientation | 75% | Not counted | Not counted | 2 |
| Total | 29 | 29 | 33 |
The same marks give 29 at UJ, UP and UKZN, and 33 at Wits. That is why you should only compare a score with the minimum published by the same university. Five more percent in Mathematics would take her to 60%, adding a level everywhere and a 2 point bonus at Wits.
What to do with your score
- Compare it with the programme, not the university. Every programme has its own minimum APS and required subjects. Meeting them doesn't guarantee a place, because popular programmes fill up with higher scores.
- Check the subject minimums too. A high APS won't help if your Mathematics level is below what the programme needs.
- Still applying for 2027? Most universities have closed. See where you can still apply, including the CAO's late applications.
- Planning funding? NSFAS 2027 applications have closed. Our NSFAS 2027 guide covers status checks and appeals, and Funza Lushaka is open until 31 January 2027 for BEd students.
Never pay anyone to "calculate" or "improve" your APS, or to get you a place. Admission is free to check and based on your marks. Read our scam warning guide.
Sources
Checked on 1 November 2026.
- University of Johannesburg, Undergraduate prospectus 2027 (APS table, Life Orientation excluded, worked example) and Frequently asked questions: how to calculate an APS
- University of Pretoria, Important information for prospective students (NSC 1 to 7 scale, six 20-credit subjects, maximum 42, Life Orientation excluded)
- University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2027 undergraduate prospectus (8 points for 90 to 100%, worked example) and Undergraduate selection procedure (subjects counted, MBChB ranking)
- University of the Witwatersrand, Entry requirements (Wits APS table, best seven subjects including Life Orientation, bonus points, Mathematical Literacy)
Is a rule here out of date? Tell us and we'll fix it.
Quick answers
How do I calculate my APS?
For most universities, convert each subject mark to its NSC level (80 to 100% is 7, 70 to 79% is 6, down to 0 to 29% which is 1) and add up your six best subjects, leaving out Life Orientation. The maximum is 42. UJ and UP both use this method. Wits and UKZN use their own versions.
Does Life Orientation count for APS?
Not at UJ, UP or UKZN. Wits does count it, but on a smaller scale: 4 points for 90% or more, down to 0 points below 60%.
What is the highest APS you can get?
42 on the standard method used by UJ and UP. UKZN gives 8 points for 90% or more, so its maximum is 48. Wits uses seven subjects with bonus points for English and Mathematics, so its maximum is 56.
Does meeting the minimum APS guarantee me a place?
No. Universities say meeting the minimum requirements doesn't guarantee admission. You also need the required subjects at the required levels, and popular programmes fill up with applicants who score well above the minimum.